American University
American University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C., chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893. Its 90-acre campus in the Spring Valley/Tenleytown area sits close to the heart of the federal government, giving students across all six of AU’s undergraduate schools direct access to policy institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and the broader D.C. professional ecosystem. AU is known for a politically and civically engaged student body, with strong programs spanning international relations, public affairs, communication, and business — and its location is consistently cited as one of its biggest career-development advantages, giving students access to internships, research, and real-world experience beyond the classroom.
Kogod School of Business — Undergraduate Program
Climbing rankings, DC location advantage
Kogod jumped 17 spots in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Undergraduate Business Programs ranking, landing at No. 77 nationally — a significant year-over-year improvement the school attributes to a reimagined curriculum and stronger focus on career readiness. Kogod’s campus location gives students the same DC access advantage as the broader university, layered with business-specific programming.
A curriculum built around real client work
Kogod’s capstone experience is a defining feature: rather than a simulated business problem, students work directly with an actual company in a consulting-style engagement — tackling real challenges across marketing, accounting, IT, and logistics under real deadlines. Students describe it as some of the most hands-on learning in the entire program.
Pro bono consulting built into the undergraduate experience
Beyond the capstone, Kogod undergrads can take part in pro bono consulting work, partnering directly with small or mid-sized companies over a three-month engagement to address a real business need — giving students genuine client-facing consulting reps before they ever enter the job market.
Applied learning beyond the classroom
The Kogod Co-Op links students to a 6–12 month paid internship with a university-approved employer, letting students apply classroom learning directly in a professional setting well before graduation.
Small classes, close faculty access
Kogod maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio across 90 full-time faculty, giving undergraduates close mentorship and direct access to practitioners actively working in their field.
Programs
Undergraduate majors include Business Analytics & AI, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Business, Language & Culture, and Business & Entertainment — with consulting listed among Kogod’s core areas of departmental strength, alongside entrepreneurship, international business, and public policy.
