American University
Washington, DC, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$37,319
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$21,371
$30k - $48k
$20,960
$48k - $75k
$26,574
$75k - $110k
$32,751
$110k+
$45,685
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$53,889
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$53,889
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$15,706
Books and Supplies
$800
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
77%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Aid Per Year
$29,117
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,927
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$29,819
Students receiving state aid
2%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$611
Students receiving federal aid
15%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,927
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$45,308
$30k - $48k
$45,451
$48k - $75k
$39,042
$75k - $110k
$33,198
$110k+
$13,492
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$88,148,512
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$34,914,454

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
42%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,489
Students receiving federal loans
40%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,937
Average Other Loans Per Year
$27,241
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$20,862
Loan Default Rate
3%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$229

What Students Are Saying

Yes, AU is expensive, but I tend to look at it as an investment in my future. Potential employers respect an AU degree because they know that AU graduates are well-rounded competent and professional. Plus, AU offers a lot of merit and need-based scholarships; contact the Financial Aid office if the cost is your biggest concern.
Justine from Topeka, KS
While the tuition is very high, the quality of things on campus is very good. There are multiple different construction projects going on, but housing is currently a big issue. Many freshman find themselves in triples, and due to limited housing, juniors and seniors are having a harder time getting into campus housing. The food here is ok, though there are only two different options for places to use your meal swipes on campus.
Kendall from Ridgefield, CT
I don't think I'll be able to correctly judge this until I have graduated, but so far I think I am more than getting my money's worth. The classroom experience has been good and the speakers that come to campus have been excellent. I feel very fortunate to be where I'm at.
Victoria from Minneapolis, MN
Yes AU is a bit high in cost, but the aid greatly reduces the cost of attendance. For all that is available on campus, in terms of jobs and internships that are open to AU students it is totally worth the cost of attendance.
Chloe from Mandeville, LA
As you might know, American University has a rather high tuition rate. I believe that the conditions, for example, student housing, could be much better for the amount of money we are paying. But with the educational aspect in mind, the money is worth getting such a highly acclaimed degree/ education.
Molly from Eaton, OH
Our school is really expensive, but we have great resources here too. We are number one in the nation for internships and we have a great career center that can help you find a job even once you're an alumni!
Molly from Hillsborough, NJ
I'm on an almost full scholarship, but even if I had the money I would think twice. It can get expensive.
Emily from Hallandale Beach, FL
It's really expensive, but I got great financial aid: a huge grant, some small federal grants, and a few loans. I'm still trying to decrease the loan amounts.
Sophie from Burlington, VT