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Colleges may use the FAFSA to determine if international students qualify for aid.
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Some colleges use the FAFSA to figure out what aid they will give international students.
You won’t qualify for aid through the government, though, as it’s reserved for US citizens.
Colleges may also require other financial aid forms designed for international students.
If you’re an international student hoping to attend college in the US, you may need financial aid to be able to afford school. While the US government won’t offer you financial aid, your college or home country may give you money to go to school.
What is the FAFSA, and are international students eligible?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a standard form used to determine eligibility for financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans.
International students do not qualify for aid through the US government. However, it’s important to still complete the FAFSA because some colleges use it to see if you’re eligible for aid from the school itself. Check with your school’s financial aid office to see if it uses the FAFSA for international students.
Important: International students don’t have Social Security numbers, so you will not be able to fill out the FAFSA online. Instead, you’ll have to print out the form and mail it to the Federal Student Aid office.
The earlier you fill out the form the better, as some types of aid have a limited pool of money and may be doled out on a first-come, first-serve basis.
What financial aid forms do international students need to fill out?
Along with the FAFSA, international students may need to fill out additional forms to qualify for institutional aid. Some colleges will have you fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) to determine your aid eligibility, and you can find that app on individual schools’ websites.
Others may require the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, and here you can find the specific application designed for international students. The CSS profile will ask for information about your family’s income, assets, and expenses. You can input this information in your country’s currency and the College Board will convert the currency for you.
What options do international students have to pay for college?
Some, but not all, schools offer financial aid to international college students, including “gift money” like scholarships and grants. This may play a factor in where you decide to apply. Here’s a list of those schools, broken down by state. You may also be able to get financial aid from your home country, as many countries’ governments offer aid for students studying in the US.
Private scholarships may also be available, including those for certain majors, athletic achievement, volunteering, and more. If you still can’t afford the cost of your college or you don’t feel comfortable taking out a loan, you may want to consider a less expensive school.
Another option available to international students is a private student loan. Most private student loan companies offer loans to international students as long as they have a cosigner who is a US citizen. However, be careful before taking out private student loans. They may come with high interest rates and limited repayment options, plus you’ll need an American citizen willing to cosign your loan.
Financial aid options for international students are more limited than for US citizens. That said, there is still money available for you — you just need to reach out to schools you are interested in to ask about your options.