“A policy-driven private university in the nation's capital, where the classroom extends into Congress, embassies, and international organizations”
American University is a private research university founded in 1893 in Washington, DC, with a mission deeply tied to public service and global engagement. Its 84-acre campus in the residential Northwest DC neighborhood of Tenleytown provides a green, walkable setting just minutes from the corridors of power — the White House, Capitol Hill, the State Department, embassies, and international organizations like the World Bank and IMF are all accessible by Metro. AU is best known for its School of International Service (SIS), the largest and most comprehensive school of international affairs in the United States, ranked in the top 10 nationally. But the university's strengths extend across political science, public policy, communications, and business. The DC location is not just a backdrop — it's an integral part of the education. AU ranks #15 nationally for co-ops and internships and #5 for study abroad, reflecting a curriculum designed around experiential learning in the capital and beyond. The student body is politically engaged, globally minded, and diverse, drawn from all 50 states and over 130 countries. Campus life revolves around advocacy, debate, and civic action, with over 200 student organizations and a culture that encourages students to connect coursework to real-world impact. Whether interning on the Hill, researching at a think tank, or covering Capitol events for the campus newspaper, AU students are practitioners from day one.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
International Relations (SIS)
Foreign Policy / US News 2026
Study Abroad
US News 2026
Co-ops/Internships
US News 2026
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding. Decision by late December.
Early Action
Non-binding. Decision by late January.
Early Decision II
Binding.
Regular Decision
Decision by April 1.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$56,580
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
The largest school of international affairs in the US, offering programs in international relations, global environmental policy, peace and conflict resolution, and development. Draws on DC's diplomatic community for guest speakers and adjuncts.
AU's largest school, covering the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences. Strong in political science, economics, and environmental science.
An AACSB-accredited business school that leverages DC's unique position at the intersection of government and commerce, with strengths in real estate and sustainability.
Offers hands-on training in journalism, film, and strategic communication with unparalleled access to DC media outlets, political campaigns, and PR firms.
Trains the next generation of public servants with programs in public policy, government, and justice. Students regularly intern at federal agencies, NGOs, and advocacy organizations.
4 years
AU's flagship program, producing more graduates in international relations than any other university in the country. Students combine rigorous academic study with DC-based internships at embassies, international organizations, and think tanks.
4 years
Immersed in the political capital of the world, AU political science students have unmatched access to Capitol Hill, campaigns, and policy research. Many serve as congressional interns during their studies.
4 years
A hands-on program with professional-grade studios and equipment, producing graduates who work in documentary filmmaking, broadcast journalism, and digital media, with access to DC's vibrant media scene.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $79,371
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
