Contact Us
AU Parents and Family Guide: Academic and Career Support
How will your student be supported at American University and prepared for life—and success—after graduation? It’s the question (or answer) every parent wants to know as they guide their student through applying to and enrolling in college.
With the launch of our new strategic plan, Meet Our Moment, AU prioritizes supporting and preparing students for lives of achievement and meaning.

What career services and resources are available for AU students?
The AU Career Center is integral to every Eagle’s experience at American University. Structured career preparation starts from day one, including professionalization courses, advising, and integrated support that connects academics to jobs and networks. But we’ve also taken it to the next level: A new initiative at American University, spotlighted by NBC Washington, will provide every undergraduate student $4,500 to participate in an internship, helping offset living costs while gaining vital career experience before graduation.
Additionally, AU maintains more than 300 partnerships with organizations, governments, and institutions across the region, creating pipelines to internships, research, and first jobs. Every student has access to global learning opportunities that build cultural fluency and strengthen career options in a global job market.
The results speak for themselves: 91 percent of recent AU grads are working in their field, in grad school, or both within six months of graduation, with plans to raise that to 97 percent by 2030.
What academic support services are available for AU students?
The Academic Support and Access Center (ASAC) at American University supports the academic development and educational goals of all AU students and is committed to promoting access for individuals with disabilities within the university's community. From testing accommodations and assistive technology to learning support specialists and services for students with disabilities, accessibility is foundational to our student-centered strategy.
Our Eagle Learning Center (ELC)—AU’s hub for academic growth, collaboration, and student success—offers a range of free services for students, including the Writing Center, Academic Coaching, Supplemental Instruction, Peer-Assisted Student Support (PASS Program), the Quantitative Support Lab, and group programs like Accountability Groups and learning strategies workshops. Whether your student wants to strengthen their study habits, get support in a challenging class, or develop new academic skills, the ELC provides the resources, guidance, and community to help them soar.
The University Library at AU empowers students to enhance their knowledge and learning with a robust collection of physical and digital materials. The library is also home to the Digital Research and Inquiry Lab, where researchers can utilize comprehensive digital technologies in support of scholarship.
How do professors support AU students?
Small classes and a scholar-teacher model mean AU students help directly drive R1-level research that leads to innovations, internships, and publications. Faculty and students work side by side to tackle urgent issues—from democracy and AI to climate, health, and culture—and move ideas into action.
And if your student needs help or is struggling with a class? AU professors are dedicated to working closely with your student, helping them identify academic and professional opportunities, facilitate connections, and achieve their goals through mentorship and shared expertise.
At American University, we provide support and structures so students can navigate college and careers in ways that work for them—and evolve with them.
