Tuition & Financial Aid Overview

Understand your financial options for our online programs

Expected Tuition

The table below shows the tuition for our education programs, without any aid.

Program	Cost Per Credit	Credits	Estimated Tuition
Master of Arts in Teaching (Elementary)	$1,325	33	$43,725
Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership	$2,000	30	$60,000
EdD in Education Policy and Leadership	$2,000	40	$80,000
Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education: Learning Disabilities	$1,325	30	$39,750
Child Development Associate (CDA)	Cost per class varies	5 classes	$2,340 (total cost)

Most students in our programs are eligible for a merit-based scholarship that can range from $5,000 to $20,000 upon an admittance decision. No additional application items are required.

Additional fees include an application fee of $55, an online student fee of $40 and a health insurance fee of $1,800.* Please note that students spend an average of $1,100 on books.**

* The Health Insurance fee can be waived for students with private health insurance.
** Figures are based on average expenditures reported by university students. Note that all efforts are made by faculty to keep book costs low.

A program cost guide for international students is available on the International Student & Scholar Services website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Graduate students are ineligible for the subsidized Stafford loan as well as any federal or institutional grant funding. Unsubsidized loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students even for those who do not qualify for need-based financial aid.

Typically graduate students are eligible for $10,250 per semester in Unsubsidized Stafford loans as long as they are enrolled at least half time. Half time is defined as 5 credits for Fall and 5 credits for Spring. If your program has a summer semester, 2 credits are considered half time. Eligibility for the unsubsidized loan is determined based on information on the FAFSA as well as loan history found in the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS).

Graduate students enrolled at least half time in a Master’s or EdD program may be eligible for federal loans and/or federal work-study. However, due to the fact that the graduate students are enrolled in an online program, they are ineligible for federal work-study. To apply for federal loans, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Please note that graduate students may not borrow more than $138,500 in Stafford loans throughout the entirety of their academic careers.

Americorps members may use their benefits toward program tuition. The discount is not automatic.

For information regarding need-based financial aid and application procedures, visit the Financial Aid webpage, or to speak to someone in the Financial Aid office, please contact financialaid@american.edu or call us at 202-885-6100.

All award ranges and terms listed above are subject to change by federal, state, and/or institutional guidelines.

U.S. Federal loans

There are two types of U.S. federal government loans that are administered by the American University Financial Aid Office.

Federal Direct Loans Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be enrolled in a degree-granting academic program. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least six credits per semester to qualify for federal loan assistance. Graduate students who qualify for federal loans may borrow up to $20,500 every two semesters. All federal loan programs require that FAFSA be filed before eligibility can be determined. Students who wish to apply for federal loan assistance must submit the FAFSA (Financial Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 1.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans PLUS loans are intended to cover the amount of the total Cost of Attendance (COA) that is not covered by other financial aid. Students must have already completed the FAFSA to be considered for the Federal Direct loan prior to applying for the Federal PLUS loan.

Private Loans

Like federal loans, private or alternative education loans are designed to help students who need financial assistance with educational costs. In most cases, it is advantageous for students to first pursue Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans and Federal Graduate PLUS Loans before seeking private loans. Unlike federal loans, private loans do not require a FAFSA to apply. Private loans are not based on need; approval is generally based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Some students may need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. Interest rates, grace periods, repayment options, and fees are determined by the lender and can vary considerably from lender to lender.

Additional Financial Aid Information

For additional information on financial aid from American University, visit https://www.american.edu/financialaid/

Applying for Federal Student Aid

In order to apply for federal student aid, including student loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). American University’s school code is 001434. Remember that you should complete the FAFSA each academic year to remain eligible for federal student aid.

Learn more about your AID opportunities.

Eligibility and Policies

To be eligible for financial aid, you must meet the following requirements:

All federal financial aid funds for graduate students are only available to students enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
Students must remain enrolled at least half-time (4 credits) during the quarter to receive federal student aid.
Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress to receive federal aid.
The requirements for private scholarships will vary depending on the funding source. Some awards have a minimum GPA requirement. Contact your funding source directly for information on specific policies

Partnerships, Discounts, and Scholarships

The School of Education partners with local, regional and national organizations to increase access to higher education. These partnerships offer tuition scholarships for partner members and are designed for students who want to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice.

School of Education Partners

The following partnerships offer a 29% tuition discount.

American Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington

The American University School of Education has partnered with The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington to offer graduate degree options to AISGW affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with the AISGW enrolled in a SOE graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. AISGW members will have the following application requirements waived:

1 letter of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Capital Teaching Residency & The New Teacher Project

American University has partnered with Capital Teaching Residency and the TNTP Academy to offer graduate degree options to teachers, alumni and staff. CTR and TNTP affiliated participants will be able to choose from degrees in the School of Education. These programs are built on a cohort-based design, include discounted tuition for CTR and TNTP participants, and are designed for those participants who want to continue to make a difference in the lives of children and transform public schools.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. CTR and TNTP participants will have the following application requirements waived:

$55.00 application fee
No recommendation letter is required

City Year

American University has partnered with City Year to offer discounted tuition to City Year corps members, alumni and staff coursework is designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. City Year participants will have the following application requirements waived:

$55.00 application fee
No recommendation letter is required

City Year participants should have completed their year of service before entering the program. However, currently serving corps members are encouraged to apply during their corps year.

Communities in Schools

The American University School of Education has partnered with Communities in Schools to offer graduate degree options to affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with the Communities in Schools organization and enrolled in the School of Education graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. Communities in Schools participants will have the following application requirements waived:

1 letter of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Local School Districts

The American University School of Education has partnered with local school districts (DCPS, MCPS, PGCPS, and FCPS) to offer graduate degree options to affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with local school districts enrolled in a SOE graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. Members will have the following application requirements waived:

2 letters of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee waived

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program

American University has partnered with the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program to offer graduate degree options to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). The programs are built on a cohort-based design, include discounted tuition for Coverdell Fellows, and are designed for those participants who want to engage in transformative education policy and practice.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. RPCVs will have the following application requirements waived:

1 letter of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Teach for America

American University School of Education is proud to partner with Teach for America (TFA) as part of a joint effort to confront educational inequity. This partnership was created to offer graduate degrees at reduced tuition rates to Teach For America corps members, alumni, and staff. In partnership with TFA, the School of Education will continue to make strides and meaningful progress in educational outcomes within the United States and abroad.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. TFA participants will have the following application requirements waived:

$55.00 application fee
No recommendation letter is required

City Teaching Alliance

Students in the City Teaching Alliance program receive the greatest discount through our AU-CTA partnership. Additional partnership discounts may not be combined.

US JET Alumni Association

The American University School of Education has partnered with US JET Alumni Association to offer graduate degree options to affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to contribute to the greater U.S.-Japan relationship and ‘bring Japan home’ by fostering education and understanding of Japanese culture in the United States.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. Participants will have the following application requirements waived:

2 letters of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Boren Scholars & Fellows

The American University School of Education has partnered with Boren to offer graduate degree options to affiliated participants.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

$55.00 application fee

Teach Plus

The American University School of Education has partnered with Teach Plus to offer graduate degree options to Teach Plus candidates. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Teach Plus candidates enrolled in the School of Education graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. Urban Teacher Alumni will have the following application requirements waived:

1 letter of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Reading Partners

The American University School of Education has partnered with Reading Partners to offer graduate degree options to Reading Partners affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with the Reading Partners enrolled in SOE graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling admissions basis until cohorts are filled. Deadlines for programs can be found on the SOE Admissions page. Reading Partners members will have the following application requirements waived:

1 letter of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

University Partners

Tuition discounts are offered by the School of Education for the following partnerships.

McNair Scholars

The American University School of Education offers McNair Scholars tuition discounts towards our graduate degrees. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with McNair Scholars enrolled in a SOE graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

2 letters of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee waived

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Payne Fellows

The American University School of Education has partnered with Payne to offer graduate degree options to Payne Fellows affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with Payne enrolled in a SOE graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

This partnership offers a 29% tuition scholarship.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

2 letters of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee waived

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

AmeriCorps Segal Awards

American University (AU) is proud to be a School of National Service. The School of Education is committed to match the Segal awards of admitted students at the level of the award, up to $6400 per student (that is a 100% match for one award per student). American University will require that Segal award recipients show the award amount for matching purposes. If a student has multiple Segal awards, the University agrees to match at least one of those awards and will consider additional matches. Admitted students may also be considered for additional merit and aid awards.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

Fulbright

The American University School of Education offers Fulbright Scholars tuition discounts towards our graduate degrees. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

2 letters of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee waived

This partnership offers additional funding in merit scholarships. Merit scholarships are determined after an applicant is admitted into the program.

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

Truman Scholars

The American University School of Education has partnered with Truman to offer graduate degree options to scholars affiliated participants. The graduate programs are designed for those participants who want to make a lasting positive difference in the lives of children and engage in transformative education policy and practice. Students affiliated with Truman scholars enrolled in a SOE graduate degree programs will also receive a tuition discount.

SOE will provide a $30,000 scholarship match for Truman scholars admitted to SOE. The $30,000 scholarship match will be disbursed as three – $10,000 scholarships over three years for EdD students, and two- $15,000 scholarships for master’s students.

Degree Program Options:

The following programs are included in this partnership:

To Apply

2 letters of recommendation*
$55.00 application fee waived

*EdD students must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

For more information regarding federal loan assistance and application procedures, visit the Financial Aid webpage, or to speak to someone in the Financial Aid office, please contact financialaid@american.edu or call us at 202-885-1000.