Can anyone tell me how much financial aid you have received from AU? I really want to go to this school because I think it’s perfect for me but at the same time I don’t want to come out of graduation with a huge debt on my back
From the American University website:
“AU’s reported average debt for loan borrowers at graduation ($32,500) for the class of 2014 is lower than the national average of $33,000. Forty percent of the class of 2014 did not take out any loans to finance their education and graduated debt-free. Understanding your financial situation will help you make better long-term choices regarding loans as you pay for your college education.”
Thanks blowcrow you have been tremendous help
@BlackCrow3 I wonder how many of the 40% of students who did not take out loans were full pay, i.e. did not need financial aid in the first place. From what I know, American University is not a “grant only” university and does expect FA candidates to take out subsidized and non-subsidized loans and routinely packages parental loans as well.
If you have significant financial need, I would plan on assuming a considerably amount of debt.
I imagine that the great majority of those who didn’t take out loans were full pay, or international students.
My son has significant need, and his Financial Aid package as a first-year student included the maximum in subsidized and unsub loans, or $5,500 for the year. His aid package also included almost $2,000 in Federal Work Study, which is not awarded up front but is earn-as-you-go. We had to cover that amount along with the rest of the amount that we pay.