Chances of Getting Into American University
Washington, D.C. • Private University • #72 National • Founded 1893
American Admissions Statistics 2025–2026
American SAT & ACT Scores
SAT Scores (Middle 50%)
ACT Scores (Middle 50%)
About American University
American University is a D.C.-based institution known for its School of International Service (SIS), one of the top international relations programs in the world. With the Capitol, embassies, and think tanks as neighbors, AU students are immersed in policy and global affairs.
Top Programs
What Makes American Unique
- School of International Service (SIS) — top international affairs program
- D.C. location for unmatched policy and government access
- AU Game Lab for interactive media and game design
- Strong experiential learning — most students complete internships
- Highly engaged student body in politics and social causes
American Cost & Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid
American Application Deadlines
How to Get Into American: Admission Tips
AU's ED acceptance rate (~80%) is very high — almost guaranteed with decent stats
Show passion for policy, social justice, or international affairs
D.C. engagement is expected — describe your internship ambitions
AU is test-optional; submit scores only if above their average
Demonstrated interest helps — engage with admissions events
The Brutal Truth About American Admissions
The numbers are brutal. With a 41% acceptance rate, American rejected over 11,800 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.
Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At American, having a 3.65 GPA and 1355 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.
The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. American doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.
Bottom line: Apply if American genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 41%-acceptance-rate basket.
American Admissions FAQ
What is the acceptance rate at American University?
American University has an acceptance rate of 41% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 20,000+ applicants, approximately 1,900 students were admitted to the incoming class.
What GPA do I need to get into American?
The average GPA of admitted students at American University is 3.65. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.50, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.
What SAT score do I need for American?
The middle 50% SAT range for admitted American students is 1280-1430. The average SAT score is 1355. For ACT, the range is 29-33 with an average of 31.
Is American hard to get into?
Yes, American University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 41%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.
How much does American cost?
Tuition at American University is $56,232 per year, with total cost of attendance at $74,500. However, 50% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $34,000+.
What are my chances of getting into American?
Your chances of getting into American University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 41% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.
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