Two distinct universities share a name, one in Washington and one in London.

History · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: American University in Washington, D.C., is a research powerhouse rooted in public service and Cold War history. Meanwhile, Richmond American University London offers a unique dual-degree model. Though they share a name, these institutions serve vastly different academic missions across two continents, shaping students through distinct global perspectives.

American University in Washington, D.C., was chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893, driven by Methodist bishop John Fletcher Hurst’s vision of an institution dedicated to public service and internationalism. While it began as a graduate-only school in 1914, it expanded to include undergraduates by 1925. Its campus history is complex; during World War I, the grounds were used for chemical weapons research, leading to a major cleanup of buried mustard-gas shells that continued into the 1990s and as recently as June 2024.

Today, the D.C. institution is classified as an R1 research university, home to over 13,000 students and notable programs in international relations and public affairs. It maintains strong ties to the federal government, serving as a top feeder school for the U.S. Department of State. Its recent $109 million investment in student facilities includes the Meltzer Center, a net-zero, LEED Platinum-certified building that produces all of its own annual energy needs.

Across the Atlantic, Richmond American University London, founded in 1972, offers a different experience. Located in Chiswick Park, it focuses on a liberal arts system with an average of 15 contact hours per week. The university distinguishes itself by allowing students to earn both a UK-accredited degree and a US college degree simultaneously. This international focus is further supported by study abroad opportunities in countries ranging from South Korea to Argentina, emphasizing a globalized approach to higher education.

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