Lebanese American University
The Lebanese American University (LAU) is a secular, private American institution of higher learning with a storied history of academic rigor and cultural impact. Established in 1924 as a post-secondary junior college, LAU has evolved over a century to become a premier destination for students seeking an American-style education in the heart of the Middle East. With a motto that inspires persistence—"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield"—the university maintains a global presence with campuses in Beirut, Byblos, and New York.
Chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education, LAU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university provides a comprehensive academic portfolio, offering 34 bachelor's degree programs, 26 master's degree programs, and professional degrees including Pharm.D. and M.D.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1924 (102 years ago).
- Campuses: Beirut, Byblos, and New York (degree-granting as of 2024).
- Endowment: $696.3 million (2025).
- Student Population: 9,084 students (Fall 2024), including 7,809 undergraduates.
- Accreditation: NECHE and various specialized program accreditations (AACSB, ABET, CCNE, etc.).
- Global Standing: Ranked #251–300 in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 World Rankings.
Campus Infrastructure and Medical Facilities
LAU operates two primary campuses in Lebanon. The Beirut campus serves as a central hub, while the Byblos campus, inaugurated in 1987, spans 31.76 hectares and hosts specialized programs in nursing, medicine, engineering, and pharmacy. Additionally, the university expanded its global footprint in March 2024 by converting its New York academic center into a degree-granting campus.
The university's commitment to healthcare is evidenced by its two teaching hospitals. The LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH) in Beirut, acquired in 2009, is home to Lebanon's only comprehensive stroke center. The LAU Medical Center-Saint John’s Hospital in Jounieh, opened in 2021, provides critical healthcare services to the Jounieh–Byblos region.
Academic Organization and Accreditations
LAU is organized into seven specialized schools that drive its research and teaching missions:
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Architecture and Design
- Adnan Kassar School of Business
- School of Engineering
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine
- Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing
- School of Pharmacy
To ensure global competitiveness, many of LAU's programs hold prestigious international accreditations. For instance, the business programs are accredited by AACSB, engineering programs by ABET, and nursing by CCNE. The Bachelor of Architecture is recognized as equivalent to the French Diplôme d’Etat d’Architecte (DEA).
Summary of Program Accreditations
| Accreditor | Accredited Programs |
|---|---|
| AACSB | Business Studies, Economics, MBA, MS in Data Analytics, and more |
| ABET | Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering; Computer Science |
| CCNE | BS in Nursing |
| ACCP | PharmD |
| NAAB | Bachelor of Architecture |
| NASAD | Studio Arts, Interior, Graphic, and Fashion Design; MA in Islamic Art |
Global Rankings and Recognition
LAU is consistently recognized as a leading institution both nationally and internationally. In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings, it placed in the #251–300 bracket, making it the 5th highest-ranked university in the Arab World. Nationally, it has held the #1 spot in both the ARWU (2024) and THE (2025) national rankings.
Subject-specific excellence is also prominent. The university's Finance program is ranked #151–200 by ARWU, and its Business and Economics programs are ranked #101–125 in the THE World University Rankings by Subject.
Student Life and Campus Resources
Student life at LAU is a blend of academic pursuit and extracurricular engagement. The university supports a vibrant arts scene with three theaters—the Gulbenkian and Irwin Hall in Beirut, and Selina Korban in Byblos—hosting student productions and an annual international theater festival.
Athletics are equally emphasized, with varsity teams competing in basketball, football, handball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, swimming, and rugby. Students also engage in governance through the Campus and University Student Councils.
Academic research is supported by a robust library system. The Riyad Nassar Library in Beirut houses over 419,000 print books and 725,000 e-books, featuring specialized collections in Islamic art, architecture, and women's studies. The Joseph G. Jabbra Library in Byblos provides modern study facilities and extensive records.
Social Impact: The Arab Institute for Women
Founded in 1973, the Arab Institute for Women (AiW)—formerly the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World—is a cornerstone of LAU's mission to promote gender equality. The institute focuses on five strategic pillars: education, research, development projects, outreach, and university engagement, aiming to empower women across the Arab world.
Notable Alumni and Leadership
Under the current leadership of President Chaouki Abdallah and Provost George Nasr, LAU continues to produce influential leaders. With over 54,000 alumni across 44 global chapters, the university's impact is seen in politics, arts, and science. Notable alumni include Joseph Aoun (Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces), Mona Hatoum (multimedia artist), and Salwa Nassar (nuclear physicist).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Lebanese American University campuses located?
LAU has two main campuses in Lebanon, located in Beirut and Byblos, as well as a degree-granting campus in New York City.
Is LAU an accredited institution?
Yes, LAU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.
What are the primary medical facilities operated by LAU?
LAU operates the LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital in Beirut, which features the only comprehensive stroke center in Lebanon, and the LAU Medical Center-Saint John’s Hospital in Jounieh.
How does LAU rank globally?
LAU is ranked #251–300 in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings and has been ranked #1 nationally in Lebanon by both ARWU and THE in recent years.
What is the purpose of the Arab Institute for Women?
Established in 1973, the Arab Institute for Women (AiW) works to promote women's empowerment and gender equality in the Arab world through research, education, and outreach.