Financial Aid
Department

  • “Awards go to students with demonstrated financial need. AU determines your need based on information you provide on both the required financial aid applications, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Need is calculated as the difference between AU's Cost of Attendance (COA) and your composite Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on the information you provide on the FAFSA and CSS Profile.”

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  • “The U.S. Department of Education allows the American University (AU) Office of Financial Aid limited discretion in making professional judgments based on extenuating circumstances that may affect your family. If your family has experienced a significant loss of income due to the loss of employment, then you may be able to appeal for a re-evaluation of your financial aid. The AU Office of Financial Aid is committed to meeting your needs, however, funding is limited and appeals decisions will be based on both the availability of funding and the strength of the appeal.”

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Your Financial Aid Rights

You have the right to know what financial aid is available.

  • You have the right to know the deadlines, selection criteria, terms, policies, procedures, and regulations that apply to each of the programs.

  • You have the right to know how your financial need was determined.

  • You have the right to know what portion of the financial aid you receive is gift assistance (grants and scholarships) and what portion is self-help (loans and employment).

  • You have the right to know the terms of your student loan. This includes the interest rate.

  • You have the right to know how the university determines whether you are making Satisfactory Academic Progress and what happens if you are not.

  • You have the right to appeal your financial aid award.

  • You have the right to know how and when your financial aid will be disbursed.

  • You have the right to know the university’s Refund and Repayment policy.

  • You have the right to examine your financial aid file.

  • You have the right to expect equitable treatment under the university’s financial aid policy.