American University ranked No. 91 in National Universities in the 2025 U.S News and World Report College rankings – up 14 spots from its 2024 ranking of No. 105.
A post on AU’s Instagram account said that the upward move was “the 3rd largest rise among institutions in the Top 100.” The University is ranked No. 47 in Private Universities for 2025.
AU is ranked at No. 4 in Study Abroad, a two-spot drop from last year. It also saw a drop from No. 14 to No. 33 in First-Year Experiences, and a one spot drop in its International Business Ranking to No. 8.
The University rose in the rankings by three spots in Co-Ops and Internships to No. 19, along with a 12 spot increase in the Most Innovative Schools category to No. 38. AU’s undergraduate teaching ranking also saw a five spot increase to No. 26.
The largest increase was in its Top Performers in Social Mobility ranking, which rose 132 spots to No. 102. Other moves include an 18 spot increase in Creative Projects and Undergraduate Research, a five spot increase in its Economics program to No. 83 and a 12 spot increase in its Best Colleges For Veterans Ranking to No. 57. The University also rose in Best Value Schools, from No. 120 to No. 114.
AU’s neighboring schools in D.C., George Washington University and Georgetown University, rank at No. 63 and No. 24, respectively, in National Universities. GW rose by four spots compared to last year’s report, while Georgetown fell two spots.
The University’s 14-spot rise this year did not completely undo its 33-spot drop from No. 72 in the 2023 rankings to its 2024 ranking at No. 105, which prompted a statement from then-president Sylvia Burwell.
The University is tied with multiple other institutions at No. 91, including the University of South Florida, Fordham University and Baylor University.
This article was edited by Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks.
