I'm an international student looking to apply to universities that offer a lot of scholarships. Any suggestions for schools known for substantial financial support to international students? I'd love to hear experiences or recommendations based on my situation.
There are a number of universities that are known for offering substantial scholarships for international students.
One is the University of Chicago, which offers need-based aid to international students. Their financial aid packages do not include loans; instead, they include a combination of grants (money you don't need to repay), campus jobs, and parental contribution.
Another university known for offering generous financial aid to international students is Harvard University. Harvard commits to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students. In practice, this means that families with an annual income below $85,000 are expected to make no contribution to college costs.
MIT also provides need-based financial aid to all students, including international students. In fact, at MIT, over 90% of students receive some type of financial aid, whether that's scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities.
At Amherst College, financial aid packages are comprised entirely of grants and work-study, and they meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including those from outside the U.S.
Similarly, Yale University also meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all students, and doesn't require students to take out loans as part of their financial aid packages.
Finally, Vanderbilt University has a few merit scholarships that international students are eligible for, including the Ingram Scholarship Program and the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship.
It does depend on your individual circumstances, but these schools are known for their efforts to make education affordable for all students, regardless of geographical location or financial background. Be sure you pay attention to scholarship application deadlines and requirements to improve your chances of receiving substantial aid.
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