American University (AU) is a private research university based in Washington, District of Columbia. American University is a private research university in Washington, D.C., with distinctive strengths in international affairs, public policy, political science, law, communication, business, journalism, economics, data science, and interdisciplinary study shaped by the nation’s capital. The institution traces its development to 1893, and its present academic identity reflects a long pattern of growth rather than a single modern expansion. American University was chartered by Congress in 1893 after a campaign led by Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst. The university opened in 1914 as a graduate-centered institution and later added undergraduate study, public-administration training, the Washington Semester Program, law, business, international service, and a large portfolio of policy-oriented programs. Academically, AU supports a broad mix of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate, and interdisciplinary study. Representative undergraduate choices include International Studies B.A., Global International Relations B.A., Journalism B.A., Communication Studies B.A., CLEG B.A., Applied Mathematics B.S.. Graduate study includes options such as Business Administration M.B.A., Analytics M.S., International Affairs M.A., International Development M.A., Data Science M.S., while doctoral education extends into fields including International Relations Ph.D., Communication Ph.D., Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience Ph.D., Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences Ph.D.. Research includes international relations, public policy, political science, justice, law, communication, media, economics, business, data science, environmental studies, psychology, neuroscience, education, and social equity. Washington provides direct access to federal agencies, nonprofits, media, international organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups. AU’s main campus in northwest Washington places students near federal government, embassies, international organizations, policy institutes, media organizations, nonprofits, consulting firms, and corporate offices. Internships, public service, research, advocacy, and professional networking are central to many academic pathways. For current cost planning, For 2026–27, full-time undergraduate tuition for 12–17.99 credits is $31,340 per semester; enrollment at 18 credits is $33,428. Graduate tuition is generally $2,163 per credit, while Washington College of Law and other professional programs use separate schedules. These published amounts are planning figures and can change with residency, program, credit load, housing, insurance, or board action at American University. American University uses a test-optional undergraduate admissions process under all decision plans. Applicants may choose whether SAT or ACT scores are considered, and choosing not to submit scores does not reduce eligibility for university merit scholarships or Honors consideration. Washington, D.C. creates exceptional access to government, diplomacy, international development, law, policy, communications, journalism, consulting, finance, nonprofits, advocacy, research, and technology employers. Taken together, American University is best understood as an institution whose academic portfolio, research mission, student support, and regional setting are closely connected. AU also uses certificates, accelerated pathways, online options, and other nontraditional formats to extend selected academic areas beyond the standard four-year or graduate sequence.