American University Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See District of Columbia state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~54%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29–33
- Middle 50% SAT: 1350–1470
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.80
Source: American University Office of Admissions (recent cycle data). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
American University at a Glance
💰 Cost of Attendance at American University
Below is a simplified view of American University’s published costs for a typical full-time undergraduate living on campus. We focus on the two largest costs families actually compare across schools: tuition and housing & meals.
| Category (Annual) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $60,207 | $60,207 |
| Housing & Meals | $18,618 | $18,618 |
| Total (Tuition + Housing) | $78,825 | $78,825 |
We only show tuition and housing here because these are the largest, unavoidable costs families use when comparing colleges side by side. American University’s full cost of attendance also includes estimates for:
- Books and course materials
- Transportation
- Personal and miscellaneous expenses
- Federal loan fees (if applicable)
American University requires the CSS Profile for students who want to be considered for most forms of AU need-based institutional aid. If you only submit the FAFSA, you may miss out on aid your student could otherwise qualify for.
❓ Cost & Aid FAQs for American University
Why does American University’s sticker price look so high?
AU is a private university located in Washington, DC, where instructional, housing, and operating costs
are higher than average. The published price reflects the full cost before scholarships and grants are applied.
Do most students actually pay the full $78,000+ per year?
No. Many students receive institutional grants, merit scholarships, or need-based aid that reduce their
actual out-of-pocket cost. The federal net price gives a better starting point for expectations.
Do DC residents get a tuition discount?
No. Because AU is private, DC residents pay the same base tuition as students from other states.
Can scholarships significantly lower the cost?
Yes — but most AU scholarships reduce tuition rather than covering the full cost. Strong academics
and applying by priority deadlines can improve scholarship consideration.
https://www.american.edu/finance/studentaccounts/tuition-and-fees-information.cfm
https://www.american.edu/financialaid/upload/investing-in-your-future-2025-2026.pdf
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?131159-American-University
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/institution-profile/131159
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
American University’s main “automatic merit” awards are admission-based (no separate application). In plain English: you don’t apply to these scholarships — you get considered automatically when you apply for admission.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU Presidential Scholarship | Varies (typical range: $6,000–$22,000/yr) | First-year applicants; strongest academic profiles in the admitted pool | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters with full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress) | Students at the very top of AU’s admitted range; academic rigor matters most |
Considered with admission. Priority: Nov 1 (recommended) |
| AU Deans’ Scholarship | Varies (typical range: $6,000–$22,000/yr) | First-year applicants with strong GPA and course rigor | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters with full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress) | High-achieving students who clearly meet AU’s academic profile |
Considered with admission. Priority: Nov 1 (recommended) |
| AU Leadership Scholarship | Varies (typical range: $6,000–$22,000/yr) | First-year applicants with strong academics plus leadership impact | No | Yes (up to 8 semesters with full-time enrollment and satisfactory progress) | Students who pair academics with meaningful leadership or service |
Considered with admission. Priority: Nov 1 (recommended) |
Important: When colleges don’t publish exact GPA or test-score cutoffs for merit awards, the “typical qualifiers” above are estimates based on official award language, past recipient patterns, and published student-profile data. Actual thresholds can shift each year.
❓ Automatic Merit FAQs for American University
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. AU confirms that Presidential, Deans’, and Leadership Scholarships are considered automatically with admission.
How selective are these “automatic” scholarships?
Despite being automatic, AU states that recipients typically fall within the top 10–15% of admitted students.
Should test-optional students still submit scores?
If scores are strong for AU’s admitted range, submitting can help. AU superscores both ACT and SAT when scores are provided.
Is Nov 1 an important date?
Yes. While AU doesn’t publish a separate merit deadline, applying by the Nov 1 priority deadline
is a smart strategy for scholarship consideration.
https://www.american.edu/financialaid/freshman-scholarships.cfm
https://www.american.edu/admissions/enrollment-edit/financial-aid-guide-for-first-year-students.cfm
https://www.american.edu/financialaid/upload/terms.pdf
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These scholarships are not automatic. They are awarded to a much smaller group of students and often involve additional eligibility rules, financial-need review, or external selection processes.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU District Scholars Award | Full tuition, room, and board; additional funds up to full COA based on need | DC residents attending DC Public or DC Public Charter High Schools with strong academics and high financial need | No (automatic if criteria are met; additional internal review) | Yes, with continued eligibility and demonstrated need | High-achieving DC public/charter students with significant financial need | Apply to AU + submit FAFSA and CSS Profile by Jan 15 |
| American University National Merit Scholarships | $2,000 per year (AU-sponsored National Merit award) | National Merit Finalists who list AU as their first-choice institution | No (via National Merit Finalist process) | Yes, up to 8 semesters with satisfactory academic progress | National Merit Finalists who formally designate AU as first choice | National Merit deadlines apply |
| United Methodist Scholarship | Partial tuition award (often small to mid four figures; varies by year) | Students affiliated with the United Methodist Church | Yes | Varies by funding year | Eligible Methodist students with solid academic standing | Varies by year |
| Tuition Exchange Scholarships | Set amount (e.g., $43,000/year for 2025–26); not full tuition | Dependents of eligible employees at participating Tuition Exchange institutions | Yes (home institution nomination + AU review) | Yes, up to 8 semesters with required academic standing | Employer-nominated students approved through the Tuition Exchange process | Same as AU admission round (Nov 1 or Jan 15) |
| Athletic Scholarships | Varies by sport; may cover up to cost of attendance | Recruited NCAA Division I athletes | Coach-driven | Yes, subject to NCAA rules and coach/department decisions | Athletes who meet specific roster and performance needs | Recruiting timelines vary by sport |
❓ Competitive Scholarship FAQs for American University
Is the District Scholars Award really “full ride”?
It covers full tuition, room, and board, with additional funding available to meet full demonstrated financial need,
making it one of AU’s most comprehensive scholarships for eligible DC students.
Can students receive both automatic merit and one of these awards?
Sometimes, but AU may adjust total institutional aid so that awards do not exceed overall gift-aid limits.
Should every applicant pursue these scholarships?
No. Most only make sense if a student clearly meets the narrow eligibility criteria (such as DC residency,
National Merit Finalist status, or Tuition Exchange eligibility).
Do competitive scholarships influence admission decisions?
No. Admission is decided first. These scholarships are awarded separately and do not guarantee acceptance.
https://www.american.edu/financialaid/freshman-scholarships.cfm
https://www.american.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid.cfm
https://www.american.edu/financialaid/district-scholars.cfm
https://www.tuitionexchange.org/
https://www.american.edu/athletics/
🎖 Honors & Scholars Programs
American University offers a selective, university-wide honors program known as AU Honors. This program provides a structured academic experience for high-achieving students through interdisciplinary coursework, small seminars, and faculty-mentored research.
Students in AU Honors complete a series of interdisciplinary Honors courses, participate in structured research and project-based learning, and work closely with Honors faculty and advisors throughout their undergraduate experience.
In addition to AU Honors, American University also offers departmental honors tracks, senior theses, and competitive research fellowships within individual schools and majors. These opportunities are typically available to strong students later in their academic careers, whether or not they are part of AU Honors.
❓ Honors FAQs for American University
Does American University have an honors program?
Yes. AU offers AU Honors, a selective, university-wide honors program with its own
curriculum and first-year living-learning community.
Is AU Honors the same as a traditional “Honors College”?
Functionally, yes — even though AU uses the name “AU Honors,” it operates as the university’s
primary campus-wide honors program with a defined academic pathway.
Do Honors students live together?
Yes. AU Honors students are part of a first-year living-learning community and typically live
together in designated Honors housing during their first year.
Are there honors opportunities outside of AU Honors?
Yes. Many departments offer honors coursework, senior theses, and faculty-mentored research or
creative projects that students can pursue later, whether or not they are in AU Honors.
How should strong students think about honors at AU?
Students who thrive at AU usually combine structured programs like AU Honors with deep engagement
in their major, close faculty relationships, and research or creative work.
https://www.american.edu/honors/
https://www.american.edu/academics/programs.cfm
https://www.american.edu/cas/advising/
🌟 What American University Is Known For
American University is best known for blending academics with real-world impact. Located in Washington, D.C., AU is intentionally built around public service, policy, and global engagement—giving students access to internships, research, and professional experiences that most campuses simply can’t replicate.
The School of International Service (SIS) is consistently regarded as one of the top undergraduate international relations programs in the country. Students routinely combine coursework with internships at embassies, NGOs, think tanks, and international organizations while earning their degree.
- International Relations & Global Studies – AU’s School of International Service is a flagship program, known for diplomacy, security studies, international development, and global policy.
- Political Science & Public Affairs – Programs emphasize applied learning, with many students interning on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies, or with advocacy organizations during the academic year.
- Communications, Media & Journalism – Strong offerings in communication and media focus on public messaging, storytelling, and strategic communication tied closely to internships in D.C.’s media and nonprofit sectors.
- Experiential Learning Model – AU intentionally builds internships, service learning, and project-based coursework into many majors, allowing students to graduate with professional experience already on their résumé.
- Public Service & Civic Engagement – AU’s mission centers on public impact, attracting students interested in government, law, international service, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy-focused careers.
- Access to Washington, D.C. – Location is a core academic asset: students benefit from year-round access to policymakers, global institutions, cultural organizations, and professional networks.
📎 Official Links
- American University Homepage
- AU Honors Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Undergraduate Admissions