About
American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., known for international service, public affairs and communication, with online graduate options.
About American University
American University (AU) is a private research university in Washington, D.C., founded in 1893 and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its location gives students close access to federal agencies, think tanks, nonprofits and international organizations.
AU enrolls roughly 14,000 students across schools that include the School of International Service, the Kogod School of Business, the School of Public Affairs, the School of Communication and the School of Education. It is especially well known for international relations, public policy and communication.
Programs and Degrees at American University
These are some of the subject areas American University is known for. Each link lets you compare similar programs at other accredited schools:
- Public administration and government: compare government and public administration programs
- Communications: compare online communications degrees
- Business: compare online business degrees
- MBA and graduate business: compare online MBA programs
- Graduate education: compare online master's in education programs
- Data analytics: compare data analytics programs
- Public health: compare public health programs
- Law and legal studies: compare legal studies programs
Online Learning and Student Support
American University offers a growing set of online graduate programs, including master's degrees in education, public administration, communication, data science and international relations. Online students take live and self-paced coursework taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, and many programs can be completed part time.
Admissions and Getting Started at American University
Admission requirements at American University depend on the program and whether you are a first-year, transfer or graduate applicant. First-year applicants typically submit high school transcripts and an application, while adult and transfer students can often apply credits from previous colleges, military training or professional certifications. Learn more about transferring college credits and how to apply to an online college.
Paying for American University
Students at accredited schools such as American University may qualify for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, by filing the FAFSA. Start with our financial aid guides and scholarship resources, and check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Service members, veterans and their families can also review college options for active-duty military and veterans. Always confirm current tuition and fees directly with the school, since prices change each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About American University
Is American University accredited?
Yes. American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Regional accreditation is the most widely recognized type for transferring credits and applying to graduate school; learn more about regionally accredited online colleges.
Is American University a public, nonprofit or for-profit school?
American University is a private, nonprofit institution. Ownership affects how a school is governed and funded, so it is worth comparing graduation rates, total cost and transfer policies across schools of every type.
How do I request information from American University?
Use the request information form on this page, or search accredited programs to compare American University with similar schools before you reach out to admissions.
Is American University Right for You?
Before you apply, it helps to see how American University stacks up against other accredited schools. Use the Learn.org degree finder to filter programs by degree level, subject and online availability, then request information from the schools that fit your goals, or browse the best online colleges in Washington, D.C..
