American University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
American is more accessible than its 1300 to 1430 SAT range might suggest, so your strategy should be to show a clear academic match. Because it is test-optional, submit scores only if they strengthen your case, ideally near 1430 SAT or 32 ACT.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
American University facts and stats
American University enrolls 7,476 undergraduates in Washington, D.C. American’s freshman retention rate is 88%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 75%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1.
Washington, DC
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Key American University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional American, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year plus fall of senior year for retakes to improve your superscore where available. For American’s November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake whose scores will arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
American is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $58,772, and 47% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $13,691; submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline.
American’s listed cost of attendance is about $78,710, including $58,772 in tuition and fees and $19,938 for room and board. About 47% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $47,908. Merit aid can also help reduce costs, with an average merit award of $13,691 and Tuition Exchange Scholarships worth $42,000.
Student life at American University
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 82.8%
National Intelligence University
Washington, DCGallaudet University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 58.1%
SAT: 798–990
ACT: 14–17
Georgetown University
Washington, DCAcceptance rate: 12.9%
SAT: 1400–1540
ACT: 31–35
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