Janice Lozano
International students in the US cannot apply for federal student aid, which includes federal loans or work-study programs. However, they can access other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and private student loans. Some public and private universities also offer financial incentives for international students to attend their institution, and some universities may have their own financial aid applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students apply for federal student aid in the US? | No, federal aid is limited to US citizens and permanent residents. |
| What about non-citizens? | In rare cases, non-citizens may be eligible for federal financial aid. |
| What other options are available for international students? | Scholarships, grants, fellowships, institutional aid, private student loans, merit-based aid, and on-campus employment. |
| What applications do international students need to fill out? | The International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA), CSS Profile, and some universities may have their own forms. |
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What You'll Learn
International students can't apply for federal aid
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US. Federal aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, is reserved for US citizens and permanent residents. A valid Social Security number is required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, which is necessary to qualify for federal aid.
However, this does not mean that international students are unable to receive any financial aid. While international students may not qualify for federal or state aid, there are other options available to them. Some universities may require international students to fill out the FAFSA, and this information can be used to determine eligibility for other types of aid. Additionally, international students may qualify for merit-based aid, scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
There are also education loans specifically for international students offered by private lenders. Many lenders require a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident, but some lenders, such as MPOWER Financing, offer loans without this requirement.
International students can also look into institutional aid, which is funding provided by the university itself. This can include need-based or merit-based financial aid packages. Some universities may have their own financial aid applications for international students, such as the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the CSS Profile.
It is important for international students to research their options and contact the financial aid office of their prospective university to determine what types of aid they may qualify for. Additionally, international students should be aware of the potential for on-campus employment opportunities, although these may be limited by their immigration status.
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They can apply for institutional scholarships and grants
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US. However, they can apply for institutional scholarships and grants.
To be eligible for institutional scholarships and grants, international students may need to complete applications such as the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA) or the CSS Profile. The ISAFA is a free form that several colleges and universities use to determine eligibility for institutional aid. The CSS Profile is another common application used by schools across the US to collect information about a family's income, assets, and expenses in their home currency. Additionally, some schools have their own financial aid applications for international students.
International students can also explore fellowship opportunities, such as the Josephine de Karnan Fellowship at MIT, which provides up to $25,000 in funding for students completing dissertations. Contacting the department head or financial aid office can provide information on available fellowships.
Furthermore, private student loans are an option for international students. While many lenders require a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident, lenders like MPOWER offer loans specifically for international students without requiring a co-signer.
International students should research their options and contact the financial aid office of their chosen university to understand the types of aid they may qualify for. Additionally, they can explore on-campus employment opportunities, keeping in mind that rules vary depending on their immigration status.
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Fellowships are available at some institutions
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US, but there are other options to fund their education. Fellowships are one such option available at some institutions. These are funding awards given to subsidize the cost of education and are typically merit-based scholarships for advanced study in a particular academic subject. Fellowships are offered, directed, and funded by colleges and universities, and the application, interview, and acceptance processes are conducted through the institution itself.
Fellowships are highly competitive and provide students and graduates with the opportunity to gain high-level professional experience directly related to their field. They offer intensive training, mentorship, and high-level networking opportunities. Fellows are exposed to instructors, speakers, and leaders in their respective fields, many of whom are often former fellows themselves. The work fellows engage in is challenging and interesting, closely aligning with their academic and professional pursuits.
Some examples of prestigious fellowships include the Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women's Studies, which is awarded to PhD candidates working on their dissertations. The Pratt Association also offers competitive fellowships that provide winners with professional experience in celebrated cultural institutions in New York City. Additionally, postdoc fellowships are available for individuals who have recently completed their doctorates but want additional time for study and research. These fellowships may require fellows to teach courses and conduct research, and the most generous ones provide funding for both.
While fellowships can be an excellent opportunity, it's important to consider the rigorous application process and the serious commitment required. The stipends awarded may not always compete with the salaries that fellows could potentially earn in the job market. Nonetheless, fellowships can be a valuable way for international students to pursue their academic goals and gain professional experience in their chosen fields.
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International students can apply for private student loans
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US. However, they can apply for international student loans, which are private education loans offered by specialist lenders. These loans can cover the full cost of an international student's education, including tuition, books, fees, insurance, room and board, and other expenses.
International student loans are available from a variety of lenders, and it is important to compare the different loan options to find the best one for your circumstances. Most international students will need a US co-signer with good credit to apply for a loan. The co-signer is legally responsible for repaying the loan if the borrower fails to do so. If you are unable to find a co-signer, there are some 'no co-signer' loan options available.
Interest rates for international student loans are calculated using benchmarks such as the Prime Rate and the SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate). The SOFR is based on the federal funds rate set by the US Federal Reserve and is considered more reliable than the previous benchmark, LIBOR. The loan amount, repayment terms, and interest rates will depend on the lender and the loan option chosen.
In addition to loans, there are other options for funding an education in the US as an international student. Some international organisations, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and the Open Society Foundations, offer student aid for non-citizens studying in the US. There may also be scholarships, grants, and merit-based aid available at the institutional level. It is recommended that international students carefully evaluate the costs of studying in the US and research all potential sources of funding before applying for loans.
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Some universities are need-blind
International students are not eligible for federal student aid in the US. However, some universities are need-blind, meaning they do not consider an applicant's financial situation when deciding on admission. Need-blind admissions policies are important for international students as they provide an equal opportunity for admission, regardless of financial means.
When applying to need-blind universities, international students should consider whether the school is the right fit. Aspects such as campus culture, location, financial aid policies, academic standards, and programs offered should be taken into account. It is also important to note that not all need-blind universities will meet an international student's financial needs if they are accepted.
Some universities that are need-blind for all students, regardless of citizenship, include Bowdoin College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale University, Dartmouth College, Amherst College, and Georgetown University. These universities have stated that applications are reviewed without consideration of a student's financial resources.
It is worth noting that admissions officers can often infer or guess an applicant's financial ability, regardless of the school's admissions policy. This can be done through factual information submitted, such as bank statements, as well as assumptions based on demographic information. Therefore, while need-blind policies provide equal opportunity, international students should be aware that their financial situation may still be considered indirectly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students cannot apply for federal student aid. Federal aid is limited to US citizens and permanent residents.
International students are also not eligible for state aid.
International students can apply for institutional scholarships, grants, and education loans. Some universities also offer their own financial aid packages, which can be merit- or need-based.
The Josephine de Karnan Fellowship at MIT provides up to $25,000 in funding for students completing dissertations. Howard University Freshman Scholarships are another example.
International students may need to fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA), the CSS Profile, or the university's own financial aid application.
