Can International Students Get Financial Aid for US Universities?

If you’re an international student about to being your studies at a US university, congratulations on your achievement.

College is an exciting time and experience for everyone, but there is the issue of payment. As an international student, you are not eligible to receive federal funding in the form of loans or scholarships.

Your opportunities are limited but they do exist. Keep in mind that in order to be eligible for international student loans, you’ll have to be enrolled as a full-time student. Those coming for a semester or a year with study abroad programs will not be eligible.

Learn some of the organizations and schools that assist foreign students with the burden of paying for college.

Schools With Prominent International Student Financial Aid

Some colleges have their academic achievement programs aimed specifically at helping foreign-born students. The following schools were among those that gave the most international student scholarships, grants, loans and in some cases jobs to non-US citizens studying at the school. In each case, at least 150 students received assistance in some form:

• Arizona State University
• Grinnell College
• Harvard University
• Louisiana State University
• Marquette University
• Princeton University
• University of Pennsylvania

Athletic Scholarships

At many universities, each team at your university in an NCAA-sanctioned sport has a certain number of full and/or part-time scholarships that can be given to students. Unlike federally funded financial aid, international students are eligible to receive these scholarships.

If you feel that you excel at a sport and this might assist you in paying for college, begin contacting coaches and athletic departments at the universities you are considering. Be aware that not every school recruits internationally, no matter how athletically gifted you are.

Financial Aid Sources for International Students

These are some of the groups and organizations that provide international student loans and scholarships:

• http://www.globalslc.com/ Global Student Loan Corporation: GSLC is unique among similar corporations in that it does not require international students to have a US citizen co-sign the loan, which is generally the norm. Check the GSLC website to see if your school participates in its program.
• http://www.internationalstudentloan.com/ International Student Loan Program: ISLP loans are funded by PNC bank and allow students to borrow enough to cover the entire cost of tuition. Unlike GSLC, a US citizen or permanent resident is required to co-sign.

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