One of the first things international students who are thinking about studying in the United States likely notice is how expensive it can be. That’s why one of the most common questions I hear is: Can I get financial aid?

The short answer is yes—but it’s not simple, and not every student will qualify. The US has more universities and colleges than any other country open to international students, but only a small number of those schools offer financial aid to students from outside the US.

Let’s break it down.

Types of Schools and Their Approach to Financial Aid

There are three main types of schools when it comes to how they handle financial aid for international students:

Need-blind schools: These rare schools do not consider your financial situation when making an admission decision. They focus only on your application profile, and if you’re accepted, they’ll then look at your financial situation and decide how they will help you meet the costs of their institution. Examples of such schools include Princeton and Brown. These schools also tend to have large endowments (a lot of money saved just for things like this) and the freedom to use it as they see fit.

Need-aware (or need-sensitive) schools: Most schools that offer aid to international students fall into this category. They do take your financial need into account when deciding whether to admit you. They can be generous with aid, but they also have a set budget. That means if a student’s need is too high, they may not be able to admit the student even if they are well qualified academically.

No financial aid offered: The majority of US universities and colleges, especially public ones, do not offer any financial aid to international students. These schools focus their resources on students from their own state or country first.

What Should You Expect?

I always tell families: Plan as if you will receive no financial aid. That way, you’re not caught off guard. If aid is offered, think of it as a bonus—not a guarantee. Aid might include grants (which you don’t have to pay back), loans (which you do), and work-study jobs on campus.

Private universities usually have more flexibility to help international students, while public schools often prioritize local and national students for any aid they offer.

Key Forms You Might Need

If you do decide to apply for financial aid, there are several forms that could be required:

• ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application): If required, this form is usually available from the school being applied to.
• CSS Profile: This is an online form used by many private colleges to determine need-based aid. It’s more detailed than the ISFAA.
• School-specific forms: Some universities have their own forms in addition to, or instead of, the ISFAA or CSS Profile.

Parents, be prepared: these forms will ask for full financial details—income, savings, and even property. It might feel intrusive, but it’s necessary for the schools to understand your complete financial picture.

Making Informed Choices

Every school has its own policy, and they can change from year to year. Always check the school’s official website and, if possible, speak directly with the financial aid office. Being well-informed can make all the difference when planning your child’s education abroad.

Remember, financial aid is possible, but it takes careful planning, realistic expectations, and honest conversations.