In an effort to increase diversity and welcome new perspectives, more and more colleges are accepting international students. In turn, more international students are looking to study in the United States.
This can bring international students many opportunities, but often, it comes with a hefty price tag. Financial aid can help offset the cost, but not every school gives international students aid. So, which colleges offer financial aid to international students?
Read on for a full list of U.S. colleges and universities that offer financial aid to international students and tips to keep in mind as you apply.
The financial aid process is complicated for American students, nevermind the added paperwork of applying as an international student. To start, estimate the total or true cost of the school, taking into account the full price tag, including tuition, room, and board.
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. Keep in mind that the scholarship requirements for GPA, test scores, and other factors are often very high. Learn more about these scholarships in U.S. College Scholarships for International Students.
Some scholarships are need-based, meaning they are granted to students based on their financial circumstances, while others are merit-based, meaning they are based on your qualifications. Some colleges offer merit-based scholarships for international students, such as Carleton College’s Full-Tuition Scholarships, which are granted to six international students every year.
You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the terms need-blind and need-aware. Need-blind means the college doesn’t take into account your financial situation and whether you’ll need financial aid when making its admissions decisions. Need-aware means your need for financial aid is a factor in the admissions process. Many colleges are need-blind for American students but need-aware for international students.
International students are not eligible for federal work-study, but some colleges offer their own work-study programs for which you may qualify. Remember to keep in mind the requirements of your student visa, because there may be work restrictions.
Consider different paths if the cost of college is a roadblock. You could, for example, start at a cheaper community college and transfer, such that you’re spending less time—and fewer tuition dollars—at a more expensive college or university but still graduating with a degree from that school.
The below colleges and universities don’t take your financial need into account when making admissions decisions, meaning they are need-blind. These schools meet international students’ full financial aid needs through a combination of scholarships and other resources.
|
School |
State |
Undergrad Enrollment |
Acceptance Rate |
|
MA |
1,900 |
9% |
|
|
MA |
5,200 |
3.4% |
|
|
MA |
4,600 |
4% |
|
|
NJ |
5,300 |
5.8% |
|
|
CT |
6,500 |
4.4% |
The below schools offer financial aid to international students. They are organized by state and alphabetically within each state.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Alliant International University
California Lutheran University
California State University San Bernardino
Dominican University of California
Notre Dame de Namur University
Saint Mary’s College of California
University of Southern California
The Catholic University of America
The George Washington University
Florida Institute of Technology
Ringling School of Art and Design
The Savannah College of Art and Design
Illinois Institute of Technology
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
University of Southern Indiana
College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Maryland Institute College of Art
American International College
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Lawrence Technological University
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
Minnesota State University Mankato
Washington University in St Louis
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Stevens Institute of Technology
New Mexico Highlands University
Eugene Lang College/New School University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Lally School of Management & Technology
Parsons the New School for Design, NY
Rochester Institute of Technology
State University of New York-Plattsburgh
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Sewanee, The University of the South
St Mary’s University, San Antonio
Stephen F Austin State University
Virginia International University
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin-Superior
To learn more about the financial aid process and admissions process for international students, check out:
To learn more about the application process for overseas students, you might want to read:
If you want to get a general sense of what schools might be a good fit for you, check out CollegeVine’s free Admissions Calculator to evaluate your chances of getting accepted into various colleges. While it’s not entirely accurate for international students yet, it can still offer a general idea of what your odds are. It’s a free, handy tool to explore and shortlist colleges that align with your academic profile and aspirations. The unique tool uses factors ranging from extracurriculars, GPA and standardized testing scores to generate your unique chances of admission for a school of your choosing.