
American University in Washington, D.C. is a private research university with a student population of over 13,000. The university was established in 1892 and officially dedicated in 1914, with 28 student enrollees. Today, the university offers over 170 programs across eight schools, with a large portion of undergraduates studying international relations, business administration, and communications.
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American University's student population is over 13,000
American University in Washington, D.C. has a student population of over 13,000. The university was established in the District of Columbia by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892, and officially dedicated on May 15, 1914. It began with 28 student enrollees, 19 of whom were graduates, and the rest were special students not pursuing a degree.
Today, American University is a private, co-educational doctoral institution with a 90-acre urban campus. It offers more than 170 programs across eight schools, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The largest school is the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers more than 100 degree programs spanning various disciplines. The university also has a diverse range of other schools, such as the School of Communication, the School of Education, the School of International Service, and the School of Public Affairs.
The student body at American University is politically active, passionate about their studies, and diverse, attracting students from across the U.S. and the world. The university fosters a supportive community, with undergraduates caring about each other's successes and well-being. The Center for Well-Being provides mental health resources and programming, including peer health education and resident advisor training.
In terms of academics, American University offers a personalized curriculum that combines theoretical study with experiential learning. Around 90% of undergraduates complete at least one internship before graduating, and the university has a strong record of producing Peace Corps volunteers. The university also provides financial aid, with 80% of incoming students receiving financial support and nearly $100 million awarded to undergraduates annually.
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80% of students receive financial aid
The cost of university education in the United States can be a significant burden for many students. As a result, a large percentage of students receive financial aid to help them pursue their academic goals. While the exact percentage of students receiving financial aid may vary from year to year and between different universities, it is estimated that around 80% of students receive some form of financial assistance. This financial aid can come in various forms, including scholarships, grants, loans, or discounts, and it is offered by schools, government agencies, and private organizations.
For instance, at American University in Washington, DC, a private, co-educational doctoral institution, the student body is made up of over 13,000 students, with an enrollment of approximately 12,343 across various degree programs as of the fall 2024 semester. While specific data on the percentage of students receiving financial aid at American University is not readily available, it is likely that a significant portion of the student body receives some form of financial assistance, given the high cost of higher education in the United States.
The percentage of students receiving financial aid can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of institution and the demographic characteristics of the student body. For example, data from the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) for the 2019-20 academic year shows that 72% of all undergraduates received some form of financial aid, with the average amount of aid received being $14,100. The same study found that 74% of graduate students received financial aid, with an average amount of $25,300. Additionally, it's worth noting that certain demographic groups may have higher acceptance rates for financial aid. For instance, Black students are the most likely to receive financial aid, with an acceptance rate of 80.6%.
The availability and distribution of financial aid can also vary by state and institution type. For instance, students in the District of Columbia receive the largest annual federal loan amounts, while students in North Dakota receive the lowest. Additionally, data from 2020-21 shows that the percentage of first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving financial aid was 85% at 4-year institutions and 77% at 2-year institutions, with slight variations between public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions.
Overall, the high percentage of students receiving financial aid in American universities underscores the importance of financial assistance in making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from diverse backgrounds.
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AU's most popular school is the College of Arts and Sciences
American University in Washington, DC, is home to over 13,000 students and offers more than 170 programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university's eight schools include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Communication, the School of Education, the School of International Service, the School of Public Affairs, the School of Law, and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
The College of Arts and Sciences at American University is committed to both theoretical study and experiential learning. Taught by internationally recognized faculty, the college's programs offer a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. Students have the opportunity to engage in research, internships, and creative endeavours, applying their knowledge in practical ways. This approach equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to make a transformative impact in their chosen fields.
The college's location in the nation's capital also enriches the educational experience. Students have access to the cultural, political, and intellectual resources that Washington, DC, has to offer. The college's proximity to influential institutions and organizations provides unique opportunities for internships, networking, and real-world learning. This urban setting enhances the academic life of students, exposing them to diverse perspectives and enriching their understanding of their disciplines.
Additionally, the College of Arts and Sciences fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. Through its Student Services Center, the college guides students in planning their academic careers and provides personalized advice. The college also encourages a close-knit community, as evidenced by its alumni network and strong faculty-student relationships. This sense of community enhances the overall student experience, contributing to the college's popularity.
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AU's School of Communication teaches journalism and filmmaking
American University in Washington, DC, is a private, co-educational doctoral institution with approximately 12,343 students as of fall 2024. The university offers over 170 programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
AU's School of Communication (SOC) is American University's school of mass communication, media studies, and journalism. The school was founded in 1893, the same year the university was established, as the Department of Communication. It became the School of Communication in 1984 and moved out of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1993 to become the sixth academic unit of AU. The SOC is headquartered in the McKinley Building, which was constructed in 1907 and is the second building on campus. The building was named after President William McKinley and underwent renovations in 2012, reopening in 2014.
The School of Communication offers six undergraduate majors: communication studies, journalism, public relations and strategic communication, photography, and communication, language, and culture. The latter two are jointly administered with the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, the SOC offers interdisciplinary degrees such as communications, law, economics, and government (CLEG), which is housed in the School of Public Affairs.
The SOC provides 12 graduate programs, including one PhD and one graduate certificate. The Film and Media Arts division offers a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts and a Master of Arts in Film & Media Production. The MFA in Film and Media Arts is a 54-credit, 36-month terminal degree that prepares students to teach at the university level. The MA in Film & Media Production is offered full-time and part-time, requiring students to complete a 36-credit-hour program within 24 months. The Film & Media Arts division is known for its all-digital tapeless production workflow and its integration of evolving technologies into production and distribution.
The School of Communication at American University has a distinguished faculty, including award-winning journalists, filmmakers, and researchers. The school's successes include a Pulitzer Prize won by eight SOC graduate students as part of a Washington Post-winning reporting team. The SOC also launched the student-led integrated communications agency SOC3 and established an SOC/ESPN fellowship program for investigative and enterprise journalism.
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AU's School of International Service is ranked in the top 10
American University (AU) in Washington, DC, is a private, co-educational doctoral institution with approximately 12,343 students, including 7,247 undergraduates, 2,916 graduate students, 1,450 law students, and 345 students in non-degree certificate programs. The university offers 81 bachelor's degrees, 95 master's degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, 22 dual degrees, and several other programmes. AU is home to eight prestigious schools and colleges, including the School of International Service (SIS).
SIS is a top-10 school of international affairs, offering graduate and undergraduate programs in international relations. Its undergraduate program ranks eighth in the world, while its master's program ranks eighth in the world. SIS's PhD program in international relations also ranks highly, placing 11th among international relations faculty, 12th among policymakers, and 13th among think tank staff.
SIS was established in 1957 in response to former US President Dwight Eisenhower's founding call to service during the Cold War. The school's mission is to establish a school based on service to the global community. SIS has an alumni network of over 20,000 and enrolls more than 3,000 students from over 150 countries. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and allows undergraduates to minor in International Studies or earn certificates in European or International Studies.
SIS provides various master's degrees, including the Master of Arts in International Affairs with several concentrations and the Master of Arts in International Affairs Policy and Analysis. The school also offers dual master's degrees with universities in Japan and South Korea. The PhD program in International Relations prepares students for careers as teachers and scholars in international studies. SIS's PhD graduates have received appointments at prestigious universities worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2024, American University's enrollment was approximately 12,343, including 7,247 undergraduates, 2,916 graduate students, 1,450 law students, and 345 students in non-degree certificate programs.
In October 1914, 28 students enrolled at American University.
American University offers more than 170 programs across eight schools.
Out of the total 12,343 students enrolled at American University, 7,247 are undergraduates.











































