Does American Require the CSS Profile?
American University requires the CSS Profile for domestic need-based aid applicants and uses CSS code 5007. Its first-year page publishes different Profile and FAFSA dates for each admission plan and requires separate Profile submissions from parents who live apart.
CSS Profile
RequiredDomestic first-year applicants seeking American University need-based aid submit both the CSS Profile and FAFSA. International first-year applicants are not eligible for AU need-based aid, and AU tells them not to submit the CSS Profile.
CSS school code
5007American's CSS Profile code is 5007. Use that code to send the form to American University.
Published financial aid deadlines
These are the school's currently published 2026–27 dates. A late or updated application cycle can use different dates, so confirm the deadline shown in your applicant portal.
Which parent files?
When biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, never married, or living separately, American requires each parent to submit a CSS Profile. College Board contacts the noncustodial parent after the student supplies that parent's email address.
Documents and next steps
Use American CSS code 5007 and FAFSA code 001434. Both forms must arrive by the aid deadline for the student's admission plan. American considers a late Profile for institutional grants only while funding remains available.
Official sources for this answer
- American University prospective first-year aid instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- American University transfer aid instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
- American University international first-year instructions (checked August 2, 2026)
Common questions
Does American require the CSS Profile?
Yes. American University requires the CSS Profile for domestic need-based aid applicants and uses CSS code 5007. Its first-year page publishes different Profile and FAFSA dates for each admission plan and requires separate Profile submissions from parents who live apart.
What is American's CSS Profile code?
American's CSS Profile code is 5007. Use that code to send the form to American University.
When is American's financial aid deadline?
Early Action and Early Decision I: November 15; Early Decision II: February 1; Regular Decision: February 15; Spring enrollment: October 15; Transfer priority deadline: May 1.
Is the FAFSA enough for American?
Not for American's institutional aid. Eligible students should file the FAFSA for federal aid, but American uses the CSS Profile separately to evaluate its own need-based funding.
Estimate the rest of your aid
The CSS Profile does not tell you what federal aid you may receive. Estimate that separately, then compare the result with each college's net price and your outside scholarship options.