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American University awards financial aid to students based on a combination of demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and the availability of funds. Once a student is admitted to American University, the Financial Aid office will determine need and develop a financial aid award that includes funds from the programs for which the student qualifies. In addition to awarding funds from American University, the university administers federal grant, loan, and work-study programs that may be included in the award. The financial aid award may include a combination of American University scholarships, grants, federal grants, federally subsidized or unsubsidized loans and/or student employment.
To receive consideration for need-based financial aid, a student must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen in a degree program. New students should not wait to be admitted before filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.
For more information contact Financial Aid at 202-885-6500 or e-mail facounselor@american.edu.
Financial Aid Options
Grants
Loans
Parent PLUS Loans
Scholarships
Scholarships for International Students
Private Scholarships
ROTC
Work-Study and Part-Time Employment
Undergraduate Deadlines
For priority consideration for federal need based aid the FAFSA must be filed with the federal processor and for AU need based aid consideration, the CSS/Financial Aid Profile must be submitted to the College Board by:
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Early Decision Freshmen Profile
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November 15 |
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FAFSA |
February 15 |
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Regular Decision Freshmen Profile
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February 15 |
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FAFSA |
February 15 |
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Transfer Students Profile
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March 1 |
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FAFSA |
March 1 |
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Current AU Students |
May 1 |
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Recipients of federal (Title IV) or institutional funds must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree objective to remain eligible for financial assistance.
Minimum Standards
- Full-time undergraduate financial aid recipients must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average, complete 24 credit hours per academic year (fall/spring), and complete four-fifths (80 percent) of all attempted credit hours.
- Part-time undergraduate financial aid recipients must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average and complete four-fifths (80 percent) of all attempted credit hours.
- All students must complete their academic program within 150 percent of the normal time limit of that academic program as defined in the Academic Regulations.
- Merit-based scholarship recipients may have different standards than those listed above. Please refer to the original award notification regarding merit award eligibility criteria.
Special Considerations
The following alternative grading options do not count toward the grade point average but do have an impact on students’ satisfactory academic progress:
- Withdrawals (W), Administrative Withdrawals from Audits (ZL), Audits (L), and Fails on Pass/Fail option (FZ) count as credits attempted but not earned, and have no impact on the grade point average.
- Incompletes (I) and Unreported Grades (N) count as credits attempted but not completed.
- Administrative Failures (ZX or FX) count as credits attempted but not earned, and are factored as a grade of F.
- Pass (P) counts as credits attempted and earned, but has no impact on the grade point average.
- In Progress (IP) courses are excluded from the calculation in the initial academic progress evaluation. An IP grade may not stand as a permanent grade and must be resolved before a degree can be awarded.
Frequency of Monitoring
The Financial Aid Office monitors the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) of each aid recipient annually. This audit occurs in late May upon the submission of spring grades. Financial Aid will notify in writing students who are not making satisfactory progress.
Academic Appeals
All questions regarding the factual substance of academic records and all requests for changes to those records must be made to the academic departments. Financial Aid has no authority to alter the academic record of a student.
Re-establishing Financial Aid Eligibility
For a student who has failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress, eligibility for financial aid funds may be re-established by the following means: the changing of a grade, the completion of incomplete or in progress course(s), or the reporting of a missing grade. Please note that funds are not set aside for students in these circumstances. Even if the appeal is granted, funds may not be available at that time.
Financial Aid Appeals
Students failing to meet SAP standards due to extenuating circumstances that precluded them from successfully completing their coursework may submit an appeal in writing to the Financial Aid Office. Priority consideration will be granted to students who submit an appeal by the deadline stated on the SAP notification. The request should include a comprehensive description of the circumstances, supporting documentation, and a plan of study with the student’s anticipated enrollment for the upcoming academic year. The Appeals Committee will review the appeal, make a ruling, and send a letter of response to the student.
Refund and Repayment Policy
For American University’s refund policies regarding tuition, housing, and meal plan charges, see Refunds and Cancellation of Charges .
Federal (Title IV) Financial Aid Recipients Return of Title IV Funds Policy
The Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a temporary leave prior to completing 60 percent of a payment period or term. The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.
If a student leaves the institution prior to completing 60 percent of a payment period or term, the Financial Aid Office recalculates eligibility for Title IV funds. Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:
Percentage of payment period or term completed = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the payment period or term. (Any break of five days or more is not counted as part of the days in the term.) This percentage is also the percentage of earned aid.
Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:
Aid to be returned = (100 percent of the aid that could be disbursed minus the percentage of earned aid) multiplied by the total amount of aid that could have been disbursed during the payment period or term.
If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student would be required to return a portion of the funds. When Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a debit balance to the institution.
If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him or her, the institution would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 120 days of the student’s withdrawal. The institution must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible no later than 30 days after the date of the determination of the date of the student’s withdrawal.
Refunds are allocated in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans (other than PLUS Loans)
- Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
- Federal Perkins Loans
- Direct PLUS Loans
- Federal Pell Grants for which a return of funds is required
- Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants for which a return of funds is required
- Federal TEACH Grants
- Other assistance under Title IV for which a return of funds is required (e.g., LEAP)
Scholarships
The Admissions Committee makes all merit-based scholarship decisions and notifies students at the time of admission to AU. Merit awards range from $3,000 to full tuition per year. Scholarships awarded to selected applicants include but are not limited to:
- Presidential Scholarship
- Dean’s Scholarship
- Leadership Scholarship
- National Achievement, National Merit, and National Hispanic Scholarships
Awarded to freshman applicants who were named National Achievement and National Merit finalists and National Hispanic semi-finalists; who have designated American University as their first-choice college with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by February 1 of their senor year.
- Athletic Scholarship
- Interested students should contact the coach of the sport in which they excel.
- AU Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship
- United Methodist Scholarship
For the children of active, ordained Methodist ministers.
Private/Restricted Scholarships
The university has a limited number of scholarships that are funded annually through endowment by donors. Candidates are reviewed by Financial Aid for eligibility for these scholarships and no separate application is required.
Grants
Grants are need-based awards that do not have to be repaid and may originate from American University, the federal government, or state governments.
American University Programs
AU grants are offered to eligible admitted students who demonstrate financial need, and may be offered in addition to an AU scholarship.
Federal Programs
Federal Pell Grant Program
This grant is offered to students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Awards range from approximately $400 to $5,500 per year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
This grant is offered to students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Awards depend on need and the availability of funds.
State Programs
Many states administer grant programs which residents may apply for and receive while attending American University. Students should check with guidance counselors and state grant agencies regarding up-to-date application procedures and eligibility factors.
Loans
Federal Loans Programs
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
This loan is guaranteed by the federal government. There are two types of Stafford Loans: Subsidized Federal Loans are for eligible students who have demonstrated financial need; students who do not have demonstrated need are eligible for an Unsubsidized Federal Loan. Repayment for both begins six months after graduation or when the student drops below half-time enrollment status in any semester. No interest is charged on Subsidized Federal Loans while the student is enrolled at least half-time status in college, interest does accrue on Unsubsidized Federal Loans. Dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to $5,500 for the first year of study; $6,500 for the second year; and $7,500 per academic year upon completion of 60 credits.
Federal Perkins Loan
This loan is funded through American University and the federal government. Federal regulations require that this loan be given to students with exceptional need. Awards vary depending on need and availability and repayment begins nine months after graduation.
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
This federal loan program is available to the parents of dependent undergraduate students to assist them in meeting educational expenses. Repayment begins within 60 days of disbursement, however, deferment is available.
Federal Work-Study Program
This program for students with financial need provides the opportunity to work part-time and use earnings toward educational expenses. Students participating in the program will receive bi-weekly pay for hours worked.
Tuition Exchange
American University participates in the Tuition Exchange Program, a competitive merit-based program available to faculty and staff members. Students whose parents are employed by one of the participating institutions may be eligible for a Tuition Exchange Scholarship.
Tuition Remission
Full-time faculty and staff members and their spouses or domestic partners are eligible for tuition benefits. There is a $50 registration fee (nonrefundable) per semester. |
