American University: A Comprehensive Overview of Undergraduate Enrollment and University Life
American University (AU), a private federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C., stands as a prominent institution with a rich history and a strong focus on public service, internationalism, and pragmatic idealism. Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893, the university has evolved into a diverse and dynamic academic center, attracting students from across the United States and around the globe. This article delves into various aspects of undergraduate enrollment at American University, providing a comprehensive overview of its academic offerings, campus life, and the factors influencing student demographics.
A Historical Perspective
American University was established in the District of Columbia by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892, primarily due to the efforts of Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst, who aimed to create an institution that could train future public servants. The university was founded by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church as a national Methodist institution. It remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church, however, religious affiliation is not a criterion for admission, employment, nor an academic requirement. After more than three decades devoted principally to securing financial support, the university was officially dedicated on May 15, 1914. Instruction was first offered at only the graduate level, in accordance with the vision of the university's founders. This changed in 1925 with the establishment of the College of Liberal Arts (subsequently named the College of Arts and Sciences), which offered undergraduate degrees and programs.
The post-World War II-period saw considerable growth and restructuring of AU. In 1949, the university merged with the Washington College of Law, which had been founded in 1896. Shortly after that, three departments were reorganized as schools: the School of Business Administration in 1955 (subsequently named the Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod School of Business).
Academic Structure and Programs
AU consists of eight schools and colleges: the School of International Service; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Kogod School of Business; the School of Communication; the School of Professional and Extended Studies; the School of Public Affairs; the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education; and the Washington College of Law (WCL). American offers over 160 academic programs, including 71 bachelor's degrees, 87 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees, as well as JD, LLM, and SJD programs. With over 70 majors and the flexibility to combine studies across six undergraduate schools, students shape their education around their passions and goals. AU blends the caliber of an R1 research institution with the personal attention of a liberal arts college, where small classes and interdisciplinary curriculum enhanced by experiential learning remain in focus. From labs to lobbying, startups to studios, and on the court or field as a D1 athlete, student success stretches far beyond the classroom-reaching local and global communities.
In 2019, the School of Education (SOE) was separated from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). According to then dean of SOE Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy the move was made to "encourage more students to pursue careers in education." Areas of study that students can pursue within the school include: teacher education, special education, education policy and leadership, and international education. In November 2024, it was reported that AU was considering restructuring its SOE, potentially merging it back into the CAS or even dissolving the SOE altogether, due to budget concerns. In February 2025, longtime finance professor H. Kent Baker made an undisclosed donation, the largest individual gift in AU's history, in honor of his late wife, Linda. The Board of Trustees recognized his transformative gift by renaming the school the Linda A. and H. Kent Baker School of Education.
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Undergraduate Enrollment Trends and Demographics
In fall 2023, American University had a total student population of 13,019, with 7,571 undergraduates, 3,613 postgraduates, and 1,835 other students. AU's incoming undergraduate class embodies excellence at every level. The middle 50 percent GPA of admitted students for the Class of 2023 was 3.53-4.06, and the middle 50 percent SAT score was 1260-1420.
AU's student body is diverse, with students representing all 50 U.S. states and 141 countries; nearly a fifth of the students are international.
In fall 2021, total undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States was 15.4 million students, 3 percent lower than in fall 2020 (15.9 million students). This continued the downward trend in undergraduate enrollment observed before the coronavirus pandemic. Overall, undergraduate enrollment was 15 percent lower in fall 2021 than in fall 2010, with 42 percent of this decline occurring during the pandemic. In fall 2021, female students made up 58 percent of total undergraduate enrollment (8.9 million students), and male students made up 42 percent (6.5 million students). Between 2010 and 2021, male enrollment decreased by 17 percent (from 7.8 million to 6.5 million students) and female enrollment decreased by 13 percent (from 10.2 million to 8.9 million students). Over this period, male enrollment saw its largest single-year decline in fall 2020 (7 percent), while female enrollment saw its largest single-year decline in fall 2021 (3 percent). Trends in undergraduate enrollment between fall 2010 and fall 2021 varied across racial/ethnic groups. All racial/ethnic groups had a lower number of undergraduate students enrolled in fall 2021 than in fall 2020 or fall 2019, the year prior to the pandemic. degree-granting postsecondary institutions increased by 38 percent from fall 2010 to fall 2019 (from 398,400 to 548,600), but fell during the pandemic. Nonresident undergraduate enrollment was 3 percent lower in 2021 than in 2020 (455,500 vs. 468,800) and 17 percent lower in 2021 than in 2019 (455,500 vs. nonresident category are collected alongside data for racial/ethnic categories.
Campus Life and Student Activities
On AU’s campus, energy and activity are all around. Notable speakers, exciting games, unforgettable concerts, and cherry blossoms in bloom are just a few of the many AU student experiences. With more than 250 student-run clubs and organizations, there are endless opportunities to make lasting friendships and enjoy your time at AU. AU is home to traditions tracing back over a century to the university's founding and new practices created by students in recent years! Get to know cherished events like Convocation, Spirit of Change Week, AmFest, Jazz in the Katz, Veloric Concert, Culturefest, and more. And when it’s time to recharge from all the fun and excitement, our cozy yet vibrant residence halls and top-tier dining services have you covered.
American University Student Government (AUSG) is the governing body of the student population and has been ranked as the most active student government in the United States. It comprises the Undergraduate Senate and the Executive Branch. AU has eight student-run university-recognized media organizations, including The Eagle newspaper, radio station WVAU, the Second District Records record label, the American Literary Magazine (AmLit), and several magazines.
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Student athletes compete in intercollegiate athletic teams as the American Eagles in the NCAA Division I as a member of the Patriot League. A member of the Patriot League, AU has several sports teams including men's and women's basketball, soccer, cross-country, swimming and diving, track, women's volleyball, field hockey, and lacrosse, and men's wrestling. Bender Arena, a multi-purpose facility, hosts many of American's athletic competitions.
Campus Environment and Facilities
American University has two contiguous campuses for academics and student housing: the main campus on Massachusetts Avenue and the East Campus on Nebraska Avenue. Washington College of Law was moved to the site of the Tenley Campus located in nearby Tenleytown. The first design for the campus was done by Frederick Law Olmsted. However, it was significantly modified over time due to financial constraints. The campus occupies 84 acres (340,000 m2) adjacent to Ward Circle, the intersection of Nebraska and Massachusetts Avenues. AU's campus is predominantly surrounded by the affluent residential neighborhoods characteristic of the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. The campus includes a main quadrangle surrounded by academic buildings, nine residential halls, a 5,000-seat arena, and an outdoor amphitheater.
The Jack I. and Dorothy G. Bender Library and Learning Resources Center is the main library facility for the campus. The University Library is part of the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC), which includes seven other libraries. The Library's Archives and Special Collections houses unique and rare materials and information on the institution's history. The University Archives is the repository for papers and other documents, including sound recordings and photographs, spanning more than a century of the university's history.
Accessibility and Affordability
At American University, we believe that access to a world-class education should be open to all, not just a privileged few. Our need-based financial aid programs ensure that talented students have equal access to all that AU offers. We also believe in a holistic admissions process. You are more than the sum of your grades and test scores, and we want to know about you inside and out of the classroom. We offer a number of options to apply to AU including Early Action and Early Decision.
As part of the effort to remedy the budget shortfall, the University announced a 4 percent tuition increase for the upcoming academic year. The University plans on pausing hiring that is not considered “mission-critical” in order to save more money. Schools, colleges and administrative units will receive updated FY25 savings targets.
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Rankings and Recognition
In 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2018, American University was named the most politically active school in the nation by The Princeton Review's annual survey of college students. In 2006, the Fiske Guide to Colleges ranked AU as a "Best Buy" college for the quality of academic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance.
A Hub for Experiential Learning in the Heart of DC
American University is known for one of its top majors: International Relations and National Security Studies. That reputation begins here in Washington, DC, our classroom, laboratory, and playground. There is no other city quite like it. Our ideal location in the nation’s capital gives our students front-row seats to history in the making and hands-on work experience through internships at prestigious organizations, government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits-and 85% of our students intern before graduating. Add to that world-class museums, dining, sports, outdoors, and nightlife, and you can see why our students love DC.
While DC has a lot to offer, so does the rest of the world. With AU Abroad, you’ll have the opportunity to study just about anywhere in the world. News & World Report, and 50% of our Class of May 2024 studied abroad while at American University.
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