List of USA Colleges Offering Financial Aid for International Students
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Every year, the US spends USD 120 billion on funding education across US universities. In 2022-23, the average financial aid offered across US universities was recorded at USD 77,000. Whereas the highest financial aid offered to international students was reportedly USD 78,300. There are also universities in the US that have full scholarship options for international students and of course, partial tuition scholarships are available.
While a lot of US universities may offer reasonable financial aid to international students, there may be a few that may reserve the funds for their domestic students only. This article will discuss US universities that offer financial aid and the possible funding options across these US universities as well for international students specifically.
US Universities Offering Financial Aid to International Students Highlights
| Total Universities Offering Financial Aid | 260 |
| Types of Financial Aids Offered | Need-based, Merit-based, Need blind based and Athletics based |
| Financial Aid for International Students | Merit and Need-based |
| Types of Scholarships | Full or Partial |
| Universities Offering Full Scholarships | 50 |
| Universities Offering Partial Scholarships | 200 |
| International Students Eligible for Federal Aid | No |
| % Cost of Tuition Waived in Partial Funding | 5% - 50% |
| Ivy League offers scholarships | Yes |
| Need Blind Scholarship Universities | 40 |
Why Choose US Universities Offering Financial Aid?
Why international students should choose financial aid offered by US universities? The reason is based on the following five broad reasons:
- The cost of studying in the US is expensive, with financial aid the tuition costs can come down by at least 20%.
- Since a lot of US universities offer financial aid to international students, there may likely be a 50-60% chance that the student will get some funding through the college.
- The smaller the burden on studying costs in the US, the easier it will be to manage living costs in the USA.
- The financial aid at US universities in most cases is renewable, if not the costs are reimbursed at the end of the study period of the international students.
- Lastly, international students are eligible for a full tuition fee waiver in some cases, there is always an option for a partial tuition fee waiver.
Check: How to Study Abroad for Free?
List of 100 US Universities Offering Financial Aid to International Students
Various USA universities give financial aid to international students. The aid may vary depending on the type of scholarship the student may be eligible for. Some of the top 100 US universities that offer financial aid to international students are as follows:
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- Brown University
- Cornell University
- New York University
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Rice University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- The University of Chicago
- Johns Hopkins University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- University of Dallas
- Emory University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Northwestern University
- Northeastern University
- Purdue University
- Boston University
- St Lawrence University
- Brandeis University
- Clark University
- University of Rochester
- DePaul University
- Brandeis University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Oregon
- University of Portland
- Drexel University
- Lehigh University
- Southern Methodist University
- Villanova University
- Texas Christian University
- St Mary’s University, San Antonio
- Northwood University
- California Lutheran University
- California State University San Bernardino
- Dominican University of California
- Notre Dame de Namur University
- Pepperdine University
- Drake University
- University of Dubuque
- University of San Diego
- University of Southern California
- University of Denver
- Trinity University
- University of Southern Indiana
- State University of New York
- Valparaiso University
- Naropa University
- Tulane University
- Quinnipiac University
- Texas Wesleyan University
- University of Bridgeport
- American University
- Campbell University
- Saint Louis University
- Catholic University of America
- George Washington University
- The University of Tampa
- University of Central Florida
- University of Miami
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Ball State University
- Butler University
- Suffolk University
- Grand Valley State University
- University of Minnesota
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- University of Nebraska
- Washington University in St Louis
- Webster University
- Creighton University
- Boston College
- Drew University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Western Oregon University
- New Mexico Highlands University
- Clarkson University
- Colgate University
- Fordham University
- Niagara University
- Wittenberg University
- Xavier University
- The University of Tulsa
- George Fox University
- Marywood University
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
- Widener University
- Bryant University
- Johnson & Wales University
- Roger Williams University
- Salve Regina University
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
- Amherst College
- Bates College
- Barnard College
US Universities Giving Maximum Financial Aid to International Students
With the financial aid crossing the USD 83,000 mark, it can be concluded that there is tough competition and yet international students prove their mettle by receiving the highest financial aid. The following table shows the universities and colleges of the US offering the average financial aid offered to international students in the academic year 2023-24:
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| US Universities |
Average Financial Aid Offered to International Students in 2023-24 |
|---|---|
| Wesleyan University |
USD 83,185 |
| Wellesley College |
USD 82,892 |
| Haverford College |
USD 79,770 |
| Duke University |
USD 79,740 |
| Dartmouth College |
USD 79,007 |
| Williams College | USD 78,624 |
| Lee University & Washington University |
USD 78,588 |
| Vassar College |
USD 77,644 |
| Amherst College |
USD 71,655 |
| Georgetown University | USD 76,211 |
| Cornell University |
USD 76,179 |
| Stanford University |
USD 76,000 |
| Pitzer College |
USD 75,157 |
| Smith College |
USD 74,493 |
| Harvard University |
USD 74,808 |
| Pomona College |
USD 73,926 |
| Yale University |
USD 73,573 |
| Bowdoin College |
USD 72,348 |
| Vanderbilt University |
USD 71,703 |
| Skidmore College |
USD 71,428 |
(Source: US News)
Scholarships for international students in USA are available across all major universities and colleges. Mostly, merit-based scholarships are offered at US universities along with some universities offering need-based scholarships. Irrespective of the scholarship type, the majority of US universities offer financial aid to international students to study in the USA.
Also check: Universities in USA Without Application Fees
US Universities Offering Full Tuition Fee Waiver for International Students
Full tuition fee waivers in US universities may sound difficult but there are scholarship options available at different levels of study which are offered to international students to cover their education costs. International students are eligible for scholarships offered at the following top US universities which cover their full tuition costs:
- Brandeis University
- Duke University
- Georgia University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Columbia University
- Swarthmore College
- Columbia College
US universities do offer full scholarships to international students. Some of the scholarships that make international students eligible for a full tuition waiver scholarship across the following US universities are as follows:
| US University |
Scholarship Name |
Full / Partial Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University |
The Wien International Scholarship |
Full Waiver |
| Duke University |
Karsh International Scholarship |
Full Waiver |
| Georgia University |
Foundation Fellowship |
Full Waiver |
| Swarthmore College |
Swarthmore Scholarship Grant |
Full Waiver |
| CWRU |
Special Scholarships |
Both full & partial waivers |
| Columbia University |
Automatically selected |
Full Waiver |
Universities in USA for international students with scholarships attract maximum admissions too irrespective of their rankings. US universities that offer full scholarships to international students are not very large in number but around 20-30% of them offer season-to-season. Thus, these are also good options for students to go for.
Check: USA Scholarships for International Students
To conclude, it can be said that since it's an expensive affair to study in the US as an international student, it is always better to go to those US universities where financial aid is available. The students will be eased off from the burden of the exuberant costs of studying in the US and will be helpful to whoever is sponsoring their education as well.
Have doubts about USA admissions? Get in touch with our counsellors at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply.
Financial Aid Offering US Universities FAQs
Q. Is it necessary that all international students get a financial aid from US universities?
A. No, it is not always necessary that international students get some financial aid. The competition is usually very tough and only a few percentage international students can get through. Thus, international students should have good reasons, proper paperwork and quality scholarship essays to prove their merit for getting financial aid.
Q. Which universities in USA give full scholarships?
A. There are various US universities which give full scholarships to international students and they include:
- Duke University
- Yale University
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Miami
- University of Virginia
Q. Are all universities in USA for international students with scholarships?
A. No, not all universities in USA for international students offer scholarships. Students in this case can arrange for financial aid through external agencies which offer scholarships. International students can avail externally funded scholarships by submitting applications via there official websites.
Q. Which US universities are need blind for international students?
A. The following universities are need blind for international students:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Georgetown University
- Dartmouth College
- Bowdoin College
- Amherst College
- Pomona College
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: Can I get into Oregon State with a 3.5 GPA?
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
Read about the Grading System in the USA
Q: What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.
Q: Why choose Snead State Community College for B.Tech in USA rather than University of Toledo?
Snead State Community College is a better option for acquiring your B.Tech than the University of Toledo because here you can find a better selection of engineering, computer science, and information technology degrees and courses, along with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical skills. Furthermore, Snead State Community College has lower tuition costs than the University of Toledo, with an average annual cost of living of $7,877 or 7,00,000 INR, while the University of Toledo's tuition and living costs are much higher.
Q: What is the maximum and minimum score in GRE to get admission for MS in USA?
GRE is a popular standardised test for getting admission in MS program in the world. However, there are many universities in the USA that offer admission to MS courses without GRE scores. There is fixed minimum or maximum GRE score for admission. However, even if your GRE score is below the average for a particular program, you may still be considered for admission if you have strong qualifications in other areas. It is adviseble to check university website for the exact information.
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
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