American University thanks you and your family for your service to our country. If you are using VA Education Benefits, served in the Armed Forces, or are a dependent/spouse of a service-member, we would like to extend our appreciation by offering you an application fee waiver when you apply.

How to Apply

1. Apply to American University

If you are a prospective graduate student, please visit our Graduate Programs site for more information.

If you are a prospective undergraduate student, you will need to do the following:

• Complete the Common Application (including the application essay) or Coalition Application.
• Send us your transcripts. Official transcript(s) or mark sheets enclosed in a sealed envelope from all colleges or universities attended should be sent to AU. Make sure that your full legal name and Social Security number (or date of birth) are on the transcripts.
• Pay the application fee. Using a credit card or e-check, pay the nonrefundable $75 application fee required for all applications. If the payment of the application would cause your family undue hardship, fee waivers are available (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only).
• Send your application materials. Send all supporting documents to the following address: American University, Undergraduate Admissions, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016-8001.

Additional Documents

• Letters of recommendation for transfer students are strongly recommended but not required. Recommendations should appear on official letterhead and include your full name and Social Security number (or date of birth) and be sent directly to American University.
• Interruption of study. If you have been out of school for a semester or longer, excluding summers and school-designated breaks, you must provide us with a statement describing your activities during the period(s) you were out of school. You may submit a resume instead of a statement if the resume explains the interruption.

Transfer Students with Less Than 24 Semester Hours

• High school transcript. Have your high school send AU an official copy of your final high school transcript.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

Students who we wish to be considered for transfer admission must be in good academic standing and social standing at all previously attended schools.

Competitive transfer applicants have a GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 at their current institution. The following AU academic units have specific minimum GPA requirements:

• College of Arts and Sciences: 2.00
• Kogod School of Business: 2.75
• School of Communication:2.50
• School of Education: 2.70
• School of International Service: 3.00
• School of Public Affairs: 2.50

English Proficiency

If English is not your first language (regardless of citizenship), please send proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, or SAT or ACT with writing of IELTS).

When Will I Hear?

Your application will be reviewed only after your file is complete. You will be notified in writing of missing documents, but you should also check your application status through the Future Eagle Portal. You will be notified of your admission decision on a rolling basis approximately four to six weeks after all admissions materials have been received. Notification of any Phi Theta Kappa or other scholarship and/or financial aid award will be sent at a later date.

2. If you have not previously applied for your VA education benefits, please do the following:

• Visit the VA website to select the program that best suits your needs.
• Contact our Veteran Services Office to best determine when to complete the VA application process for your intended start term.

3. Financing your education

• Review current GI Bill® payment rates
• Check your Yellow Ribbon Program eligibility
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• See if you qualify for additional scholarships and grants

If you have questions about VA benefits, please contact the Veteran Services Office in AU Central for assistance with:

• Who to contact
• General information on how VA Benefits work at AU
• Information on the Yellow Ribbon Program
• School certifying officials and payment questions
• What VA forms/paperwork is required upon your admittance

4. Credit for military service

• American University accepts up to 30 hours of military service as long as it is applicable to a Liberal Arts degree.
• Military Credit Guidelines

5. Check application status

• Check the status of your application on the prospective student portal to ensure the admissions office has received all required documents.
• If accepted, refer to the Additional Veteran Resources for more information on how to proceed.

 

Disclaimer: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website: Education and Training Home (va.gov)