Fasfa Loan Eligibility: International Students' Guide

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is intended for U.S. citizens and certain eligible non-citizens to determine what financial aid they can receive from the federal government or schools. While international students are not eligible for federal aid from the FAFSA, they can still apply for financial aid in other ways. To qualify for grants, scholarships, and institutional loans, international students may need to complete applications such as the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) or the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). Additionally, private international student loans are available from lenders such as Ascent Funding and MPOWER Financing, which offer cosigned loan options.

FAFSA requirements for international students

International students are not eligible for federal student aid from the US government. However, it is still important to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as it is available to eligible non-citizens. According to the Federal Student Aid website, eligible non-citizens must fall under one of the following categories:

• Be a US national (including natives of American Samoa or Swains Island)
• Be a US permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151 (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card), also known as a "green card"
• Have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Have a T-visa (issued to victims of human trafficking) or have a parent with a T-1 nonimmigrant status
• Be a "battered immigrant-qualified alien" and a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse

If you are an international student who does not fall into one of these categories, there are still other options for funding your education. You can reach out to the financial aid office of your prospective school to ask about other opportunities. Financial aid may be available from the state where your school is located or the school itself, although this may not cover the total cost of attendance. In this case, you may need to consider private international student loans, which some companies offer with cosigned loan options.

Non-FAFSA financial aid for international students

International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US, including FAFSA loans. However, there are alternative financial aid options available for international students. Here are some suggestions for non-FAFSA financial aid:

Contact the Financial Aid Office

Get in touch with the financial aid office of your chosen school. They can advise on funding opportunities and often have specific forms for international students to complete. The school itself or the state where it is located may offer financial aid.

Private International Student Loans

If federal financial aid is not available or does not cover the full cost, consider private international student loans. Companies like Ascent offer cosigned loan options specifically for international students.

Scholarships

Many scholarships are restricted to US citizens and permanent residents, but there are also scholarship funds dedicated to international students. These include private, corporate, nonprofit, and government scholarship funds. Scholarship databases can help you identify relevant opportunities, but be aware that some charge a fee to access their information.

University Funding

Some academic departments within universities may have funds to support international students with exceptional need and/or talent. Discuss your situation with your university and major department to explore any special funding they might offer.

Merit or Need-Based Aid

While funding for international students can be limited, they may still qualify for certain types of merit or need-based aid.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the FAFSA is not just for federal student aid. Completing the FAFSA form may still be important, as it is used to access other forms of financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study funds.

Private international student loans

International students seeking to study in the United States have fewer student loan options than US borrowers. Federal student loans are limited to US citizens and eligible non-citizens, and require a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply. Thus, international students often have to turn to private student loans to fund their education.

To get started with private international student loans, it is recommended to compare several lenders to determine the right fit. Many offer pre-qualification with just a soft credit check that will not affect your credit score. However, others may require you to submit a full application before revealing the loan terms and conditions. Once you submit the application, the lender will review the borrower's and co-signer's credit histories, income, and other factors to determine eligibility and the interest rate. If you agree to the loan terms, the lender will typically disburse the loan proceeds directly to your school.

Before taking out a private international student loan, it is important to research other funding opportunities. You can start by checking your country's embassy or governmental educational office for applicable scholarships. You can also use the US Department of Labor's scholarship search engine to identify scholarships, fellowships, grants, and financial aid awards. Additionally, your school's financial aid office may be able to provide information on other ways to pay for college.

School-specific financial aid forms

International students seeking financial aid for their education in the US have several options available to them. While federal financial aid is not an option, international students can explore school-specific financial aid forms, scholarships, private loans, and grants to help fund their studies.

Completing school-specific financial aid forms is an important step in the application process for international students. These forms allow colleges and universities to assess an applicant's financial need and determine the amount of aid they may receive. It's important to note that not all schools offer financial assistance to international students, so it's advisable to contact the schools directly to inquire about their specific requirements and preferred forms.

One commonly used school-specific financial aid form is the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. The CSS Profile is an online service provided by the College Board that allows students, including international students, to apply for financial aid. It is more detailed than the FAFSA and is available earlier, making it a good option for early applicants. The CSS Profile acts as a "financial aid calculator form," where students input information from federal and bank documents to determine their financial resources accurately. The cost to create a CSS Profile is between $16 and $25 USD per school, and it is accessible to member schools of the College Board.

Another option for international students is the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). The ISFAA is specifically designed for international students seeking financial assistance and is accepted by participating colleges and universities.

In addition to these standardized forms, some schools may have their own unique financial aid forms or requirements. For example, some schools may require additional documentation, such as tax forms, bank statements, or other financial aid documents, to support the information provided in the CSS Profile or ISFAA. It is essential for students to carefully review the requirements of each school they are applying to and submit all the necessary forms and supporting documentation by the specified deadlines.

Additional Options for Financial Aid

International students can also explore scholarships, private loans, and grants to help fund their education. Scholarships are a significant source of financial support and do not need to be paid back. There are numerous scholarships available for international students, including those based on academic merit, financial need, specific fields of study, sports, hobbies, volunteer work, and heritage.

Private loans are another option for international students who may not have access to federal loans. These loans can provide additional financial assistance, and some organizations, such as Ascent Funding, offer cosigned loan options specifically for international students.

Lastly, grants can also provide much-needed financial support for international students. Grants are typically need-based and do not require repayment, making them an attractive option for students seeking financial aid.

In conclusion, while international students may not be eligible for federal financial aid in the US, there are still numerous options available to help fund their education. By exploring school-specific financial aid forms, scholarships, private loans, and grants, international students can access the financial resources they need to pursue their academic goals in the US.

International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA)

International students can apply for financial aid in the US, although their options may be limited. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available to US citizens and eligible non-citizens. However, to complete the FAFSA, students must have a Social Security number (SSN) and create an FSA ID using their SSN. Therefore, international students who do not meet the criteria and do not have an SSN are ineligible to apply for the FAFSA.

The CSS Profile application is another option for international students to apply for financial aid. The application collects information about a family's income, assets, and expenses to determine their financial need. The information can be entered in the applicant's home currency, and the CSS Profile will convert it. Many colleges provide institutional financial aid to international students based on their financial situation in the context of their local economy.

Additionally, some private companies offer cosigned loan options for international students. These loans can provide extra financial assistance to cover the total cost of attendance.

It is important to note that each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses. Therefore, it is recommended to research and contact the specific colleges of interest to understand their requirements and explore all available options for financial assistance.

Frequently asked questions