Janice Lozano
International students in the US have several financing options available to them, but federal student loans are not one of them. Instead, international students are eligible for international student loans, which are private education loans. These loans can cover up to the total cost of school, minus any other financial aid received, and typically require a US cosigner. There are also other financial aid options to explore, such as grants, scholarships, and merit-based aid. The eligibility criteria for federal student loans for noncitizens include US nationals, permanent residents, refugees, and specific visa holders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for federal student aid | Ineligible for federal student aid, but there are exceptions for eligible non-citizens and permanent residents. |
| Ability to fill out FAFSA | Ineligible unless the college requests a manual version. |
| Ability to work | Unable to work in federal work-study positions. |
| Ability to receive merit-based aid | Eligible for merit-based aid at some colleges. |
| Ability to receive need-based aid | Eligible for need-based aid at some colleges. |
| Ability to receive institutional aid | Eligible for institutional aid at some colleges. |
| Ability to receive private aid | Eligible for private student loans. |
| Ability to receive grants | Eligible for grants at some colleges. |
| Ability to receive scholarships | Eligible for scholarships at some colleges. |
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What You'll Learn
International students are ineligible for federal student aid
International students are generally ineligible for federal student aid in the United States. Federal student aid is typically reserved for American citizens and permanent residents, who can access funding through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). International students, on the other hand, usually rely on personal and family sources of funding, as well as other financial resources from outside the U.S.
To fill out the FAFSA, applicants must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Alien Registration Number (ARN), which international students typically do not possess. This restricts access to federal aid for international students. However, some colleges may ask international students to complete a manual version of the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for institutional aid.
While international students are generally ineligible for federal student aid, there may be exceptions. For example, eligible non-citizens, such as U.S. nationals or permanent residents with a green card, may qualify for federal aid. Additionally, international students may be eligible for other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and private student loans.
Colleges and universities have varying policies regarding financial aid for international students. Some institutions offer financial aid specifically for international students, while others do not. It is important for prospective international students to research the financial aid offerings of different schools before applying. Additionally, international students should consider the additional costs associated with studying in the U.S., such as visa application fees and international travel.
Overall, while international students are generally ineligible for federal student aid in the United States, there are alternative sources of financial aid available, and it is important for students to carefully research their options and plan for the additional costs of studying abroad.
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International students can access merit-based scholarships
International students are typically unable to receive federal student aid and must rely on personal and other financial resources to cover their tuition and expenses. However, they can access merit-based scholarships offered by colleges and universities, as well as grants and other forms of aid.
While federal student aid is generally not available to international students, there are exceptions. Eligible non-citizens, such as U.S. nationals and permanent residents, can receive federal aid. Additionally, some colleges might ask international students to fill out a manual version of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for institutional aid.
Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students who have excelled in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. These scholarships can provide significant financial support and recognize outstanding achievements. For example, Northeastern University offers incoming first-year international students merit-based scholarships of up to $28,000 annually. Syracuse University also offers merit scholarships to recognize academic achievement, with the potential to combine multiple awards to cover the full cost of tuition.
International students can also explore other forms of aid, such as grants and scholarships provided by their college or university. For instance, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers merit aid through its Freshman Scholarships program for first-time-in-college international students. Additionally, foreign governments may have financial aid programs to support their students studying in the United States, so it is worth contacting the relevant departments or embassies to inquire about potential opportunities.
Overall, while international students may not have access to federal student aid, there are various merit-based scholarship opportunities available at the institutional level, as well as other forms of financial aid, to help offset the cost of their education.
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International students can access need-based aid
International students are typically ineligible for federal aid in the US. However, they may qualify for need-based aid at the institutional level, including grants and scholarships. International students can also explore other options to help finance their studies in the US.
Firstly, it is important to note that international students are generally not eligible for federal student aid in the United States. This includes federal loans, work-study programmes, and other forms of federal financial assistance. However, there are exceptions for certain eligible non-citizens, such as U.S. nationals and permanent residents, who may receive federal aid.
Despite this, international students can still access need-based financial aid at the institutional level. Many colleges and universities offer grants and scholarships specifically for international students who demonstrate financial need. These opportunities may be need-based or merit-based. For example, some colleges offer merit-based scholarships for international students who have excelled in their academic performance. Additionally, some colleges may require international students to fill out a manual version of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for institutional aid.
It is recommended that international students research the financial aid offerings of their prospective colleges. Some colleges may have specific forms or requirements to determine financial need and eligibility for international students. Additionally, international students can explore other options, such as private student loans, to help finance their studies.
Furthermore, international students may also seek financial assistance from their home country's government or foreign governments. Many countries offer scholarships or financial aid programs to support their students studying abroad. Speaking to the department of education or the embassy/consulate of one's home country in the United States can provide more information on these opportunities.
While studying in the US as an international student can be expensive, there are various options available to help finance one's education. By exploring institutional aid, scholarships, and financial resources from one's home country, international students can access need-based financial support to pursue their academic goals in the US.
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International students can access private student loans
International students are not eligible for federal loans in the US. However, they can access private student loans to fund their education. These loans are flexible and can often cover the entire cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation.
To apply for a private student loan, international students usually need a co-signer or consigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident with good credit. The co-signer is legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower defaults. In some cases, international students may be able to obtain a loan without a co-signer, but they may have to pay higher interest rates.
When choosing a lender, it is important to compare interest rates, borrowing limits, and repayment terms. Interest rates can be fixed or variable. Fixed rates remain the same throughout the life of the loan, while variable rates may start lower but can change over time. Borrowing limits vary among lenders, and it is important to ensure that the lender can provide the needed amount. Repayment terms also differ among lenders, and it is crucial to consider monthly payments, the start of repayment, and the duration of repayment.
Some popular lenders offering private student loans to international students include Citizens Bank, Ascent, and Earnest. Citizens Bank offers multi-year loans, which can help borrowers budget and plan. Ascent offers a broad range of loan types, especially for graduate students, and provides competitive rates with the option to choose between fixed and variable rates. Earnest, which offers low-interest rates and no fees, received the highest score in Investopedia's 2025 ranking of private student loan lenders for international students.
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International students can access institutional aid
International students are typically unable to receive federal student aid and must rely on personal and external financial resources to fund their education. However, they can access institutional aid, which includes grants and scholarships.
Institutional aid is provided by individual colleges and universities, and international students may be eligible for need-based or merit-based aid. For example, Howard University in Washington, D.C., offers merit aid through its Freshman Scholarships for first-time international students. Additionally, some colleges may offer waivers on application fees.
To determine eligibility for institutional aid, colleges may require international students to fill out certain forms, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA). The FAFSA is typically only available to U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Alien Registration Number (ARN). However, some colleges may accept a manual version of the FAFSA from international students to assess their eligibility for institutional support.
It is important to note that funding for international students is often limited, and not all colleges offer aid. Prospective students should research the financial aid options provided by their desired colleges. Additionally, international students can explore scholarships offered by their home countries' governments or departments of education to support their studies in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are not eligible for federal loans or federal financial aid in the US.
International students can apply for private student loans, which can cover up to the total cost of school minus any other financial aid received. These loans often require a US co-signer. Additionally, international students may qualify for merit-based or need-based aid, scholarships, and grants.
A co-signer is a person who can legally sign loan papers or documentation to help the borrower obtain a loan. A co-signer is often a close friend or relative with good credit and a good income history.
Aside from tuition, international students should consider the costs of housing, food, textbooks, supplies, health insurance, travel expenses, student visa fees, and international airfare.
The repayment period typically ranges from 10-25 years, with some options to defer payment until 6 months to a year after graduation.
