Fordham University: Financial Aid For International Students?

Fordham University offers financial aid to international students, but it is limited. The university offers merit-based scholarships to international students based on academic performance and other factors. These scholarships are highly competitive and typically range from $1,000 to full tuition per year, but they do not cover the full cost of attendance. Additionally, Fordham provides some need-based financial aid, but it is not as generous, and students are often expected to contribute towards their tuition. The university also offers other financing options, such as payment plans and loan programs, to make education more accessible.

Merit-based scholarships

Fordham University offers merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are highly competitive and are based on academic performance, leadership, and other factors. They are not awarded based on financial need. The scholarships range from $1,000 to full tuition per year and are renewable for four years.

The first five scholarships listed below are the most competitive and are awarded to the top applicants upon admission. These include:

• Maurice J. and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to entering traditional first-year students who rank in the top 1-2% of their high school class. The scholarship covers full tuition (fees not included) and the average cost of a double room or actual charges (excluding meal plans and fees) if the student lives on campus.
• Excellence in Theatre Scholarship: Awarded to the top two theatre admits based on academic achievement and test scores (if submitted). This scholarship covers full tuition (fees not included) and the cost of a double room or actual charges (excluding meal plans and fees) if the student lives on campus.
• Fordham Recognition Scholarship: Awarded to students with outstanding academic records and designations such as National Merit Semifinalist, National Hispanic Scholar, or National African American Recognition Program Scholar. The scholarship covers full tuition (fees not included) and can be renewed if the student maintains full-time status, satisfactory academic progress, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• The Dean's Scholarship: Awarded to entering traditional first-year students with an A or A- average, high academic performance in a competitive curriculum, and above 1490 on a 1600 scale or its equivalent on standardized testing. The scholarship is an annual award of $15,000.
• Fordham Theatre Scholarship: Awarded to students based on talent and financial need. The scholarship can range from $7,000 to full tuition minus any other tuition-specific aid.

In addition to the above, there is also the Loyola Scholarship, which ranges from $1,000 to $12,500 and is awarded to students who demonstrate high academic performance and leadership ability.

Need-based aid

Need-based financial aid is available at Fordham University. The university strives to help students determine the best combination of financing options and resources to fund their education. The availability of need-based aid is determined by your or your family's ability to pay for college, as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Fordham University was $36,310. Additionally, 69% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in the fall of 2022. This includes need-based self-help aid, such as federal loans and work-study programs, with an average award of $6,052 for first-year students.

While Fordham University does offer need-based financial aid, it is important to note that the university may be less generous with this type of aid for international students. International students are often expected to cover a significant portion of their tuition and other expenses. However, there are still opportunities for financial support.

Fordham University offers the Fordham Theatre Scholarship, which is based on both talent and financial need. This scholarship is available to entering first-year students who are theatre majors and can range from $7,000 to full tuition minus any other tuition-specific aid. To renew this scholarship, students must maintain full-time status, satisfactory academic progress, a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and compliance with the university's policies and Code of Conduct, as well as continue to be a theatre major.

Additionally, international students can explore external scholarships or grants that may be available depending on their field of study, home country, or other specific criteria. It is recommended to seek guidance from high school counsellors or Fordham's international students' office to identify potential sources of financial aid.

External scholarships

Although Fordham University does offer scholarships to international students, these are highly competitive and based on academic merit rather than financial need. There are external scholarships available to international students, which can be based on field of study, home country, or other specific criteria.

• Schilizzi Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is worth £15,000 and is open to international students studying any subject at Fordham University.
• National Catholic College Admission Association Scholarship: This is a one-time $1,000 award for students attending member institutions. The deadline for applications is in March, and selections are made by late April.
• Maguire Scholars Program: This scholarship is for first-year students from select Pennsylvania high schools and is based on need, merit, and extracurriculars. The FAFSA application deadline is March 15.
• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford: This is a fully-funded scholarship programme for international students at the University of Oxford, UK.
• Aga Khan Foundation International Youths Fellowship Program: This is a fully-funded opportunity for international youths to gain experience and training in development.
• Oxford-Pershing Square Graduate Scholarships: These are fully-funded scholarships for international students at the University of Oxford, covering MBA and Masters Programs.
• African Gifted Academy & Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for Nigerian female students in STEM fields.

It is important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for these external scholarships may vary, so it is essential to review the requirements and application processes for each scholarship. Additionally, consulting with a high school counselor or Fordham's international students' office can provide further guidance on exploring external scholarship opportunities.

Grants

Fordham University offers a variety of financial aid options, including grants, to help international students fund their education. While the university is not known for being particularly generous with need-based aid for international students, there are still some options available. Here is some information on grants for international students at Fordham University:

Types of Grants

Fordham University offers several types of grants and scholarships to international students. These include merit-based scholarships that are awarded based on academic performance, as well as need-based grants that take into account a student's financial situation.

Merit-Based Scholarships

The university offers highly competitive merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are based on academic performance, leadership skills, and other factors. The amount of these scholarships can vary, ranging from $1,000 to full tuition per year, and they are renewable for up to four years. Some specific examples of merit-based scholarships offered by Fordham University include:

• The Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to students in the top 1-2% of their high school class, with excellent academic achievement, test scores, and personal characteristics.
• Excellence in Theatre Scholarship: Awarded to the top two theatre admits based on academic achievement, test scores, and personal characteristics.
• Fordham Recognition Scholarship: Given to students with outstanding academic records and specific designations, such as National Merit Semifinalist or National Hispanic Scholar.
• The Dean's Scholarship: Awarded to students with an A or A- average, high academic performance, and strong standardized test scores.

Need-Based Grants

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Fordham University also offers some need-based financial aid to international students. While the university may not cover the full cost of attendance, they do provide assistance to help offset some of the tuition expenses. The amount of need-based aid can vary depending on the student's financial situation and the availability of funds.

External Grants and Scholarships

International students at Fordham University are also encouraged to explore external grant and scholarship opportunities. These may be offered by various organisations, foundations, or private companies, and they can provide additional financial support. The availability of these grants and scholarships may depend on factors such as the student's field of study, home country, or other specific criteria.

Application Process

Fordham University provides guidance to international students on navigating the financial aid process, including important dates and deadlines. It is recommended that students speak with their high school counsellor or the university's international student office to explore all potential sources of financial aid and ensure they are taking advantage of all available opportunities.

Loans

Fordham University offers a variety of financing options, resources, and loan programs to help students afford their education. The university's tuition fees for the 2024-25 academic year are $64,470, which is higher than the national average cost of tuition. The total cost, including food, housing, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is $89,150.

For students receiving need-based aid, the net price is $56,343 on average. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Fordham is $36,310, with 69% of first-year students receiving this type of financial aid in the fall of 2022. The average need-based self-help aid, which includes federal loans and work-study programs, is $6,052.

Fordham University also offers merit-based aid, which is awarded based on specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant for first-year students is $19,763, excluding any athletic scholarships.

While Fordham University does provide financial aid to international students, it is primarily in the form of merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are highly competitive and based on academic performance rather than financial need. They typically range from $1,000 to full tuition per year and are renewable for four years. However, it's important to note that these scholarships may not cover the full cost of attendance, and international students may still be responsible for a significant portion of their expenses.

Fordham University also offers a limited amount of need-based financial aid to international students, but it is not as generous, and students are often expected to contribute towards their tuition. The university recommends that international students explore all potential resources, including external scholarships or grants, and seek guidance from their high school counselor or Fordham's international students' office to help mitigate the costs.

In addition to scholarships and grants, international students at Fordham University may also have access to loan programs to help finance their education. The university's website provides resources and information on federal loan programs, private loans, and other financing options. It is important for students to carefully consider their financing options and create a sustainable plan to fund their education.

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