American University is a private university based in Washington DC, USA. American University was established with the goal of preparing future public servants, a mission it continues to uphold. American University ranked #4 in Princeton Review’s list of Best 388 colleges. It is also the first university in the US to achieve carbon neutrality.
American University is among the top #601-800 global institutions by Times Higher Education and among #791-800 universities by the QS World University Rankings. The university comprises eight distinguished schools and colleges, attracting over 13,855 students from 124 nations. American University admissions are offered in 170+ programs
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American University World Rankings Trend
American University maintains its position among the top universities worldwide. The following table shows the trends in American University's rankings by various reputable ranking agencies:

Ranking agency | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings | #791-800 | #701-750 | #651-700 | #651-700 |
THE World University Rankings | #601-800 | #601-800 | #501-600 | #401-500 |
US News and World Report Best Global Universities | - | #590 | #653 | #699 |
American University Rankings: Arts & Humanities
The College of Arts & Sciences at American University offers a range of arts programs to its students. Here is how QS, THE ranking agencies rank American University based on its Arts & Humanities courses:

Ranking Agency | Subject | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS WUR by Subject | Arts and Humanities | #=367 | #350 | #451-500 | #401-450 |
THE World University Rankings | Arts and Humanities | #601+ | #501-600 | - | - |
American University Rankings: Social Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences, along with the School of Public Affairs, offers undergraduate, graduate, and various certificate courses. The table below indicates trends in rankings by various ranking agencies based on social sciences courses offered at American University:

Ranking Agency | Subject | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS WUR by Subject | Politics | #51-100 | #51-100 | #51-100 | #51-100 |
Social Sciences and Management | #=285 | #272 | #=334 | #=318 | |
Social Policy and Administration | #51-100 | #51-100 | #51-100 | #51-100 | |
THE World University Rankings | Social Sciences | #301-400 | #301-400 | #301-400 | #301-400 |
ARWU | Political Sciences | - | #51-75 | #51-75 | #51-75 |
Communication | - | #101-150 | #151-200 | #101-150 | |
Sociology | - | #101-150 | - | - | |
Public Administration | - | #9 | #15 | #19 |
American University Rankings: Business
Kogod School of Business of American University offers courses to both native and international students. The tabulated data below shows trends in rankings by various ranking agencies for the business courses offered at American University:

Ranking Agency | Subject | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS WUR by Subject | Business and Management Studies | #401-450 | #401-450 | #401-450 | #501-550 |
THE World University Rankings | Business | #401-500 | #401-500 | #501-600 | #401-500 |
ARWU | Business Administration | - | #301-400 | #301-400 | - |
Management | - | #301-400 | #301-400 | #401-500 |
American University Rankings: Law
Law courses at American University are provided through Washington College of Law. Here is how ranking agencies have rated American University based on its law courses:

Ranking Agency | Subject | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS WUR by Subject | Law & Legal Studies | #=85 | #98 | #101-150 | #101-150 |
THE World University Rankings | Law | #86 | #58 | #70 | #87 |
ARWU | Law | - | #76-100 | #76-100 | #51-75 |
American University Rankings: Economics
Here’s how some of the globally recognized ranking bodies have positioned American University’s Economic program over the last four years:

Ranking Agency | Subject | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS WUR by Subject | Economics | #301-350 | #301-350 | #301-350 | #301-400 |
THE World University Rankings | Economics | #401-500 | #401-500 | #501-600 | #401-500 |
ARWU | Economics | - | #201-300 | #201-30 | #151-200 |
American University Miscellaneous Rankings
Besides the academic rankings mentioned, the following miscellaneous rankings will help you assess the global reputation of American University and how the institution has excelled in various sectors of education:
Ranking Body | Parameter | Latest Ranking |
---|---|---|
QS WUR | Sustainability | #841-860 |
THE WUR | Impact Rankings | #401-600 |
US Ranking | #=138 | |
US News | National Universities Ranking | #105 |
Best Value School | #120 | |
Study Abroad | #2 | |
Most Innovative Schools | #46 | |
Service Learning | #19 | |
Co-ops/Internships | #21 | |
Undergraduate Research | #41 |
American University has been a top producer of Gilman Scholars among mid-sized institutions over the past 20 years. It has been ranked #9 for having the most politically active students by the Princeton Review, and #5 for having the most active student government. With its diverse range of courses, American University stands out as one of the best universities to gain admission to.
FAQs
Ques. What is the American University QS ranking?
Ans. According to QS World University Rankings, 2024, American University is ranked #791-800. Below mentioned are other rankings of American University by some reputed ranking agencies:
Ranking agency | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings | #791-800 | #701-750 | #651-700 | #651-700 |
THE World University Rankings | #601-800 | #601-800 | #501-600 | #401-500 |
US News and World Report Best Global Universities | - | #590 | #653 | #699 |
Ques. Are Law courses famous at American University?
Ans. Yes, According to QS WUR by Subject, 2024, American University's Law courses are ranked #=85. Law courses at American University are provided through Washington College of Law. Here is how ranking agencies have rated American University based on its law courses:
Ranking Agency | Subject | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
QS WUR by Subject | Law & Legal Studies | #=85 | #98 | #101-150 | #101-150 |
THE World University Rankings | Law | #86 | #58 | #70 | #87 |
ARWU | Law | - | #76-100 | #76-100 | #51-75 |
Ques. Is the quality of teaching at American University satisfactory?
Ans. Yes, teaching at American University is excellent. 94% of its faculty hold the highest degrees in their fields. Additionally, it scored 16.2 in academic reputation by QS WUR in 2024. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 15-21, every student receives individual attention from the faculty.
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