American University's Commitment

Since its founding, American University has been a place that welcomes students and faculty from around the world and has dedicated itself to advancing international service. AU values the dignity of all members of the University community. On November 21, 2016, AU's President affirmed American University's position on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for undocumented immigrant students and joined with other university and college presidents to advocate for continuance of the program.

AU provides the following support and reassurance to our undocumented students by affirming these commitments:

• Information about application for admission and financial aid may be provided to prospective students, regardless of immigration status
• Admitted students will not be asked if they are undocumented, nor will they be asked to provide proof of immigration status. However, the Department of Education may require the American University Financial Aid Office to verify and report the immigration status of financial aid applicants seeking need based assistance.
• AU Campus Police will not question, hold, or arrest AU students on the basis of immigration alone
• AU Campus Police will not participate in joint immigration enforcement efforts with other law enforcement officials, unless required by law
• The University will refer students in need of legal assistance to available resources

Admissions AND Financial Aid: Undocumented Students

Consistent with these inclusive values, students who are undocumented (with or without DACA) are welcome to apply to AU. Citizenship is not, and has never been, a condition for admissions to AU. All candidates for admission are evaluated on the basis of their academic strength and fit with the University.

Undocumented college students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students are eligible for the same merit-based aid offered to all students. Scholarship funds are available for qualified students and are offered on the basis of academic merit. 

Additional scholarship funds are offered to students who qualify for admission to the AU Honors Program (a variable merit-based award). A separate application is required for this program.

For outside financial resources for undocumented students, please visit the following resources:

• FinAid Information for Undocumented Students
• My Undocumented Life

American University provides free immigration legal services to all AU students through its Defending the AU Dream Initiative. Currently enrolled students and those considering attending American University can contact the AU Dream office for more information on how AU supports its undocumented students and/or to schedule a free legal consultation. Please email audream@wcl.american.edu.