As an international student, navigating the U.S. financial aid process can be tricky and stressful. You may have questions about whether, as an international student, you are eligible for certain types of aid.
In this article, we’ll talk about federal student aid and the eligibility criteria for international students.
Are International Students Eligible for Federal Student Aid?
American students receive federal and state financial aid through the FAFSA in order to fund their education. In most cases, international students will be unable to receive federal student aid, but there are exceptions. If you are an international student and an eligible noncitizen, you can receive federal aid.
Eligible noncitizens include:
- U.S. nationals, such as citizens of American Samoa or Swains Islands.
- U.S. permanent residents with a permanent residence card – also known as a “green card.”
- Others with Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any of these statuses: refugees; asylum granted; indefinite parole; humanitarian parole; Cuban-Haitian entrant.
- Those holding T nonimmigrant status
In order to fill out the FAFSA, you must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Alien Registration Number (ARN). This is why only U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens can fill out the FAFSA and receive federal aid through this method.
What International Students Do Need To Know About Federal Aid
Most international students can’t apply for federal aid through the FAFSA. However, some colleges might ask you to fill out a manual version of the FAFSA anyway. Colleges can use this information to determine what kinds of institutional aid students are eligible for.
When it comes to federal aid, there are a few other resources for you such as Fulbright grants for non-U.S. students wanting to study in America. These resources are great if you are a student interested in graduate school, conducting graduate research, or in becoming a foreign language teacher assistant at a college.
Can International Students Get Pell Grants?
The federal Pell Grant program is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduate students. This grant is designed to support students from low-income families. To qualify for the program, a student must demonstrate financial need by filling out the FAFSA.
What Financial Aid Can International Students Get?
Even though you might not be eligible for federal student aid, there are other forms of aid that can help you cover the cost of attending college.
Institutional Aid
Colleges and universities can decide if international students receive financial aid on their behalf. It’s important to keep in mind that not all colleges and universities will offer aid for international students. Making a list of prospective colleges and making a note of whether or not they offer aid for you will help you find a school that covers your needs.
If the colleges you’re interested in offer financial aid for international students, they might require you to fill out certain forms to determine financial need and eligibility under their guidelines.
Examples of financial aid eligibility forms include:
- International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA): Individual applications for different schools will be required.
- CSS Profile: Participating colleges/universities use this form so you can fill out a one-time form and submit it to select schools.
- Manual FAFSA form:. Because the online application requires an SSN or an ARN, the manual version reduces the need for one if you’re an international student. Filling the form out manually helps colleges/universities determine your eligibility for institutional aid.
Aside from need-based aid, some colleges might open up merit-based scholarships to international students that have excelled in their coursework. Reach out to the financial aid office of your prospective colleges to learn more about what their requirements are for these types of scholarships.
Financial Aid From Your Home Country
Many foreign governments might have financial aid programs that help international students study in the United States. Speak to your home country’s department of education to learn more about the types of aid that they could offer you. If possible, speaking to your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States might help you find government-backed scholarships.
Tuition Waivers
A tuition waiver allows you to not pay a portion of all of a college’s tuition for a certain amount of time. Not all schools will grant tuition waivers to international students but there are a significant amount of schools that do. Some schools will set requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to be granted a waiver, such as academic performance or involvement in a fellowship program. Speak to your prospective school’s financial aid office to see if they offer tuition waivers.
Student Loans
If you need further assistance to pay for college, an international student loan might be something worth considering. Lenders can offer assistance based on your individual situation.
Final Thoughts
Applying for financial aid as an American student is already difficult enough. International students face major challenges in order to receive financial aid as well. However, there are schools in the U.S. that understand your needs and will work with you. Speak to the financial aid office of colleges/universities to determine what aid is available to you.