Tuition

The tuition cost for the Key Executive Leadership MPA Program cohorts 45, 46 and Key Maritime 2 is $1,675 per credit. This per-credit fee includes tuition, textbooks, learning materials, and most fees. There is no increase in tuition during the program.

Payment can be made over three federal fiscal years, by semester, by course, or in one lump sum. Special monthly arrangements can be made with the Office of Student Accounts for participants funding their own tuition.

Please note that American University does not accept personal credit cards for tuition payments; however government credit card payments are accepted.

Financial Aid

The federal government makes available low interest rate, guaranteed student loans for eligible U.S. citizens. Loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. You do NOT need to wait until you are admitted to begin the student loan application process.

To apply, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). American University's FAFSA code is 001434.

The Financial Aid office can be reached at:
(202) 885-6100
financialaid@american.edu
http://american.edu/financialaid/graduateprospects.cfm

Veterans Benefits

The Key Executive Leadership MPA Program accepts all Veterans Benefits. Please contact an academic advisor for more information on applying for and using your benefits in the Program.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon Program (YRP) is part of the Post 9/11 GI bill that provides veterans on active duty service on or after Sept. 11, 2001 with enhanced educational benefits that include funding for educational expenses, a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children. The YRP allows Universities in the US to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Veterans Administration to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state tuition rate. Universities can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and the Veterans Administration will match the same amount as the school.

Who is Eligible?

• Students who served a total of at least 3 years (36 months) after September 10, 2001
• Students who were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and who served at least 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
• Students who are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill

Application Process

Students may submit an application via the link on the Financial Aid website at: http://www.american.edu/financialaid/yellowribbon.cfm

Scholarships for Currently Enrolled Students

Donald G. Zauderer Scholarship

Funded by donations from former students, family, friends and colleagues, the Donald G. Zauderer Key Executive Leadership Programs Scholarship provides a scholarship to partially support selected students’ costs associated with obtaining a MPA degree in the Key Executive Leadership program.

Applicants for the scholarship must be admitted into the Key Executive Leadership MPA Program and not be receiving financial support from their employer. Applicants must submit an essay describing their major strengths and how their participation in the Key Executive Leadership Program has enhanced their leadership potential and the public service (essay limited to 400 words). In addition to the essay, applicants must submit recommendation forms from three individuals. Application packets must be submitted to the Director of the Key Executive Leadership Program each spring.

Number of available awards: 1
Previously awarded: $2,500

Anita F. Alpern Scholarship

The Anita F. Alpern Scholarship was established through a gift from the estate of the late Anita F. Alpern. Professor Alpern served for twenty years as a Distinguished Adjunct in Residence at SPA. She taught courses in public administration and administrative ethics in the graduate MPA and Key Executive programs, and was instrumental in raising the visibility of SPA in the federal government. Awardees are selected based upon merit, financial need, and commitment to public service. Students enrolled in the Key Executive Leadership MPA program and not currently receiving financial support from their employer are eligible for the scholarship. Application packets must be submitted to the Director of the Key Executive Leadership Program each spring.

Number of available awards: 1
Previously awarded: $2,500