American University

American University is a private school founded in 1893. The total undergraduate enrollment is 7,817 (Fall 2023) on a 90-acre campus. The university operates on a semester-based academic calendar. American University is ranked #91 in National Universities by Best Colleges 2025. Tuition and fees are $58,772.

Students at American University benefit from its location in the political center of the United States. Washington, D.C. is a playground for political and socialites, with countless museums, restaurants, clubs, and year-round events. The school is located in the northwest suburbs of Washington, D.C., near a stop on the Washington, D.C. Metro transit system. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the city center by car. Students at American University are rated among the most politically active in the nation, and there are more than 270 student clubs and organizations on campus. The university also has a sizable Greek system with more than 25 fraternities and sororities.

The American University Eagles sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Patriot League, and the school's mascot is an eagle. From campus, it's also possible to watch professional sporting events, such as Commander's football games or Nationals baseball. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but its Kay Center for Spiritual Life houses nearly 25 interfaith groups. The confluence of opportunities on and off campus is clearly beneficial to most students: American University has a freshman retention rate of nearly 901 TP3T.

American University is home to eight unique colleges, including the highly acclaimed Washington College of Law. All students can take advantage of the university's cultural centers, such as the Katzen Arts Center and the Greenberg Theater. For those who want to get away from the nation's capital, undergraduate students above 50% will study abroad. American University's School of International Service is one of the top 10 schools of international affairs in the nation. Dozens of politicians are alumni of American University, including U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as former U.S. Representatives Betsy Markey and Bill Shiper. Betsy Markey and Bill Shuster. former Washington, D.C. Shadow Representative Mike Panetta is also a graduate of American University.