Best US schools for international student scholarships?

Heading into college applications, I'm curious about which US schools provide the best scholarships for international students. Any recommendations on where to focus my applications?

That's a great question, as the financial aspect is a crucial part of deciding where to apply. You'll find that most scholarships for international students come from individual colleges themselves, rather than external organizations or the U.S. government.

Starting with the Ivy League, there are a number of schools known for their generous financial aid packages available to international students. For example, if you're considering highly selective schools, Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, and Harvard are need-blind for all students, including international students. Need-blind means the school evaluates admissions without looking at the financial need of the applicant. These schools are committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of students they admit.

Another few schools that are famous for their support for international students are Amherst College and MIT. These schools are also need-blind and meet full demonstrated need for international students.

Moreover, on the less selective end, there are schools like Macalester College and University of Chicago, which aren't need-blind for international students, but still offer significant financial aid—though competition for these scholarships can be tough.

Lastly, different schools calculate financial need in different ways. It would serve you well to utilize the net price calculator provided on each school's website in order to get a sense of what your aid package might look like. These estimations can vary significantly from school to school.

Remember, while these schools may offer generous scholarships, admission is competitive. Make sure your application shines in every area—grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. The better your application, the higher your chance of securing scholarships. Best of luck in your college applications!