How to Apply for Financial Aid in the US as an International Student

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students seeking quality education and diverse experiences. However, the cost of attending a U.S. university can be a significant barrier for students no matter where they are from. In this blog post, we'll explore the process of applying for financial aid as an international student at U.S. universities.

Understanding Financial Aid Options

Before diving into the application process, it's important to understand the types of financial aid available for international students:

1.    Institutional Aid:  Aid which comes from the university itself, more common with private universities

Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or other achievements. They may cover part or all of tuition costs. Often, they do not require a separate application and are awarded based on the student’s general application for admission. These are VERY competitive and not offered by some top universities such as the Ivy League institutions.

Need-Based Aid: While international students are not eligible for federal financial aid in the US, many universities offer need-based aid to international students. This aid can come in the form of scholarships and grants which do not have to be repaid. This aid requires some form of application including details on the family’s income and financial resources.

2.     External Scholarships and Grants: There are numerous external organizations, foundations, and governments that offer scholarships and grants to international students studying in the U.S. These can be based on academic merit, field of study, country of origin, or other criteria.

Applying for Financial Aid

The application and policy for institutional aid varies significantly by university. Some universities do not offer need-based aid to international students at all, others such as Columbia or UChicago meet 100% of demonstrated need, and some colleges may offer both need and merit aid. It is important to thoroughly research the policies and requirements for each college before making the decision to apply there.

Colleges which offer need-based aid to international students will require the submission of either the CSS Profile, International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or their own version of a financial aid application. This financial aid form is due with or shortly after the application for admission. These forms require information about the family income, assets and expenses. You will usually be required to upload proof such as tax returns and income statements translated to English in order to complete the applications. Begin working on these applications early enough to gather the required documents well ahead of the stated deadlines.

It is common policy that if a student does not apply for financial aid for their first year, they are ineligible for need-based aid for the following years. So if your family truly needs aid, make sure you complete all forms accurately and ON TIME before the student’s first year of college.

Important Questions to Consider

1.     Will applying for aid affect your chances of admission?

2.     Are there other colleges which would give you more aid?

3.     Are there other colleges which are great fits and cost less overall?

4.     Can students get a job and and/or manage a job while attending college?

While the cost of studying in the U.S. can be daunting for international students, there are various financial aid options available to help make education more accessible. By researching opportunities, preparing strong applications, and staying persistent, you can increase your chances of receiving the financial support you need. This is an important issue I help my students and their families navigate as we work together on their college search and applications. If you have questions about applying to US colleges as an international student, schedule a free intro meeting with me.