Can I afford to study in the United States? Sources of Financial Aid

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HOW CAN I AFFORD COLLEGE IN THE U.S? Sources of Financial Aid

The cost of college is more expensive than ever, for both U.S. citizens studying in the United States and for international students. But the cost difference between the two is significant. One year of public, in-state education averages less than US$10,000. For international students, that figure is upwards of US$45,000 a year, and it’s even more to attend a private school.

CAN I COVER THE COSTS?
Expenses are the biggest concern for most students thinking about attending a university in theU.S. While tuition and fees are already five figures, there are other costs to consider, like:

Room and board: Do you plan on living on campus?Or if that’s not available, do you have the means to afford living off-campus in an apartment or house? If you get an apartment, you might be subjected to a credit check and in many cases, payment for the first month, the last month, and a security deposit.

Transportation: You’ll need to cover the cost of getting to the U.S. and traveling home for holidays. In addition, you will want to consider how you’ll get around – especially if you’re living off-campus.
Food and other expenses: You will have the option to purchase access to a dining hall meal plan, which is a great option if you’re living on-campus. If you choose not to purchase a meal plan, you’ll need to cover the cost of food and meals both on-campus and off. In addition, don’t forget to factor in fees for other needs, like home goods


Sources of Financial Aid
The cost of higher education in theUnited States rises year after year, and many students are finding that they are unable to support themselves. There are a number of other avenues that you can explore when looking for sources of funding for your education.

On-line Scholarship Search
Research scholarship and financial aid options online. The following sites provide information specifically for international students:


IEFA.org
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) provides financial aid, college scholarship, and grant information for international students wishing to study abroad. Their search feature allow users to find scholarships around the world.

InternationalScholarships.com
International Scholarships deliver a comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad.

Your Home Country
Your own home country could possibly be a source of funding, either from organizations or companies from your home country or you government. For instance, 000 Saudi students studying in the USA. Investigate this option thoroughly before you leave. Bear in mind when you are applying for aid from your home country that there may be some stipulations involved. For example, you may have to return home to your country once you have graduated.


International Organizations
There are several international organizations, such as theFulbright Commission, who grant aid to students all over the world. Other such organizations that offer aid are:

The United Nations
AMIDEAST
World Council of Churches
Soros Foundation
World Health Organization
Many of these organizations require you to be in your home country when you apply, so plan ahead


U.S. Universities
Many U.S. colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students through their financial aid offices. In general, however, there is much less money available for undergraduate study in the United States than there is for graduate study.

Visit our Schools Awarding Financial Aid pages to see which US schools offer aid to international students. The following schools/ colleges provide aid to International Students in the United States US