Washington, District of Columbia · Private · 7,266 undergrads
American University admitted 66% of applicants for fall 2025 (13,741 of 20,960, Common Data Set 2025-26). American University admitted 81% of early decision applicants (316 of 392). Of the 1,785 students who took a spot on the wait list, 1,182 were admitted (66%). The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1320–1440.
The numbers
Applied
20,960
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
30–33
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
16%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$75
waivers exist
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Can I get into American University?
66% of applicants get in
Most applicants with solid grades get in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1320–1440 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
20,960 applied, 13,741 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does American University need the SAT or ACT?Not checked yet
Not sure yet
We haven't checked American University's fall 2027 rule yet. American University didn't require scores for fall 2024 (federal data). We haven't checked fall 2027 yet, so confirm on its site.
4,928 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,785 took one. 1,182 of them got in (66%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What American University looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, GPA, showing interest (visits, emails).
Counts a lot
Essay, recommendations, activities, talent or ability, character, volunteering.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, where you live, work experience.
As American University rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is American University's acceptance rate?
American University admitted 66% of applicants for fall 2025 (13,741 of 20,960, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for American University?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1320–1440. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into American University early decision?
For fall 2025, 316 of 392 early decision applicants got in (81%), against 66% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does American University take students off the wait list?
4,928 students were offered a wait-list spot and 1,785 took one. 1,182 of them got in (66%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
