Welcome to the new AACRAO website. While the site is live, development is ongoing, visitors can expect updates and new features in the weeks ahead.

American Samoa

Last Updated:

April 8, 2024


Overview

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, 2500 miles southwest of Hawaii (about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand), and southeast of the independent state of Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa). The capitol of American Samoa is Pago Pago and the population as of 2022 is approximately 44,000.

As a territory of the United States, all schools follow the US education system. K-12 education falls under the American Samoa Department of Education. Higher education accreditation in American Samoa falls under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The language of instruction in American Samoa is English.

Click here for the EDGE profile on the USA.

N.B. American Samoans are US nationals, but not U.S. citizens, i.e., they can neither vote nor hold elective office. But, as U.S. nationals, American Samoans may travel to and from the United States without a visa.

Protected Content

You must be an EDGE subscriber to view this article.
Please log in or learn more about becoming an EDGE subscriber.

Protected Content

You must be an EDGE subscriber to view this article.
Please log in or learn more about becoming an EDGE subscriber.

If you need to report an issue about this page please get in touch with us.

Emergent News


AACRAO Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE) is dynamic, and credential advice is subject to change. Information and suggestions contained within are modified after additional research has been completed. New placement recommendations are reviewed and approved by the International Education Standards Council (IESC). Copyright © 2004 – 2026 American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.