The American University of Paris does more than only give a university education in American style in Paris. It is a private, self-governing liberal arts school in Paris, France. The American University of Paris, which opened in 1962, is one of the oldest American colleges in Europe and the first to open in France. It campus is made up of seven buildings and situated in Paris 7th arrondissement, on the Left Bank, near the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the River. The language of instruction at the school is English, but students must show they can speak French well before they can graduate. It has over 1,100 students from over 100 different countries, with a student-to-faculty ratio of thirteen to one. The university faculty members come from 21 different countries, with 71% having doctorates and over 70% speaking three or more languages.

United States has been approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The State Board of Education in Delaware recognizes the American University of Paris as a college in Delaware. It is a non-profit college that was started in Delaware. The Ministry of Higher Education in Norway and the Ministry of Higher Education in Turkey both accept degrees from the American University of Paris. Every year, the American University of Paris provides more than 4 million euros in financial aid. The American University of Paris gives out a number of merit-based scholarships, including one that only goes to students with an International Baccalaureate. Depending on their final grade, students could get 36% to 75% off of their tuition.

The American University of Paris also offers financial aid from the university that is based on both need and performance. Scholarships are automatically given, but students seeking financial help must apply individually. The total amount of financial assistance varies from 25% to 50%. A small number of prizes cover up to 100% of tuition. Through the Cultural Program, students can take part in cultural trips, study trips led by professors, and other events. These can be anywhere from one-day trips to month-long trips to places like London, Iceland, Rome, Fez, and Auroville, India. Students may apply for financial assistance for faculty-led study excursions via the Coup de Pouce fund.

The Quai d'Orsay Learning Commons is home to the American University of Paris library, which is open to all American University of Paris students, faculty, and staff. The library has approximately 41,000 volumes, over 545,000 electronic books, and 2,900 DVDs and videos, and students have access to other libraries across Paris. The American University of Paris library has electronic books, e-encyclopedias, e-journals, and full-text databases that can be used online. There are group study rooms and reading places, wireless Internet access, and power outlets for laptops and a flat-screen television. The staff of the library aids with research and gives information on extra resources in Paris.