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I'm a prospective first-year student. How do I apply for financial aid?
In order to receive need-based aid, candidates must meet federal aid eligibility requirements and complete and submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The information on the FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state need based aid. For AU need-based aid consideration, both the FAFSA must be received by the deadline coinciding with how you are applying to AU.
To expedite the processing of your application, complete your FAFSA online. Be sure to list the American University FAFSA code, 001434, in the college release section (paper FAFSA forms are available through your high school).
CSS Profile
The CSS Profile is a required, comprehensive application that is personalized for you based on information you provide when you register for the application. American University (AU) will use the information collected on the CSS Profile to assist us in offering institutional grant funding.
For AU need-based aid consideration, both the CSS Profile must be received by the deadline coinciding with how you are applying to AU. Late CSS Profile applications will be considered for institutional aid only while funding is available.
Complete the CSS Profile online through the College Board. AU's CSS Profile code number is 5007.
Please note: for students with biological, or adoptive parents who are divorced, separated, never married, or living separately, each parent will be required to submit a CSS Profile Application. While completing your own application, you may provide the email address of your non-custodial parent. The College Board will then notify your parent of this requirement.
Application Deadlines
Please review the following chart to determine when you need to complete and sumbit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
| Application Type | Admissions Deadline |
CSS Profile & FAFSA Deadline |
Notification | Deposit Deadline |
| Early Action | November 1 | November 15 | January 31 | May 1 |
| Early Decision I | November 1 | November 15 | December 31 | January 15 |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | February 1 | February 15 | March 1 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | February 15 | April 1 | May 1 |
| Spring Enrollment | October 1 | October 15 | November 1 | December 1 |
Tips for Filing Your Aid Applications
- It is important that information on the CSS Profile and FAFSA be as accurate as possible. Your financial aid offer will be based on the information provided on both applications. You may wish to complete the CSS Profile first and use the College Board's pre-populated FAFSA Worksheet to assist you in completing the FAFSA. You will have the option to print the College Board FAFSA Worksheet upon completion of the CSS Profile. Most of the information you entered on your CSS Profile will appear on the worksheet and will be formatted to facilitate the filing of your FAFSA.
- File your CSS Profile and FAFSA using your full legal name as it appears on your Social Security Card. Nicknames, or any name other than your full legal name are not permitted.
- Sign your FAFSA electronically. Both you and a parent (dependent students only) may obtain unique Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) through the Department of Education. Signing the FAFSA using a PIN will expedite the processing of your application.
Undocumented Students
Scholarship funds are available for qualified students and are offered on the basis of academic merit. These offers range in value from $6,000 to $20,000 and no separate application is required.
Additional scholarship funds are offered to students who qualify for admission to the AU Honors Program. A separate application is required for the AU Honors Program.
For outside financial resources for undocumented students, please visit the following resources: