American University

location_on United States school Private University

trophy #351 World Rank

public Verified Listing

About American University

American University is a private research institution located in Washington, D.C., offering a dynamic and diverse educational experience. Known for its commitment to public service, global education, and experiential learning, the university prepares students to become leaders in their fields.

10k+ Students

13:1 Student-Faculty Ratio

Yes STEM Available

Mixed Classification

location_city City, State & Campus Insights

Explore life, weather, culture, transit, and demographics around American University

groups 1. City Size & State Population

City Name

Washington, D.C.

City Area Size

177 sq km / 68 sq mi

City Population

705,000

State Population

705,000 (District of Columbia is not a state)

Density: 4,196 people per sq km / 10,870 people per sq mi

thermostat 2. Monthly Climate (Jan – Dec)

Jan

6°C

-2°C

43°F

Feb

8°C

-1°C

46°F

Mar

13°C

3°C

55°F

Apr

19°C

8°C

66°F

May

24°C

13°C

75°F

Jun

29°C

19°C

84°F

Jul

32°C

22°C

90°F

Aug

30°C

21°C

86°F

Sep

26°C

17°C

79°F

Oct

20°C

10°C

68°F

Nov

14°C

5°C

57°F

Dec

8°C

1°C

46°F

attractions 3. Top Places to Visit Nearby

National Mall

Landmark / Park

An open-air national park in downtown Washington, D.C., home to many iconic monuments and museums.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Museum

A world-renowned museum with a vast collection of natural history specimens and exhibits, part of the Smithsonian Institution.

Lincoln Memorial

Landmark

An iconic monument honoring the 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, offering stunning views of the Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument.

Georgetown

Historic District

A historic neighborhood known for its charming cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, diverse restaurants, and beautiful architecture.

restaurant 4. Top Local Foods & Cuisines

local_dining

Half-Smoke

A local sausage, spicier and coarser than a standard hot dog, often served with chili, mustard, and onions.

local_dining

Mambo Sauce

A sweet and tangy, ketchup-like sauce with a kick, popular in D.C. carry-out restaurants, especially with fried chicken and fries.

local_dining

Ethiopian Cuisine

D.C. has one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside of Ethiopia, leading to a vibrant scene of authentic and delicious Ethiopian restaurants.

diversity_3 5. Racial & Demographic Composition

Washington, D.C. is a highly diverse city with a significant African American population, alongside growing White, Hispanic, and Asian communities.

African American / Black 41.4%

Caucasian / White 41.3%

Hispanic / Latino 11.3%

Asian American 4.3%

Multiracial & Other 1.7%

workspace_premium 6. Notable University Alumni & Figures

person

Goldie Hawn

Actress

Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in numerous comedic and dramatic films.

person

Kerry Washington

Actress

Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and director, widely recognized for her role in the TV series 'Scandal'.

person

Alisyn Camerota

Journalist

Prominent broadcast journalist and anchor for CNN, known for her work on various news programs.

directions_bus 7. Transportation & Getting Around

Washington, D.C. boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city without a car. The region also has major airports and rail hubs.

Public Transit (Buses & Metro)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates Metrorail (subway) and Metrobus. The Metro is extensive, covering D.C. and parts of Maryland and Virginia, with fares based on distance and time of day. Buses provide comprehensive neighborhood coverage.

Walking & Cycling

D.C. is a highly walkable city, especially in its central areas and historic neighborhoods. It has an increasing network of bike lanes and Capital Bikeshare stations, making cycling a popular option. Walk Score: 77, Bike Score: 70.

Regional Rail & Airport

Amtrak provides intercity rail service from Union Station. The city is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for domestic flights, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for international and domestic, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

school 8. Education & Literacy Level

Literacy Rate

95%

Bachelor's Degree+

59.7%

Washington, D.C. has a highly educated population, with a significantly higher percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher compared to the national average. The city is a hub for research, policy, and higher education, attracting students and professionals globally. The presence of numerous universities and think tanks fosters a vibrant academic ecosystem.

trending_up 9. Main Source of Economy & Industries

The economy of Washington, D.C. is largely driven by the federal government, but also includes strong sectors in professional services, tourism, education, and technology. Its unique position as the nation's capital makes it a center for political and international affairs.