American University
What American University's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2025-26.
See your odds at American University →All 3 insights at American University PRO
Who says yesAmerican University
89% of students admitted to American University go elsewhere.
Only 11% of admits enroll, so American University admits far more students than it has seats.
Enroll11%
Go elsewhere89%
Source: American University's Common Data Set 2025-26
Test scoresAmerican University
At most 22% of American University's first-years sent an SAT or ACT.
16% sent an SAT and 6% an ACT (some sent both), so most enrolled without a score. SAT middle 50% among those who sent: 1320–1440.
Sent an SAT16%
Sent an ACT6%
Source: American University's Common Data Set 2025-26
WaitlistAmerican University
American University's waitlist works: 66% got in.
1,182 of 1,785 students who stayed on the list were admitted. Stay on it.
Admitted off the list66%
Not admitted34%
Source: American University's Common Data Set 2025-26
7 more things the data says PRO
- The admit rate has moved up steadily, from 36.1% in 2019-20 to 65.6% in 2025-26. If the trend holds, expect about 67.5% in 2026-27.
- 1,785 students stayed on the waitlist and 1,182 were admitted from it (66.2%).
- Only 16% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score, so its SAT range describes a minority of the class.
- Early Decision filled about 20% of the 2025-26 first-year class, more than 61% of similar colleges.
- After ED, 1,229 of 1,545 seats were left for 20,568 other applicants: about one seat for every 17.
- ED applicants were admitted at 81%, against 65.3% for everyone else: 1.2 times the rate.
- Applications rose 13% from 2019-20 to 2025-26 (18,545 to 20,960).
What students say PRO
From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.
- Of 38 admits who named a round, 26 applied Early Action, 10 Regular Decision and 2 Early Decision.
- About 15 admits had a clear Model UN, debate or politics focus, matching AU's international affairs and government majors.
- About 8 admits listed 10 or more AP or IB courses alongside their activities.
- Several admits showed interest in AU through a campus visit, open house, webinar or email contact.
- About 9 admits founded something: a nonprofit, club, scholarship fund, debate club or Model UN chapter.
- Students report AU weighs demonstrated interest heavily, and admits credited visits, interviews and follow-ups, even after an EA deferral.
- Merit awards of about $10k to $25k a year (Dean's or Presidential) were reported, sometimes arriving weeks after acceptance.
- Students report AU aid felt stingy for some, with packages far above the net price calculator and merit rarely negotiated.
Every number, year by year: American University on Open College Data. Something wrong? Suggest a correction.