In-State Tuition and Financial Aid for Expats

Can expat students get in-state tuition and other financial aid?

Unfortunately, expats are generally not eligible for in-state tuition as this is tied to where the student and their parents have resided in the time leading up to the college application. While you may have spent time living in the US before, you are not eligible for in-state tuition in most states unless you have lived in that state for at least 12 months before applying to college. Also, living in the state later does not change your eligibility after starting college.

If you are living abroad due to a parent’s military service,  it may be possible to get in-state tuition if they are only abroad for their service and still have domicile in that particular state. This is very dependent on the state and situation, so it is best to discuss it with the colleges you are considering beforehand.

Financial Aid for Expat Students

The good news is, unlike international students, American expats are eligible for federal financial aid and much more institutional aid at colleges in the US. Pay attention to financial aid and scholarship deadlines announced by each college of interest and follow all instructions to apply.

In order to apply for federal aid, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) each year. This is the application you would use to qualify for potential Pell Grants, Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, Direct PLUS loans and Work Study. This application is usually submitted starting in October of the student’s senior year. All US citizens (and some non-citizens) are eligible to apply for federal aid regardless of where they reside. Pay attention to documents required to complete the form and note that all entries must be converted to U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate published by the Federal Reserve.

Some schools (many private colleges) also require the CSS Profile to determine institutional aid awards which are given by the school directly and do not need to be repaid. All students, regardless of citizenship, may be required to complete this form to be eligible for institutional aid. This form automatically converts entries into USD, so you are able to enter the amounts in your local currency if needed.

Familiarize yourself with both the CSS Profile and FAFSA and gather the documents needed to complete them early. Check the instructions to apply for financial aid, both need and merit based, at each of your colleges before you even submit your application for admission. Deadlines for some scholarships may be very early and you don’t want to miss out!

Check out our other blog posts in our American expat series for more tips!

Are Expats Considered International Students?

Not a simple answer

There is no simple answer as you are considered a citizen but often read as international. At most colleges, your application will be read by the international admission team as they as they are responsible for your region and often more familiar with the school curricula and other aspects related to student life in that area. It makes sense that your application would be read in the context of where you are attending school. You would be compared more to the students in your region. However, when it comes down to choosing an expat vs a true international student, you often have the advantage as you are eligible for federal aid and do not have the burden of providing proof of finances.

Although you are not an ‘international student’, you have the benefit of the international experience and hopefully language skills you have gained while living outside of the US. These are great assets to highlight in your applications. How has your international experience shaped you? What can you bring from this to your future campus? I help guide my students to focus on and add activities to their resume which will enhance their application and demonstrate their uniqueness. We also find creative ways to include these international experiences in their essays.   

Our next post in our expat series focuses on how to apply for financial aid as a US expat.

All About Applying to US Colleges as an Expat

Make it stand out

You have a unique story to tell. Highlight your international experience in your application.

Despite speaking the language and being a citizen, applying to US colleges may seem overwhelming to expat students. They often do not have the opportunity to visit the colleges they are applying to and are left confused about the various application requirements for students living abroad.

In reality, applying to US colleges as an American expat is not significantly different from the process for citizens based in the US. However, there are a few important factors to take into consideration as you are in the college planning process.

Applying as an expat, you have the best of both worlds. You get to apply as a citizen, are eligible for financial aid AND have unique experience to highlight in your application.

Our upcoming blog series will address the important factors to consider and answer the commonly asked questions American expats have. Stay tuned for these posts:

1.     Are expats considered international students?

2.     Can expat students get in-state tuition and other financial aid?

3.     College Application Tips for American Expats