More selective than 33% of District of Columbia colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
26% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 16% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose American University over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
We don't have American University's Common Data Set yet, the college's own report of what it weighs in admissions, early decision and waitlist numbers. Work at American University or have its file? Send it to us.
American University SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, American University is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 660 | 740 |
| SAT math | 620 | 720 |
| ACT composite | 29 | 32 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1280 | 1460 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
American University admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 62% | 660–740 | 620–720 | 29–32 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 47% | 670–740 | 630–710 | 29–33 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is American University compared with other District of Columbia colleges?
American University has the 5th-lowest acceptance rate of 7 District of Columbia colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown University | 13% | 95% | $40,815 |
| 2 | Howard University | 41% | 70% | $50,539 |
| 3 | George Washington University | 47% | 84% | $36,586 |
| 4 | Gallaudet University | 58% | 47% | $15,845 |
| 5 | American University | 62% | 75% | $41,943 |
| 6 | The Catholic University of America | 83% | 79% | $29,561 |
| 7 | Trinity Washington University | 100% | 49% | $9,302 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All District of Columbia colleges →
Who enrolls at American University
College Scorecard; IPEDS
American University admissions questions
What is the American University acceptance rate?
American University accepts 62% of applicants, about 1 in 2. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 8,427 of 17,786 applicants were admitted.
Does American University require the SAT or ACT?
American University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 26% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 16% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for American University?
The middle 50% of American University enrolled first-year students scored 1280–1460 on the SAT and 29–32 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at American University?
22% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (1,856 of 8,427).
Is American University getting harder to get into?
American University accepted 62% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 47% for Fall 2023.
Is American University the right fit for your family?
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to American University overview