Lana Oconnell
International students often face higher tuition fees than domestic students at public universities in the United States. This is because public colleges are partially subsidized by taxes from state residents, so non-residents pay more. However, there are ways for international students to pay in-state tuition rates. Some states allow students to qualify for in-state tuition if they have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time. Certain visas, such as the EB-5, can also help international students and their families obtain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status and qualify for in-state tuition. Additionally, international students may be able to receive in-state tuition through tuition waivers or scholarships. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the state and school, so it is important for students to research their options early in the application process.
How to Pay In-State Tuition as an International Student
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition | The rate that students with permanent residence in a state pay to attend a public or state school |
| Out-of-state tuition | The rate that non-residents of a state, including international students, pay to attend a public or state school |
| Private colleges | Not subject to in-state and out-of-state tuition differences; tuition fees are the same for all students |
| Tuition waivers | Some states offer tuition waivers for international students who work as teaching or research assistants or receive competitive scholarships |
| EB-5 visa program | A strategic immigration pathway that can help international students qualify for in-state tuition rates and reduce overall costs |
| State-specific requirements | Each state has its own policies and requirements for in-state tuition eligibility; for example, establishing residency for a prescribed amount of time |
| Payment methods | International students can pay tuition fees through bank transfers, international bank drafts, credit cards, or cash; it is important to consider associated fees and processing times |
| Scholarships | International students may be able to receive scholarships or grants to help reduce the cost of tuition |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants
International students can apply for scholarships and grants to help fund their studies in the US. While full scholarships are rare, they do exist, and partial scholarships can also provide valuable financial aid.
Scholarships
Many scholarships are provided by individual colleges and universities, and it is worth checking the financial aid office of your chosen institution to see what is available. For example, Iowa State University, Michigan State University, New York University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Iowa, and the University of Minnesota all offer scholarships for international students.
Other scholarships are provided by private organisations or the US government. The Fulbright Program, for instance, is a popular government-funded scholarship for international students, providing funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is another example of an international scholarship, aimed at doctoral students committed to peace and conflict resolution.
International Student and BestColleges both provide searchable databases of scholarships for international students.
Grants
Grants are also available to international students, often provided by private organisations or US government initiatives. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, for example, provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries applying for a development-related Master's program.
The US government's National Science Foundation (NSF) also supports international research and education through a variety of programs, including fellowships, travel grants, summer institutes, workshops, and research and education projects.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements for scholarships and grants vary, and students should research carefully to find opportunities that match their circumstances and interests.
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EB-5 visa program
International students are usually required to pay out-of-state tuition rates at US public universities, which can be double or triple the in-state rate. However, certain states may allow international students to pay in-state tuition if they have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time and graduated from a public or accredited private high school.
One way for international students to qualify for in-state tuition rates is through the EB-5 visa program, a strategic immigration pathway. The EB-5 visa program provides a route to US permanent residency for foreign investors who contribute to the American economy. The program is designed for foreign nationals and their spouses and unmarried children under 21 who wish to obtain a US visa based on a minimum investment in a for-profit enterprise that creates or retains a specified number of jobs.
To obtain an EB-5 visa, individuals must invest \$800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or \$1,050,000, creating or preserving at least ten jobs for US workers excluding the investor and their immediate family. Most EB-5 investors choose to invest in a TEA—a rural area or an area with a high unemployment rate—as this requires less capital. Investors can choose to invest directly or through a larger investor pool via regional centres (RCs), which are federally approved investment issuers.
Once an EB-5 investor has obtained Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, their dependents can begin establishing residency in a specific state. Through concurrent filing, EB-5 investors and their families can receive in-state tuition. This involves filing the I-485, after which the EB-5 investor and their dependents are no longer considered international students and are no longer subject to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS).
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State-specific waivers
In the US, public colleges and universities are managed by the individual states where they are located, and not the federal government. Public colleges are subsidised by taxes collected from residents of the state. As a result, residents of the state pay a discounted rate for college tuition, known as "in-state tuition".
Each state sets its own rules and regulations for who qualifies for in-state tuition. Some states may allow students to receive in-state tuition if they have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time and graduated from a public or accredited private high school.
International students may be able to receive in-state tuition in certain states through tuition waivers. These waivers can include those for working as a teaching or research assistant, or through a competitive scholarship waiver. The eligibility and availability of these waivers vary depending on the state and school.
Some colleges and universities require that international students applying for a tuition waiver have already attended the school for a certain amount of time (generally one or two semesters). Schools grant tuition waivers based on the student’s availability of funds, student need, and student merit. If you are of good academic standing, you have a better chance of receiving a tuition waiver. Some schools have a minimum GPA that you must maintain to apply for a tuition waiver. Many colleges also require that international students who receive a tuition waiver must complete a certain number of unpaid volunteer service hours each semester.
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Louisiana Tech University
- Texas A&M University College Station
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
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Residency requirements
Some states may allow you to receive in-state tuition if you have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time and graduated from a public or accredited private high school. However, not all states will allow students on F and J visas in high school to qualify for residency.
In some cases, establishing residency for a short time can allow you to take advantage of in-state tuition. For example, in North Carolina, a student who has been admitted to the US with refugee status and is living in the state but has not yet met all the requirements for residency may be eligible for in-state tuition. Similarly, a non-US citizen who does not meet the residency criteria but has been lawfully admitted to the US and is residing in North Carolina may be eligible for in-state tuition if a non-profit entity accepts responsibility for tuition and fees.
Additionally, some states offer tuition waivers for international students, which may be based on academic excellence, financial need, or other criteria. For example, Texas offers in-state tuition to international students who have attended three years of high school in the state or have transferred from a Texas college or university.
It is important to note that each state sets its own rules and regulations for qualifying for in-state tuition, and it is recommended to check the specific requirements for the state and institution you plan to study in. The college or university will often have the authority to determine whether a student qualifies as a resident for tuition purposes, and they may require government-issued documents as proof of residency.
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Payment methods
As an international student, you have several payment methods available to pay for your tuition fees. Here are some options to consider:
- Bank Transfer: You can send money directly from your overseas bank account to the university's bank account. However, this option can be expensive due to uncompetitive exchange rates and high fees charged by banks. It can also take several days for the transaction to process.
- International Bank Draft: This option involves purchasing a bank draft in your home country and then sending it to the university in their local currency. Bank drafts are designed for transferring large sums of money and are accepted in most countries. They are relatively inexpensive but can take several weeks to process.
- Credit Card: Many colleges now accept credit card payments for tuition fees. However, some schools may charge a convenience fee for using a credit card, so be sure to check with the university before choosing this option.
- Cash Payment: Some educational institutions accept cash payments, but this may not be the most convenient or secure option, especially when dealing with large sums of money.
- Money Transfer Services: You can use a money transfer service to exchange money in your home country and then pick up the cash when you arrive internationally. However, be mindful of any airline cash limits if you choose to travel with the cash.
- University Payment Portals: Many universities offer their own payment portals on their official websites. While this may not always be the most cost-effective option, it provides a direct way to pay your tuition fees.
- Wire Transfer: A wire transfer, also known as a money transfer or credit transfer, is an electronic transfer of funds. This option can be daunting due to the paperwork involved, and there may be associated fees. Additionally, wire transfers are usually irreversible, so exercise caution when transferring large amounts.
In addition to these payment methods, there are other strategies to reduce the overall cost of tuition as an international student:
- Scholarships and Grants: Scholarships and grants are great ways to offset the cost of tuition. Examples include the Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship and the Indian Alumni Scholarship.
- Tuition Waivers: Certain states and schools may offer tuition waivers for international students with excellent academic records or those who work as teaching or research assistants.
- Establishing Residency: Some states allow international students to qualify for in-state tuition if they have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time and graduated from an accredited high school.
- Strategic Immigration Pathways: Programs like the EB-5 visa program can help international students and their families qualify for in-state tuition rates and reduce overall costs.
Remember to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application processes for any scholarships, grants, or tuition reduction programs, as these can vary by state and educational institution.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can get in-state tuition in the US by applying for certain visas, scholarships, or waivers. The EB-5 visa program, for example, can help international students qualify for in-state tuition rates. Alternatively, some states offer in-state tuition to students who have resided in the state for a prescribed amount of time.
In-state tuition is the rate that students with permanent residence in a state pay, while out-of-state tuition is the rate that non-residents of the state, including international students, pay. Out-of-state tuition is typically more expensive than in-state tuition and can sometimes be double or triple the price.
International students can pay their tuition fees through their university's payment portal, which may accept card payments, cash payments, or bank transfers. Alternatively, international bank drafts are a secure way to transfer large sums of money, but they can take several weeks to process.
International students can reduce their tuition fees by applying for scholarships or grants. Additionally, paying for the entire year's tuition instead of per semester may secure lower fees and stronger exchange rates.
No, private colleges in the US do not have in-state and out-of-state tuition differences. Tuition fees are the same for all students, regardless of their residency status. However, students can still save on tuition through grants or scholarships.
