American University (
AU or
American) is a
private research university in
Washington, D.C., United States, affiliated with the
United Methodist Church, although the university's curriculum is secular. The university was chartered by an
Act of Congress on February 24, 1893 as "The American University," when the bill was approved by President
Benjamin Harrison. As of 2016, roughly 7,710
undergraduate students and 5,230
graduate students are currently enrolled. AU is a member of the
Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. A member of the Division I
Patriot League, its sports teams compete as the
American University Eagles.