How can I study cheaply in the US for college?

I'm trying to figure out how to study in the US without going broke. What are some affordable colleges or programs that I should look into? Any advice for scholarships or financial aid opportunities would be awesome!

Going to college in the U.S. can indeed be an expensive endeavor, but there are definitely ways to do it more affordably.

First, consider community colleges as an affordable entry point. Many international students start at community colleges before transferring to 4-year universities. These institutions offer lower tuition rates and opportunities to earn associate degrees or credits transferable to a 4-year university.

Second, check out public state universities, which are generally cheaper than private colleges. However, out-of-state tuition (which applies to international students) can often be much higher than in-state tuition. Some notable affordable public colleges include the University of Minnesota—Morris, New Mexico Highlands University, and the University of North Carolina—Pembroke, to name a few.

Scholarships are also critical to consider. Some U.S. colleges offer scholarships especially for international students. At Amherst College and Macalester College, for instance, international students are eligible for need-based financial aid. Moreover, there are external scholarships open to international students such as the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program or the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme.

Filling out the CSS Profile can also help you qualify for nonfederal financial aid. It's a form used by many universities to award institutional grants and scholarships. It can be a bit daunting to navigate because it asks for detailed information about your finances, but the potential payoff is worth it.

Start researching early, plan strategically, and don't forget to consider living costs and travel expenses beyond just the tuition fees when budgeting for your studies.