What need-blind scholarships are available for international students in the USA?

I've heard some U.S. colleges offer need-blind scholarships for international students. Can anyone share which schools offer these, and how competitive they are? I'm starting to think about financial aid for next year and would love some advice.

There are only a handful of colleges in the U.S. that guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted international students and are also 'need-blind' in their admissions process, which means that your ability to pay for college does not affect your admissions decision.

The five colleges that have a 'need-blind' policy and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all of their admitted international undergraduates are:

1. Harvard University: renowned for its comprehensive financial aid programs, Harvard College's aid also extends to international students, meeting the full demonstrated need of all admitted students. Given Harvard's prestige and academic rigor, the admissions process is highly competitive, with a single-digit acceptance rate.

2. Princeton University: Princeton's financial aid policy for international students mirrors their policy for students within the U.S., covering 100% of demonstrated need with a no-loan policy (all aid is gifted, not loaned). As one of the top schools in the country, admissions are also extremely competitive.

3. Yale University: Yale is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted international students with a financial aid award that does not require a loan. Due to its academic reputation, Yale's acceptance rate is also quite low.

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT offers need-blind admissions for both domestic and international students. Accepted international students will find their full demonstrated need met. Admissions are highly competitive with a focus on STEM.

5. Amherst College: Amherst extends its need-blind admissions policy to international students as well, promising to meet the full demonstrated need of all accepted students. Admissions are competitive but less so in comparison to the Universities mentioned above.

These colleges are all highly selective and competitive, so it's important to have a strong academic record, high test scores, and outstanding extracurricular activities in order to be considered for admission. Remember, always check with the colleges directly for their most accurate and up-to-date financial aid policies. The way they distribute aid can sometimes change from year to year.

In addition to seeking aid from the colleges themselves, consider looking for outside scholarships that are open to international students. Start by checking out scholarships offered through other organizations or programs specific to your country or area of study. The International Education Financial Aid website might be a good starting point for your research in this regard.