Explore American University Hillel

American University Hillel serves one of the largest Jewish populations of any private university in the nation. We offer a diverse range of exciting programs that meet the social, cultural, religious, and educational needs of our vibrant and diverse community. We seek to engage every Jewish student, from those with strong Jewish backgrounds to those with none at all. Hillel helps students to explore and express their Jewish identities in ways that are personally meaningful to them, creating numerous entry points to Jewish life on campus and engaging students in Jewish life on their terms.

Undergraduate Enrollment

1,600 Jewish Students (19.6%*)
8,158 Students
*Percent of population

Graduate Enrollment

1,000 Jewish Students (15.7%*)
6,389 Students
*Percent of population

Jewish Experience

  • Served by Hillel Yes
  • Religious Services Available Yes
  • Rabbi/Jewish Educator on Campus No
  • Kosher Food Available Yes
  • Birthright Israel Participation Yes
  • Alt Break Participation No
  • Jewish Studies Offered Yes
  • Jewish Studies Major or Minor Minor, Major
  • Study Abroad in Israel University sponsored program
  • Israel Fellow No

Kosher Dining

Hillel offers a free, kosher Shabbat dinner each Friday night, as well as meals for a range of Jewish holidays. Pre-prepared kosher meals are available daily in AU's Terrace Dining Room, and kosher boxed meals are available daily at the POD convenience stores on campus. Hillel hosts Passover seders and partners with the university dining office to provide kosher for Passover meals in a special section of the Terrace Dining Room throughout Passover. Hillel also has a controlled-access kosher kitchen in the McDowell Residence Hall, which is used for a variety of programs.

Options: Meals available on shabbat/holidays only;Kosher food available nearby

Religious Services

Student-led services are offered every Friday night, followed by a delicious (kosher) Shabbat dinner.

Frequency: Contact this hillel

Additional Campus Information

  • Private/Public Private
  • Acceptance Rate 36%
  • U.S. Region Mid-Atlantic
  • Commuter/Residential Residential
  • Tuition In-State $53,070
  • Tuition Out-of-State $53,070
  • Out-of-State/Int’l 88% / 10%
  • Greek Life Yes

Related Scholarships

Check out some of the scholarships available for American University Jewish undergraduate students.

American University

Judaic Arts and Studies Scholarship

The Judaic Arts and Studies Scholarship is a $2,000 award for students enrolled in the Jewish Studies Program. This scholarship is to be used for developing Jewish scholarship and study by providing books and media materials.

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].

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Contact Information

4400 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Kay Spiritual Life Center
Washington DC 20016 US
Get Directions

202-885-3322
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