Overview
Founded in 1896, American University Washington College of Law was established by two women, Ellen Spencer Mussey and Emma Gillett, at a time when women were largely barred from legal education, making it one of the first law schools founded by women and one of the earliest to admit women on equal footing with men. Located in Washington, D.C., the school has built a strong national reputation in international law, human rights, and clinical legal education, consistently ranking among the top programs for international law in the country. Its proximity to federal courts, government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs gives students unparalleled access to internships, externships, and career-building opportunities.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Washington, District of Columbia |
| Founded | 1896 |
| Total students | 1,800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 8:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 38% |
| Graduation rate | 92% |
| Average starting salary | $75,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Room & board | $18,500 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.55 |
| Regular deadline | March 1 |
Top Programs
- International Law
- Human Rights Law
- Clinical Legal Education
- Intellectual Property Law
- Trial Advocacy
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.