The most successful students in the AU Gap program are:

• Bound for the four-year school of their choice – including AU
• Academically ready to succeed in college-level courses
• Flexible and organized
• Communicative with older adults

We do not have a set number of students we accept each semester. We know the kind of student who is going to be successful in the program and we want to accept them. We accept applications on a rolling basis – up to the application deadline date for the program/semester to which you are applying.

The Gap Program professors are American University faculty.

Please see Fall and Spring Programs for seminar topic details.

Students can enroll in an AU elective course in addition to their Gap coursework. Your academic advisor will review course selections during the registration process to ensure that electives do not conflict with your Gap course or internship schedule.

** Please note that enrolling in an optional AU elective will impact student tuition. See the Tuition and Costs page for more details. **

AU Gap administrators provide you with the counseling, tools, and encouragement to find a great DC internship. Creating a resume and cover letter, developing interview skills, and searching for internships are key skills you will develop through this experience.

Prior to entering the AU Gap Program, you will work with the Gap Program team to fine-tune your resume and cover letter and to start your search. 

You will have access to our Internship Web, a database with hundreds of internship opening and thousands of internships leads from employers who know AU Gap program students. There are internship openings and leads available in areas of interest ranging from politics and justice, communications, international affairs, psychology, and arts & sciences.

The internship experience allows you to build your professional skillset, gain real-world experience, and start making professional contacts through the internship and mentored field practicum class. Internships are available in areas of interest ranging from politics and justice, communications, international affairs, psychology, and arts & sciences.

AU Gap Program students are enrolled in two classes each semester for a total of 7 undergraduate credits. Students have the option of enrolling in an additional 3-credit AU elective course for a total of 10 undergraduate credits.

If you want or plan to use these credits to transfer to another university, the decision credits rests with the university you are joining after the Gap Program. We STRONGLY encourage you to contact the registrar’s office at your school to determine the transferability.

Yes. Gap students will receive a transcript for their work (typically 7 credit hours) upon completion of the program. 

Yes. Gap students are non-degree seeking students at AU and have access to AU facilities and activities. These include computer labs, library, fitness centers, resource centers, clubs, speakers, campus events, etc.

Gap students, like other resident students, are not allowed to bring cars.

Gap students are required to live on the American University campus in student housing. 

All students living on-campus are required to have a meal plan. Students living off-campus are not required to have a meal plan. View list of meal plan options.

D.C. law states that all students must have health insurance - through their parents or through AU. If a student has insurance by way of their parent’s plan, they can waive AU Health Insurance through their myAU.american.edu portal.

AU Gap students have non-degree seeking student status, therefore financial aid is not available. Many students secure private student loans, including non-degree educational loans, to pay for the Gap Program. In addition, students may also choose to participate in the American Payment Plan (APP), which breaks tuition into monthly payments.