Ranking Overview

American University is best understood through its internship, green-campus and college-town recognitions rather than a single dominant national rank.

Current Ranking Snapshot

Ranking body	Latest available position
Princeton Review 2024	Best College Town, No. 1
Princeton Review 2025	Green Colleges, No. 2
U.S. News & World Report 2026	Co-ops/Internships, No. 15
AU admissions fast facts	89% of undergrads complete internships
AU admissions fast facts	Over 230 hands-on learning opportunities

What The Rankings Mean

For AU, the ranking picture is about the experience students actually get: internship access, a strong city setting, sustainability, and a networked student culture.

The ranking picture suggests:

• Strong experiential learning
• Excellent internship access
• A green and sustainability-conscious campus
• A highly livable DC student environment

Recognition And Quality Signals

AU also highlights:

• 81 bachelor's degrees across six schools
• A broad living-learning and themed-community setup
• A strong international student presence
• A practical, action-oriented academic model

Ranking Advice For September 2026 Applicants

Students applying for the September 2026 intake should compare AU using:

• Internship and co-op opportunities
• The value of studying in Washington, DC
• Sustainability and campus culture
• Program strength in the school they want
• Student life and residential fit

If you want a university with clear city-based opportunities and strong experiential learning, AU is a compelling option.