4 Steps for International Students Who Need Financial Aid to Study in the US
While international students can get financial aid in the US, over 80% of costs are typically taken on by the family.
Step 1: Consider all extra, unpredictable costs associated with studying abroad.
Step 2: Make a list of schools to apply to by researching where you’ll likely get in and where financial aid is available.
Step 3: Tell a compelling story of why this education will be meaningful to you.
Step 4: Look for alternate sources of funding.
Can International Students Get Financial Aid at American Schools?
In this blog post, we discussed how to go about applying to schools as an international student. The next step is to ask: can I pay for it? According to the National Association for Foreign Student Advisors, over 80% of money paid by international students studying in the United States comes from families. It’s no secret: studying in the US is expensive, and it’s difficult to bring that cost down if you’re not eligible for things like federal and state financial aid. However, it is possible for international students to get financial aid - up to a full scholarship. Here are the steps you need to take to figure out how to get in and get your studies paid for.
Step 1: Consider all of the costs!
Remember, tuition is far from the only cost of attending college abroad. For each college you’re considering, research the cost of flights from your home to school, find room and board costs on their website, and see if there are any other costs that may be associated with attending each school. It may be that you have to buy a whole new wardrobe for a climate that you’re not used to, or get expensive vaccines. Don’t let yourself be surprised by unexpected costs after you’ve gotten your heart set on a school!Step 2: Make a list of schools!
This research will be the most important step! You need to compile a list of schools where you both have a competitive chance of getting into, based on your GPA and SAT scores, and will be able to secure funding.Where will you get in?
To determine schools that are targets, reaches, and safeties for you, refer to this blog post. Cross-reference your GPA and SAT scores - the most important factors in college applications - with the averages at that school, and make sure that you’re able to build out a list of 2-3 each of targets, safeties, and reaches that offer financial aid to international students.
Step 3: Tell your story!
American colleges get tons of international applicants, and have limited funding. The personal essay and other places to share additional information about yourself are important opportunities for you to set yourself apart. Share why this education is meaningful to you, and how you will use it to make a difference, in your home country or internationally. Explain your situation and why funding will make a difference in your ability to obtain a quality application. While your GPA and SAT will be the first factors seen, and will determine whether your application gets a second look, your personal story may make the difference in whether you secure funding.Step 4: Look for alternate sources of funding!
While hopefully you can secure the majority of your funding from the school, there are plenty of other sources of funding out there.Competitive scholarships
There are fantastic programs specifically for international students. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is specifically for African students who wish to use their education to make an impact in their country. Here is a list of similar programs. Specifically research scholarships for students from your country and interested in studying what you’re interested in - scholarships are out there!
Departmental scholarships
While the financial aid office may have a limited amount of financial aid available, there may be other sources of funding at schools (particularly, private universities with large endowments.) Ask the financial aid office if they know of any alternate sources of funding, and consider reaching out directly to the department you’re planning on studying in. You never know what may be available - and it can’t hurt to ask!
Your home country
Some countries, like Saudi Arabia, offer scholarships for students looking to study abroad. Again, this process is simple - just talk to your college counselor and do an internet search!
Loans
While you definitely want to avoid over $5,000 in loans a year (and ideally, be way below that!), you can search for a loan that may be available to you to cover the last of your costs. Use this search tool to find a loan.
