American University
- 4 Year
- WASHINGTON, DC
CollegeGrad School
American University Reviews
Rating 3.59 out of 5 2,532 reviews
American University has definitly been a great expeerince, especailly due to the fact that it's in Washington DC. I've been exposed to many new people and groups and especially love the area due to my major being international relations. I still have one more year here left and would love to see AU have more campus activites/oppurtunties
I am very surprised at how immersive the experience is so far. Although I'm taking courses online across the country, it's amazing how connected the tasks and assignments make me feel with my classmates. Everyone is very articulate in their responses, and they all seem very committed to success. On top of this, my professor is constantly checking in on how we are doing.
On paper, American seems to have wonderful support for students. In actuality, this was not the case at all. I tried many times to get support from on campus departments such as Dean of Students, student counseling services, Academic Support and Access Center. No one provided any support but rather just passed me on to the next service. My academic advisor was completely disconnected. In addition, the University Community is not very united with few organized events, not even on parents weekend. Overall, I was very disappointed with my investment in AU.
The school has a great atmosphere, additionally, with it being in D.C. its location is ideal for my career path in international development.
I value the small class sizes and good relationships with professors/other students. It is also very diverse, and sometimes the school can feel a little too politically active to the point that it is counterintuitive. I met a lot of great people and check out cute spots on campus with them-- but the campus is pretty small. AU is definitely not a traditional school as we are in the city and we do not have a football team (for instance), we are also not a big greek life or party school. This is more of an "explore the city and nightlife (clubs/bars)", type school.
The school is very liberal which came as a culture shock. It feels like if your opinion isn’t the majority however, like if you’ll be pushed away or ignored, however the campus and surrounding areas are extremely beautiful. The professors are also very devoted to teaching you and are there to provide assistance if ever needed. The school itself offers many student aid programs like 1-1 tutoring, people to help proof read your essays, and designated student hours by each school in the university for extra tutoring. Although we are very vocal about the things we don’t like of the school during events we will show our school pride if it’s against other schools. If it’s a school made event and students at the time are dissatisfied of something going on in campus at that moment the group will stand collectively as a whole. Very opening to clubs and although it’s not very big on it’s athletic teams a spirit to cheer for our fellow peers is always expressed.
American University was really great for any major involved in politics or international relations, but as a COM major, I felt like I was only learning about political communication. Additionally, I took a philosophy course that was connected to political science. As someone who knew they did not want to go into political science and that was not of interest to them, it was very hard to find classes and internships that did not have some political science focus. I was only there for one year, so I'm not sure if this would have changed moving forward. I loved the people there and had some very good professors, but ultimately I decided to transfer because I wanted to be IN a city, not NEAR one, and because I wasn't getting what I wanted out of the COM program.
AU is a place where everyone is free to be themselves. Yes, it is true that it is ranked as one of the most liberal schools in America--however, this doesn't mean that professors and the student body try to force agendas down your throat. It's liberal in the way that everyone is accepted just as they are, regardless of their immigrant status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, etc. AU's culture is truly about facilitating an environment for learning that is positive and safe for all. Regarding classes, AU's focus is not on assigning homework just to assign homework. My professors so far have all taken great care to make sure that our course work is relevant and helpful. I really enjoy AU, despite many misconceptions about the political atmosphere and study body. I would recommend AU to anyone who enjoys a positive, academically rigorous, and diverse campus.
If you are interested in international relations, political science, public affairs, etc. I think American is a great school to study these topics. The campus is really nice. It's in a nice area of D.C. and you definitely get a campus vibe when you are there. It's not a big campus which I enjoyed, yet it was big enough that I never felt too cramped on campus. In terms of change, I think the biggest issue would be the administration. When I went to AU, the administration was a bit new, and I think they were figuring a lot of stuff out.
Beautiful campus, great research opportunities, wonderful classes, incredible student:teacher ratio. What more could you want?
My overall experience with American University so far has been great. I love that the school is on the smaller side as it allows me to get to know more people, and I recognize a lot of the students that I pass every day. Along with this, being in Washington D.C. as a college student is so much fun, I am able to ride the Metro and visit all the Smithsonians, monuments, and enjoy all the green spaces that D.C. has to offer. The school is small, and everything is easily walkable. There are lots of fun classes that are offered, and the school is an arboretum, which makes the walks so much more enjoyable.
The professors typically care a lot about making sure you learn and succeed. The school community is definitely unique and odd at times, but it can be an enriching environment.
overall, its been great - good professors, nice campus, good social and athletic opportunities. my main concern/complaint is cost of tuition, housing and food
Academics were enriching, but social life/opportunities to become involved in campus organizations were lacking. This university is a good place to study, but that's pretty much it.
great resources and experience within Washington DC, especially for my major. Quite expensive but the campus and resources are beautiful.
I absolutely love American, the first year advisors are not the best but other than that the school is amazing. I love the programs and most of the teachers are incredibly helpful
American University in Washington, D.C. has a special place in my heart since it provides a transforming and meaningful academic experience. I was attracted by its dynamic environment and feeling of community the moment I arrived upon its lovely campus. Faculty members are not only extremely qualified in their professions, but they are also sincerely invested in the success of their students, offering important assistance and mentorship.
American University is a great school, has a great program, and amazing professors who really care about their students success.
It is a great university!! First ranked nationwide on human rights programs for law students!.
There is so much diversity and great academic reputation
There is so much diversity and great academic reputation
It was a very formative experience in which I have learned what I need to take on the business world.