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Undergraduate Admissions Resources for Parents & Family

Find helpful resources for parents and families of prospective students at American University, including admissions guidance and financial aid information.
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Your Student’s Future Begins at American University 

Helping your student prepare for college starts with exploring the right opportunities. At American University, students thrive in a supportive college community, gain hands-on experience through internships and study abroad programs, and graduate with strong career outcomes. Families can feel confident knowing their student is building the skills and experiences needed for success in college, graduate school, and beyond.

Our Graduates stand out. Just look at the numbers...

* Results based on 2023 and 2024 graduates within six months of graduating 

91 percent

of graduates are working, in grad school, or both

$62,512

average salary within 6 months of graduating

50 percent

of graduates studied abroad

Why Choose American University

Discover how AU can prepare your student for a successful and fulfilling future.

AU graduates stand out in the job market and beyond. Within six months of graduation, more than 90 percent of AU alumni are employed, pursuing advanced degrees, or participating in service programs. Career support begins early, with hands-on internships, mentoring, and global learning experiences that prepare students to lead in every field.  

See Graduation Outcomes

An AU education is an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime. The university offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities, along with personalized guidance to help families plan confidently. The result is an education that’s both accessible and high-impact.  

View Aid Opportunities

At AU, students are part of a close-knit community that values collaboration, inclusion, and well-being. Faculty and staff are deeply committed to student success—both inside and outside the classroom. Located in Washington, DC, AU offers unmatched access to opportunity, culture, and connection.  

Explore Student Life

Application Deadlines

Whether you choose to apply Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision, rest assured that your application will be carefully reviewed for merit scholarships. Students who also complete both the CSS Profile and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadlines will also be considered for need-based aid. 

Selected
Early Action
Early Decision I & II
Regular Decision
Spring Enrollment 

Early Action

  • Deadline: November 1

  • FAFSA Deadline: November 15

  • Notification: Mid-January  

  • Deposit Deadline: May 1 

Early Action is a non-binding option that allows students to apply and receive an admissions decision earlier while still having until May 1 to choose where to enroll. Early Action applicants receive an admit, deny, or defer decision by January 31; deferred applications are reviewed again in Regular Decision and finalized by April 1. 

Early Decision I & II 

Early Decision I 

Early Decision II 
  • Deadline: November 1   
  • CSS Profile & FAFSA Deadline: November 15  
  • Notification: Mid-December   
  • Deposit Deadline: January 15 
  • Deadline: January 15   
  • CSS Profile & FAFSA Deadline: February 1  
  • Notification: Mid-February   
  • Deposit Deadline: March 1 

 

Early Decision at AU is a binding plan for students who know AU is their first choice and are comfortable with their financial aid estimate from the net price calculator. Applicants must submit the signed Early Decision Agreement and, if admitted, withdraw all other college applications. Decisions are released about six weeks after the deadline and result in either an admit or a denial. 

Regular Decision

  • Deadline: January 15  
  • CSS Profile & FAFSA Deadline: February 15  
  • Notification: April 1  
  • Deposit Deadline: May 1 

Regular Decision is a non-binding application deadline with a later application deadline. Regular Decision applicants will receive an admit, deny, or waitlist decision by April 1. Admitted students will have until May 1 to accept or decline their offers of admission. Closer to the May 1 deposit deadline, we will begin to work with the waitlist to fill any remaining space in the class.   

Spring Enrollment  

  • Deadline: October 1  
  • CSS Profile & FAFSA Deadline: October 15  
  • Notification: November 1  
  • Deposit Deadline: December 1 

First-year applicants wishing to enroll in the spring semester may apply by October 1. International applicants should apply by September 1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the class's capacity is filled. Spring enrollment applicants will receive an admit, deny, or waitlist decision.