On-Campus Living: American University's Student Life

how many students live on campus at american university

American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 as of Fall 2023. The university has a campus size of 90 acres and offers its students housing in nine residential halls. Although American University does not publish the number of students living on campus, it does guarantee housing for the first two years, and most freshman and sophomore students choose to live on campus.

Characteristics Values
Total number of students 13,019 (fall 2023)
Undergraduate enrollment 7,817 (fall 2023)
Graduate enrollment 5,202 (fall 2023)
Total campus size 90 acres
Number of schools 8
Number of programs Over 170
Number of student clubs and organisations Over 270
Number of fraternities and sororities Over 25
Number of sports teams 7

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Housing availability

American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., offers housing for its students, with a guarantee of on-campus housing for the first two years of undergraduate study. The university has two campuses for academics and student housing: the main campus on Massachusetts Avenue and the East Campus on Nebraska Avenue. AU also owns several other buildings in the surrounding area, including the Tenley Campus, which is home to the Washington College of Law.

The AU main campus spans 90 acres and includes nine residential halls, a 5,000-seat arena, and an outdoor amphitheater. The campus has a main quadrangle surrounded by academic buildings and is predominantly surrounded by affluent residential neighborhoods.

The university added 590 beds in 2017 with the opening of East Campus, which features LEED Gold-certified, suite-style residence halls: Duber Hall (formerly Congressional Hall) and Nebraska Hall. Nebraska Hall, located across Massachusetts Avenue from the main campus, offers apartment-style residences of 2 to 4 bedrooms in a suite.

The main campus residence halls are grouped into three "campuses": North Campus, South Campus, and East Campus. North Campus includes McDowell Hall, Nebraska Hall, and Cassell Hall, while South Campus comprises Anderson Hall, Centennial Hall, Letts Hall, and Roper Hall. Roper Hall houses AU's Black Affinity Housing program.

Most freshman and sophomore students choose to live on campus, although first-year students are not required to do so. Housing is available to all unmarried students, regardless of the year of study.

In addition to its two main campuses, AU has expanded its housing options by purchasing additional properties in the surrounding area. In 1986, the university bought the Immaculata Campus (later renamed Tenley Campus) to alleviate space problems. This campus is located half a mile east of the main campus and initially housed the Washington Semester program. Since 2016, it has been home to the Washington College of Law.

Overall, AU provides a range of housing options for its students, with a mix of traditional residence halls and apartment-style residences. The availability of on-campus housing, particularly for the first two years of undergraduate study, is a significant advantage for students wishing to live close to their classes and campus amenities.

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Gender distribution

American University in Washington, D.C., has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 (as of Fall 2023), with a gender distribution of 36.7% male students and 63.3% female students. This amounts to 2,856 male students and 4,961 female students. The university has a total enrollment of 13,019 for the same period.

The university's student body numbers over 13,000 and represents all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Around 11% of undergraduate students are international.

American University is a private, co-educational doctoral institution. It is affiliated with the Methodist Church but admission is not dependent on religious affiliation. The university was founded in 1893 and admitted its first undergraduates in 1925. At that time, it admitted both women and African Americans, which was uncommon for institutions of higher education.

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Student demographics

American University in Washington, D.C., has a total student population of over 13,000, with 7,817 undergraduate students (as of Fall 2023) and 5,202 graduate students. The university's campus size is 90 acres, and it is situated in a residential neighbourhood in the northwest quadrant of the city. The student body is diverse, representing all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries, with approximately 11% of the student population being international students.

The gender distribution among the student population is 63.3% female and 36.7% male. The university offers a variety of housing options for its students, with a mix of traditional residence halls and apartment-style residences. Most freshman and sophomore students choose to live on campus, and housing is guaranteed for the first two years.

The university has a large number of student organisations and clubs, with over 250 student-run groups catering to a range of interests. The university also has a notable Greek system, with over 25 fraternities and sororities. The students at American University are known for their political activism and are rated among the most politically active in the nation.

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with eight schools and over 170 programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The largest school is the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers over 100 degree programs spanning various disciplines. Other notable schools include the Kogod School of Business, the School of Communication, the School of International Service, and the Washington College of Law.

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Campus safety

American University in Washington, DC, is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The university considers this to be its highest priority, fostering an atmosphere that promotes the university's educational mission.

AU is located in one of Washington, DC's safest areas, with only 17 violent and property crimes reported in the neighbourhood through August 1, 2024. The American University Police Department (AUPD) provides 24/7 response to all campus properties for police, medical, and fire emergencies. They coordinate emergency responses with external agencies like the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.

AU offers numerous safety resources and services for its community:

  • AU Alerts: Warnings and instructions are communicated via text message, email, social media, indoor Alertus beacons, Alertus computer software, and outdoor speakers during critical incidents such as natural disasters, fires, gas leaks, and active shooter situations.
  • Rave Guardian App: Transforms your phone into a personal safety device, providing a mobile panic button and additional safety resources.
  • Blue Light Emergency Telephones: Located across campus, these phones connect directly to AUPD when activated.
  • Safe Ride to Campus: Provides students with a taxi ride back to campus, billed to their student accounts.
  • Walking and Vehicular Escorts: AUPD officers provide escorts on campus for all community members upon request.
  • Self-Defence Classes: Free classes are offered to all community members in gender-neutral and gender-specific formats.
  • Crime Prevention Presentations: Customised presentations are available for students, staff, and faculty organisations.
  • Annual Security Report: Published every fall, this report provides crime statistics and information on campus safety services.
  • Bicycle Registration: Registering your bicycle with the Office of Parking & Commuter Services helps AUPD recover it if lost or stolen.
  • AED – Automatic External Defibrillators: AU provides AEDs in key buildings across campus for emergency assistance in case of cardiac arrest.
  • CIT – Crisis Intervention Team: A partnership between AUPD, the AU Counseling Center, DC’s Department of Behavioral Health, and the DC Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to support individuals in crisis.

Additionally, AU complies with the federal Jeanne Clery Act, posting information about campus safety online and at AUPD headquarters. The university also provides resources and support for victims of any crime, working with various campus services to offer care and assistance throughout the criminal justice process.

AU encourages its community to stay informed and engaged in campus safety, utilising the available resources to promote a safe and secure environment for all.

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Student life

American University (AU) is a private, co-educational federally chartered research university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 (as of Fall 2023). The university's campus size is 90 acres, and it offers a variety of housing options for its students. AU has a diverse student body, with representation from all 50 US states and over 100 countries. The student-to-faculty ratio is favourable, and the university boasts a high freshmen retention rate of nearly 90%.

Housing & Residence Halls: AU offers campus housing for all unmarried students, regardless of the year of study. The university guarantees housing for the first two years, and most freshmen and sophomore students choose to live on campus. There are nine residential halls on campus, including Anderson Hall, the largest first-year residence hall. The university also offers special housing for students with disabilities.

Student Organisations: AU students can get involved in over 250 student-run organisations and clubs, catering to a range of interests. The university has a sizable Greek system, with over 25 fraternities and sororities. Additionally, there are numerous student-run media organisations, such as the university newspaper, radio station, and literary magazine.

Athletics & Recreation: AU's sports teams, known as the American University Eagles, compete in the NCAA Division I Patriot League. The university offers a range of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, and more. The campus is well-equipped with athletic and recreational facilities, including the Bender Arena, Reeves Aquatic Centre, and Jacobs Fitness Centre.

Campus Safety: AU's campus safety data is reported to the US Department of Education. While the institution makes efforts to ensure the safety of its students, experts advise prospective students to conduct their own research and evaluate the safety of the campus and surrounding areas.

Student Demographics: As of Fall 2023, AU's total enrollment was approximately 12,343, including degree-seeking undergraduates, graduate students, law students, and students in non-degree certificate programs. The gender distribution among undergraduates is 36.7% male and 63.3% female. The university also has a global campus-based student body, with 11% of graduate students and 10.6% of undergraduates being international students.

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