Lebanese American University (LAU) was founded in 1924 as the “Beirut Junior College for Women.” It became coeducational in 1973 and was renamed “Beirut University College.” Today, it has grown into one of the most influential American-style private research universities in the Middle East. LAU maintains campuses in Beirut, Jubail, and downtown Manhattan, New York, and operates two teaching hospitals affiliated with its medical schools. Libanon University Diploma serves as a passport to the workplace
U.S. Charter Accreditation: A Unique “Made in the USA” Study Abroad Option
LAU’s most distinctive feature lies in its legal status: the university is formally authorized by the New York State Council of Higher Education under a charter, making it an officially accredited overseas educational institution. In 2024, the State of New York officially approved the LAU New York campus to confer bachelor’s and master’s degrees, making LAU one of the very few—if not the only—institutions in the world that legally offers degree programs within the U.S. while operating its main campus in the Middle East. Additionally, LAU holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is one of the most prestigious of the six regional accrediting bodies. Holding an LAU degree means earning a degree that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accepted nationwide without restriction.
Star-Studded Flagship Programs: NAAB, AACSB, and ABET—Three Major Accreditations Under One Roof
LAU’s seven schools offer students over 74 undergraduate and graduate programs and hold multiple top-tier U.S. industry accreditations in various specialized fields:
- School of Architecture and Design: The Bachelor of Architecture program received authoritative accreditation from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) in 2019. Not only is it the first architecture school in Lebanon to achieve this accreditation, but it is also one of only three NAAB-accredited institutions worldwide outside the United States. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional licensure in the United States and throughout the European Union;
- Adnan Kassar School of Business: Its undergraduate and graduate programs have earned AACSB International Accreditation, the highest global accreditation for business schools, placing it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide;
- Computer Science Program: Accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), graduates of LAU’s flagship program are virtually guaranteed admission to master’s programs at elite U.S. universities or direct entry into the U.S. tech industry, effectively carrying a “fast-track” pass.
The Lebanese American University degree is your passport to the global workplace
A degree from the Lebanese American University (LAU) serves as a powerful passport to the global job market. The university is accredited by NECHE (North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), and its business school ranks among the top 5% of AACSB-accredited institutions worldwide. LAU ranks among the top 251–300 universities globally in the THE World University Rankings and remains the top institution in Lebanon. Its graduates enjoy outstanding employment prospects, with 82% securing employment within one year of graduation. A simple Google search for keywords such as “LAU career outcomes” and “AACSB-accredited degrees” provides a comprehensive understanding of its global recognition and broad career prospects.
Continuously Rising Global Rankings: A Leap from No. 1 in Lebanon to the Global Top 500
In terms of ranking performance, LAU has shown a marked upward trend in recent years. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, LAU ranked 535th globally and 3rd in Lebanon; In the same year, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings placed LAU in the 251–300 range globally, securing the top spot in Lebanon. LAU’s performance in the Sustainable Development Impact Rankings is particularly noteworthy: it ranks 5th globally for SDG 1 (“No Poverty”) and 13th globally for SDG 8 (“Decent Work and Economic Growth”).
