Cornerstone DC is part of the AU University College living-learning community that combines the best elements of college life—meeting new people, residence hall living, studying with top-notch professors—with an internship preparation experience. Joining the Cornerstone DC community helps you make the most of your first year, which focuses on professional growth and development.

There are no additional costs for the Cornerstone DC program. Cornerstone DC students pay the same tuition and fees as all students enrolled full-time.

For more information university tuition and fees, visit Cost of Attendance.

The Cornerstone program is reserved for full time, first year degree-seeking students at AU; therefore, financial aid is available for those who qualify and may be applied to the general cost of attendance. For information about financing options, consult with your university financial aid counselor.

Students of AU Cornerstone are also University College (UC) students. AU Cornerstone students are a part of a UC cohort and will be housed with that cohort. Cohort placement is determined by your chosen Complex Problems seminar. Housing & Residence Life at AU will assign students to their cohort floor. Not all members of your UC cohort will be in AU Cornerstone. If you'd like to be with another AU Cornerstone student in your cohort, you can match with them during the roommate matching process.

University College housing is mandatory for Cornerstone students. 

You are able to add your name to a waitlist by selecting the waitlist option on the UC and Cornerstone Reservation Form. There are no guarantees a spot will open, though you can still be included in University College. 

AU Cornerstone students will move in August 2026 on a specified date. More information will come later.

You are given the tools to secure placement on your own, with guidance from your Cornerstone staff and professors. 

You will work with program staff to create and finalize your resume and cover letter. Then, you are given access to the AU Intern and Learn Internship Database, which has hundreds of leads exclusively available for our students. You will also have access to the Handshake platform, which also has hundreds of internship opportunities. Cornerstone staff will work with you the entire fall semester to help you find internships to apply to. 

You will also have the opportunity to attend a virtual and in-person internship fair, where you can meet with dozens of organizations to discuss the possibility of securing an internship. In addition, you also attend events hosted by AU Cornerstone and Career Center staff focused on helping you learn how to be a working professional.

You have access to the Eagle Learning Center on AU's campus, which provides academic support resources. 

The Office of Student Disability Support is also available to assist AU Cornerstone students. New requests for accommodation should follow the Three-Step process.

You have full access to all AU facilities and activities. These include computer labs, library, fitness centers, resource centers, clubs, campus events including noteworthy guest speakers.