Ways to study in the United States without money

I'm really interested in studying in the US, but tuition seems overwhelming. Are there any scholarships or aid programs that offer significant financial support for international students? I'd love to know how I can make this dream come true.

Certainly, achieving your dream of studying in the US without huge financial burden can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Here are some strategies that might help:

1. Merit-based Scholarships: Many universities in the US offer merit-based scholarships. This means it's not about your financial need but rather your grades, test scores, or other accomplishments. Universities may automatically consider you for these scholarships when you apply or you may need to apply separately.

2. Need-based Financial Aid: Some selective universities offer need-based aid to international students. MIT, Amherst, and Harvard, for instance, commit to meeting full demonstrated need for all admitted undergraduate students, including international students, making these highly selective institutions more accessible for students globally. Be aware that these colleges tend to be quite competitive.

3. Specific Scholarships for International Students: Scholarships such as the Rotary Peace Fellowship or the AAUW International Fellowship are designed for international students and you should consider applying for them.

4. Work while studying: On-campus jobs can help mitigate some of the expenses, too. While these jobs don't make a large dent in tuition costs, they can assist with living expenses. Be mindful of visa restrictions on work hours.

5. Community Colleges then Transfers: Community colleges often have more affordable tuition and there are hundreds across the US. Many students start there and then transfer to a four-year college, which can be a major cost-saving strategy.

6. Graduate Assistantships: If you are looking at graduate school in the US, many programs offer graduate assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend in exchange for work in teaching or research.

Remember that while these scholarships and aid programs can help, studying in the US without any personal or family funds can be extremely challenging. It's important to have a realistic conversation about what you and your family can contribute financially. Lastly, remember to research each university's financial aid policies as they can vary greatly.