Savanna Hoffman
The cost of higher education in the United States can be expensive, with international undergraduate students paying anywhere between $25,000 to $35,000 at a public university and $30,000 to $75,000 at a private college for one year of tuition. While US federal aid is not an option, there are other ways for international students to get their college paid for.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scholarships | IvyPanda, Lifeasapa Foundation, MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship, ColFuturo, Yanai Tadashi Foundation, American University, University of Oregon, Howard University Freshman Scholarships, etc. |
| Loans | International student loans, government lending institutions, private lenders |
| Work | On-campus employment, internships, part-time jobs |
| Family | Supportive families, personal and family sources |
| Savings | |
| Fellowships | |
| Assistantships |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships
Scholarship Search Strategies:
- Start with your school's financial aid office: Most colleges offer scholarship programs for international students, so be sure to check their website or contact the office directly.
- Utilize free online resources: Websites like InternationalScholarships.com, eduPASS, College Board, and International Student offer comprehensive and free scholarship databases. These sites provide valuable information on scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid opportunities.
- Be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers: Avoid sending money or financial information to organizations promising scholarships. Consult with admissions offices or international student offices if you have doubts.
- Consider institutional incentives: Some universities offer financial incentives for students to attend their institution, so research and compare options.
- Look into fellowships and assistantships: Most institutional aid for international students is in the form of graduate fellowships and assistantships, so explore these options if you're pursuing a graduate degree.
Specific Scholarships for International Students:
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by participating colleges and universities in the US to international undergraduate students. It is renewable yearly and requires an essay or multimedia project demonstrating your interest in promoting intercultural learning.
- Fulbright Scholarship: The Fulbright Program offers academic and cultural exchange opportunities for international students to study or conduct research in the US.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: These fellowships are available for graduate and postdoctoral students to fund their research and studies.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships for international students with special skills, talents, or abilities. This can include academic records, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic achievement.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Various universities in the US offer scholarships for international students, such as Harvard University, Illinois State University, Iowa State University, the University of Oregon, and the University of Minnesota.
- Country-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are tailored for students from specific countries, such as the Hungarian American Coalition's fund for Hungarian students and the Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program for Asian students.
- Field of Study Scholarships: Certain scholarships are designated for specific fields, like the Bat and Ball Game Women's Sports Scholarship for women studying sports-related degrees, and the Zonta International Fellowship for women pursuing graduate studies in aerospace engineering and space sciences.
Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship, as they vary widely. Good luck with your scholarship search and educational journey!
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Grants
International students are not eligible for federal student loans in the US, but they may be eligible for private international student loans. Unlike grants or scholarships, student loans must be paid back. Some private student loan companies require a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident, but some, such as Juno, do not.
- The Fulbright Program: This is available in more than 160 countries, and about 4,000 international students are selected to participate every year. The exact amount you can receive may vary, but students can often get tuition, room and board, and transportation fees covered. The program will last between six and 12 months. Students need to have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible.
- Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program: This provides a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture in the US.
- International Fulbright Science and Technology Award: This provides three years of funding for eligible foreign students pursuing a Ph.D. in an approved science or technology field, including aeronautics, biomedical engineering, computer sciences, physics, and neuroscience. Up to 40 awards are granted annually.
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship: The AAUW awards different amounts depending on the type of degree. Students from developing countries can apply for funding through the Aga Khan Foundation. Half of the money is given as a grant, and half as a loan. Only students with financial need will be eligible for an award.
- Margaret McNamara Education Grant: Women from developing countries who intend to study in the US or Canada can apply for this grant. The foundation gives out six to 10 awards, each worth about $12,000. You must be attending an accredited university to be eligible.
- Grants from individual colleges and universities: Many US colleges and universities offer grants for foreign students who wish to study at their institution. Grant programs will vary greatly from college to college. International students who have been accepted should contact the school’s financial aid offices and international student advisers for detailed information.
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Work-study programs
International students can take advantage of work-study programs to help fund their college education. Work-study programs are a form of financial aid that provides students with part-time employment opportunities, allowing them to earn money to cover their educational expenses. These programs offer a range of benefits beyond financial support.
Firstly, work-study programs enable students to gain valuable work experience and build their resumes. On-campus jobs allow students to work closely with faculty members, providing opportunities for networking and mentorship. For instance, a student studying biology may find work as a lab assistant, gaining practical experience in their field of study.
Secondly, work-study programs offer a convenient work arrangement as the jobs are typically located on campus or in nearby areas. This eliminates the need for extensive commuting, allowing students to better manage their time and balance their academic commitments with their work responsibilities.
Thirdly, the income earned through work-study programs is not counted as income when applying for financial aid in the subsequent year. This means that participating in a work-study program can help students maintain their eligibility for need-based financial aid without reducing their potential award amount.
To apply for a work-study program, international students should contact their college's financial aid office to inquire about available opportunities. While eligibility for the Federal Work-Study program in the US is based on financial need, colleges may also offer non-work-study employment opportunities that are not considered financial aid. These positions can provide similar benefits in terms of income and work experience.
In addition to Federal Work-Study programs, international students can explore other work opportunities to help fund their education. For instance, some students may choose to seek off-campus employment, although this may require ensuring compliance with visa regulations and work authorization. It is important to note that working while studying should not compromise a student's academic performance, and a careful balance between the two is essential.
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Loans
International students are not eligible for federal student loans in the US. Instead, international students can apply for international student loans, which are specialized private education loans. These loans can be used to cover education-related expenses such as tuition, books, fees, insurance, and room and board. Students can borrow up to their school's total cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid received.
To apply for an international student loan, a US cosigner is usually required. The cosigner must be a permanent US resident with good credit who has lived in the US for at least the past two years. They are legally obligated to repay the loan if the borrower fails to pay. If a cosigner is not available, there are a growing number of no-cosigner loans available to international students at US colleges and universities.
When taking out a loan, it is important to consider the interest rate and whether it is fixed or variable. Variable interest rates are calculated based on an "index" plus a margin that will add an additional percentage depending on the creditworthiness of the cosigner or other factors decided by the lender. The two most common indexes used for international student loans are the Prime Rate and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). SOFR is based on transactions in the Treasury repurchase market and is considered a risk-free overnight funding rate. For those with the option to choose, a fixed interest rate that won't increase over time may be a safer option than a variable interest rate.
There are several lenders that provide loans to international students, including Ascent, which offers both undergraduate and graduate student loans funded by banks. Students can compare loan options to find the one that best suits their circumstances.
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Personal and family funds
International students face many costs when studying at colleges in the US, including tuition and fees, housing, books, visa application fees, and international airfare. The average tuition and fees for out-of-state students at four-year public universities in the US were over $26,000 per year in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools charged even more, with average tuition and fees of nearly $32,000 per year.
While personal and family funds are a common source of financial support, it is important to note that not all international students come from wealthy backgrounds. Some students may receive partial support from their families, while also relying on scholarships, loans, or income from on-campus jobs to cover their expenses. Additionally, international students may be eligible for merit-based or need-based financial aid, although the availability of such aid is often limited for international students, with most funding going to graduate students.
To supplement their personal and family funds, international students can explore various scholarship opportunities. Free scholarship databases are available, offering information on scholarships from private, corporate, nonprofit, and government sources. Additionally, some US colleges offer merit aid or scholarships specifically for international students. International students can also consider studying in countries like Australia, where the government, education providers, and other organisations provide scholarships, grants, and bursaries to support international students financially.
It is worth noting that working on or off-campus is an option for international students, but it usually provides only spending money rather than covering the full cost of attendance. International students should be aware of the tax implications of their financial resources and seek guidance from the International Student Adviser or tax office on campus.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get their college paid for through scholarships, grants, personal and family savings, and loans.
There are thousands of scholarships available for international students. Some examples include the Fulbright Program for Foreign Students, the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant program, IvyPanda, Lifeasapa Foundation, and MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship.
Many grants carry financial requirements, such as a demonstration of financial need. International students can contact their school's financial aid office for more information about grants.
Yes, international students can take out private loans to pay for college. However, financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt.
Yes, international students can save money by beginning their studies at a community college and then transferring credits to a four-year institution. They can also pursue on-campus employment after their first year of study.
