American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., with a strong focus on public service, politics, and international affairs. Its School of International Service is one of the top programs in the field, and its D.C. location enables students to pursue government and policy internships alongside their coursework.
Mascot: Eagle
Notable Alumni
Goldie Hawn (Oscar-winning actress)•Barry Levinson (Oscar-winning director)•Star Jones (TV personality)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Ranked by Princeton Review as the most politically active campus in America — at AU, the main topic of conversation is literally politics. Greek life hovers around 10% and faces ongoing criticism from students. This is a school for self-directed, career-focused students who'd rather intern at a think tank than tailgate; if you want a traditional college social experience, look elsewhere.
Leafy residential campus in northwest D.C. with a pleasant mix of Georgian and modern buildings on rolling green lawns, attractive but not architecturally distinctive.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The gated, self-contained campus in upper Northwest DC benefits from 24/7 AU Police response, extensive video surveillance, and access control systems.
Located in Ward 3, by far the lowest-crime ward in Washington, DC. The Tenleytown area is affluent and residential.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Mon-Fri during academic year, select dates in summer
Duration: ~90 minutes (information session + walking tour)
Advance registration required, first-come first-served. Check in at Admissions Welcome Center on 2nd floor of Katzen Arts Center. Group visits (15-80 students) available with custom 60-min experience and at least 2 weeks notice.
Book a TourVirtual information sessions and campus exploration tools available for those who cannot visit in person. Campus is open and walkable for informal self-guided visits.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through November or March through May when classes are in session. Avoid summer (campus is quiet) and DC's humid July-August. Spring is ideal with mild weather and active campus life.
Parking garage off New Mexico Ave or surface lot off Nebraska Ave near Ward Circle — $2/hr, $16/day. Katzen Arts Center Garage off Massachusetts Ave also available. Best by Metro: Red Line to Tenleytown-AU, then free AU shuttle. Nearest airports: Reagan National (DCA), ~30 min; Dulles (IAD), ~60 min.
Location
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