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Financial Aid

Let us guide you to an education within your reach

Paying for college can be challenging, but when you choose Ashland University, you choose a team that  works on your behalf every step of the way.

Check your eligibility for a variety of scholarships

We offer scholarships for accomplishments across a wide range of areas. There are countless opportunities that can cover a significant portion of your cost from academic scholarships to music, art, theater, and athletic scholarships. While you will want to apply for any scholarships that are available in your local area, Ashland University offers merit and need-based scholarships to assist towards your educational costs. Make sure you contact your major department to inquire about additional funding opportunities. We encourage you to apply for admission early as all financial aid administered by Ashland University is offered annually on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to students who have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial aid and scholarships to help you

At Ashland University, you have a team of experienced financial aid counselors working on your behalf. Ninety-eight percent of AU students receive financial aid through a variety of sources.

We offer scholarships for accomplishments for a variety of areas. There are countless opportunities that can cover a significant portion of your cost from academic scholarships to music, art, theater, and athletic scholarships. While you will want to apply for any scholarships that are available in your local area, Ashland University offers merit and need-based scholarships to assist towards your educational costs. Make sure you contact your major department to inquire about additional funding opportunities.

All financial aid administered by Ashland University is offered annually on a first-come, first-served basis, and you need to reapply each year. Priority is given to students who have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 15 priority date.

Helping graduate students pay for college

Graduate students may have the option to borrow Federal Direct Student Loans or Private Educational Loans to help pay for their educational costs. You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to be considered for Federal Direct Student Loans and student employment. 

Visit the Federal Student Aid Repayment Estimator to calculate loan payments and choose a loan repayment option that best meets your needs.

There are a variety of factors that are considered when AU offers financial aid to students including:

• High School GPA
• ACT and/or SAT scores
• FAFSA results
• Departmental selection of scholarship recipients

If you are an incoming undergraduate or graduate student, the Financial Aid Office will begin the awarding process in November for undergraduates and March for graduates. We will continue to award on a weekly basis for the duration of the year.

If you are a returning undergraduate or graduate student, the Financial Aid Office will begin the awarding process in the spring for the upcoming academic year.

Ashland University’s school code (003012) must be included on your FAFSA, and your social security number on your FAFSA and on file in AU’s system must match. Check with your Admissions Representative or the Registrar's Office to ensure your social security number is correct.

If we’ve received all required paperwork, aid will disburse to your account before the beginning of the term to which it applies. Please note: Federal aid and private education loans aren’t credited to your account until 10 days before each term begins. If you are eligible for a refund, it will be available after you attend your first class or complete an academic activity in an online course.

It is important that you check with the Financial Aid Office before you finalize your plans to live off-campus, especially if you are changing your housing plans from on-campus to off-campus after your financial aid offer letter was finalized. If you do not have this conversation in advance, you may find yourself owing money back to the university later in the semester.

Students attending less than full-time may still qualify for some types of aid, including the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans. Ashland University institutional aid is only available to full-time students who pay the undergraduate, traditional comprehensive tuition rate.

The federal government pays the interest on Federal Direct Subsidized loans for undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time. Interest accrues on Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduates and graduates upon disbursement and until paid in full. See studentaid.gov for more information about federal loans.

The maximum amount an undergraduate student can borrow each year ranges from $5,500 to $12,500, depending on their year in college and their dependency status. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours or more) to borrow Federal Direct Loans.
The maximum amount a graduate student can borrow each academic year is $20,500 (two consecutive terms). Students must be enrolled at least half-time to borrow Federal Direct Loans.

If you are not enrolled at least half-time, your six-month grace period will begin. If you resume half-time enrollment, your loans will again be deferred as long as you remain enrolled at least half-time.

You must be enrolled in at least one class for AU to process your financial aid. If you are enrolled at AU and another school simultaneously, a consortium agreement may be needed so you can receive your full eligibility for federal aid.

You may or may not be eligible for AU grants or scholarships while enrolled in study abroad. However, you may be eligible for federal and/or state aid.