Lori Meadows
International students face additional costs when studying at colleges in the US, including visa application fees and international airfare. While earning an education in the US can be expensive, there are ways for international students to fund their studies. Some students may have family support, while others may rely on scholarships, grants, assistantships, or private loans. International students may also take on part-time work to help cover their expenses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average cost of studying in the US for an international student | ~$41,000 USD annually |
| Average cost of an undergraduate degree for international students | ~$165,000 USD |
| Ability to pay expenses | Each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove this |
| Funding sources | Personal and other financial resources, mainly from outside the US |
| Federal aid | Not available for international students |
| State aid | Not available for international students |
| Private colleges | More likely to give scholarships than public colleges |
| Scholarships | Available for international students, including merit-based scholarships |
| Loans | International students can take out private loans, but financial experts advise against taking on too much debt |
| Work | On-campus employment is an option for international students |
| Assistantships | Research and teaching assistantships are available for graduate students, providing financial support, tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance |
| Health insurance | International students need to pay for health insurance, which can be obtained through the college, a private insurer, or an Affordable Care Act plan |
| Visa fees | International students must pay visa application fees, and most hold an F-1 student visa |
| Family support | Some international students receive financial support from their families |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants
To apply for a scholarship, you may need to answer personal questions, write an essay, or make a video. It is important to pay attention to smaller scholarships as they can add up and help cover expenses like books for a semester. However, be cautious of scholarship scams and remember that you should never have to pay a fee to apply for a scholarship.
Grants are also available for international students, particularly those pursuing graduate studies. While scholarships and grants are great options, it is important to note that financial aid opportunities vary depending on the school and degree level.
Additionally, international students can pursue on-campus employment opportunities, such as research or teaching assistantships, which can provide financial support in the form of tuition waivers, stipends, or partial aid.
Some public and private universities also offer financial incentives for students to attend their institutions, so it is beneficial to research the specific financial aid options available at your desired schools.
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Loans
International students can take out private loans to help cover college costs. However, many financial aid experts advise against taking on too much debt. Most private lenders require that international students apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen. This is because most students have limited income and little to no credit history. Generally, a cosigner is a relative, friend, spouse, or any creditworthy adult who is willing to share the responsibility of paying back a student loan. As an international student, finding a U.S. cosigner can be difficult.
There are a few options for finding a cosigner. When thinking of potential cosigners, consider trusted friends or university alumni with good credit. There are also lenders that specialize in loans for international students and do not require a cosigner, such as MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance. These lenders consider factors other than credit score when evaluating loan applications, such as academic performance and future earnings potential.
It is important to note that unlike scholarships and grants, loans require recipients to repay the awards. Students should carefully consider their ability to repay the loan before taking on this financial commitment. Additionally, students should research the different loan options available and compare interest rates, repayment terms, and other factors to find the best fit for their needs.
In addition to private loans, some international students may qualify for federal loans from the U.S. Department of Education. To be eligible, students must be permanent residents of the United States and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal loans may offer more favourable terms than private loans, so it is worth exploring this option if it is available to you.
Overall, loans can be a helpful way for international students to finance their college education, but it is important to carefully consider the risks and responsibilities involved.
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Family funds
Students from families with lower or middle-class backgrounds may struggle to afford these fees, and even upper-middle-class families may need to take on a lot of debt to support their child's education. In some cases, the family may not be able to cover all the costs, and the student may need to take out a loan or find other sources of funding to make up the difference.
International students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid in the form of loans, grants, or work-study opportunities, which are usually reserved for US citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, and refugees or asylees. However, some colleges offer need-based or merit-based aid to international students, and there are also scholarships, grants, and private loans available specifically for international students.
To receive a student visa, international students must attend a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Most international students hold an F-1 student visa, which requires them to provide proof of financial support and documentation of their ability to pay expenses. Colleges may have their own requirements for how international students can demonstrate their financial capability.
In addition to tuition fees, international students often face additional costs, including visa application fees, international airfare, health insurance, housing, food, textbooks, and supplies. These supplementary expenses can add up, and students may need to budget and find ways to reduce their overall cost of attendance.
Some ways for international students to save money include starting their US studies at a community college and then transferring credits to a four-year institution, pursuing on-campus employment opportunities, and taking advantage of any available supplements or fee waivers offered by the university.
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On-campus jobs
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering on-campus jobs as an international student. Firstly, check your eligibility and ensure that your visa status is up to date. For instance, F-1 visa holders can work for university employers or school-affiliated off-campus locations, but opportunities might be limited at certain schools. It is also important to obtain permission from the school's International Student Office before accepting any on-campus employment, as some institutions may have specific rules and regulations regarding international student employment.
To find on-campus jobs, international students can start by checking their college's online job board or physical job boards on campus. Networking is crucial, so connecting with seniors, upperclassmen, and peers can provide insights into available positions. Additionally, approaching various departments, visiting potential workplaces like the library or cafeteria, and using platforms like Interstride can increase the chances of finding a suitable on-campus job.
While on-campus jobs may have competition, they offer international students a valuable opportunity to gain experience and earn an income during their studies in the US. With the right approach and persistence, international students can secure these positions and enjoy the benefits that come with them.
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Assistantships
Graduate assistants typically work 15 to 20 hours per week and may have various responsibilities, including teaching, conducting research, grading undergraduate work, or providing administrative support. Assistantships can provide valuable professional development and skills that are sought after by employers. They can also enhance a student's graduate school application and demonstrate their preparedness to contribute to the department.
To be eligible for an assistantship, students must meet specific academic requirements, such as maintaining a minimum grade point average (GPA) and demonstrating proficiency in the English language. The application process may vary between universities and departments and may include an application, interview, or submission of an essay.
International students should actively seek out assistantship opportunities by contacting the relevant department or college, as these positions may not always be widely advertised. Assistantships can provide a significant financial benefit and help reduce the cost of education, which can be particularly high for international students studying in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of studying in the US for international students is $41,000 USD per year, which amounts to approximately $165,000 USD for an undergraduate degree. On top of tuition and fees, international students must also pay for housing, books, supplies, health insurance, visa application fees, and international airfare.
International students can benefit from several forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and assistantships. Scholarships are a fantastic source of funding for international students as they do not need to be paid back. There are thousands of international student scholarships available, including those for specific fields of study, sports, and heritage. Assistantships provide financial support for graduate students and typically include a tuition waiver, a stipend, and health insurance.
Each US college has its own requirements for how international students can prove their ability to pay expenses. Generally, schools require international applicants to provide financial documents or immigration records.
International students can reduce their total cost of attendance by pursuing on-campus employment, beginning their US studies at a community college and then transferring credits to a four-year institution, or taking on private student loans with the help of a cosigner who is a US citizen.
