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American University

Ranked
Washington, D.C., United States
601–800th in World University Rankings 2025
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About American University

Basic information and contact details for American University

institution

Situated within a residential neighbourhood of Washington, DC, the American University (AU) is a private, coeducational, doctoral institution with a liberal arts curriculum.

Its origins date back to the late 19th century, when the Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst bought 90 acres of farmland in order to build a non-sectarian national university.

American University was chartered by Congress in 1983 and by 1914, the AU was open for business and admitted its first class of 28 students – four of which were women.

Today, the university retains many of its original characteristics, including a ‘global outlook’, ‘practical idealism’ and ‘passion for public service’. AU’s students are considered to be among the country’s most politically active.

The university is home to eight schools and colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, Kogod School of Business, School of Education, School of International Service, School of Communication, School of Professional and Extended Studies, School of Public Affairs and the Washington College of Law.

It offers 79 bachelor’s degrees, 98 master’s degrees, 11 doctoral degrees, 13 law degrees and more than 90 certificate programmes for both graduates and undergraduates, as well as over 100 study abroad programmes.

AU boasts of having plenty to offer students outside of the lecture theatre, such as campus events, student organisations and clubs, residential learning communities and internships. It is known for its flourishing athletics scene and, as a member of the Patriot League, competes using the team name ‘American Eagles’.

The university’s Office of Campus Life is made up of 17 different departments, each designed to support students in different areas, from spiritual life to their academic studies. Its aim is to establish an environment on campus that encourages learning, development and success.

It also houses an extensive collection of international, political and local art, including a public museum and sculpture garden that can be found within its Katzen Arts Centre, as well as performance art spaces and rotating exhibitions.

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Rankings

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World University Rankings 2025

10203040506070
Teaching 34.8
Research Environment 19
Research Quality 65
Industry 40.9
International Outlook 44
343638404244201620172018201920202021202220232024202542.240.539.443.140.939.540.240.735.234.8

Breakdown via year: Teaching

Ranking positions 2016 to 2025
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Impact Rankings

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Impact Ranking positions 2020 to 2025
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2025
401-600th
2024
401-600th
2023
401-600th
2022
401-600th
2021
201-300th
2020
101-200th
Precise ranks and overall scores are shown for the institutions toward the top of a ranking; for institutions with banded ranks, please see the relevant ranking tables for an indication of their scores.
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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at American University

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
63 F : 37 M (1)
globe fill
International student percentage
11% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
12.8 (1)
student
Student total
13616 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at American University

See below for a range of subjects taught at American University

Arts and Humanities

  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics

Business and Economics

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Business and Management
  • Economics and Econometrics

Computer Science

  • Computer Science

Education Studies

  • Education

Engineering

  • General Engineering

Law

  • Law

Life Sciences

  • Biological Sciences
  • Sport Science

Medical and Health

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Physical Sciences

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics and Astronomy

Psychology

  • Psychology

Social Sciences

  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Sociology