How to Get Funding to Study in the US

Guest post: Max Frederick

For many students worldwide, the chance to study in the US presents a very exciting opportunity. The US education system offers a wealth of diversity among its vast array of colleges and universities. But, along with being recognized for their quality, US colleges and universities are often attributed with being expensive. However, there is plenty of financial aid available, even for international students. If you’re keen to study in the US and not sure how to get funding, here are some tips to help you out:

1. Ask US colleges directly

If there is a specific school that you wish to attend or a few US colleges that you are thinking about, contact them and simply ask what options they have for financial aid. Federal and state governments cannot offer financial aid to international students, but the institutions themselves more often then not offer scholarships and/or grants to help international students pay for their education while studying in the US.

2. Find a part-time job

This may not seem like the most exciting of options, but it can really go a long way. It may not go as far as funding your entire tuition, but it will offer a steady flow of income to help with other costs, and maybe some spending cash on the side. Not only will it be nice to have money coming in, but working part-time can also afford you a taste of what the American work ethic is like, not to mention providing a great way to meet people. Many US colleges will reserve employment spots for international students at campus facilities as well.

3. Keep on top of everything (grades and deadlines)

This may seem like something that should go without saying. However, many fail to recognize how staying on time with deadlines and maintaining good grades can influence the costs incurred while you study in the US. There are often late fees and penalties for not completing steps of the application process on time. Also, having good grades can do wonders for you when applying to US colleges. Students who maintain high academic standards may be rewarded through grants and scholarships which can cover some, and in some cases all, of your tuition fees.

4. Google it!

Google is never a bad place to start when searching for a scholarship or grant. This was actually a tip given to me by my study aboard advisor as I was looking to take my studies outside of the US when I was in college. The internet is a treasure trove when it comes to finding scholarships and grants. Many of them are specific to certain fields of study, but the internet is a large place. With some time and research you should be able to find plenty of these scholarships and/or grants applicable to you.

5. Consider taking out a loan

There is a lot of talk around postgraduate student debt, ESPECIALLY in the US, so this may seem like the least desirable of options when it comes to financing your education. However, just like searching for a scholarship, if you put the time in and do your research you can find loans out there that are reasonable for students.

The world is becoming a smaller place. More and more students are making the choice to take their studies in foreign lands and education systems. Of course money is at the forefront when it comes to making such a decision, but there is help out there. Follow these tips and you should find some, if not all, the financial aid you need. I can assure you, making the decision to study in the US will be a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor.

Max is a marketing specialist and a new member of the team at the American International Education Foundation (AIEF), which since 1992 has been dedicated to helping talented students around the world learn about living and studying in the US. Max graduated from California State University, Chico, in 2013, and is a keen advocate of studying abroad, having experienced the benefits himself.