Notes from Springboard Fellows: Thinking Outside the Box
Craig Carroll, a first-year Springboard Fellow at American University, started thinking about working for Hillel early in his college career.
Explore American University Hillel
AU Hillel is the vibrant hub of Jewish life on campus, engaging more than 1,600 students annually. There are countless ways to be involved with our inclusive, student-driven community. You might join us for regular social events, weekly Shabbat dinners, Jewish Learning Fellowships, or any number of other activities. The members of our community have many different interests and identities, and Hillel offers a web of affinity opportunities – from Mishelanu for Hebrew speakers to Musical Jews to our Jewish Diversity Initiative. Our signature First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) peer mentorship program supports new students during their transition to AU, helping them to thrive on campus. AU Hillel is preparing to move into our new home, the Trone Family Center for Jewish Life, in Spring 2027!Undergraduate Enrollment
1,450 Jewish Students (20.0%*)
7,266 Students
*Percent of population
7,266 Students
*Percent of population
Graduate Enrollment
1,000 Jewish Students (20.6%*)
4,845 Students
*Percent of population
4,845 Students
*Percent of population
Jewish Experience Through Hillel
- Served by Hillel Yes
- Religious Services Available Yes
- Hillel Rabbi/Senior Jewish Educator No
- Hillel Mental Health/Wellness Staff No
- Kosher Food Available Yes
- Birthright Israel Participation Yes
- Alt Break Participation No
- Israel Fellow Yes
- JLIC Educator No
Campus Climate for Jewish Students
- Hillel CCI Antisemitism Training Participant Yes
- Open Title VI Investigation No
- Anti-Israel Student Government or BDS Resolution Passed
Kosher Dining
The main campus dining hall features the Kosher Nook, where students can get hot kosher meals for lunch and dinner throughout the week. Kosher sandwiches, salads, and wraps are also available in all campus convenience stores. Hillel provides kosher Shabbat dinner and holiday meals at no cost to students.
Options: University meal plan-no extra cost
Religious Services
Student-led services are offered every Friday night, followed by a delicious (kosher) Shabbat dinner.
Frequency: Friday night only
Additional Campus Information
Visit University Website
- Jewish Studies Offered Yes
- Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major
- Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program
- Private/Public Private
- Acceptance Rate 62%
- U.S. Region Mid-Atlantic
- Commuter/Residential Residential
- Tuition In-State $60,270
- Tuition Out-of-State $60,270
- Out-of-State/Int’l 97% / 5%
- Greek Life Yes
Related News
Trips & Experiences
Events
New Student & Family Dessert Reception
Join us for a dessert reception welcoming you to AU and meet other new Jewish students, the Hillel staff, and some of our wonderful returning students. Family is welcome to attend.
Newish & Jewish
You've unpacked your room, and your parents have left; come for a chill night with friends, crafts, and snacks. Drop in any time from 8-9:30 p.m. ET.
Welcome Shabbat
Join us for the first Shabbat of the new school year, featuring dynamic student-led services and a delicious, free Shabbat dinner. Meet fellow Jewish students and/or to reconnect with old friends.
Havdalah & Night Monumenting
Join AU Hillel, your fellow first-year students, and your FYSH mentors for a classic DC activity: night monumenting. We'll meet on the steps of Kay for a quick Havdalah service together before hopping on the…
Welcome BBQ
Officially kick off the year with Hillel's annual welcome cookout. Stop by for kosher food, campus resources, friends, lawn games, and to see everything that Hillel has to offer.
Dyes & Dogs
Missing summer already? We got you. Come snuggle a therapy dog while your new tie-dye dries in the sun.
Taste of Israel
Grab your favorite Israeli snacks and drinks and check out all of the Israel programming the campus has to offer. Meet and mingle with student leaders, faculty, and staff to learn about opportunities for getting…
Welcome (Back) Shabbat
Join us for dynamic student-led services and a delicious, free Shabbat dinner. Meet fellow Jewish students and/or reconnect with old friends.
Apple Fest
Come for our third annual Apple Fest, celebrating the beginning of the Jewish calendar. Grab your apple nachos, reflect on your past year, and take a photo in our ball pit.
Related Scholarships
Check out some of the scholarships available for American University Jewish students.
American University
Stephen and Lynn Greenfield Family Scholarship
The scholarship provides support to an undergraduate student, in his or her sophomore year, enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences who has attained a minimum of a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and completed a minimum of 30 credits. Preference is given, when possible, to a student studying Education, Jewish Studies, or the Arts.
American University
Jerrold and Jane Goodman Judaic Studies Scholarship
The Jerrold and Jane Goodman Judaic Studies Scholarship is a current use scholarship established by Yablick Charities, Inc. and Jerrold and Jane Goodman. This scholarship is awarded to a student in the Jewish Studies Program.
American University
Everett and Marian Gordon Scholarship
This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to the most promising student planning a major in Jewish studies, with preference given to students without a background in Jewish studies. The scholarship may also be awarded to senior students for an outstanding thesis and may also cover related costs for selection and publication of said thesis.
The Hillel College Guide aims to provide you with a snapshot of each local Hillel’s makeup and offerings. We recognize that there may be more information you need in order to better understand the campus reality, particularly around issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you would like additional information about a given campus’ offerings or action steps in those areas, please reach out to us at [email protected].