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

An AU education is affordable.

80 percent

of incoming students receive aid

Financial Aid Deadlines

Nearly $100M

in financial aid awarded to undergraduates per year

24

dedicated financial aid staff members. All incoming freshman are assigned an individual counselor.

Contact Us!

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

Tuition: 57,952

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

Fees: 548

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

Housing: 11,924

Average cost for a double-occupancy room on campus

Food: 6,058

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

Loan Fees: 54

Average fees for federal student loans

University Pass (U·PASS): 272

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

Books and supplies: 1,000*

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

Transportation: 736*

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

Personal: 828*

Average cost for toiletries and other incidental expenses

Total: 79,372

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

The Net Price Calculator 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.

All colleges in the United States are required to determine a standard cost of attendance for students. American University's Cost of Attendance is comprehensive and includes anticipated undergraduate costs for tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses for the upcoming academic year.

American University 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

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.

Applying for Financial Aid

Forms to Complete

Apply to AU
Complete the FAFSA
Complete the CSS PROFILE

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