Academic Profile

American University is a private, co-educational doctoral institution situated in a residential neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. We are classified as an R2 Institution, ranked “Doctoral: Higher Research Activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We are a Methodist affiliated institution.

In fall 2021, AU’s enrollment was approximately 14,852, with 8,123 degree-seeking undergraduates, 4,861 degree-seeking graduate students, 1,426 law students, and 442 students in non-degree certificate programs, the Washington Semester program, or AU Abroad.

AU offers 80 bachelor’s degrees, 99 master’s degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, JD, LLM, SJD, and MLS degrees, and certificates and associate degrees.

Face-to-face courses run on a 15-week semester basis in fall and spring, with shorter summerterm classes. In addition, AU offers study abroad programs and alternative breaks. Ninety percent of undergraduates participate in at least one internship during their time at AU, and 54 percent of students participate in study abroad. AU’s undergraduate first-year retention rate is 91 percent, and 79 percent of students graduate from AU within six years.

AU’s campus-based student body is globally diverse, with all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 110 countries represented. Twelve percent of undergraduates and 9 percent of graduate students are international. The University’s mission is carried out by 924 full-time faculty and more than 1,800 full-time staff. Ninety-four percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field. Among AU’s more than 700 adjunct faculty are policymakers, diplomats, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and business leaders.