I'm a rising junior, studying in the US but I'm not a citizen. I'm not even a resident: I'm here on a student visa. I want to attend college here though. Are there any scholarships that I'd be eligible for? Or any financial aid in general that I can consider? Much appreciated.
Absolutely, non-US citizens and international students studying in the US do indeed have scholarship opportunities available! While, sadly, federal financial aid (like FAFSA) is typically not an option for students on a visa, private scholarships and financial aid from specific universities can help bridge the gap.To start, there are plenty of private scholarships that are open to international students. Examples of these include the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund (for those active in social and economic justice movements) and the AAUW (for women pursuing graduate study in the U.S.).
Additionally, several universities in the U.S. offer generous financial aid packages to international students. Schools like MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Amherst are committed to meeting100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including internationals. However, these are highly competitive schools, so it's also a good idea to look at schools that are known for giving out significant merit-based scholarships, where academic achievements, instead of financial need, is the main factor. For instance, University of Alabama and Tulane University both offer substantial merit scholarships that international students are eligible to receive.
Lastly, don’t forget to reach out to the financial aid offices of the colleges you’re interested in. They can provide more specific information about the aid that might be available to you.
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