How to get into American University
How to get into AU: ED rounds, the DC internship pipeline, and the School of International Service
62%
Acceptance rate
$58,771
In-state cost
What makes American University admissions different
American University in Washington, DC, has around 7,300 undergraduates. Acceptance rate around 62%. AU is built around its DC location — internships at federal agencies, embassies, think tanks, and Congress are standard parts of the undergraduate experience. The School of International Service (SIS), the School of Public Affairs, and the Kogod School of Business are the headline schools. ED1 and ED2 offer a real admit bump.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the Common App by Early Decision I (November 15), Early Decision II (January 15), or Regular Decision (January 15).
- 2.
Submit the AU supplement. The 'why AU' essay reads better when engaging with the DC location, specific programs, or AU's School of International Service.
- 3.
AU is test-optional. Submit SAT/ACT only if they strengthen your application.
- 4.
Apply for the AU Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program (full-ride for first-generation, low-income students) by the November deadline if eligible.
- 5.
Apply for other competitive merit (Presidential Scholar, Trustee Scholar) by the published deadline.
- 6.
Plan for the AU Washington Mentorship Program — internship placements that are core to the AU experience.
- 7.
File the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the priority date.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Treating ED as cosmetic. The binding ED bump at AU is meaningful for borderline candidates — and AU's ED admit rate runs meaningfully higher than RD.
- ✕
Skipping the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars application if eligible. It's the most generous award at AU.
- ✕
Writing a generic 'why DC' essay. AU reads for specific engagement with its programs and the DC location's academic uses.
- ✕
Skipping the CSS Profile.
The specifics for American University
Application deadlines
- Early Decision INovember 15, 2025Binding
- Frederick Douglass Distinguished ScholarsNovember 15, 2025Full-ride for first-generation, low-income students
- Early Decision IIJanuary 15, 2026Binding
- Regular DecisionJanuary 15, 2026
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Washington DC location
AU's DC location supports internships at federal agencies, embassies, think tanks, and Congress as a core part of the undergraduate experience.
School of International Service (SIS)
One of the largest schools of international affairs in the US. Strong placement into State Department, NGOs, and global organizations.
Notable scholarships at American University
Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars ProgramFull ride
First-generation, low-income students. Separate application by November.
Presidential Scholar and Trustee Scholar
Top competitive merit awards.
What graduates actually do
American University is a private research university in Washington, DC, with disproportionately strong outcomes in international affairs, public policy, government, and journalism. The School of International Service is one of the largest IR programs in the country and feeds State Department, USAID, World Bank, and DC think tanks. AU's location and DC-focused programming produce graduates with deep federal government and international NGO networks.
Notable alumni
- Judy Woodruff — Journalist, PBS NewsHour
- Star Jones — TV personality/attorney
- Robert Mueller — Former FBI Director (Law)
- Anne Hathaway — Actor (attended)
- Hank Stuever — Journalist
- Wallace Carothers — Inventor of nylon
Transfer pathway
70% transfer acceptance rate
American University accepts transfers for fall and spring through rolling admissions. The university has articulation agreements with Montgomery College (Maryland) and Northern Virginia Community College, and honors the DC TAG program. Minimum 3.0 GPA typical; the School of International Service and Kogod School of Business have higher selective requirements. Up to 75 credits transfer from two-year institutions. Phi Theta Kappa scholars receive priority scholarship consideration.
Articulation partners
Montgomery College · Northern Virginia Community College · Prince George's Community College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
AU is a target for applicants in the 3.5+ GPA range who want a private university with strong international affairs, public policy, and business programs and a DC location. ED1 is the highest-leverage move. The financial decision depends on institutional merit plus federal aid plus realistic DC living expenses.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.