American University

Analysis

American University is a registered charity in United States, based in Washington, DC. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in April 1935, 91 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education, which this site groups under education and training. The IRS classifies it as a school under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending June 2023, American University reported income of $933.9m and spending of $912.5m, spending 98% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income fell from $953.0m to $933.9m (-2.0%), an average of -0.5% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to June 2022, when income rose by 28%. Over the whole period it spent 90% of the income it received.

Among 66,972 United States charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, American University sits at the 100th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile, and in the 100th percentile within DC. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include University of Auckland ($927.5m), Nova Southeastern University Inc ($937.8m) and Step Up for Students - Florida Inc ($913.0m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 6.1% and program service revenue 85% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $9.5m (1.0% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $310.2m. It paid $419k in professional fundraising fees. At year end it held assets of $2.41bn against liabilities of $879.9m, net assets of $1.53bn. It reported 9,051 employees.