Why This Matters

If you’re an international student applying to U.S. colleges, understanding how to pay for your education is just as important as preparing your application. Unlike U.S. citizens, you are not eligible for federal aid (like FAFSA or Pell Grants) — which means you’ll need to rely heavily on:

• Institutional financial aid from the colleges themselves

• Merit-based scholarships

• External scholarships from organizations

Planning ahead is essential — don’t wait until you’re admitted to think about money.

 Types of Financial Aid

1. Need-Based Aid

Colleges look at your family’s income and determine how much you can afford. If they admit you and offer need-based aid, they’ll try to cover the difference between what your family can pay and what the college costs.

Some colleges offer need-based aid to U.S. students only. Others extend this support to international students — but not all.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships

These are awarded for your achievements — such as:

• Excellent grades or test scores

• Leadership

• Community service

• Special talents (like music, writing, etc.)

They don’t depend on your financial need.

3. External Scholarships

These are offered by nonprofits, private organizations, or governments. Some are available to international students, but you’ll need to search carefully.

Tip: Look for country-specific scholarships, or programs that focus on international access.

 FAFSA Doesn’t Apply to You

FAFSA is only for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens. As an international applicant:

• You can’t apply for U.S. federal financial aid

• You’ll need to fill out forms like the CSS Profile (if required by a college) to apply for institutional aid

• You should always check each college’s financial aid policies for international students

🏛️ Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Admissions

✅ Need-Blind & Full-Need (for international students)

These schools will:

• Admit you without considering your ability to pay

• Promise to meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need

Examples include:

• Harvard

• Yale

• Princeton

• Amherst

• MIT

These schools are extremely competitive, but they’re also some of the most generous with aid.

⚠️ Need-Aware

Most colleges fall into this category. They will:

• Consider your financial need during admissions

• Sometimes reject students because they requested aid

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply — some need-aware schools still give excellent aid once you’re admitted.

🚫 What About Loans?

For international students:

• Loans are not a reliable option

• Most U.S. federal student loans aren’t available to noncitizens

• Private loans often require a U.S.-based co-signer, high interest rates, or strict repayment plans

Even if you do qualify:

• Student debt can be a huge burden, especially without a guaranteed work visa after graduation

• It’s often better to seek colleges with generous scholarships or aid packages instead

💡 Bottom Line: Avoid loans if possible. Focus on scholarships and institutional aid.

🏆 Where to Find Scholarships

 Institutional Scholarships (from Colleges)

These are often the biggest source of funding. To find them:

• Visit each college’s website

• Look for sections like "Financial Aid for International Students"

• Check whether merit or need-based aid is offered

External Scholarships

Some examples:

• Davis United World College Scholars Program (for UWC students)

• PEO International Peace Scholarship

• The Gates Scholarship (U.S. only — must be a U.S. permanent resident)

• Your country's Ministry of Education or U.S. Embassy site

We'll soon have a Scholarship Finder tool and downloadable lists right here on ACE My SAT.

 Quick Tips & Reminders

• Apply early — some scholarships have deadlines months before college apps are due

•  Have your financial documents ready — tax returns, bank statements, income verification

•  Follow each college's instructions — some use the CSS Profile, others have their own forms

•  Ask questions — email admissions or financial aid offices if you’re unsure

•  Don’t assume you can take out loans — make a plan based on scholarships and grants​