Financial Aid
Department

  • Need-based awards are granted to students who demonstrate financial eligibility. American University calculates your need by reviewing your FAFSA and CSS Profile applications. Your aid amount is determined by the difference between AU’s total Cost of Attendance (COA) and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

    Learn more about need based aid.

  • If your family has experienced a significant loss of income (such as job loss), you may request a financial aid review. While the U.S. Department of Education allows American University to adjust aid based on special circumstances, please note:

    Decisions depend on available funding and appeal documentation

    AU cannot guarantee increased aid, but will carefully review all cases

    Start an appeal.

Your Financial Aid Rights

As an American University student, you are entitled to:

Information & Transparency

  • Full disclosure of all available financial aid programs

  • Clear explanations of all deadlines, eligibility criteria, and program terms

  • Understanding how your financial need was calculated

  • Details about aid disbursement timing and methods

Award Composition

  • Breakdown of gift aid (grants/scholarships) vs. self-help aid (loans/work-study)

  • Complete terms for all student loans, including interest rates

Academic & Financial Policies

  • Explanation of Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements and consequences

  • University’s Refund and Repayment policies

Appeal & Review Rights

  • Right to appeal your financial aid award

  • Access to review your financial aid file

  • Assurance of equitable treatment under all financial aid policies