American University is a private, United Methodist-affiliated research university located on an 84-acre campus in Northwest Washington D.C., just down the road from Embassy Row within close proximity to all of downtown D.C.’s attractions. Home to some 7,900 undergraduates, AU offers its students the best of city and campus life with easy access to public transportation. The student body is known to be politically active and engaged, attracted by the school’s faculty and compelling programs in political science, communications, and international relations. Most students take full advantage of AU's proximity to D.C. securing incredible internships throughout their four years.
Visitor Information: Tour American University - ADMISSIONS WELCOME CENTER HOURS - Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Select Saturdays in the fall and spring: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Transportation: Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport—the airport most convenient to AU—is approximately 30 minutes from campus by cab. Dulles International Airport is approximately 45 minutes from campus, and Thurgood Marshall Baltimore/Washington International Airport is about one hour from AU. If you prefer to travel by train, Amtrak has regular service into downtown’s Union Station. Once in D.C., many families choose to travel to campus via the Metro (D.C.’s subway) a fast and inexpensive option. The closest Metro station to AU is the Tenleytown-AU stop on the Red line, then hop on the American University shuttle to campus.
Stay: Just a mile and a half from AU, the Kimpton Glover Park Hotel, is the most convenient option to campus, perched on a hill with scenic views of the National Mall and Potomac River. Also close to campus, The Marriot Wardman Inn in Northwest’s Woodley Park neighborhood is approximately 2.5 miles from the university. Many families like to stay in nearby Bethesda, Maryland just four miles from campus (and Metro accessible) at the Hilton Garden Inn or Hyatt Regency. Want to stay downtown? We love the small boutique Jefferson, with stellar service close to the White House and Logan Circle. In Georgetown, The Ritz Carlton has an ideal location on a quiet street right near the waterfront with a hip, industrial vibe. For more hotel listings by neighborhood, with offerings for discounted rates for AU families click here.
Coffee: In the School of International Service Building, Davenport Coffee Lounge, fondly called ‘The Dav,’ serves the best cappuccino on campus. An AU institution, you’ll see everyone from students to professors fueling up here, at work on their laptops or in animated conversations. There is also a Mudbox in the library and a Starbucks on campus in the Butler Pavilion Tunnel.
Breakfast: On campus for a quick bite, join the line of students ordering bagel sandwiches and fresh juices at Einstein Bros. Bagels at the Mary Graydon Center. In Tenleytown, Osman’s and Joe’s Steak ‘n Egg Kitchen, open 24/7 is a no-frills, bar stool only Diner; serving comfort food meals since the 30’s. (This is a late night haunt for students, especially on the weekends!) Staying in Woodley Park? Open City Diner is a neighborhood gem serving breakfast all day, though they do offer a full lunch and dinner menu. On a beautiful day the patio is a big draw.
Lunch: Right on campus, engage with students while getting well fed at The Terrace Dining Hall in the Mary Graydon Carter Building. Admission is $12.65 for all you can eat, a good deal for sure. In Tenleytown you can find any cuisine you’re in the mood for from pizza at Angelico’s to burgers at Burger Tap and Shake to Mexican at District Tacos, to Asian at the Satay Club or Seoul Spice, to Mediterranean at Cava. Beefsteak recently opened in Tenleytown, bringing José Andrés' vegetable-focused food to happy vegetarians and health-minded students. With two locations close to American, Wagshal’s, D.C.’s premier delicatessen, is beloved by both students and locals. You can create your own sandwich though we hear the brisket is a must order.
Dinner
Casual: Chef Geoff is close to campus, and the most popular spot students book when their parents are in town. With everything from burgers and pizzas to higher priced entrees like pecan crusted salmon or a NY strip everyone in your family will find something to indulge in. If you’re staying downtown, it’s not a far drive to All Purpose Pizza in Shaw, right by Logan Circle. Start off with some salumi and hot antipasti before moving on to one of the seasonally inspired pies. (This is where group sharing comes in handy!) Be sure to save room for dessert; imported from everyone’s favorite DC Bakery, Buttercream Bakeshop, just down the street. In the mood for something more exotic? Little Serow and Bad Saint are two of D.C.’s hottest restaurants, known for excellent Thai and Pilipino food respectively, but with a no reservations policy and epic lines you need to be determined. More than one Washingtonian steered us towards no-frills Baan Thai where Chef Jeeraporn Poksupthong, better known as P’Boom cooks authentic Thai authentic specialties—delicious, affordable and there’s no hassle to get a table.
A Step Up: Washington D.C. has shed its image as a stodgy steakhouse kind of town and is quickly becoming a foodie destination making reservations at popular places hard to come by. In nearby Van Ness, D.C.’s lauded Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Sfoglina Pasta House serves homemade pasta that has locals swooning. Rasika’s elevated Indian food makes it one of the city’s most popular tables. Le Diplomate in Logan Circle is a bustling brassiere with classic French fare. Jose Andres just may just be the restaurant king of the city, ask his legions of fans that equally praise Zaytinya and China Chilcano. We loved our meal of chef-driven small plates at The Dabney, where everything is cooked over an open-hearth fire, the star of the open kitchen.
Bethesda Bites: If you’re staying in Bethesda and tired after a long day touring you don’t need to venture into D.C. to have a great meal. Book a table at Woodmont Grill, Passion Fish, or Q by Peter Chang.
Local Attractions: Our nation’s capital is well worth visiting beyond the college tour. If it’s your first visit, try and take the time to see a few of the National Monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial. Tours of the Capitol are fascinating and need to be arranged in advance. You can’t possibly make it to all 19 Smithsonian Museums - it’s best to choose what you’re most interested in, most popular are the National Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History or the Museum of American History. The newest Smithsonian Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, located next to the Washington Monument is not to be missed. Opened in September 2016, visitors journey through 400 years of African American history, an emotional, moving and powerful experience. Extremely popular since day one, you must have a timed ticket to visit; free timed entry passes are released monthly, for more information click here.
— WHY CHOOSE AMERICAN U —
— Quotes From Campus —
“I chose AU because it offered me the perfect combination: a world-class education on a campus that felt like home, access to DC and all the opportunities the city provides, and a change of pace after years spent in a small town.”
“I chose AU because I wanted to be part of a larger campus community with my fellow students instead of just another number. I definitely found a home here where I can serve my community!”
“I decided on AU because of the type of Students who attend the university. Not only are we driven and passionate about our studies but we are all from so many different backgrounds and places. For example in my American Public Policy class last semester we had students from South Korea, Jamaica, Ireland, and New Zealand all in one room! I was able to learn a lot about how their systems of government work and help them to better understand the U.S. system!”
AMERICAN FAST FACTS
Established
1893
Mascot
Eagle
School Colors
Blue & Red
Acceptance Rate
26%
Common Application
Yes
Supplement Essays
Yes
Early Action/Decision
Early Decision 1 and 2
Type
Private
Size
Medium
Website
Region
Admissions Office
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8001
(p) (202) 885-6000
(f) (202) 885-6014
admissions@american.edu
Andrea Felder, Assistant Vice Provost, Undergraduate Admissions Office of Enrollment
Sports Divisions
NCAA Division I
Greek Life
Yes
Noteworthy Alumni
Goldie Hawn
Paul Ryan
Alisyn Camerota
SHOP
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Just toured the American U Campus? Are you a American U student, parent or Alumni? Fill out this 2 minute survey to supplement our Daytripper University Guide for American U!