American University Tuition, Acceptance Rate and Admissions (2026)

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Graduate degree · College Scorecard data · Updated September 10, 2026

In-State Tuition$58,771
Out-of-State Tuition$58,771
Acceptance Rate62%
Average SAT1381

American University vs. State and National Averages

American UniversityDC AverageNational Average
In-state tuition$58,771$30,187$18,082
vs. average—+95%+225%

Other colleges in Washington

CollegeTypeUndergraduatesTuition
Georgetown UniversityPrivate nonprofit7,569$68,017
George Washington UniversityPrivate nonprofit11,182$67,710
The Catholic University of AmericaPrivate nonprofit3,154$58,378
Howard UniversityPrivate nonprofit10,108$35,810
Trinity Washington UniversityPrivate nonprofit1,414$26,610

Tuition shown is in-state tuition for schools that report one, otherwise the published tuition for the school's largest program. Source: College Scorecard.

Outcomes and student profile at American University

Median earnings 10 years after enrolling$77,370
Graduation rate (within 150% of normal time)75%
Median debt among graduates who borrowed$22,750
Undergraduates receiving Pell grants14%
Undergraduates aged 25 and over1%
First-generation students16%

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. Earnings and debt figures cover students who received federal financial aid.

FAQ

What is the tuition at American University?

In-state tuition at American University is $58,771 and out-of-state tuition is $58,771, according to College Scorecard data.

What is the acceptance rate at American University?

The acceptance rate at American University is 62%.

How hard is it to get into American University?

With an acceptance rate of 62%, American University is moderately selective among U.S. colleges.

What SAT score do you need for American University?

The average SAT score for admitted students at American University is 1381.

How big is American University?

American University enrolls about 7,266 undergraduate students. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1.

Is American University expensive?

In-state tuition at American University is $58,771, which is 95% above the DC average of $30,187.

How much do graduates of American University earn?

Median earnings ten years after enrolling at American University are $77,370 a year, according to College Scorecard.

How much debt do students at American University take on?

The median debt among American University graduates who borrowed is $22,750, according to College Scorecard.