American University Admission
Acceptance Rate
61.96%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
15.62%
Freshmen Enrollment
1,662
SAT Scores
1,370
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 17,173 students have applied and 10,640 students have allowed to admit to American University (Acceptance rate: 61.96%). American's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 15.62 % where 1,662 students have finally enrolled out of 10,640 admitted students.
American acceptance rate is higher (easier to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in District of Columbia. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as Boston College and Tulane University of Louisiana, its acceptance rate is much higher (very easy to get in) (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 31.16%).
American enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in District of Columbia. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is much higher (highly eager to enroll) (average yield is 31.18%).
How to Apply to American University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply American. American offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.american.edu/admissions/ |
|---|---|
| Online Application | www.american.edu/admissions/apply/index.cfm |
| Financial Aid | www.american.edu/financialaid/ |
| Net Price Calculator | www.american.edu/financialaid/net-price-calculator-form.cfm |
| Veterans Tuition | www.american.edu/financialaid/veteransbenefits.cfm |
| Athletic | www.american.edu/policies/Consumer-Information.cfm |
| Disability Service | www.american.edu/ocl/asac/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at American and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at American University is 1,370 and the average ACT score is 31. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of American University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,454). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| American University | 1,370 | 31 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,454 | 33 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in District of Columbia | 1,252 | 80 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At American University, 366 students submitted SAT scores (22% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,370 and it is around average than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in District of Columbia. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 660 | 700 | 740 |
| Mathematics | 620 | 670 | 720 |
| Total | 1,280 | 1,370 | 1,460 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At American University, 140 students submitted ACT scores (8% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 31 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in District of Columbia. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 29 | 31 | 32 |
| English | 28 | 33 | 35 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 27 | 29 |
American Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to American University. The school requires 6 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Legacy status.
2 items are Considered if submitted - Admission test scores, and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Not Considered |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |