As an international student planning to study in the U.S., I'm on the lookout for universities that offer scholarships. Do certain universities stand out for having more opportunities for international students, or is it pretty common across the board?
Many American universities offer scholarships for international students, but the availability and amount can vary significantly from school to school.
To start, I would suggest looking at Ivy League universities: most of them have generous financial aid policies that extend to international students as well. For example, Harvard University offers need-based financial aid to all its students, including international ones, and families making under $85,000 a year aren't expected to contribute to their child's education.
Similarly, other highly selective institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dartmouth College, and Stanford University have need-blind admissions policy for international students just like their domestic counterparts, providing substantial financial aid based on the demonstrated need.
You might also want to look at University of Chicago, which offers a number of merit-based scholarships that are open to international students.
Private liberal arts colleges often prove to be quite generous too. Schools like Amherst College and Williams College meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, domestic or international. Also, Skidmore College offers several merit-based scholarships that international students are eligible for.
Public colleges usually have fewer resources available for international students, but there are some exceptions. The University of Virginia, for instance, commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted undergraduate students, making it a good option for international students in need of financial aid.
So, while opportunities exist across the board, certain universities definitely stand out for their financial policies towards international students. I recommend that you research the financial aid and scholarship page on each university's website for detailed information, and use resources like Appily to track which scholarships you qualify for.
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