American University
Washington, Washington, D.C. · Private
American University admitted 66% of 20,960 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1320–1440 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 78% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at American University
Enter a score to see whether American University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (66%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
American University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $75, and American University accepts the Common App fee waiver. American University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check American University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 81% (316 of 392), compared with 66% for all applicants.
American University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
4,928 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 1,785 took it, and 1,182 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How American University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Showing interest
Important
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Volunteering
Considered
- Test scores
- First generation
- Where you live
- Work experience
Not considered
- Class rank
- Interview
- Legacy
- State residency
- Religion
What it costs
Full price with housing is $76,175 a year. After grants, students paid $40,189 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is American University’s acceptance rate?
American University admitted 66% of applicants: 13,741 of 20,960 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is American University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for American University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1320 to 1440, with a median around 1380. A score at or above 1380 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is American University’s application fee?
The application fee is $75 for 2026–27, and American University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does American University require?
Besides the application and transcript, American University asks for the Common App personal essay, one teacher recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does American University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, American University asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one short answer, up to 250 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
Does American University require the CSS Profile?
Yes. American University uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
Not sure which colleges fit?
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Writing your essays? See American University’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.