American University Scholarships

American University (AU), located in Washington, D.C., is one of the top private research universities in the United States. AU offers a wide range of scholarships to support both U.S. and international students. Most undergraduate merit scholarships—such as the Presidential, Dean’s, and Leadership awards, are automatically awarded to top applicants, typically covering $6,000 to $22,000 annually and renewable for four years.

For outstanding international students, AU provides the Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (EGLS), which covers full tuition, housing, and meals, plus partial awards up to $40,000 per year. AU also runs the Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program, a prestigious full-ride leadership award for a small number of first-year students.

At the graduate level, funding opportunities include merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships, which may provide tuition remission and stipends.

Features of AU’s Financial Aid System

AU’s financial aid system is designed to support both domestic and international students. Here are some of its unique features:

• Merit-Based Awards: Recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and community service.
• Need-Based Assistance: For U.S. citizens and permanent residents who demonstrate financial need.
• Renewable Aid: Most scholarships are renewable for up to four years (undergraduate level) provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.
• Combination of Aid: Students may receive a mix of scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities.
• Support for Graduate Students: Includes assistantships, fellowships, and partial tuition waivers.

American University Scholarships for International Students

1. AU International Student Financial Aid

Eligibility:

• Open to international students who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need.

Type:

• Need-based aid.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Provides partial tuition assistance depending on demonstrated need. It does not typically cover full tuition or expenses but helps significantly lower the financial burden.

Why It Matters:

• This support makes AU more accessible for talented students from diverse economic backgrounds.

2. American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)

Eligibility:

• Exceptional international students applying for undergraduate study.
• Must demonstrate academic excellence (top 10% of their class).
• Proven leadership skills and commitment to social change.
• Students from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

Type:

• Merit-based, highly competitive, full-ride scholarship.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Full tuition, room, and board for four years of undergraduate study.
• Excludes non-billable expenses like travel and health insurance.
• Opportunities to engage in leadership training, internships, and community service.

Why It Matters:

• AU EGLS is one of the most prestigious full-ride scholarships in the U.S. for international students, empowering scholars to become global changemakers.

American University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

1. AU Leadership Scholarships

Eligibility:

• Students with exceptional leadership skills in academics, extracurriculars, or community involvement.

Type:

• Merit-based.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Partial tuition awards (renewable annually with good standing).

Why It Matters:

• Encourages students to continue making a difference both inside and outside the classroom.

2. AU National Merit Scholarships

Eligibility:

• U.S. students recognized as National Merit Finalists and who designate AU as their first-choice school.

Type:

• Merit-based, tied to national recognition.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Typically provides $2,000–$5,000 annually toward tuition.

Why It Matters:

• Honors academic brilliance and positions AU as a top choice for the nation’s brightest minds.

3. AU Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program (Full-Tuition Scholarship)

Eligibility:

• Students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to promoting social justice.
• Competitive process, focusing on underrepresented communities.

Type:

• Full-tuition merit-based scholarship.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Covers full tuition, mandatory fees, and additional enrichment opportunities.
• Includes mentorship, networking, and professional development.

Why It Matters:

• This program not only funds education but also builds leaders committed to equity and justice.

4. AU Presidential Scholarship

Eligibility:

• First-year undergraduate applicants with exceptional academic records.

Type:

• Merit-based.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Partial tuition awards ranging from $10,000–$22,000 annually.
• Renewable up to four years with consistent academic performance.

Why It Matters:

• Recognizes academic distinction and rewards students who exemplify excellence.

American University Scholarships for Graduate Students

1. AU School of International Service (SIS) Scholarships

Eligibility:

• Graduate students in international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs.

Type:

• Merit-based.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Partial tuition coverage, awarded based on academic achievement and professional promise.

Why It Matters:

• Positions AU as a launchpad for careers in international service, diplomacy, and global leadership.

2. AU Law School Scholarships

Eligibility:

• Juris Doctor (JD) and LLM students with outstanding academic achievements, LSAT/GRE scores, or professional experience.

Type:

• Merit and need-based.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Partial to significant tuition awards (some competitive full-tuition scholarships available).

Why It Matters:

• Helps aspiring lawyers pursue a legal education in the heart of the U.S. capital.

3. AU Graduate Fellowships

Eligibility:

• Graduate students with strong academic and research backgrounds.

Type:

• Competitive, program-specific.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Partial tuition coverage, stipends for living expenses, and professional development opportunities.

Why It Matters:

• Provides financial support while advancing students’ academic research careers.

4. AU Research and Teaching Assistantships

Eligibility:

• Graduate students willing to contribute to research projects or teaching undergraduate classes.

Type:

• Work-based funding.

Coverage & Benefits:

• Tuition remission (partial or full).
• Monthly stipends.
• Valuable professional and academic experience.

Why It Matters:

• Eases tuition costs while preparing graduate students for academic or professional careers.

How to Apply for American University Scholarships

Applying for AU scholarships requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Submit Your Admission Application Early: Many scholarships are considered automatically during the admissions process.

2. For AU EGLS (International Applicants):

• Complete the separate scholarship application form available on AU’s website.
• Provide strong academic records, proof of English proficiency, and evidence of leadership and community service.
• Submit a detailed essay outlining your goals, leadership experience, and vision for global change.

3. Provide Financial Documentation: International students applying for AU EGLS must demonstrate that they can cover other non-covered expenses (like travel and personal costs).

4. Check Deadlines: The AU EGLS deadline is usually in December (for Fall intake), while other scholarship considerations follow general admission timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (AU Scholarships)

1. Do I need a separate scholarship application?

• Usually no. AU’s main freshman merit scholarships are automatic with your Common App. Exceptions: AU EGLS (separate application) and certain named/special awards.

2. Are AU scholarships renewable? What GPA is required?

• Most undergrad merit awards are renewable up to 8 semesters (4 years) while you maintain full-time enrollment and the academic standards in your award letter (tuition-restricted).

3. Do international students get need-based aid from AU?

• No. AU’s university/federal need-based aid is limited to U.S. citizens/permanent residents/eligible non-citizens. International students compete for merit (e.g., EGLS, partial merit).

4. How many AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarships are available? What do they cover?

• AU currently offers two full AU EGL Scholarships (billable costs fully covered) plus up to eight partial EGL awards (up to $40,000/year). Non-billable costs are not covered.

5. Is AU test-optional?

• Yes for first-year applicants. Submit scores only if they help you.

6. What’s the best way to track next steps or add special programs?

• Use your Future Eagle Portal after submitting the Common App (e.g., AU Honors/special programs).

7. Does AU offer any full-ride options besides EGLS?

• Yes—FDDS is AU’s premier full-ride leadership cohort for a small number of first-years.

8. How do graduate students get funding?

• Program merit scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships (tuition + stipend) are common—check your school (e.g., SIS) and apply early.

American University offers life-changing scholarship opportunities for students from around the world. Whether you are an undergraduate looking to become a Global Leader or a graduate student seeking research and professional growth, AU’s scholarship system provides the platform to achieve your dreams.