Ibrahim Gardner
In the United States, students enrolled in university are often simply referred to as college students. This is because the term college is widely used to refer to universities, and vice versa. However, it is important to note that college can also specifically refer to community colleges, which offer more affordable two-year programs that lead to a diploma, certificate, or associate's degree. With that being said, let's explore the topic of what American university students are called and delve into the diverse landscape of higher education in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name for American university students | N/A |
| Alternative names | Students, scholars, undergrads, postgrads, freshers, seniors |
| Abbreviation | AU |
What You'll Learn
Undergraduate and graduate students
In the United States, undergraduate and graduate students are those enrolled in a college or university for a Bachelor's or Master's degree, respectively. Undergraduate students are often simply called "students," while graduate students are sometimes referred to as "postgraduates" or "postgrads."
Undergraduate students in the US typically enrol in a four-year Bachelor's degree program after completing secondary education. During their time as an undergraduate, students may live on campus or commute from home, depending on the proximity of their university. The undergraduate experience often involves joining extracurricular clubs and societies, participating in sports teams, and engaging in community service or volunteer work.
Undergraduate programs usually consist of a combination of required courses (also known as "core" or "compulsory" courses) and elective courses. Electives allow students to explore areas of interest outside their major field of study. To graduate with a Bachelor's degree, students must complete a certain number of credit hours, which typically involves a combination of lectures, tutorials, and independent study.
Graduate students, on the other hand, pursue advanced studies after completing a Bachelor's degree. Graduate programs typically last one to two years for a Master's degree and three to five years or more for a doctoral degree. Graduate students often have more specialized courses and are expected to engage in independent research, particularly at the doctoral level. They may also have the opportunity to teach or assist in teaching undergraduate courses.
The application process for graduate programs can be highly competitive and may involve submitting standardized test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT), transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and even interviews. Graduate students often receive funding through scholarships, research or teaching assistantships, or other forms of financial aid.
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International students
In the context of American universities, international students generally refer to individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States but are enrolled as students at these institutions. This definition encompasses those who enter the country on a temporary basis, often with a specific visa status, to pursue their academic goals. International students represent a diverse group, enriching the campus community with their unique cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
The term "international student" carries specific implications within the American higher education system. These students, by definition, do not hold American citizenship or enjoy permanent resident status. They are typically required to navigate additional considerations, such as obtaining the appropriate visas, meeting distinct admission requirements, and addressing financial matters, which may include higher tuition rates and limited access to certain scholarships or financial aid opportunities.
Colleges and universities in the United States often categorize their student bodies into international and domestic pools. This distinction can have significant implications for the application process, with domestic students generally facing lower admission hurdles. International students, by contrast, may need to provide additional documentation, meet specific language proficiency requirements, and demonstrate their ability to finance their education.
It is important to recognize that the definition of an international student is not uniform across all institutions. While the broad understanding aligns with the non-citizen or non-permanent resident status, some colleges may employ broader definitions. This flexibility underscores the importance of prospective students consulting the specific criteria outlined by their desired educational institution, as these definitions can influence application strategies and the overall admissions landscape for international students.
In summary, international students in the context of American universities refer to those who travel from their home countries to pursue educational opportunities in the United States. They are a diverse cohort, enriching campuses with their global perspectives and cultural exchange. Navigating the admissions process as an international student comes with unique challenges, from visa requirements to financial considerations. Understanding the specific definitions and criteria of the target institutions is essential for prospective international students aiming to join the vibrant academic community in the United States.
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Student housing
In the United States, university students are often simply called "college students". Now, let's focus on student housing at American University in Washington, D.C.
On-Campus Housing
American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., offers on-campus housing for its students. The university's residence halls are designed to be dynamic communities that foster a positive and affirming atmosphere to promote student learning and success. The university also offers Affinity Housing communities, which celebrate student diversity and create supportive and inclusive environments. These include Black Affinity Housing, First-Generation Affinity Housing, and LGBTQIA+ Affinity Housing, open to all undergraduate populations.
For incoming first-year students, the priority application deadline for housing is typically in early May, and room selection takes place in early June. Students can choose from various room types, including traditional double rooms, traditional triples, and suite-style rooms. Most first-year rooms are traditional doubles, while triples and suites are limited. Students can also indicate their preferences for roommates, with options for gender, smoking habits, pet ownership, cleaning habits, and more.
Starting with the fall 2025 cohort, AU will implement a two-year residency requirement for on-campus housing. All first- and second-year resident students are required to enrol in a meal plan. The residence halls remain open during Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks but close for the Winter Break period.
Off-Campus Housing
AU also provides resources for students seeking off-campus housing. The Off-Campus Housing Postings platform offers a comprehensive site for students to find housing options near the university. Students can explore various guides for different neighbourhoods in Washington, D.C., to find the best fit for their needs. The university hosts events like the Virtual Housing Fair, where students can connect with representatives from local apartment communities to discuss their off-campus housing options. Additionally, AU provides a Roommate Search feature on its website, enabling students to find potential roommates based on similar preferences and interests.
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Academic programs
American University (AU) is a private, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1893 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,817 as of Fall 2023. The campus size is 90 acres, although another source states it occupies 84 acres. AU's student body numbers over 13,000 and represents all 50 U.S. states and 141 countries; around a fifth of students are international.
AU has eight schools and colleges that house its academic programs: the School of International Service, College of Arts and Sciences, Kogod School of Business, School of Communication, Professional Studies and Executive Education, School of Public Affairs, School of Education, and the Washington College of Law (WCL). It has over 160 programs, including 71 bachelor's degrees, 87 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees, as well as JD, LLM, and SJD programs.
AU offers special academic programs designed to enhance the academic experience through learning communities, interdisciplinary coursework, and faculty support. These programs often include residential components, enabling students to live among peers with shared academic interests. Programs cover unique fields—from global studies to public health—offering experiences such as internships, study abroad, and community-based research to deepen students’ learning and engagement.
AU is also home to the Washington Semester Program, which partners with institutions around the world to bring students to AU for a semester. The program combines two seminar courses three days a week with a two-day-per-week internship that gives students a unique look at Washington, D.C.
AU's Kogod School of Business has been named Best in Class for Artificial Intelligence by integrating AI into every course to equip students with practical skills for the evolving business world. The School of International Service has an enrollment of over 2,000 undergraduate students and an enrollment of over 900 graduate students.
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Student life
AU students engage, connect, and innovate, building skills not only in the classroom but also across Washington, D.C., and the world. The university's special academic programs cover diverse fields, from global studies to public health, and offer enriching experiences such as internships, study abroad opportunities, and community-based research to deepen students' learning and engagement. The Washington Semester Program, for example, brings students to AU for a semester, combining seminar courses with internships to provide a unique perspective of the city.
AU's vibrant student community represents all 50 U.S. states and 141 countries, with approximately one-fifth of the students being international. The university is committed to promoting public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism, as envisioned by its founder, Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst. AU is also a top producer of both Fulbright US students and Fulbright US scholars, reflecting its academic excellence and global recognition.
Overall, student life at American University offers a well-rounded experience that extends beyond the classroom. Students have numerous opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and skill development, enabling them to build meaningful connections and make lasting memories during their time at AU.
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Frequently asked questions
American university students are often simply referred to as students. However, students at American University in Washington, D.C. are also known as AU students or American University students.
AU is short for American University, a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C.
Students at community colleges are often referred to as 'community college students'. Community colleges offer a more affordable alternative to university education, providing two-year courses after which students may pursue a university education to complete their Bachelor's qualification.
'College' and 'school' are widely used terms for 'university' and are usually more common than the word 'university'. Students at colleges or schools are typically just called 'students'.
