Financial Aid

Financial Aid
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4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

Contact Us

Contact Your Counselor

financialaid@american.edu

Financial Aid Office
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

Hours:
Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET


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FAFSA code 001434 and CSS Profile code 5007 will be required when applying for aid.

An AU education is affordable.

Nearly $100M

in financial aid awarded to undergraduates per year

2024-2025 Cost of Attendance (Before Aid, First-Year Undergrad)

Flat fee covering costs for full-time, undergraduate enrollment (12-17 credits per semester) for both the fall 2024Ìýand spring 2025Ìýsemesters

Mandatory full-time enrollment fees, including but not limited to sports center, orientation, technology, and activities

Average cost for a double-occupancy room on campus

Average cost for a meal plan (10-11 meals per week), plus $400 dollars for use at dining venues on campus and designated establishments off campus

Average fees for federal student loans

Mandatory fee for unlimited use of Metrorail and bus while university is operational

Average (non-billed) cost of books and supplies for two semesters (approximately $400 per term); cost varies depending on whether books are new, used, rented, or open-source

Average cost, determined by distance from campus and mode of transportation

Average cost for toiletries and other incidental expenses

Average total cost of AU attendance per undergraduate for 2024-2025. Based on 9 months of full time enrollment of 12-17 credits.

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The is a tool that is intended to provide you with an estimated amount that you might pay after grant aid and scholarships to attend AU. As this is only an estimate, the most accurate information will be provided once you complete the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.

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All colleges in the United States are required to determine a standard cost of attendance for students. Â鶹´«Ã½'s Cost of AttendanceÌýis comprehensive and includes anticipated undergraduate costs for tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses for the upcoming academic year.

Â鶹´«Ã½ offers a comprehensive financial aid program based on recognition of both academic excellence and demonstrated financial need. We work with students and their families to supplement their financial resources and make an AU education possible.

* Variable estimated costs based on financial circumstances and elective expenses

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The Human Touch to Financial Aid

Shante Fencl, SIS/BA ’17

Peace and Conflict Resolution

I’ve never had anyone try as hard for me as the financial aid team.

No one in my family had graduated high school. So when I was applying to college, the financial piece wasn't really something I knew about.

But my mom, the ever-optimist, encouraged me to apply anyway, promising it would all work out. But I couldn't get any loans. By my sophomore year, I was signing up for classes late because I couldn't get the money in time. It was then I appealed to financial aid. Thankfully, the help came through, and I'm now about to graduate. Turns out Mom was right.

Need-based Aid

Offers go to students with demonstrated financial need.
AU determines your need based on information you provide on the required financial aid applications.

Need-Based Aid Info

Merit-Based Aid (Scholarships)

All students who apply to AU are considered for most merit awards, including Deans' and Presidential, on the basis of their admissions application.

Merit-Based Aid Info

Student Employment

Income from work-study jobs is to be used exclusively for educational purposes. Offer amounts vary; hourly wages are determined by the employer and job category.

Work-study Jobs

Applying for Financial Aid

Forms to Complete

  1. Apply to AU
  2. Complete the
  3. Complete the

What you will need

  • Financial Aid School Codes (FAFSA 001434 and CSS Profile 5007)
  • Parent and Student Federal Student Aid Identification
  • Parent and Student Social Security Numbers
  • Federal Tax Forms to include W2s, 1099, etc.
  • Non-Custodial Parent Contact Information