The University Board of Trustees approves and encourages strong and viable student-sponsored programs that contribute significantly to the intellectual and social development of the student body, serve the university academic goals, encourage student participation and leadership, and enhance the general campus environment. To finance these student-run organizations and programs (more than 160), the Board directs the assessment of a mandatory non-refundable student activity/program fee. Depending on your student status, those fees will be labeled on your student account statement as Undergraduate Activity Fee, Graduate Activity Fee, or WCL General Fee.

The Support Services Fee at American University covers a broad spectrum of essential services and programs designed to enhance the overall student experience. As a mandatory fee, it is strategically structured to ensure that students have continuous access to critical resources that support their academic, personal, and professional development throughout their time at the university. This fee funds a diverse range of offerings, including career services, wellness programs, academic support, counseling, and much more. While the specific services may evolve over time, the fee remains a fundamental pillar of student life, providing a comprehensive and reliable support system that fosters student success and well-being.

The Eagle Access Program enables students to save time and money by offering access to all required course materials at a reduced cost to students. Through a partnership between AU and Follett – AU’s Campus Store operator – students can receive digital materials automatically via Canvas and physical materials prepared and ready for pick up at the Campus Store. The program ensures that all AU students have their required materials on or before the first day of class. Learn more on the Eagle Access Program page.

The Metro U-Pass fee is a mandatory fee charged to full time students enrolled in an on-campus program. The Metro U-Pass is valid for unlimited Metrorail and Metrobus transportation for the duration of the semester (Fall/Spring). For more information about how to obtain your U-Pass and for frequently asked question, please visit the Metro University Pass page.  

This mandatory fee applies to all registered first-year and transfer students. It supports services that help new students become part of the AU community, including New Student Orientation, which spans through Welcome Week. The Student Orientation Program fee funds these essential experiences, which include off-campus excursions, a class BBQ, and evening programs. By providing support, resources, and community building through this programming, we seek to ensure a smooth transition for new students.  

This mandatory fee is charged to all registered students. The fee is assessed to help pay a small portion of the university's overall technology costs. It helps to fund technology priorities, ranging from classroom instruction, faculty research, expanded computer labs, student portals, wireless connectivity, on-line registrations, faster internet connectivity, server upgrades, computer security, and administrative systems. Whether a student lives on-campus, off-campus, or abroad, the technology services are available to them.

Our sports center fee is charged to all registered students, and is used to help pay for building maintenance and service costs associated with the sports center complex. The fee is not a membership fee for use the fitness center. Any registered student can use the entire sports center complex facilities, including the fitness center. 

Health insurance is mandatory for all full-time degree, resident, and international students, unless the student has comparable coverage under another health insurance plan. If a student has comparable coverage under another insurance plan, they must waive the AU health insurance plan. Waivers must be completed on-line on the myau.american.edu portal. If the fee has already been assessed, the related insurance charge will be removed within two business days of the waiver submission. Insurance waivers need to be performed each year. For more information regarding Health insurance and wavier deadlines please visit Health Center Homepage.

The fee is used to cover expenses associated with professional program enhancements associated with the School of International Services. The fee is charged to all SIS graduate students and joint CAS/SIS program students. The fee applies to all SIS M.A. programs, the MIS program and the M.S. program.