American University

American University is a private, student-centered research university in Washington, DC. It is known for its strong service and leadership culture, small classes, and access to internships, research and career opportunities in the U.S. capital.

For students planning the September 2026 intake, AU can be a strong fit if you want a city-campus environment with a highly international community, strong public-affairs and social-science strength, and a well-developed career ecosystem.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Institution type	Private research university
Main location	Washington, DC
Popular intake	September 2026
Known for	Internships, public affairs, global engagement and student leadership
Campus setting	Residential campus in a major capital city
Student body	81 bachelor’s degrees across six schools
Hands-on learning	230+ experiential opportunities
Internship participation	89% of undergrads complete internships
Student support	Career Center, housing, financial aid and student life

Why American University Can Be A Good Fit

AU is a strong option for students who want a university where classroom learning connects directly to the outside world. The school emphasizes internships, research, volunteering, studying abroad and action-oriented learning.

The Washington, DC setting is a major advantage. Students are close to federal institutions, nonprofits, advocacy groups, international organizations and a large employer network, which helps the university's service and career focus feel concrete rather than abstract.

2026 Tuition Snapshot

American University publishes 2025-26 tuition and fee data, which is the latest official figure available on the university's site and useful for September 2026 planning.

Study level or route	Indicative 2026 fee pattern	Notes
Undergraduate full-time	USD 30,135 per semester	12-17.99 credit hours
Undergraduate full-time, 18 credits	USD 32,142 per semester	2025-26 tuition table
Undergraduate part-time	USD 2,007 per credit	Less than 12 credit hours
Graduate per credit	USD 2,080	On-campus and most online programs
Housing	Separate rates apply	2026-27 housing rates are published separately

Admission Snapshot

Area	What students should check
Academic requirement	Depends on programme and student background
Application route	AU undergraduate admission process
Application deadlines	Early Action and Early Decision options available
English requirement	Required for international applicants
Financial aid	Need-based and merit-based aid may apply
Housing	Residential campus with residence halls and themed communities
Start date	September 2026 is the main planning intake

Campus And Student Life

AU's campus combines a traditional residential setting with the energy of Washington, DC. Students can live in themed communities, join over 200 clubs and organizations, and take advantage of the city's cultural and professional opportunities.

The university also places a lot of emphasis on student life. That includes athletic participation, living-learning communities, student services and a campus experience built around engagement.

Who Should Consider American University?

American University can suit students who want:

• A September 2026 US intake
• A major city campus
• Strong internship access
• Public affairs, policy or international studies
• A highly engaged student community
• Research and volunteering opportunities
• A school with global reach

Things To Check Before Applying

Before finalising AU, students should confirm:

• The exact college or school within AU
• Tuition, housing and fees for their route
• Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
• International admissions requirements
• Housing and themed community options
• Application deadlines for September 2026

American University is especially popular with students who want to study in Washington, DC and build their degree around internships, service, global engagement and career preparation.

Key Highlights

Popular for	Why students choose it
Washington, DC location	Access to government, nonprofits and international organizations
Internships	Very high internship participation among undergraduates
Public affairs	Strong fit for policy, law and international affairs students
Study abroad	Global exposure is part of the learning model
Student leadership	Service and action are core values
Campus life	200+ clubs and organizations
Research opportunities	Hands-on learning with faculty
Residential experience	Live-learning communities in a major city

Why Students Choose AU

AU appeals to students who want their education to connect directly with the world around them. It is especially attractive for students interested in politics, public policy, international relations, communications, and other fields where location matters.

The university also has a strong student experience. There is a lot to do on campus, and students can stay engaged through clubs, athletics, residence life and career events.

Best Fit For September 2026

AU is a good match for students planning the September 2026 intake if they want:

• A city-based residential university
• Strong internship and career pathways
• Global and public-affairs oriented study
• A student-centered campus culture
• Volunteering and research opportunities

Useful To Know

AU says its students come from all 50 states and more than 110 countries, which helps explain why it feels especially international and globally connected.