Financial Aid
In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the appropriate deadlines.
Contact Us
Undergraduate Admissions
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Start your journey at American University in Washington, DC. Learn how to apply, review deadlines, and explore opportunities for first-year students. Discover scholarships and financial aid options, and find the resources you need to begin your college experience at AU.
For families in need, we offer application fee waivers.
How to Apply
Ready to become an Eagle? Apply to American University through the Common Application.
AU offers multiple application plans, including Early Decision for students who are certain AU is their first-choice college. AU is also test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application. Learn about admissions requirements, deadlines, and decision plans to find the option that's right for you.
First Year Application Checklist
Financing Your Education
Scholarships
All first-year applicants are automatically considered for academic/merit scholarships for which they are eligible.
Application Deadlines
We have several application deadlines, depending on what type of undergraduate applicant you are and how soon you wish to receive a decision.
| Application Type | Deadline | Decision |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Action |
November 1 |
Mid-January |
|
Early Decision I |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
|
Early Decision II |
January 15 |
Mid-February |
|
Regular Decision |
January 15 |
April 1 |
First-Year Student Resources
Special Academic Programs
AU offers a variety of special academic programs to which prospective first-year students can apply to.
Home-Schooled Applicants
American University welcomes applications from home-schooled students.
Undocumented Students
AU welcomes students from around the world. Citizenship has never been a condition for admission to AU.
School Counselors
Our resource pages provides high school counselors the tools and information they need when assisting students considering AU.
Credit By Exam
AU will accept a maximum of 30 credit hours from one or a combination of specific tests.
First-Year Deferral Policy
Students interested in deferring their admission for an intentional occasion must request a deferral by July 1.