Lana Oconnell
The financial aid process for international students can be complicated, but there are many colleges in the United States that offer need-based aid. These include Yale, New York University, Tulane University, Centre College, Davidson College, Indiana University, and Wesleyan University. Vassar College awarded the largest average amount of financial aid per international student in the 2023-2024 academic year. States also typically offer need-based scholarships and grants, and tuition waivers to residents. Additionally, some colleges offer their own work-study programs for which international students may qualify.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of colleges offering financial aid to international students | 268 |
| Average financial aid package | $82,000 |
| Average financial aid package for the 2023-2024 academic year | $23,800 |
| Average financial aid for the top 20 schools | $81,939 |
| Colleges that are need-blind | Vassar College, Stanford University, Pomona College, Vanderbilt University |
| Colleges that offer merit-based scholarships | Carleton College, Centre College, Wesleyan University, New York University, Tulane University |
| Colleges that offer need-based scholarships | Davidson College, Indiana University-Bloomington |
| Other options | Pell Grants, loans, work-study programs, merit-based scholarships, tuition waivers, grants, private scholarships |
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What You'll Learn
Need-blind colleges
While need-blind colleges do not take financial ability into account, not all need-blind schools guarantee meeting 100% of a student’s financial need. It is important to always review the admissions website, as universities are constantly making decisions and adding or removing policies.
- Bowdoin College
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Dartmouth College
- Amherst College
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Some colleges have a need-blind admissions policy but do not guarantee meeting the full demonstrated financial need of the students they admit. These include:
- Columbia University (only Columbia College and Columbia School of Engineering students have their full need met)
- Georgetown University (does not guarantee meeting full need for international students)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (only low-income in-state students have their full need met)
- Northwestern University (does not offer financial aid to international transfer applicants who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens)
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Need-aware colleges
While need-blind admissions provide an equal opportunity for admission, levelling the playing field in terms of financial ability, need-aware colleges are much more common. In fact, there are thousands of colleges in the US, and only slightly more than 100 are completely need-blind. Many schools that are need-blind for domestic students are need-aware for international students. For example, while Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Amherst are need-blind for both domestic and international students, Notre Dame and Brown University are need-aware for international students only.
The distinction between need-blind and need-aware colleges is important for international students to consider, as financial need often plays a larger role in admissions decisions for international applicants. However, it's important to note that even if a college is need-aware, it doesn't mean they won't offer a good financial aid package. In fact, need-aware schools can sometimes offer more financial aid than need-blind colleges. Additionally, some colleges that are need-aware for international students may still meet the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students.
For international students hoping to attend a US college, it is recommended to seriously consider both your financial state and your strength as an applicant. If you are a strong applicant, a need-aware college may admit you and offer a good financial aid package. It is also advised to compare financial aid packages from both need-blind and need-aware schools to determine which school is the best option academically and financially.
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Scholarships for international students
International students are not eligible for federal or state aid and usually rely on personal and other financial resources to cover their tuition and expenses. However, there are still many colleges that offer need-based scholarships for international students.
Vassar College
Vassar College in New York awarded the largest average amount of financial aid per international student, $86,258, during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Stanford University, Pomona College, and Vanderbilt University
These three colleges are among the top 20 schools that gave the most financial assistance to international students. The average aid for these 20 schools was $81,939 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Howard University
Howard University in Washington, D.C. offers merit aid through Howard University Freshman Scholarships, which expire after four years of enrollment.
Centre College: Lincoln Scholars Program
Centre College offers 10 students a full-ride scholarship, renewable for four years. Students will also receive individual mentoring and have the opportunity to pursue career-building and leadership-enhancing experiences.
Wesleyan University: Wesleyan African Scholars Program
This scholarship provides full scholarships for four years of study toward a bachelor's degree for exceptionally promising African students. Citizens and permanent residents of Africa's 54 countries who are applying to Wesleyan as financial aid candidates will be considered for the scholarship.
New York University: NYU Wagner Dean's Scholarship
NYU offers a full-tuition scholarship awarded to applicants based on merit.
Tulane University: Sub-Saharan Africa Leadership Award
Tulane University offers a full-tuition scholarship, renewable for four years, to multiple full-time undergraduate students from and studying in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recipients will have strong academic and extracurricular credentials.
Davidson College: Belk Scholarship
High schools abroad are invited to nominate outstanding students with extraordinary potential to compete for the John M. Belk Scholarship. Nominees must demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and purposeful engagement in the classroom, in student and civic organizations, on the athletic field, or in the arts. The Belk Scholarship provides full funding plus special study stipends to allow students flexibility in on- and off-campus opportunities.
Indiana University - Bloomington: Wells Scholars Program
The Wells Scholars Program is a full-time merit-based scholarship offered to between 18 and 22 students each year.
American University: AU Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship
The AU EGL awardee demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. The scholarship covers tuition, room, and board, and is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study, based on continued satisfactory performance.
In addition to these colleges, there are 268 schools that offer financial aid to international students, as well as free scholarship databases and private, corporate, nonprofit, and government scholarship funds that serve undergraduate international students.
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Grants and waivers
Grants
The US Department of Education offers grants and loans for all college-bound students, including international students. The College Board is a free online financial aid source for scholarships, grants, and loans for all college-bound students, including international students wishing to study in the US.
Tuition Waivers
Some universities offer tuition waivers for international students. For example, the University of Wisconsin Superior Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program offers tuition waivers for international students who demonstrate financial need. Illinois State University also offers tuition waivers and merit awards to incoming international students.
Scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships for international students, such as Michigan State University, New York University, and the University of Oregon. Some scholarships are merit-based, granted on the basis of special skills, talents, or abilities. For example, Iowa State University offers merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students. Other scholarships are need-based, such as the University of Arkansas International Scholarships, which offers funding opportunities for international students of varying backgrounds and nationalities.
Fellowships
Fellowships are another option for funding your education as an international student. The East-West Center offers scholarships and fellowships for international students from the Asia-Pacific region to study at selected institutions in the US. The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships for exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, covering the full cost of tuition and student fees.
It is important to note that many scholarship databases charge fees, but there are also free databases available with the same information. Be cautious of dishonest scholarship offers and never send money or personal information to any organization promising a scholarship in return. Consult with the admissions office or international student office at the university you are applying to for advice on avoiding dishonest organizations.
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Work-study programs
International students are generally not eligible for federal funding, including the Federal Work-Study Program. However, some colleges offer their own work-study programs for which international students may qualify. These programs provide part-time work opportunities for students, allowing them to earn money to help pay for their college expenses.
Work-Study Program Requirements
To be considered for a work-study program, international students typically need to indicate their interest on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA will assess the student's financial need and determine their eligibility for the program. It's important to note that not all schools participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, and funding is limited.
Types of Work-Study Jobs
Work-study jobs can be found both on and off campus. On-campus jobs may include working in the financial aid office, serving as a research assistant, or other opportunities within the institution. Off-campus jobs can include working for a federal, state, or local agency, a private organization, or a non-profit. The specific job opportunities available will depend on the college and its partnerships.
Application Process
Students should apply directly to their school for a work-study job, following the campus-based program's application procedure and deadlines. It's important to apply as early as possible, as many work-study programs are first-come, first-served. Once all the funds for a given year have been allocated, no more students can participate. Additionally, students should be mindful of the requirements of their student visas, as there may be work restrictions to consider.
Example: University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers a work-study program for international undergraduate students using institutional funds. International students participating in Penn's work-study program have access to the same job opportunities and payment schedules as students receiving federal work-study funding.
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Frequently asked questions
Financial aid is any form of funding that helps a student pay for college, such as a Pell Grant, loan or merit-based scholarship.
Colleges that offer need-based aid for international students include Vassar College, Stanford University, Pomona College, and Vanderbilt University. Many colleges offer scholarships specifically for international students, and organizations—such as EducationUSA, a program run by the U.S. Department of State—offer even more.
An example of a need-based scholarship for international students is the AU Emerging Global Leaders Scholarship, which is awarded to an international student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. The scholarship covers tuition, room, and board, and is renewable for a total of four years of undergraduate study.
International students can also consider merit-based scholarships, which are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Additionally, some colleges offer their own work-study programs for which international students may qualify.
