Of Fall 2025 New Graduate Students 100 percent
received merit aid, scholarships, or other non-loan funding
Tuition
At SOE, we know that the future leaders in education come from all academic, social and economic backgrounds. We understand that financing your education can be a challenge, which is why we offer financial support to eligible graduate students, both domestic and international, in the form of scholarships, partnership discounts and grants.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
Graduate and non-degree students are charged tuition on a per credit basis. For 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the:
- Master of Arts in Teaching is $1,378.00 per credit (a two-year master's program ranges from 30-33 credits)
- Master of Education is $2,080 per credit (30 credits)
- Doctor of Education is $2,080 per credit (40 credits)
- Child Development Associate (CDA®) Program is $2,340 total for five courses
- Reading and Language Development Certificate is $1,378 per credit (15 credits)
Tuition is subject to increase on an annual basis.
Office of Financial Aid
The American University Financial Aid Office is prepared to answer any questions you might have regarding financial aid, and to share information on external scholarship and funding sources.
The staff will work with you to create the best possible financial aid package and payment plan. Your aid may include an AU scholarship or grant, federally funded grants, and/or low-interest federally funded loans. The process of applying for financial aid requires time and attention to detail.
Please review all of the information posted on the AU Financial Aid website to ensure that you thoroughly understand the various aid options and application process. Early filing of a complete and accurate financial aid application will help ensure that you receive the best possible combination of university and non-university financial aid available.
AU Payment Plan
American University offers the American Payment Plan (APP) to students as an alternative to paying your bill in full at the start of each term.
The plan splits your fall or spring semester balance into convenient monthly payments, with no interest charged. By budgeting ahead for the upcoming term's charges, you may be able to reduce the amount of loans needed for the school year.
Financial Information For International Students
International students do not need to submit additional materials in order to be considered for merit-based aid. Students are required to demonstrate the ability to cover the cost of attendance prior to enrollment.
Affording Your Education
We offer robust financial support to eligible graduate students, both domestic and international, in the form of scholarships and grants
Contact Us
To discuss eligibility and opportunities to finance your AU education, please contact:
- Phone: 202-885-6500
- Email: financialaid@american.edu
- Fax: 202-885-1025
