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American University
Washington D.C., DC, USA
ACTIVISM AT [INSERT SCHOOL NAME]
Value Reasoning
American University, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers students a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world experience. With its diverse student body and commitment to social responsibility, AU prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields. We invite you to explore our vibrant campus and see firsthand what makes AU special! Take a virtual tour to explore its DC location!
Athletics plays a vital role in the vibrant campus life at American University. Student-athletes compete across 14 NCAA Division I sports, demonstrating exceptional skill and sportsmanship in the Patriot League. The AU Eagles have a proud history of athletic achievements, with numerous conference championships and individual accolades to their name. Beyond varsity sports, AU offers a wide range of intramural and club sports, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to stay active and engage in friendly competition. Whether as a spectator cheering from the stands or a recreational player looking to stay fit, AU's athletic programs have something for everyone.
Mid-Atlantic, Big City: American University is nestled in a suburban area of Washington D.C., offering a blend of green space and urban convenience, ideal for students seeking a quiet campus close to the vibrancy of the capital.
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American University has around 77% of students receiving financial aid. Notable scholarships include the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program (merit-based) and the AU Community of Scholars Program (leadership & social justice).
Envision yourself at AU, starring in a musical at the Katzen Arts Center, perfecting your jazz improv in the Music Program, or curating an exhibit exploring political art. Imagine exploring a passion for dance in AU's student-run troupes, or taking a screenwriting class fueled by Washington D.C.'s dynamic arts scene. Whether center-stage or in the audience, AU makes the arts accessible.
American University has an active Greek life community with approximately 30% of students participating. The university hosts 13 fraternities and 8 sororities, focusing on community service, leadership development, and social events.
American University's prime position provides unparalleled access to internship opportunities across various sectors, including government agencies, international organizations, and major corporations. AU's career center actively partners with over 3,000 employers to offer students exclusive internship listings and networking events. The university's reputation for producing skilled interns has led to strong relationships with institutions like the World Bank, Smithsonian, and numerous embassies, giving students a competitive edge in securing high-profile placements. With programs like AU's Internship for Credit, students can seamlessly integrate these valuable work experiences into their academic journey, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
AU offers a diverse selection of majors across its schools with popular choices including Political Science, International Relations, Business, Communication, and Film & Media Arts. Students can complement their studies with minors, certificates, and interdisciplinary programs focused on areas like Social Justice and Sustainability. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.
A college campus might lean a certain way politically, but the surrounding community can have a very different cultural and political vibe. Exploring the area beyond campus can give you a better picture of the local political landscape. Use the link below to research the location of any college you're considering.
American University fosters a robust culture of undergraduate research, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful academic inquiry across disciplines. The AU Scholars program offers select first-year students the chance to dive into research projects early in their academic careers, working closely with faculty mentors. Through initiatives like the Mathias Student Research Conference and the Robyn Rafferty Mathias Student Research Fund, AU supports and celebrates student-led research projects, giving undergraduates a platform to present their findings and potentially secure funding for their work. Additionally, many departments offer research-intensive courses and summer research programs, allowing students to contribute to cutting-edge studies in fields ranging from environmental science to international relations.
Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.
American University is a medium school with 8000 undergraduate students on campus.
American University boasts a vibrant student life with over 200 active clubs and organizations catering to a wide range of interests. The Kennedy Political Union, one of the largest student-run lecture series in the country, brings prominent speakers to campus, while groups like AmeriCAN, the largest student-run food pantry in the DC area, showcase AU's commitment to community service. For those interested in media and communications, student-run outlets like WVAU radio station and The Eagle newspaper offer hands-on experience. AU's diverse cultural clubs, such as the Asian American Student Union and the Arab Student Association, celebrate the university's international character and provide a welcoming community for students from all backgrounds.
White students comprise the majority at American University (around 50%). There are sizable populations of Hispanic/Latino (11%), Black/African American (10%), and Asian students (6%). International students make up a notable portion of the student body (around 15%), with a strong representation from Asia and the Middle East. The university also attracts students from across the United States, with a significant concentration from the East Coast.
American University offers a variety of housing options to accommodate students' needs and preferences. First-year students typically reside in traditional residence halls like Anderson, Letts, or Centennial, which foster a strong sense of community. As students progress, they can choose from suite-style accommodations in Nebraska Hall or apartment-style living in Cassell or McDowell Halls. AU's housing system also includes unique living-learning communities, such as the Social Justice Community or the Honors Community, where students with shared interests can live and learn together. When it comes to dining, AU provides diverse options across campus. The main dining hall, Terrace Dining Room (TDR), offers a wide range of cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free choices. For quick bites between classes, students can visit the Tavern, Megabytes Café, or the newly renovated Mary Graydon Center food court. AU's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its dining services, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
American University offers over 70 undergraduate majors across its eight schools and colleges, ranging from International Relations and Business Administration to Environmental Science and Film & Media Arts. Students can further customize their academic experience by choosing from more than 80 minors, allowing for interdisciplinary study and exploration of diverse interests. AU's flexible curriculum enables students to declare their major as late as the end of their sophomore year, giving them ample time to explore different fields before committing. For those seeking even more specialized study, AU provides unique combined BA/MA programs in select fields, allowing motivated students to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.
American University demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting first-generation and low-income students. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships ranging from $10,000 to full tuition. The Menke-Abraham Endowed Scholarship Fund specifically supports first-generation students. In addition to financial aid, AU offers the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which provides resources and programming for first-generation students, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Are you curious about admission data at this school? Check it out, but remember that you are so much more than a number.
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