How pricey can American University get?

Hey everyone, I'm starting my initial college research and the costs seem pretty eye-watering. American University, in particular, caught my eye. Anybody got insights on how expensive it is? Are there any hidden charges? Just trying to get a sense of what I might be letting myself in for financially.

Hello! It's absolutely right that attending college in the US can be quite expensive. When you're calculating the cost of attendance at an institution like American University, you need to include several different components:

-tuition and fees: This is the price listed on the college's website and the primary expense for most students. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition at American University is approximately $57,952.

-room and board: This covers housing and meal plans. American University's room and board typically fall around $17,500 annually.

-supplementary costs: These can be textbooks, supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. These elements can contribute a significant amount to the overall cost of attendance and are often not included in the sticker price of the college. At American University, these costs often amount to roughly $3,000 - $5,000.

So, adding those together, you're looking at an estimated total annual cost of $78,452 to $80,452.

But remember, these figures represent the full price of attendance without any financial aid. In reality, a large number of students receive some form of financial aid that reduces these costs. Additionally, these prices can vary each year due to inflation and price increases.

Keep in mind, American University offers merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to help offset these costs, so definitely check out their website and consider filling out the FAFSA for federal aid as well. Good luck with your university research!