American University

Washington, DC · founded 1893 · 14,000 students · private research university · Patriot League

Known for: American University is nationally renowned for its strong programs in political science, international relations, and public affairs, leveraging its prime location in Washington, D.C. for internships and policy influence. It is often considered a top 'feeder' school for government and diplomatic careers.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #105
QS World: #651
Times Higher Education: #351
Forbes: #178

Top programmes

International Relations
Political Science
Public Affairs
Business
Communications
Journalism

Notable alumni

Goldie Hawn — Academy Award-winning actress and producer
Judith Sheindlin — Television personality known as 'Judge Judy'
Robert Wexler — Former U.S. Representative from Florida
Neera Tanden — Domestic Policy Advisor to President Biden
David Gregory — Former moderator of NBC's 'Meet the Press'
Steny Hoyer — Former U.S. House Majority Leader
Larry K. Goodwin — President of the University of St. Thomas

Traditions

Eagle Summit (new student orientation)
Founders Day Ball
All-American Weekend (homecoming)
Midnight Breakfast during finals

If American University were…

As a food: Half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl — DC institution that's grittier and more authentic than the polished Georgetown scene, beloved by locals and politicians alike. American University students live on U Street and Adams Morgan energy—diverse, politically en
As an athlete: Megan Rapinoe — Outspoken, politically fearless, and unapologetically activist while excelling on the world stage. AU students don't just play the game—they challenge the rules, testify before Congress, and turn their platform into poli
As a person alive today: Ronan Farrow — Investigative journalist, human rights lawyer, and Rhodes Scholar who weaponizes elite credentials for accountability journalism. AU produces these hyper-credentialed, morally urgent operators who treat DC like their per
As a historical figure: Ida B. Wells — Journalist and activist who used her platform to expose injustice and demand systemic change, refusing to play by polite society's rules. AU's School of Communication and SIS students channel this same righteous investig
As a movie or TV show: The West Wing — Idealistic, fast-talking, hyper-competent staffers walking the halls of power with moral clarity and policy binders. AU students live this fantasy daily—interning where the show was set, believing they'll be the ones to
As a US president: Barack Obama — Cosmopolitan, internationally minded, and fluent in the language of diplomacy and progressive policy. AU students see themselves as future Obamas—cerebral, diverse, globally conscious, and ready to restore America's mora
As a city: Brussels — Not the most glamorous capital, but the one where international policy actually gets made—multilingual, bureaucratic, globally connected, and full of ambitious strivers working for NGOs and supranational institutions. AU
As an element: Plutonium — Named after Pluto, god of the underworld and wealth—fitting for a school in the capital where power is currency. Radioactive, potent, and created in labs rather than found in nature, plutonium fuels reactors and bombs al
As a car: Volvo S60 T6 AWD — American University is the Swedish diplomat's sedan—internationally minded, safety-conscious about careers, and perpetually circling the Beltway power corridors. It's expensive, pre-professionally engineered, and comes s

Campus life

Campus life is politically engaged and socially active, with many students involved in internships, advocacy, and campus organizations. The vibe is professional and globally focused, with a strong emphasis on networking and career preparation. Social life revolves around campus events, clubs, and exploring the diverse offerings of Washington, D.C.