Studying in the USA for Free?

I’ve heard it might be possible to study in the USA without having to pay anything. Is this true? What kind of scholarships or financial aid should I look into to make this a reality?

Yes, you are correct! While studying in the US is generally quite expensive, numerous financial aid opportunities exist that can significantly decrease—and in some cases, even eliminate—the cost of attending college. Here's some information on the types of opportunities you should explore.

1. Need-Based Aid: Many colleges in the US offer substantial financial aid packages based on a family's financial need. These packages can include grants, which do not need to be repaid, and loans, which do. Some schools, such as Harvard, have policies where families with an income under a certain threshold (in Harvard's case, $85,000 annually) are not responsible for any contribution to their child's education.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships: These are scholarships awarded on the basis of academic, athletic, or artistic excellence, among other factors. In the US, both colleges and private organizations award merit-based scholarships. Some colleges auto-consider students for merit scholarships when they apply (like the University of Alabama), while others have separate applications.

3. Full-Ride Scholarships and Programs: These scholarships or programs cover not only tuition, but other expenses like room and board, textbooks, and sometimes even more. Besides merit scholarships, there are the QuestBridge National College Match program and Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which provide full-ride scholarships to high-achieving students with demonstrated financial need.

4. Work-Study Programs: The Federal Work-Study Program provides funding for part-time employment to undergraduates and graduate students demonstrating financial need.

Keep in mind that financial aid processes and offerings can be quite different for international students compared to domestic ones. You should always check a college's financial aid policies for international students specifically. While a small number of colleges are need-blind and meet full demonstrated need for international students, most are not. So, start your research early. Good luck!