Ibrahim Gardner
The United States is a popular destination for students seeking a world-class education. However, the cost of higher education in the US can be a significant obstacle, with the country being one of the most expensive for international students. To address this, many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid packages to international students. While some of the most expensive private universities, such as Ivy League schools, provide scholarships, most of the universities that offer the most financial aid to international students are located along the East Coast. In this paragraph, we will explore the universities in the US that offer the most scholarships and financial aid to international students, as well as the types of scholarships available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of universities offering scholarships to international students | 125 |
| Location of most universities offering financial aid | East Coast |
| States with most universities offering financial aid | Massachusetts (5), Connecticut (2), New York (2), Rhode Island (2) |
| Other states with universities offering financial aid | New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Nevada, Arizona, Ohio, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Oregon, Florida, Missouri, Alabama, Washington |
| Universities offering full scholarships to international students | Berea College, Centre College, Wesleyan University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Indiana University-Bloomington, St. Lawrence University, American University, Amherst College, Brandeis University, Clark University, Concordia College, Dartmouth College, University of Oregon, University of Minnesota |
| Scholarships for specific nationalities | Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program (Asian students), Japan-United States Friendship Commission (Japanese students), Australian-American Fulbright Commission (Australian citizens) |
| Scholarships for specific demographics | Bat and Ball Game Women's Sports Scholarship, MIT-Zaragoza Women in Logistics and SCM Scholarship, Rotary Peace Fellowships, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (postgraduate African students), MasterCard Foundation Scholarships (African students), AAUW International Fellowships (female international students) |
| Average financial aid offered across US universities in 2024 | USD 79,000 |
| Highest financial aid offered to international students | USD 86,258 |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships for first-time international students
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Perhaps the most popular government-funded scholarship, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more. It is open to international students in all fields excluding medicine.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
The Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree scholarship program for international experienced professionals who wish to undertake 10 months of academic study in the US. Although the funding doesn't support degree qualifications, students can develop their knowledge at academic institutions across the nation.
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is a renewable scholarship that offers $15,000 per year for all overseas students studying any subject at a participating college or university in the US. Applicants must submit an essay or video demonstrating their interest and initiative in promoting intercultural learning and exchange.
Civil Society Leadership Awards
The Civil Society Leadership Awards offer full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries who are dedicated to fostering social change.
University-specific scholarships
Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. For example, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of Idaho all offer scholarships to first-time international students. Brandeis University, Clark University, and Emory University also offer funding opportunities for first-year international applicants.
Additionally, some universities offer need-blind admission to international students, such as Harvard University, which provides a range of competitive international scholarships.
Other scholarships
Other scholarships for international students include the Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, which provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial help for their graduate studies. The American Association of University Women also offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA.
Finding scholarships
The best way to find scholarships is to research the financial aid office of your chosen school, as most colleges offer scholarship programs for international students. Additionally, websites such as International Student and Fastweb provide searchable databases of scholarships, grants, and loan programs.
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Merit-based scholarships
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to five of the top 20 universities that offer the most financial assistance to international students. While the specific universities are not named, it is worth noting that Massachusetts has a high concentration of institutions providing significant financial aid.
Stanford University, California
Stanford University is one of the few West Coast universities that offer substantial financial assistance to international students. While it is known for its need-based scholarships, Stanford also offers merit-based scholarships through individual departments and programmes.
Vanderbilt University, Tennessee
Vanderbilt University in Tennessee is another top institution for financial aid. International freshman applicants are encouraged to apply for Vanderbilt's merit-based scholarships, which can provide significant tuition fee reductions.
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
The University of Arizona offers the Wildcat Award, a merit-based scholarship for on-campus, online, and hybrid learning students. This scholarship recognises academic excellence and outstanding performance in various areas.
Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona State University provides the New American University (NAMU) Scholarship for undergraduate students with high academic excellence. This scholarship supports exceptional students and promotes academic achievement.
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University offers merit-based scholarships during the fall semester. These scholarships cover in-state costs and are typically awarded to students with strong academic records and potential.
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University provides merit-based scholarships for international freshmen seeking admission for the spring or fall semester. These scholarships attract high-achieving students from around the world.
University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
The University of Nevada offers departmental scholarships specifically for current international undergraduate students. These scholarships recognise and support the academic achievements of international students already enrolled at the university.
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
Northern Arizona University provides merit-based tuition waivers for both undergraduate and graduate international students. This tuition waiver significantly reduces the financial burden for international students pursuing their degrees at the university.
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
The University of Tulsa offers merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are highly competitive and attract talented students from around the world.
University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts provides merit-based scholarships for first-time international students. These scholarships are typically awarded to students with exceptional academic records and strong potential for future achievements.
University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire offers scholarships specifically for first-year international student applicants. These scholarships recognise the academic transition and provide financial support during the crucial first year of university studies.
Other Notable Mentions
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
- University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Florida International University, Miami, Florida
- Southwestern University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Chicago
- UW-Madison
- Wake Forest University
- University of St. Thomas
- University of California, Irvine
- Boston University
- American University, Washington, D.C.
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Need-based scholarships
The availability of need-based scholarships for international students varies across US universities. Some universities that offer need-based scholarships for international students include:
- Drew University, Madison, New Jersey
- Brandeis University, through the Wien International Scholarship Program
- Clark University, through the Global Scholars Program
- Emory University, through the Needs-Based Scholarship Program
- Harvard University
- Illinois State University
- Stanford University
The Fulbright Program is another popular option for international students seeking need-based scholarships. It is funded by the US government and offers scholarships to graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study in the US for one year or more.
It is important to note that need-based scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, such as citizenship or regional criteria, and academic achievement. Additionally, the application process may require the submission of financial documents to prove financial need.
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Scholarships for continuing international students
Scholarships for international students in the USA are available across all major universities and colleges. Most scholarships are merit-based, but some universities offer need-based scholarships.
University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
The University of Nevada offers departmental scholarships to current international undergraduate students through the New and Continuing International Student Awards.
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
This university provides merit-based tuition waivers for undergraduate and graduate international students.
Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas
Wichita State University offers department-wise scholarships for continuing students and graduate assistantships for international students.
University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
The University of North Texas offers the Texas Public Education Grant, which provides limited financial assistance to international students on F and J visas.
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
The Wildcat Award is a scholarship offered to continuing on-campus, online, and hybrid mode learning students based on merit.
Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
Arizona State University offers the New American University (NAMU) Scholarship for undergraduate students with high academic excellence.
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University provides merit-based scholarships during the fall semester. It covers in-state costs only.
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado State University provides merit-based scholarships for international freshmen seeking admission for the spring or fall semester.
Wesleyan University, Connecticut
The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program offers scholarships for 11 exceptional Asian students to study at Wesleyan University. It covers the full cost of tuition and student fees.
University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
The University of Memphis offers the International Merit Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship for international students on a J-1 or F-1 visa taking classes on campus.
Sources of Funding for International Students
In addition to scholarships offered by individual universities, there are other sources of funding for international students wishing to study in the USA. These include:
- The Foreign Fulbright Student Program: offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world, as well as young professionals and artists, to study in the USA.
- The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: provides scholarships to students from select developing countries with no other source of financial help for their graduate studies.
- The American Association of University Women: offers fellowships for non-American women seeking a Master's or doctorate in the USA.
- The Civil Society Leadership Awards: offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change.
- MPOWER Financing: offers scholarships for international and DACA students through their Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
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Scholarships for international students from specific countries
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, for example, is a popular government-funded scholarship that welcomes applicants from all countries except those intending to study medicine. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship, on the other hand, is aimed at students from select developing countries, while the MasterCard Foundation Scholarships are for students from African countries.
Some scholarships are also available for students from specific countries, such as the Mexican government's Conacyt scholarship for postgraduate students, and ColFuturo for Colombian students.
US universities that offer scholarships to international students from any country include:
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona: Wildcat Award (merit-based)
- Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona: New American University Scholarship (for academically excellent undergraduates)
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia: Merit-based scholarships (fall semester only, covering in-state costs)
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado: Merit-based scholarships for international freshmen (spring or fall semester)
- University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada: New and Continuing International Student Awards (departmental scholarships for current international undergraduates)
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona: Merit-based tuition waiver (for undergraduates and graduates)
- Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio: Scholarships (fall or spring semester)
- Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas: Departmental scholarships for continuing students and graduate assistantships (for international students)
- University of North Texas, Denton, Texas: Texas Public Education Grant (limited financial assistance for international students on F and J visas)
- University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee: International Merit Scholarship (merit-based scholarship for international students on a J-1 or F-1 visa taking classes on campus)
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia: Scholarships for first-time freshmen or transfer students
- Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon: Merit-based scholarships and regional availability-based scholarships for international students
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida: Merit-based scholarships (for freshmen or transfer students admitted in the fall semester)
- Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri: Merit-based scholarships and competitive scholarships for international students
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama: Departmental scholarships and freshmen scholarships for international students
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington: International Academic Award (merit-based, departmental-based scholarships for international students)
- Drew University, Madison, New Jersey: Need-based and merit-based scholarships for international students
- University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma: Merit-based scholarships for international students
- American University, Washington D.C.: Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (undergraduate scholarships aimed at international students showing leadership potential)
- University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts: Merit-based scholarships for first-time international students
- University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire: Scholarships for first-year international student applicants
- Adelphi University, Garden City, New York: #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships for international students
- University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho: Merit-based scholarships for first-time freshmen
- San Jose State University, San Jose, California: Global Spartan Scholarship (applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher)
- Brandeis University: Wien International Scholarship Program (funding opportunity for high-achieving students with an interest in student community contribution)
- Clark University: Global Scholars Program (scholarships of no less than US$10,000, plus a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship, for first-year international applicants)
- University of Oregon: International Scholarships (aimed at international students from around the world)
- University of Wisconsin: Non-resident Tuition Waiver Program (tuition waiver for international students demonstrating financial need)
In addition to these, there are also scholarships for international students from specific countries offered by private organizations and foundations. These include the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship for women from other countries earning graduate degrees in the USA, and the American Association of University Women fellowships for non-American women seeking Master's or doctorate degrees in the USA.
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Frequently asked questions
While I couldn't find information on which universities offer the most scholarships, here is a list of some universities that offer scholarships for international students:
- University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
- University of Minnesota
- University of Oregon
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin Superior
- Indiana University - Bloomington
- St. Lawrence University
- Dartmouth College
Some of the scholarships offered by these universities include:
- Wildcat Award (University of Arizona)
- New American University Scholarship (Arizona State University)
- King-Morgridge Scholars Program (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
- Wells Scholars Program (Indiana University - Bloomington)
- Kenya Scholarship Program (St. Lawrence University)
- International Student Merit Scholarships (Dartmouth College)
Aside from scholarships offered by individual universities, there are also scholarships offered by the US government and private organizations. Here are some examples:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Rotary Peace Fellowships
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarships
- AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship Program
