Universities

The appeal of AU is simple and can be summed up in one word: Washington, D.C. Here, students will live on a beautiful campus in the heart of the capital with the convenience of the subway system. The school is only 1/3 smaller than George Washington University in the same area, and American University has an extremely friendly and lovable environment. Located just a few miles from where the country’s leaders make important national and international decisions, American University is the land of promise to train the next generation of talented reporters, diplomats, lobbyists and political leaders who will contribute to shaping the policy of the country and the world. AU’s strengths include the Arts, Sciences and Business. “American University is a diverse, dynamic, and vibrant environment that brings together some of the best academics, staff, scholars, and students in the world,” said one senior. Thanks to its exciting internship programs, convenient location, and international focus, AU continues to attract outstanding students from more than 135 countries and all 50 states. The 85-acre campus is located in northwest Washington, D.C., in a neighborhood called Tenleytown just minutes from downtown; a free shuttle bus takes students to nearby subway stations. The parking lot is surrounded by a mix of traditional and modern buildings, along with gardens. The campus courtyard has plenty of study space, and the entire campus is wireless. The Katzen Center for the Arts has studios, performing arts spaces, and galleries, and a new building is under construction that will house the School of International Service. All AU undergraduates must demonstrate proficiency in Writing and English, which can be achieved in two courses or by taking a test; for Math and Statistics, students can take a semester class or take a test. The general education program requires 30 credit hours in five areas: Creative Arts, Traditions that Shape the Western World, International and Multicultural Perspectives, Social Institutions and Behavior, and Natural Sciences. These requirements are typically completed within the first two years, allowing students to study abroad, intern, or work while studying in their third and fourth years—thanks in part to the school’s connections with more than 900 private, nonprofit, and government organizations. The school also leverages these connections to invest in its Washington course program, which attracts students from a wide range of majors. In the classroom, AU offers students cutting-edge programs in Political Science and Government, International Studies, Business, and Communications. An honors program for the top 15% of students offers small seminars, specialty areas in many courses, and a choice of dormitory floors, plus in-depth work placements in their majors and capstone experiences for senior year. Overall, students have the option of choosing from more than 70 programs and the opportunity to design their own major. The classes are “challenging but not too demanding,” said a senior majoring in Political Science. “The courses are demanding, but the professors are very helpful when students are struggling,” said a third-year majoring in International Studies. The average class size is 23 students and over 90% of professors hold the highest degrees and certifications in their fields. Students at AU are often described as “hip” and “different,” with “at parties, kids are more likely to talk about politics than just having a conversation,” a sophomore shared. AU boasts a diverse student population with students from every state in the country and more than 135 different countries around the world; only 14% of students are from the District of Columbia. African Americans make up 5% of the student body, Hispanics and Portuguese make up 5%, and Asian Americans also make up 5%. Unlike other schools where apathy is common, AU’s environment is dynamic, especially when it comes to politics—after all, this is Washington, D.C. “Everyone has an opinion on something,” said a junior. The cost of living at AU is generally high, but the school also offers hundreds of merit-based scholarships averaging $16,994 and more than 150 athletic scholarships each year. The majority of AU students, mostly freshmen and sophomores, choose to live on campus. “The dorms are cozy, well-kept, and clean,” said one political science major. “The south side is more active and noisy than the north side.” There are also newly built luxury apartments off campus for upperclassmen and a shuttle bus to and from school. Students say that living on campus is generally safe, thanks to the constant presence of police officers. Fun things to do at AU tend to revolve around on-campus activities like room parties and fraternity parties; 14% of men and 16% of women are involved in student organizations. There are plenty of restaurants and shops around campus, but you’ll need to venture further afield to enjoy the nightlife in Dupont Circle and Georgetown. AU’s campus is generally alcohol-free, and students take it pretty seriously. Luckily, there are plenty of other things to do on campus, and most of them are free—movies in the new art house, art galleries, pro football games, museums and monuments, and live music. “You can just hop on the subway and get anywhere in the city,” says one Communications major. Family Week brings games, races, and popular bands to campus each year, along with a Carnival in the courtyard. Homecoming and Builder Week are also popular. Annual field trips include Baltimore, Annapolis, Williamsburg, Richmond, the coastal city of Ocean City, and nearby theme parks. AU is a paradise for C-SPAN fans. But even if you’re not into the action, AU and Washington, D.C. are a great combination for a great college experience. The real-world opportunities here—from business to international studies—are diverse. AU’s small campus means students don’t feel out of place in the bustling city. “We’re at a small school that feels like we’re out of town, but the great things the capital has to offer are still within reach,” says a third-year student. Source: U.S. News, Fiske Guide