Undergraduate academic requirements
- Completion of high school/ secondary education
Degree type
Bachelor's
Key facts
- Duration4 years
- Delivery methodOn campus
- PaceFull-time
- Annual tuition fee59,016USD
- Start dateJan, Sep
- QS Ranking#646
Program overview
What American University says about their program:
Philosophy is the passionate study of ideas, concepts, arguments, and ideologies. It is also a practice of critically attending to forms of experience, perspectives, and discourses that shape and express our lives. In this way, pursuing a degree in philosophy offers an opportunity to think differently and to think otherwise. The undergraduate program in philosophy at American University does this by exposing students to a wide variety of philosophical traditions and methods, while helping them to cultivate an attunement to issues of ethics and social justice. As such, our philosophy students grapple with the longstanding mysteries of knowledge and existence in the face of urgent political issues and the state of our world today, while also honing their thinking, writing and communication. Ultimately, the philosophy BA program helps students acquire useful skills for many trades and professions (former students have gone on to careers in academia, business, government, journalism, law, non-profit, public administration, etc.); but above all, it nurtures powers of the mind and heart for future changemakers.
Admission requirements
English proficiency
- English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
English proficiency waivers
- Four years of study (grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 or equivalent) in a U.S. institutionally accredited or IB, CXC, or UK curricula (inside or outside the U.S.), where English is the only medium of instruction AND no ESL courses have been taken;
- Four years of study (grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 or equivalent) in the selected English-speaking countries listed below or in the educational systems of these countries (regardless of location) where English is the only medium of instruction AND no ESL courses have been taken.
Selected English speaking countries include: U.S., UK and Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec), Singapore, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and these countries in the Caribbean (Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands)
Documents required
- Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree certificate or diploma
- Proof of English proficiency
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Finance proof
- Translations
- Credential evaluations
Required grades
- Holistic
Grade Point Average (GPA)
3.35
All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the for the latest information on required grades.
Additional requirements
Documents
- High school transcript(s)
- Secondary school report
Essays and statements
- Common Application essay
- AU supplemental short answer (optional)
Recommendations
- One teacher recommendation letter
- Additional teacher or counsellor recommendation letters (optional)
Selection
- Special Academic Programme application(s), if applicable (optional; due December 1)
Tests and examinations
- SAT and/or ACT scores (optional)
- International applicants graduating from high school outside the US are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores
Experience
- Extracurricular activities, leadership, community involvement and other achievements included in the Common Application
- Resume or additional information (optional)
How to apply
Common App
Mixed deadline
Scholarships at American University
A highly selective scholarship for international students who need a non-immigrant visa, preferably F-1 or J-1. It covers all billable AU expenses, including full tuition, room, and board, but excludes non-billable costs such as insurance, books, travel, taxes, and miscellaneous expenses.
Partial merit scholarships for first-year international applicants. Awards are competitive and based on academic achievement, English communication skills, leadership, volunteerism, and community service. International applicants are considered through the admissions process.
All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.
Fees
For 2026–27, undergraduate tuition is estimated at $62,680 for the academic year, with mandatory fees of approximately $1,700. The estimated total cost for international students, including tuition, accommodation, food, books, health insurance and personal expenses, is approximately $89,826 for nine months. International students must demonstrate sufficient funding for their studies and living costs. Merit-based awards, including the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, may be available, but funding is competitive and may not cover the full cost of attendance.
What is the cost of living near American University?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $2,369 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $1,820 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $130 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $68 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $80 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $115 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $267 |
| Books and study supplies (monthly) | $100 |
| Coffee shop drink | $6 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $17 |
| Gym membership | $113 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and american.edu (University published).
Visa requirements for American University
Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at American University.