The American University of Beirut has a strong financial aid program to assist its many able and qualified students who could not otherwise meet the cost of tuition. The basic view of AUB is that families have an obligation to finance their student's education to the extent that they are able.

The University requires that families complete a financial aid application in order to determine whether they can afford to pay the full tuition from their own resources. A financial analysis, assessment, and a comprehensive verification process are used to determine a family's ability to pay for education. There is a distinction made between family expenditures that are made by choice and those of an obligatory nature.

The University's financial aid is granted to students irrespective of race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, or disability.

AUB's financial aid program was developed and has grown to its present level of around $14 million in awards annually through the generous support of AUB's alumni and friends.