Financial Aid at American University

Does anyone have experience with financial aid at American University? I'm thinking of applying there, and I'd like to know if they offer generous financial aid packages.

American University is known for offering substantial financial aid to its students. Roughly 80% of undergraduate students at AU receive some form of financial assistance in the form of need-based aid, merit scholarships, or a combination of the two.

For need-based aid, they use the information provided in your FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine your family's financial circumstances and your eligibility for grants, work-study, and federal loans. American University meets around 80% of demonstrated need for students on average.

However, this number can vary depending on your unique financial situation. You can use the university's Net Price Calculator to get an estimated idea of the aid you might receive based on your financial situation. You can also reach out to American University's financial aid office directly with any specific questions you have about your personal financial circumstances.

Additionally, AU offers numerous merit-based scholarships, which don't require demonstration of financial need. Typically, the merit scholarships are awarded based on your academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and other factors. Some of these scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship, Dean's Scholarship, and Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program. These scholarships are competitive, and their amounts vary, with some covering full tuition or partial tuition - you can find the details on American University's website.

To maximize your financial aid, make sure to complete all of your financial aid applications thoroughly and on time. Also, research and apply for any external scholarships that could supplement your aid package.

In summary, while American University offers substantial financial aid opportunities, the actual amount of need-based aid and merit scholarships you'd receive depends on your financial situation and individual qualifications.

Finally, on a separate note, if you end up applying to American University and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essay(s): https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-american-university-essays/. Good luck with your college process!