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Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is a summary of the average anticipated educational expenses that a student incurs while enrolled at American University. The COA consists of both direct and indirect expenses.

Direct expenses are items such as tuition, fees, on-campus meal plan and housing costs that are billed by American University. Indirect expenses include items such as books and supplies, off-campus rent, groceries, and transportation. Although students are responsible for the payment of indirect expenses, American University does not bill the students for the cost of these items.

Cost of Attendance for Undergraduate Programs

Cost of Attendance for Graduate Programs

Determining Cost of Attendance

When a student applies for aid, the Office of Financial Aid will calculate a COA. The actual figures will vary based on the student’s degree (undergraduate or graduate), enrollment intensity (part-time or full-time) and living arrangement (on-campus, off campus or with relatives). 

Students Enrolled at Least Half-Time

For undergraduate students, this is one flat fee for any students enrolled full time in 12-17.5 credits. For graduate students, the tuition per credit fee that is charged will vary depending on the program the student is admitted to. 

Mandatory enrollment fees for students attending on-campus in DC include the sports center fee, technology fee, and activity fee. Mandatory fees for online programs and for students attending in-person at other locations will vary depending on the program the student is admitted to.

For students living on-campus, this will be the higher of either the average or median cost of available housing. For students living off-campus, this will be based on the average housing expenses for the area. For students living with family, a housing allowance of $2000 per semester will be included. 

For students living on-campus, this will be the cost of the All Access meal plan which provides 3 meals a day. For students living off-campus or with family, this will be based on the average food expenses for the area.

Average cost of books and supplies.

For all full time students attending in-person on the DC campus, the transportation will include the cost of a Metro Pass for the fall and spring semesters. An additional miscellaneous transportation expenses will also be included. The miscellaneous expense for Undergraduate students living on or off campus will include the average cost of two domestic round trip airline tickets for transportation to and from home each semester. For undergraduate students living with family or graduate students attending in-person, miscellaneous transportation will be based on the average transportation expenses for the area. Students attending online programs only will not have transportation included in their COA.

Average cost of toiletries and other incidental expenses.

Fees for Federal Student Loans.

Students Enrolled Less than Half Time

Students attending less than full time are charged one flat rate of tuition per credit enrolled. 

Mandatory enrollment fees for students attending on-campus in DC include the sports center fee, technology fee, and activity fee. Mandatory fees for online programs and for students attending in-person at other locations will vary depending on the program the student is admitted to.

Average cost of books and supplies. 

Students enrolled less than full time are not eligible to purchase the Metro Pass. The miscellaneous transportation expense for Undergraduate students living on or off campus will include the average cost of two domestic round trip airline tickets for transportation to and from home each semester. For undergraduate students living with family or graduate students attending in-person, miscellaneous transportation will be based on the average transportation expenses for the area. Students attending online programs only will not have transportation included in their COA.

Students may also appeal to increase their COA if they have additional educational expenses such as dependent child care, study abroad, the one-time only purchase of a computer, or other expenses they incur as a result of their enrollment. To appeal, students must submit a letter of appeal to the Office of Financial Aid itemizing the expenses which they are asking to be included. Supporting documentation must be attached for each item. For example, if you were appealing to increase the housing component of your COA, you would attach a copy of your lease showing the amount of your monthly rent.