Lana Oconnell
International students are a significant contributor to the economies of many countries, with the US being the top destination for higher education worldwide. International students in the US pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, with an average of over $26,000 per year for public universities and nearly $32,000 for private institutions. These fees can be covered through various means, including scholarships, personal or family funds, loans, or income from on-campus jobs. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses poses a challenge for many international students, and some may struggle financially or even resort to working illegally to make ends meet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in the US | More than 1 million |
| International students' contribution to the US economy | >$40 billion annually |
| International students' tuition fees | Higher than in-state students |
| International students' payment methods | Personal/family funds, scholarships, loans, work income |
| Scholarship providers | Private foundations, professional organizations, businesses, universities |
| Average tuition and fees at four-year public universities | >$26,000 per year |
| Average tuition and fees at private universities | Nearly $32,000 per year |
| Payment portals | University websites, Forex cards, international wire transfers |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships, grants, and assistantships
International students can explore various scholarship opportunities, including those offered by private foundations, professional organisations, and businesses. Some scholarships are specifically designed for international students, while others are open to all regardless of citizenship. For example, the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial aid, and the American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women pursuing Master's or doctoral degrees in the USA. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage for students from developing countries applying for development-related Master's programs, and the Foreign Fulbright Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students worldwide to study in the USA.
Online platforms like International Student, eduPASS, and Fastweb offer searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs for international students. These platforms allow students to create profiles, track applications, and access valuable information to secure financial support for their studies.
Additionally, graduate students can explore assistantships, which provide financial support in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. Assistantships typically include tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance, offering valuable financial relief to international students pursuing Master's or doctoral degrees.
While scholarships, grants, and assistantships provide essential financial assistance, they may not always cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses. International students may still need to rely on personal funds, loans, or family support to bridge any remaining financial gaps.
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International students' contribution to the US economy
International students make up about 6% of all university enrollment in the US, with more than 1 million international students contributing over $40 billion each year to the US economy. This figure rose to $43.8 billion during the 2023-2024 academic year, supporting more than 378,000 jobs. The US is the world's top destination for higher education, with international students making up 6.6% of the total higher education population in the US during the 2023-24 academic year.
International students pay higher tuition fees than domestic students, and their fees subsidize US students. International students may also pay special fees for things like visa processing and English language exams. The high fees paid by international students help US universities balance their books, especially during economic downturns when state budgets are cut. For instance, during the economic downturn that started about 10 or 12 years ago, the decline in state funding for colleges was offset by increased foreign enrollment.
International students contribute significantly to the US economy, not just through their tuition fees but also through their spending on living expenses, accommodation, transportation, and other goods and services. States with high concentrations of universities benefit particularly from the economic impact of international students. For example, the nearly 90,000 international students studying in Texas during the last academic year contributed $2.5 billion to the local economy, while the 82,000 international students in Massachusetts contributed an estimated $3.9 billion. California, the state with the most international students, had nearly 141,000 international students contributing $6.4 billion to the local economy.
International students also contribute to the US economy through their participation in the federal Optional Practical Training program, which allows recent graduates to stay in the country to work. More than half of international students across academic levels pursue STEM fields of study, with many driving cutting-edge research and development, filling job openings in critical STEM fields, and advancing national security.
However, it is important to note that the cost of college in the US can be a significant barrier for international students, who are forbidden from working off-campus jobs. While some international students may receive scholarships or financial support from their families, others struggle financially and may work illegally to make ends meet.
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Work authorisations and visas
International students in the United States must navigate a complex set of visa regulations and work authorisations. Understanding these rules is essential before beginning any job or internship, and students should be prepared to educate their employers about their work authorisation options.
There are two primary non-immigrant visa categories for international students in the US: F and M visas. F-1 visas are for students enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, while M-1 visas are for students in vocational or non-academic programs (except language training). To obtain either visa, students must meet specific criteria, including demonstrating English proficiency and having sufficient funds for self-support during their studies.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment with certain restrictions. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and off-campus employment due to economic hardship. CPT is temporary training directly related to the student's major field of study, while OPT is temporary employment authorisation for practical training in the same field. To be eligible for off-campus employment due to economic hardship, F-1 students must have completed at least one academic year and face economic challenges due to emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises.
M-1 students may engage in practical training only after completing their studies, and any off-campus training employment for both F-1 and M-1 students must be related to their area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO).
To work on-campus, international students must typically obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and apply for work authorisation through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They may also need to provide additional documentation and comply with regulations ensuring that their on-campus job is related to their field of study. While working on-campus, international students must not exceed 20 hours of work per week during academic sessions and a total of 40 hours per week when classes are not in session.
Additionally, students on F-1 visas can explore off-campus employment opportunities through the F-1 Student Off-Campus program, but they must first consult their DSO and ensure their status is Active in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
International students should carefully review the regulations and visa requirements for their specific situation and seek guidance from their university's international student services to ensure compliance with work authorisations and visa rules.
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Payment methods and portals
There are various payment methods and portals available for international students to pay their tuition fees. The best option for an individual may depend on their personal circumstances and preferences. Here are some of the commonly used methods:
University Payment Portals
Many universities offer their own payment portals on their official websites. This is often considered one of the best ways to pay international tuition fees as it is quick and convenient. Students can use their debit or credit cards to make payments. However, there may be limited flexibility in terms of payment modes and instalment options. Additionally, some universities charge extra fees for using credit cards, and these fees can vary depending on whether the card is issued domestically or internationally.
Wire Transfers
Also known as money transfers or bank transfers, wire transfers are electronic transfers of money from one entity to another. This method can be daunting due to the associated paperwork and processing time, which can be up to several days. There may also be transfer fees involved, and these fees can vary depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international.
Foreign Exchange Cards (Forex Cards)
Forex cards are a popular option for international students as they allow for easy and cost-effective transactions. They eliminate the need to carry large sums of cash and can be used for various expenses beyond just tuition fees.
Foreign Currency Demand Draft
A foreign currency demand draft is a reliable method of paying international tuition fees. It offers low costs and added security as it includes the beneficiary's name. However, the processing time can be longer, and there is a risk of theft if the draft is lost or stolen.
Online Banking
For students with Canadian bank accounts, online banking is the fastest and preferred method of payment. Payments can be made from any Canadian bank account and are processed within 5 business days.
Payment Platforms
Specialized payment platforms, such as Flywire and PayMyTuition, aim to streamline the payment experience for international students. They remove geographic barriers and provide a convenient way to make tuition payments without having to visit a bank.
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Affordability and financial aid
The affordability of tuition fees is a major concern for international students, who often have to pay higher fees than domestic students. In the US, for instance, out-of-state students at four-year public universities paid an average of over $26,000 per year in tuition and fees in 2019, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Private schools charged even more, with average fees of nearly $32,000 per year.
International students can access various forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and assistantships, which do not need to be repaid. Many undergraduate international students also receive financial support from their home countries. In the UK, for example, there are scholarships and bursaries available for international students, including for postgraduate study. From August 2021, international postgraduates became eligible to apply for research council funding.
Tuition fees for international students can vary depending on the course and the institution. For instance, at the University of Cambridge, international students pay different fees depending on their course, with those studying Medicine or Veterinary Medicine paying a higher fee for Year 3. International students undertaking a year abroad will pay 50% of the full fee for that year.
Living costs, including accommodation, food, study costs, and personal expenses, can also place a financial burden on international students. These costs can vary depending on the student's lifestyle and the length of their stay. Students may also incur additional expenses, such as those related to visas, travel, and equipment.
International students can work while studying, depending on their visa sponsor status, which can help cover some of these costs. In the UK, full-time international students are often allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Additionally, international students can sign up for health insurance through a private insurer or an Affordable Care Act plan.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2019, international students paid an average of more than $26,000 per year in tuition and fees at four-year public universities. Private schools charged higher fees, with an average of nearly $32,000 per year. International students tend to pay more than their American classmates.
Payment methods include Forex cards, international wire transfers, debit or credit cards, and money orders.
International students can afford college in the US through scholarships, personal or family money, loans, or by working.
No, international students often pay more than domestic students. Domestic students can benefit from in-state tuition and a wider range of financial aid.
