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About Lebanese American University

about lau

Innovative Education With a Global Perspective

Lebanese American University empowers students to find their path to success through a commitment to academic excellence. Our distinguished faculty and diverse student population create a competitive and caring community that crosses borders and spans the world. With campuses in Beirut and Byblos, Lebanon, and an academic center in New York City, we are a globally recognized university where East meets West and cultural openness is valued.

The University is uniquely positioned as a hub for both culture and innovation, which empowers our commitment to provide unmatched educational opportunities for all students. Our online programs deliver the flexibility and rigorous learning experiences professionals need to advance their careers. We offer personal support and dynamic, innovative education for success in our interconnected world.

woman with laptop at park bench

Why Choose Lebanese American University?

Career Preparation
78% of graduates find employment within a year of degree completion.

Modern Curriculum
We use innovative instructional methods and industry-informed coursework to provide exceptional learning opportunities.

Distinguished Faculty
Our faculty bring valuable expertise and relevant, real-world experience to the online classroom.

Globally Diverse Community
We are committed to creating a diverse and culturally rich community that provides accessible education for all.

Accreditation

AACSB

Adnan Kassar School of Business

The Adnan Kassar School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction attained by only 5% of business schools worldwide. 

NECHE

Institutional Accreditation

Lebanese American University (LAU) operates under an absolute charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 

School & Program Accreditation

Online degrees are registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and awarded by the LAU New York Debbane Campus, USA branch campus (LAU-NYC). LAU-NYC is part of the Lebanese American University, a degree-granting institution chartered by the New York Board of Regents and institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Recognition & Document Authentication

Graduates of an LAU-NYC online program may obtain a U.S. Apostille for their diplomas and other official academic documents for use in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. For use in countries that are not parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, graduates may follow the authentication and consular legalization procedures required by the destination country.

The recognition of online degrees is determined by the laws and regulations of each country. Our team is available to advise prospective students regarding country-specific recognition requirements and to guide graduates through the document authentication process. However, LAU cannot provide legal advice whether a country will recognize LAU. Further, the laws of countries related to degree recognition are subject to change and LAU has no responsibility to update students and provides no guarantees or assurances that an LAU-NYC degree will be recognized by a country other than the United States.

A Reputation for Outstanding Education

The Lebanese American University delivers high-quality education recognized for excellence by numerous organizations, including:

THE World University Rankings 20261 Top 10 in the Arab World Top 251-300 Globally

THE World University Rankings2 #1 for International Outlook, Lebanon

THE World University Rankings 20263 #150 in the World

QS Arab Region University Rankings 20264 Top 25 in the Arab region

QS Rankings Higher Education Digest5 #1 Prominent Business School – Adnan Kassar School of Business

Shanghai Academic Rankings of World Universities 20266 #1 in the region

Fast Facts

  • Founded in 1924 
  • 54,700+ alumni worldwide7
  • A nonprofit university 
  • Multiple start dates each year 
  • 78% of graduates find employment within one year of program completion*
  • Students of 78 nationalities7

Our Mission

Lebanese American University is committed to academic excellence, student-centeredness, civic engagement, the advancement of scholarship, the education of the whole person, and the formation of leaders in a diverse world.

Our Vision

The vision for Lebanese American University will be carried out through:

  • Providing access to superior education for diverse undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners;
  • Attracting and retaining distinguished faculty who excel in teaching, research, and community service;
  • Enrolling and retaining academically qualified and diverse students;
  • Embracing liberal arts in all curricula;
  • Creating opportunities for rigorous research and the dissemination of knowledge;
  • Developing a close-knit community that excels academically, is intellectually stimulating, and is religiously, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse;
  • Attracting and retaining a highly qualified staff committed to excellence in service.

Our Values: Success, Innovation, Community Service

In both planning for its future and conducting ongoing daily activities, Lebanese American University seeks to act in a manner that is guided by a deep-rooted sense of shared ethical values and aspirations.

Built upon this foundation, the University:

Draws its fundamental inspiration from the devotion of its Presbyterian Founders to always seek the Truth, respect human dignity, promote gender equality, and be inclusive;

Provides educational opportunities as one university with multiple campuses, each with distinctive gifts and attributes;

Commits to academic and service excellence throughout the institution;

Demonstrates dignity and respect for and from the Board, faculty, staff, and students in word and in deed;

Celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of all members of the Lebanese American University community;

Succeeds because its people take pride in ownership and are held accountable for their actions;

Works together as an extended family community that reflects the highest ethical and moral standards;

Enables individuals to find their own spiritual and personal fulfillment while remaining sensitive to the changing global village in which they live;

Promotes social connectedness of the students to the country of Lebanon and encourages their commitment to social justice and democracy.

students outside university by fountain

Our History

Lebanese American University was founded as a college for women in 1924. However, our origins can be traced back nearly a century further to the 1830s, when the first school for girls in the Ottoman empire was started by Presbyterian missionaries with the aim of providing education for all.

The University has evolved tremendously over the past 100 years and emerged today as the most innovative and progressive university in Lebanon.

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Looking to learn more? Our expert team is ready to answer any questions you may have.

Sources & Disclaimer

  1. Times Higher Education (THE). (2025). Arab University Rankings 2026. [online]. Retrieved July 2026, from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/
  2. Times Higher Education. “World University Rankings 2026 – International Outlook. Retrieved August 2026, from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/
  3. Lebanese American University | World University Rankings | THE. [online] Retrieved July 2026, from https://www.timeshighereducation.com/
  4. QS top universities (2026). Top Universities. [online] Top Universities. Retrieved July 2026, from https://www.topuniversities.com/
  5. QS Quacquarelli Symonds. “Global MBA Rankings – Lebanese American University.” Retrieved August 2026, from https://www.topuniversities.com/
  6. Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities. [online]. Retrieved July 2026, from https://www.shanghairanking.com/
  7. Lebanese American University 2026. https://www.lau.edu.lb/

*Based on the “Exit Survey for University Graduate Students – Online Programs 2026