Financial Aid For International Students At American University

American University in Washington, DC, offers a range of financial aid options for its students. While need-based financial aid is not available to international students, there are other opportunities for financial assistance. International students can apply for merit awards and scholarships, which are awarded based on academic achievement, communication skills, leadership, volunteerism, and community service. Additionally, the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is available for international students, covering full tuition, room, and board for those with a non-immigrant visa. The university also provides resources to help students find external scholarships and grants, and students can utilize their financial award packages and loans to study abroad.

Merit-based scholarships

American University in Washington, DC, offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, communication skills in English, leadership qualities, volunteerism, and community service. It is important to note that these scholarships are partial and not full, and they are highly competitive with a limited number available.

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is one notable example of a merit-based scholarship for international students at American University. The scholarship covers tuition, room, and board for two international students who require a non-immigrant visa to study in the United States. The AU EGL scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study, provided the recipients maintain satisfactory academic performance. Additionally, AU EGL partial scholarships are also available, valued at up to $40,000 per year.

For first-year international students, American University offers partial merit scholarships. To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application packet, including the required AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF), by the specified deadline. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission, and there are no further opportunities to apply for them once studies have commenced. The amount of the scholarship remains constant for all four years of study.

International master's and doctoral students may also qualify for Graduate Merit Awards through their respective departments. These awards offer waivers ranging from twelve credits to full tuition each year, and stipends may be available as well. Applicants should contact their departments directly for more information on these awards.

While American University does not offer need-based financial aid to international students, there are various merit-based scholarships and awards available to support their academic pursuits. It is recommended that students explore these opportunities early in their planning process, as application deadlines may vary.

Loans

International students at American University can apply for and receive merit awards, scholarships, and loans to help finance their studies. However, it is important to note that F-1 and J-1 students are not eligible for loans from the U.S. federal government.

International students can explore private student loans, which are specialized education loans available to those studying in the U.S. These loans are flexible and can often cover the full cost of education, minus any other financial aid received. To apply for a private loan, a cosigner is typically required. The cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a good credit history and income, and they must have lived in the U.S. for the past two years. The cosigner is legally responsible for repaying the loan if the borrower fails to make timely payments. However, some lenders may not require a cosigner if certain criteria are met, such as attending an eligible school and demonstrating high career potential.

When taking out a loan, it is important to understand the concept of interest. Interest is the additional amount charged by the lender on top of the principal amount borrowed. The interest rate is calculated using a benchmark rate, such as the Prime Rate or SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), plus an extra percentage based on the creditworthiness of the borrower or their cosigner.

Repayment terms for international student loans can vary, and it is crucial to carefully consider the options. Since most international students cannot work while studying in the U.S., the repayment period is generally longer, ranging from 10 to 25 years. There are typically three standard repayment plan options:

• Full Deferral: Students can defer payments until six months after graduation, maintaining full-time status. The maximum deferral period is four years, which is the typical length of an undergraduate degree.
• Interest Only: Students pay only the interest while in school, up to four consecutive years, and can defer the principal amount until 45 days after graduation or when they switch to part-time status.
• Immediate Repayment: Payments on both interest and principal are due immediately once the loan is disbursed.

When planning for education in the U.S., international students should carefully evaluate their financial needs, apply for scholarships and financial aid, and consider all available resources before turning to loans.

Grants

American University offers a range of grants for international students. These grants are typically awarded based on merit and financial need, and they can provide a significant source of financial aid for students studying abroad.

One notable grant is the Charles O and Margaret Lerche Travel Grant, which is available to students pursuing an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR). This grant can be used to support travel-related research, internship experiences, or conference attendance, enhancing the practical aspects of their education.

The SIS Graduate Research Conference and Internship Travel Support grant is another option for students seeking financial assistance. This grant is open to applications twice a year and helps offset costs associated with research, internships, or conference travel. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and apply during the appropriate application cycle.

Additionally, the Tinker-Walker Fellowships, SIS International Development Program offers grants to MA in International Development and MS in Development Management students. This grant supports those pursuing substantial research, practicums, or internships abroad, making it an excellent choice for students seeking international experiences.

For graduate students spending an academic year or more abroad, the Rotary Foundation Global Grants are worth considering. These grants provide financial support for their studies and living expenses during their time overseas.

American University also highlights external grant opportunities, such as the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. This program provides grants for individually designed study or research projects, as well as English Teaching Assistantships, in countries outside the U.S.

It is important to note that international students at American University are not eligible for need-based financial aid. However, the university offers a range of merit-based scholarships and grants, as well as external grant opportunities, to help international students finance their education.

Fellowships

American University in Washington, DC, offers a range of fellowships and scholarships for international students. While need-based financial aid is not available for international students, there are other options to consider.

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a prestigious award that covers tuition, room, and board for two international students each year. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study and is open to students from all majors. In addition to the two full scholarships, AU also offers up to eight partial scholarships worth up to $40,000 per year.

For graduate students, there are opportunities for Graduate Merit Awards, which offer waivers ranging from twelve credits to full tuition each year. Stipends may also be available with these awards. Applicants should contact their departments directly for more information.

Additionally, all graduate school applicants can indicate their interest in Merit Assistance when applying to one of the graduate programs. The priority deadline for university-wide merit awards is February 1 for fall applicants, although some departments continue to consider applicants until late spring.

American University also provides information on external scholarships and fellowships that international students may be eligible for. These include:

• Rotary Foundation Global Grants: For graduate students spending one or more academic years abroad.
• Rotary Peace Fellowships: Providing academic and practical training for future leaders in conflict resolution.
• U.S. government fellowships: For graduate students studying regions and languages critical to US interests (excluding Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand).
• Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Offering grants for research projects or English Teaching Assistantships outside the US.
• American-Scandinavian Foundation Fellowship: Providing fellowships of up to $23,000 and grants of up to $5,000 for individuals pursuing projects in Scandinavian countries for up to one year.

It is important to note that international students should also explore other sources of financial assistance, such as their embassy in Washington, DC, EducationUSA Advising Centers, and international student loans.

Work-study jobs

Work-study programs in the USA allow international students to work and study simultaneously, helping them earn money to offset the costs of their education. These programs are known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and are offered by a growing number of schools. While work-study jobs cannot fund the entirety of an international student's education, they can provide several benefits, such as:

• Earning money while earning a degree
• Gaining valuable work experience
• Practising English in a professional environment
• Building time management skills
• Building a resume for future employment

Work Hours and Earnings

International students with F1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week while the school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks (Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring). Work-study wages are paid weekly and are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. The federal minimum wage in the USA is $7.25 per hour, but international students can expect to make at least minimum wage and, on average, may earn up to $20 per hour.

Types of Work-Study Jobs

There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students in the USA, including:

• Teaching Assistant
• Tour Guide
• Academic Department Assistant
• Campus Tech Support
• Production Assistant
• Research Study Assistant
• Barista
• Catering Assistant and Food Runner
• Sales Assistant
• University Book Store Assistant

Finding Work-Study Jobs

International students can find work-study jobs through their university's official website, online communities, or social media platforms. Additionally, student unions and career services offices can provide information about upcoming vacancies and application processes. University departments with multiple departments may also offer temporary job opportunities.

Frequently asked questions