Some international students may be able to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but most international students are not eligible for federal student financial aid within the United States.
However, there are exceptions where non-citizens can complete the FAFSA. Here’s what you need to know about your financial aid options if you’re an international student coming to the United States for your college education.
Can International Students Apply for FAFSA?
In most cases, international students are not eligible for FAFSA.
Most international students cannot apply for FAFSA. FAFSA requires a valid Social Security number. The United States also has eligibility requirements for federal financial student aid: you must be a U.S citizen or a permanent resident.
However, there are exceptions. Non-citizens can fill out the FAFSA and apply for aid if they:
- Have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) that shows a status of Refugee, Asylum Granted, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Conditional Resident Alien, Conditional Entrant, or Parolee.
- Are a battered immigrant-qualified alien and a victim of abuse by your permanent resident or citizen spouse.
- Have (or their parents have) a T-visa for victims of human trafficking.
- Have a parent that has a T-1 nonimmigrant status
- Are a citizen of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
What Financial Aid is Available Through the FAFSA For International Students?
To qualify for federal financial aid, students must provide evidence from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that shows they’re in the United States with the goal of becoming a permanent resident or citizen. Some students may become eligible for federal student loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant.
However, for some of these exceptions, federal financial aid may not be available. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply. The FAFSA is also used to determine state aid, college aid, and private scholarships. Even if you don’t qualify for federal financial aid, you could get a substantial financial aid package from one of these other sources.
3 Financial Aid Options For International Students
The FAFSA isn’t the only option available to international students looking to study in the United States. You should look into:
1. Institutional Financial Aid
Many colleges and universities in the US offer institutional grants and scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need. They may also have awards based on merit. Some of these grants, scholarships, and awards will require a completed FAFSA, however, so be sure to complete that as soon as possible. The FAFSA usually becomes available on October 1 before the following award year.
If you’re not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you should fill out the International Student Financial Aid Application. You will need to reach out to the college in question to receive the current and up-to-date form. The application will require you to convert funds to U.S. dollars before submitting, and supply:
- Contact information
- Parents’ contact information
- Parents’ employment information
- Personal details, such as date of birth and country of citizenship
- Expected visa type
- Expected date of study
- A list of colleges that you’ll be applying to
- A list of family members and their education history
- Financial information, including income, for you and your parents
- Asset details
- Expenses
- Debt
- Expected support for educational expenses
- A list of any special circumstances
To increase your chances of receiving institutional grant aid, it’s highly recommended to actually apply to colleges you may not have heard of. While well-known schools like Harvard University and Princeton University have large endowments, lesser-known schools are in search of diversity, too. You might have less competition when you apply and also less competition for grant aid at these lesser-known colleges.
2. Scholarships
There are scholarships available for international students as well. Some can actually be dedicated to non-citizens and international students. Using a scholarship database can help you uncover the awards you’re eligible for and might streamline the application process.
3. Private Student Loans
Some lenders, local to you and in the United States, offer private student loans to help pay for college. While federal student loans typically offer lower fixed interest rates, private student loans could still be a great resource for closing the gap between what you have and what you need to attend school. Private lenders will have their own eligibility requirements for international students.
For example, Citizens requires primary borrowers to be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen. If the primary borrower is an eligible non-citizen, the loan will require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner who is credit qualified.
In summary, while most international students won’t be able to complete the FAFSA, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when it comes to financial aid. From scholarships to institutional grants, there are several programs that could make attending college in the United States affordable to international students and non-citizens.
Knowing how much a college costs can help you decide where to apply. College Raptor’s College Match tool and cost resources allow you to gain insight into how much financial student aid you might be eligible for at any particular college. You’ll also be able to learn more about acceptance rates, how you stack up, diversity rankings, and more. Use it for FREE right here!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.99%-16.59%* Variable
3.99%-15.59%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.37% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
|
|
5.13% - 17.99% Variable
3.69% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
6.01% - 15.47% Variable
3.69% - 14.71% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.74% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
6.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
