profile logo default

American University

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

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.

chevron up

Rankings

Select the type of rankings below to see stats

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
chevron down
chevron up

Impact Rankings

Select the type of ranking below to see stats

Impact Rankings 2024

No data to display

Impact Ranking positions 2020 to 2024
chevron down
chevron down

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

lightbulb up

Do you work for this institution?

Build your profile to connect with students and professionals around the world

chevron down

Jobs you might be interested in

You may want to explore jobs from other universities which are relevant to you

See all

Adjunct Faculty, MBA Latin America (Strategic
DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Dominican University of

United States, San Rafael
institution

Dominican University of California

United States, San Rafael

Adjunct Faculty, MBA Latin America (Strategic Leadership) Job Details Job Location : Main

Salary

$6,294.00 - $6,696.00

Posted

29 Mar 2025

Centre Administrator
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

King's College London

United Kingdom, London
institution

King's College London

United Kingdom, London

About us  Comprising the largest dental school in Europe, the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral &

Salary

£34,179 - £37,546 per

Posted

28 Mar 2025

Clinical Research Fellow
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

King's College London

United Kingdom, London
institution

King's College London

United Kingdom, London

About Us The Skin Therapy Research Unit (STRU) at St John’s Institute of Dermatology

Salary

£43,455 per annum, plus

Posted

28 Mar 2025

Adjunct Faculty - Speech Communication - Fall
UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

United States, Belton
institution

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

United States, Belton

Adjunct Faculty - Speech Communication - Fall 2025 ID: 1960 Department: College of

Salary

Competitive

Posted

29 Mar 2025

Senior Lecturer in Periodontics
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

The University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne
institution

The University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

Position Number: 0060199 Location:  ParkvilleRole type:  Full-time/Part-time/Job

Salary

Level C: $146,050-$

Posted

28 Mar 2025

chevron down

Subjects Taught at American University

See below for a range of subjects taught at American University

Physical Sciences401–500th

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

Social Sciences301–400th

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

Law82nd

  • Law

Business and Economics301–400th

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

Arts and Humanities501–600th

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

Education501–600th

  • Education

Psychology401–500th

  • Psychology