The School of Communication offers graduate students both merit-based and need-based financial aid. Merit Awards and Named Scholarships are administered by the School of Communication Graduate Admissions Office while need-based awards are administered by the American University Office of Financial Aid
To be considered for merit awards, students applying to a full-time graduate degree program for the fall semester must submit their application, and all supporting materials, no later than Feb. 1. American University Designated Awards are administered by the Office of the Provost and have a deadline of Feb. 1.
School of Communication Merit Awards
All merit awards are based on an applicant’s academic merit, specifically GRE scores and the undergraduate grade point average (last 60 credits). Additional work or educational experience will also be taken into consideration. Merit awards are valid for one year, with the award being divided evenly between the fall and spring semester. Merit awards vary in amount and are non-renewable.
Standard Assistantships
This award consists of graduate tuition remission, a stipend or a work option or some combination of the three. Tuition remission will ranges in the number of credits offered; the stipend can be used for educational or living expenses. Students given the work option may be employed as a teaching or research assistant for an SOC faculty member in their academic division, for no more than 10-12 hours per week
Special Opportunity Awards
These awards are assistantships, or graduate study grants, awarded to U.S.-born minority students. They may include graduate tuition remission, a stipend, and or a work option or a combination of these options.
Hall of Nations Awards
These awards are given to select international students who do not have U.S. permanent residence and are not U.S. citizens. They provide tuition remission only.
Graduate Study Grants
These awards are given to returning year MFA candidates. They are typically awarded to students who received merit awards during their first year of study, they consist of graduate tuition remission of 3-8 credits and a work option similar to a standard assistantship. Students must be enrolled full-time for both the fall and spring semesters to qualify.
School of Communication Named Scholarships
Journalism Scholarships
The Ed Bliss Scholarship
The Ed Bliss Scholarship was established in 2005 in honor of renowned newsman Ed Bliss, Jr. Ed Bliss was a pioneer in journalism, serving as editor to Edward R. Murrow and founding the journalism program at the School of Communication. Ed’s life and passion for excellence in journalism inspired many SOC students who now hold key positions in print, broadcast and interactive journalism. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to an outstanding graduate student who exemplifies Ed Bliss’ passion for journalism, embodies his respect for journalistic values, and embraces Ed’s commitment to excellence in writing.
- Awarded to an outstanding incoming graduate student with financial need who exemplifies Ed Bliss’ passion for journalism, embodies his respect for journalistic values, and embraces Ed’s commitment to excellence in writing.
- Selected by a committee of journalism faculty members, chaired and managed by Jill Olmsted, division director.
The Robert Allen Bunnell Scholarship
The Robert Allen Bunnell Scholarship is named for journalist Robert Bunnell, MA ’82. Robert attended SOC as a visiting student his senior year and completed his graduate education at SOC in 1982 before his early death at age 38. The scholarship is awarded to an incoming graduate student majoring in Journalism and Public Affairs with both financial need and academic merit.
- Awarded to an outstanding incoming graduate student majoring in Journalism and Public Affairs with both financial need and academic merit.
- Selected by a committee of journalism faculty members, chaired and managed by Jill Olmsted, division director.
The Pauline Frederick Robbins Scholarship
Pauline Frederick Robbins was a trailblazing female network news correspondent who graduated with a BA from American University in 1930. Pauline worked for NBC for 21 years and helped further the role of numerous women in the field of news broadcasting. The Pauline Frederick Robbins Scholarship is awarded to a female graduate student majoring in broadcast journalism who shows outstanding potential in and passion for the field of radio or television broadcasting.
- Awarded to an incoming female graduate student majoring in broadcast journalism who shows outstanding potential in and passion for the field of radio or television broadcasting.
- Selected by a committee of journalism faculty members, chaired and managed by Jill Olmsted, division director.
The Van Swearingen Scholarship
The Van Swearingen Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student, majoring in print journalism, who demonstrates exceptional promise for professional excellence and achievement in their chosen field. This scholarship was made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Earl K. Van Swearingen, friends of American University and ardent supporters of excellence in print journalism and writing.
- Awarded annually to an incoming print journalism graduate student who demonstrates exceptional promise for professional excellence and achievement in their chosen field.
- Selected by a committee of journalism faculty members, chaired and managed by Jill Olmsted, division director.
The Journalism division also offers a number of fellowship opportunities in partnership with the Center for Public Integrity, BNA and USA Today. To learn more please click here.
American University Designated Awards
United Methodist Graduate Scholarships
These awards are available to members of the United Methodist Church who have strong academic backgrounds and church involvement. They provide tuition remission awards ranging from 3-6 academic credit hours per year. For consideration, please fill out the application form (PDF) and provide all supplemental materials as outlined in the checklist (PDF).
Massey Foundation Awards
These awards are available only to Canadian citizens (permanent U.S. residents and students with dual citizenship are not eligible). The award provides a minimum of $1,000 per academic year. For consideration, please fill out the application form (PDF) and provide all supplemental materials as outlined in the checklist (PDF).
Office of Information Technology Awards
The Office of Information Technology awards assistantships and study grants in academic computing. Students interested in designing computer simulations and other learning aids are encouraged to apply by sending a résumé and cover letter by February 1, to the Director of Academic Computing, Mary Graydon Center, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-8019. Computer experience is preferred but not required.
Need-Based Assistance
Both part-time and full-time students may apply for need-based assistance. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for federal need-based aid. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it to the processing center by March 1 or as soon thereafter as possible. You can get a copy of this form from AU's Financial Aid office or from most university financial aid offices. AU's Financial Aid office also maintains a comprehensive list of private loans and scholarships. If you do not have Internet access, you may electronically file your FAFSA in AU's Graduate Financial Aid office on the second floor of the Hamilton Building. Please call (202)-885-6100 to schedule an appointment and to find out what information you will need to bring with you.
Internet Links
You may also want to check the following Web sites for scholarship information.
- FastWEB Scholarship Search
- College Board
- Overseas Press Club of America
- Feldman Fellowship for Graduate Studies in Journalism (National Press Club)
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) Scholarships
- National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Scholarships
- American Copy Editors Society Scholarships
- Scholarship Help
International students may also be interested in visiting these Web sites to locate additional sources of financial aid:
- FinAid: Financial Aid for International Students
- NAFSA/Financial Aid for Foreign Nationals
- Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund
- International Education Finance Corporation
- Institute of International Education
- InfoEd
- International Education Financial Aid
Employment
Graduate students are encouraged to contact the university's Human Resources office at (202)-885-2639 about part-time or full-time employment. For off-campus employment, graduate students should consult American University's Career Center Job Listing Service at (202)-885-1800.
Note: International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours a week, on campus, when classes are in session with the permission of the international student advisor. Students on all other types of visas should check with the International Student & Scholar Services office at 202-885-3350. Please contact the International Student & Scholar Services office for more information on employment options as well.
