CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is a comprehensive application that is personalized for you based on information you provide when you register for the service. American University (AU) will use the information collected on the PROFILE to assist us in awarding institutional grant funding. Complete the PROFILE online through the College Board. AU's PROFILE code number is 5007. Please note: you may also be required to complete the Noncustodial Parent PROFILE.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The information on the FAFSA is used in conjunction with the PROFILE to determine your eligibility for federal, state and institutional need-based aid. To expedite the processing of your application, complete your FAFSA online. Be sure to list the American University FAFSA code, 001434, in the college release section (paper FAFSA forms are available through your high school).
Required Applications
For AU need-based aid consideration, both the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and FAFSA must be received by the priority deadline of February 15. Do not wait to be admitted before filing your PROFILE and FAFSA. Late applications will still be considered for institutional aid only while funding is available.
Tips for Filing Your Aid Applications
- It is important that information on the PROFILE and FAFSA be as accurate as possible. Your financial aid award will be based on the information provided on both applications. You may wish to complete the PROFILE first and use the College Board's pre-populated FAFSA Worksheet to assist you in completing the FAFSA. You will have the option to print the College Board FAFSA Worksheet upon completion of the PROFILE. Most of the information you entered on your PROFILE will appear on the worksheet and will be formatted to facilitate the filing of your FAFSA.
- File your PROFILE and FAFSA using your full legal name as it appears on your Social Security Card. Nicknames, or any name other than your full legal name are not permitted.
- Sign your FAFSA electronically. Both you and a parent (dependent students only) may obtain unique Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) through the Department of Education. Signing the FAFSA using a PIN will expedite the processing of your application.
Awarding Timeline
Students who complete their application on time will receive a financial aid award letter in their admissions packet in late March.
Early Decision Applicants
The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is available after October 1 and must be received by the priority deadline of November 15 for Early Decision I and January 15 for Early Decision II. Do not wait to be admitted before filing your PROFILE. Late applications will be considered for aid only while funding is available.
Early Decision applicants will also need to complete the FAFSA once it is available after January 1. Since the FAFSA is not yet available during the Early Decision process, it is important you estimate your information as accurately as possible on your PROFILE so that we can provide the best estimate of financial aid for you. Once you submit your FAFSA in the spring, our office will review your financial aid award letter to update the information if FAFSA data is different from the PROFILE.
Students who complete their application on time will receive a financial aid notification letter in their admissions packet in late December.
