Financial Aid for International Students: Top U.S. Universities That Offer Support
When it comes to applying for financial aid, international students face challenges. While many U.S. colleges and universities offer financial aid, most restrict financial assistance to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. You should note that most public universities (state universities) do not offer need-based FA to international students, as they are ineligible for U.S. federal financial aid. Some universities do offer FA to internationals in order to recruit more international students. However, most institutions that grant FA to internationals based on need are private universities.
In this blog post, we'll explore top U.S. universities that grant need-based financial aid to international students. Check out their location, Financial Aid Page for International Students and what colleges state for your information.
1) Vassar College
- Location : Poughkeepsie, New York
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.vassar.edu/admission/financial-aid/#:~:text=Vassar%20meets%20100%25%20of%20the,Scholarship%20Service%20(CSS)%20Profile.
- International Students Page : https://www.vassar.edu/admission/apply/international/
“While we are need aware for international first-year applicants and transfer applicants, we meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students who apply for financial aid at the time of application to Vassar”
2) Wellesley College
- Location : Wellesley, Massachusetts
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/student-financial-services
- International Students Page: https://www.wellesley.edu/admission-aid/student-financial-services/understanding-financial-aid/apply-for-aid/international-students
“Financial assistance is available for a limited number of international citizens. Its purpose is to support highly qualified candidates who could not otherwise attend Wellesley. Because of the keen competition for these funds, candidates should apply for them only if family resources cannot adequately meet College expenses.”
3) Georgetown University
- Location : Washington, DC
- Financial Aid Page : https://finaid.georgetown.edu
- International Students Page: https://finaid.georgetown.edu/undergrad/international-students/
“Financial aid for international students is extremely limited. To be considered for one of these awards, you must indicate your interest on your application for undergraduate admission and complete the CSS PROFILE. If you do not receive a scholarship in your first year, you will not be offered a scholarship in future years and you should plan your finances accordingly. If you were offered financial aid your first year, you must reapply for financial aid every year and will be re-evaluated based on the information on your financial aid application”
4) Haverford College
- Location : Haverford, PA
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.haverford.edu/financial-aid/international-applicants
“Haverford College provides financial aid to a limited number of international students each year. All of Haverford’s financial aid is need-based. Those who do receive financial aid will have their demonstrated need met in full. International students who do not receive financial aid their first year at Haverford are not eligible to receive aid in subsequent years. International students who need financial aid may apply Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision. They cannot enter as a transfer student.”
5) Williams College
- Location : Williamstown, MA
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.williams.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/international/
“Although Williams isn't need-blind for international applicants, approximately 70 percent of international students receive financial aid from the college, with aid awards averaging more than $80,000 annually. Our financial aid includes free textbooks, lab and art supplies, music lessons, storage, and one round-trip plane ticket home each year. Financial aid awards for international students are comprehensive, meet 100% of demonstrated need and are guaranteed for all four years.”
6) Wesleyan University
- Location : Middletown, Connecticut
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/afford-aid/process-international.html
“Wesleyan meets 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated need. While admission for international students seeking financial aid is extremely competitive, candidates from all countries will be considered for need-based financial aid. As an international student, in order to receive financial aid during your years at Wesleyan, you MUST apply for financial aid and be eligible at the time that you apply for admission.”
7) Duke University
- Location : Durham, NC
- Financial Aid Page : https://financialaid.duke.edu/international-students/
“Financial resources for international students are limited. Each year Duke University expects to enroll 20 to 25 international students whose full demonstrated need has been met with a university-provided need-based aid package. All international applicants admitted with "no financial aid interest" and all international transfer students will be ineligible to apply for financial aid for any year of undergraduate study.
International applicants requesting need-based financial aid will be required to complete and submit the College Board’s Profile using their family’s most recent foreign tax forms. Applicants should also submit current foreign tax returns (converted into US dollars) and an English language statement from their parents’ employers stating the amount of their annual income. All required tax documents should be submitted directly to the Financial Aid Office. We encourage international students applying for need-based aid to detail any financial difficulties that affect their family’s ability to support their educational expenses.”
8) Cornell University
- Location : Ithaca, New York
- Financial Aid Page : https://finaid.cornell.edu/frequently-asked-questions-about-international-financial-aid#:~:text=Is%20financial%20aid%20available%20to,talent%2Dbased%20aid%20to%20students.
“Cornell University provides need‐based financial aid to admitted international students who have applied for financial aid and have demonstrated financial need. We do not offer merit, athletic, or talent-based aid to students.”
9) Washington and Lee University
- Location : Lexington, VA
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.wlu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-of-aid/international-student-aid/
“Washington and Lee University provides both need-based and merit-based assistance to international students in each entering class. Awards range from several thousand dollars to the full annual cost of attendance. Admission to Washington and Lee does not guarantee financial assistance.”
10) College of the Holy Cross
- Location : Worcester, MA
- Financial Aid Page : https://www.holycross.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid
“We hold firmly to the Jesuit belief that education should be accessible to all who want to pursue a life of passion and service to others — a practice made possible by our robust financial support systems, which allow us to meet 100% of demonstrated need at the time of admission.”
Financial aid policies vary from one institution to another, so it's important to explore each school's official pages for detailed information about eligibility and application procedures.
