I'm a current AU grad student, and good luck to both of you! I wouldn't judge AU on its ranking or lack thereof, as the fac is wonderful and very supportive. This program has really prepared me for Ph.D. studies, and its location in D.C. offers so many more extra resources, such as the consortium. I've been accepted to two Ph.D. programs so far, with full funding packages from both, so if you do well at AU, you'll be in a good position when applying to doctoral programs!