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Welcome to AU

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Our students distinguish themselves for their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.

At AU passion becomes action; students actively engage in the world around them; and the leaders of today train the leaders of tomorrow.

Where passion becomes action

2:23

 Learn what makes us who we are.

Our Story

See the best of AU at Preview Day

American University is a Methodist-affiliated institution chartered by Congress in 1893. An answer to George Washington's call to create a national university in the nation's capital, American University was designed to train public servants for the future, a vision it still holds to this day.

Story

Our Leaders

Alger

American University is led by Jonathan Alger, our 16th president. The University's governance is directed by the Board of Trustees and senior university administrators.

Leadership

Our Campus

See where AU is visiting around the globe

Strategically located in a beautiful residential district of Washington, DC, our campus—an accredited arboretum—combines the advantages of a traditional college setting with the energy, culture, and opportunities of a global capital city.

Campus

Our Organization

Facade of McKinley Building

Get to know our goals and initiatives and access important information about American University's organizational structure, strategic plan, budget, and policies.

Organization

Working@AU

Wellness activity during staff appreciation week

At American University, we share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work. Explore job opportunities with us and learn how you can become a part of our community.

Human Resources

More than 14,000

undergraduate, graduate, and law students

94 percent

Faculty Hold Highest Degrees in Their Fields

Fall 2023

Students from all 50

states + DC, and 124 countries