Rated nationally among the top-10 Schools of Public Affairs, American University is well positioned physically, academically, and professionally. Our prime Washington location places us in the midst of the most important political institutions of our day. Situated at the top of Embassy Row, AU not only offers all the amenities of an urban university, such as metro accessibility, cultural opportunities, and numerous housing options, but also provides the security and comfort of a campus community. While AU is among the oldest academic institutions in the city, the many updated facilities reflect its modern day presence and participation as a leader in the field of higher education.

AU's faculty are distinguished scholars and practitioners! We emphasize a balance between teaching and research, which you will benefit from as a student. Many of our faculty hold positions with leading associations in their respective fields and are often called upon for speaking engagements, both domestic and abroad. In addition, our faculty are commonly cited in research publications and in the news media, such as NPR, CSPAN, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, Newsweek, and USA Today.

Our personalized and intimate setting sets the stage for learning, debate, and growth. At AU, we are responsive to our students and it shows through our alumni support, the school-wide sense of community, and the mentoring and learning opportunities that take place both inside and outside the classroom.

Nationwide, AU is also the #4 producer of Presidential Management Fellows (PMF). Our Career Center provides all students with the added knowledge needed to compete in today’s employment market.

AU's professional positioning is evident from its distinguished alumni and friends of the school. With more than 5,000 graduate alumni from the School of Public Affairs, AU extends its reach into almost every professional domain. AU’s various advisory council members, trustees, alumni, and other friends are among today’s most influential leaders. We connect council members and alumni to students through numerous networking engagements, lecture series events, and mentoring opportunities. Furthermore, our Career Center builds upon the AU alumni network via the AU on-line community and multiple events during the year.

AU really does have it all!