Bachelor of Arts [B.A] [Jewish Studies] From American University

American University’s Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies is a 4-year undergraduate degree in Washington, DC offered to international students. The program combines academic rigor with Hebrew language study and Jewish civilization courses. Total cost of attendance runs approximately US$89,550 per year (INR 74.73 Lakhs). Students apply year-round with deadlines in November and January for Fall intake. Competitive GPA is 3.6–4.06; English proficiency (TOEFL 85–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.0) is required. Over 86% of graduates secure internships in DC’s 3,000+ annual opportunities.

The program stands out for its integration of Hebrew language, biblical and medieval Jewish history, and contemporary Jewish thought. American University’s School of Arts and Sciences brings real-world practitioner professors into the classroom. Ideal applicants are intellectually curious students who want to combine liberal arts breadth with deep Jewish studies focus, supported by DC’s proximity to policy institutions, nonprofits, and the Israeli embassy. The degree qualifies graduates for roles in international relations, nonprofit leadership, education, and professional research.

• Hebrew language requirement; students progress from Elementary through Intermediate levels as part of major.
• Small class sizes (12–25 students) with faculty who are active scholars and published authors in Jewish studies.
• 4-year degree with three semesters of on-campus study; internship semester flexibility through DC location.

Also Check: American University Admission Requirements

American University Bachelor of Arts Fees and Living Costs 2026

American University charges separate tuition and mandatory fees for undergraduate students. Tuition is flat-rate per semester regardless of credit hours taken (12–17 credits). Mandatory fees include activity, technology, health services, Metro U-Pass, and books. New international students pay orientation fees only in the first semester.

Mandatory fees cover student activity programs, support services, technology infrastructure, and the Metro U-Pass (unlimited public transit in DC metro area). This transit benefit is essential; using Metro alone saves US$1,400+ annually versus car ownership or rideshare.

• Activity fee covers gym access, student clubs, events, and recreation facilities on campus.
• Health services fee includes counseling, medical clinic visits, and preventive health screenings.
• Books and materials fee covers digital course materials and university library electronic subscriptions.
• Orientation fee (US$250) applies only to new and transfer students in their first semester.

Cost of Living in Washington, DC for Jewish Studies Students

Cost Reality: Total four-year cost (tuition, fees, housing, meals, insurance) approximately US$358,200 (INR 2.99 Crore). This places American University in the mid-to-premium range for US liberal arts universities.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 83.50 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify current rates at xe.com before committing funds.

Read More: Cost of Living for Indian Students in the USA

American University Bachelor of Arts Admission

American University reviews international applicants holistically. There is no formal minimum GPA requirement, but admitted students typically hold a 3.6–4.06 unweighted GPA. The university is test-optional; however, submitting standardized test scores strengthens the application, especially for international students without US secondary schooling.

American University does not mandate standardized tests. Roughly 42% of admitted students did not submit SAT or ACT scores. However, international applicants from India strengthen their profile by submitting scores if their school administered the tests.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Students

All international students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency via one of the tests below. American University requires an overall score; individual component breakdowns are not published as minimums, but students should aim for balanced performance across all sections.

• TOEFL is the most recognized test for US F-1 visa applications; aim for 95+ if possible.
• IELTS 7.0 is a safe target for Indian applicants; section scores of 6.5+ in each band demonstrates balanced proficiency.
• Duolingo is the fastest and cheapest option (US$49); results are available within 48 hours and are accepted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for F-1 visa purposes.
• PTE and Cambridge are less common but valid; prepare 4–6 weeks if choosing these paths.

Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL iBT or Duolingo are recommended. TOEFL prep typically requires 6–8 weeks and costs INR 20,000–40,000 for coaching. Aim to complete the test by October 2025 for the January 2026 application deadline.

American University’s overall ranking (ranked #57 nationally by US News, #52 by Forbes) reflects strength across engineering, international relations, and arts disciplines. The Jewish Studies program itself is not subject-ranked by QS, THE, or FT, but benefits from the university’s strong liberal arts framework and renowned faculty in religious studies.

American University Bachelor of Arts Application

American University offers three decision pathways for Fall 2026 entry. Early Decision is binding (student commits to enroll if admitted); Early Action and Regular Decision are non-binding. Spring 2027 intake is available with a September 1 deadline for international students. All applications are submitted via the Common Application.

• Early Decision is binding; apply only if you have confirmed US$83,680 in liquid assets and are certain about AU.
• Regular Decision (January 15) is recommended for international students; provides time for test score receipt and financial verification.
• Spring intake is available but on rolling basis; applications submitted after October 1 may face capacity limits.

Application Tip: Submit by early January 2026 even if targeting the January 15 deadline. WES transcript evaluation takes 3–4 weeks; plan backwards from the deadline.

Check Out: Complete American University Application Guide for International Students

American University Bachelor of Arts Scholarships

American University awards merit scholarships to international students based on academic achievement, English proficiency, leadership, and community service. Scholarships range from US$8,000 to US$25,000 per year (INR 6.68 to INR 20.88 Lakhs annually) and are renewable for all four years if the student maintains a minimum GPA (typically 3.0). No separate scholarship application is required; all students are considered automatically upon submission of the admissions application.

The university does NOT offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, the highly competitive AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) awards one international student per year with full coverage of tuition, fees, housing, and board (approximately US$89,550 per year or INR 74.73 Lakhs). This scholarship is renewable for four years. The selection process is highly competitive; approximately 100 applications are reviewed, and 5 finalists are selected for Zoom interviews with the selection committee.

• Merit scholarships are awarded at admission; no additional scholarships are available after enrollment begins.
• Average merit award for international students: US$15,000 (INR 12.53 Lakhs) per year; this reduces annual cost to approximately US$74,550 (INR 62.24 Lakhs).
• Financial capacity: All international students must demonstrate US$83,680 (INR 69.89 Lakhs) in liquid assets even if a scholarship is expected. This is a requirement for F-1 visa issuance.

Scholarship Reality: Very few international students receive scholarships above US$20,000. Budget for the full cost and view scholarships as additional relief, not the primary funding source.

Also Check: American University Financial Aid and Scholarship Options

American University Bachelor of Arts Salary and Placements

American University reports that 90% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. The class of 2023 had an average salary of US$65,909 (INR 55.03 Lakhs) gross per year. However, salary varies significantly by major and role; liberal arts graduates earn less than computer science, finance, or international affairs majors.

Source: American University Career Outcomes Report, Class of 2023.

Jewish Studies graduates most commonly enter nonprofit leadership, education, research, interfaith dialogue roles, and Jewish communal administration. Many pursue graduate degrees (Master’s in International Relations, Law, or Social Work) within 1–2 years of graduation. Gross salaries in nonprofit roles start at US$38,000 to US$45,000 (INR 31.73–INR 37.58 Lakhs). Take-home pay after federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withholding is approximately 75–80% of gross salary, or US$28,500–US$36,000 (INR 23.80–INR 30.06 Lakhs) annually for entry-level nonprofit positions.

• 86% of AU undergraduates complete at least one internship before graduation.
• DC location provides 3,000+ annual internship opportunities across government, nonprofits, think tanks, and international organizations.
• New internship stipend: US$4,500 per semester (INR 3.76 Lakhs) available to all students from second year onward, reducing financial burden of unpaid internships.
• Alumni network exceeds 145,000; DC concentration is strongest for nonprofit, government, and international careers.

ROI Reality: A Jewish Studies degree from AU costs INR 2.99 Crore over four years. Starting nonprofit salary (after tax) of INR 30 Lakhs means payback period is approximately 10 years before degree cost is fully amortized. Value increases if you progress to leadership roles or pursue graduate education with employer sponsorship.

Read More: American University Graduate Outcomes and Career Success Data

USA Student Visa and Work Authorization

American University actively supports international student F-1 visa applications through its dedicated International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office. The F-1 visa allows full-time study and on-campus employment up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Critically, F-1 visa holders are eligible to remain in the United States for one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization after graduation.

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) duration: 1 year standard; 3 years for STEM-designated majors (Jewish Studies is not STEM).
• Post-study work permit: F-1 OPT is employer-sponsored; students are not placed in jobs automatically but are authorized to work legally for qualifying employers.
• H-1B visa sponsorship: US employers in DC and nationwide sponsor H-1B visas for international professionals; visa lottery process occurs annually (approximately 65,000 slots distributed among 200,000+ applications). Graduates have three attempts to win an H-1B slot.
• Green card and permanent residency: Possible but requires employer sponsorship and can take 5–10+ years due to visa number constraints. Students should not rely on green card eligibility as a primary pathway.

Visa Reality: F-1 OPT provides 1 year of legal work authorization after graduation. Most graduates secure H-1B sponsorship during OPT or shortly after. However, H-1B visa cap means lottery odds are low (roughly 30% annually). Plan for OPT in the United States or potential return to India if H-1B is not secured.

Check Out: US Student Visa Guide and Work Authorization for Indian Students