The Reality behind the Expenses
Tuition Expenses by Institution:
- In-state public universities: $11,011 average per year
- Out-of-state/international public universities: $28,386 average per year
- Private colleges: $43,505 average per year
- Total living and studying expenses: $32,000-$60,000 per year
Additional Expenses to Keep in Mind:
- Visas for students (F-1): $510 processing charge
- SEVIS cost: $350
- Annual textbooks and supplies: $1,170
- Insurance for health: $2,000-$3,000 annually
- Annual living cost: $10,000-$20,000
The Importance of Scholarships
Financial aid in the form of scholarships has become increasingly important for students due to the rising cost of tuition.
International students, unlike domestic students, do not have the option to avail of federal funding. In 2019 around 1.1 million international students studied in the US which is 5.5% of the US student population, but 72% of international students do not have financial aid access, making it necessary to pay out of pocket.
Interestingly, 75% of students awarded merit-based scholarships do so from private or community-based organisations highlighting that worthwhile opportunities exist outside of federal programmes.
Merit-based Scholarships
University Awarded Merit Scholarships
These are the most voluminous funding opportunities available, with universities seeking to attract the best students from abroad.
Full-Ride Opportunities:
- Emerging Global Leader Scholarship from American University: Full tuition, room, and board
- Berea College: Coverage of tuition for 100% of all admitted international students
- Clark University: Presidential Scholarships up to $28,000 per year
Partial Merit Awards:
- Boston University: Presidential and Trustee Scholarships are granted to all International students with no additional application required
- North-eastern University: Up to $28,000 per year
- Merit scholarships from individual universities, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000
Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-Blind Institutions
A small number of top tier schools have need-blind admissions for students whereby their financial need does not factor into admissions:
- Harvard University: 594 international undergraduate students with aid in 2017/18. Average grant $64,459
- Columbia University: International financial aid average award is $79,375
- MIT: 58% of undergraduates receiving financial aid
- Yale University: Yale scholarships ranging from a few dollars to over $70,000. Average scholarship over $50,000
Government Sponsored Programmes
Fulbright Foreign Student Programme: Awards roughly 4,000 foreign students with Fulbright scholarships annually. This prestigious programme offers:
- Comprehensive tuition grant
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance
- Airfare
- Funds for research-related activities
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Programme: This is a non-degree scholarship specifically for seasoned professionals which provides 10 months of educational and professional training.
Step-by-Step Application Process: A Guide to Achievement
Phase 1: Reconnaissance and Preparation (12-18 months prior to enrolment)
Step 1: Full-Scale Scholarship Investigation
Outlining your approach to optimise time and efforts includes:
- University scholarships available on college website portals
- IEFA, IIE, Scholars4Dev and other external scholarship databases
- Professional and field-specific associations
- Governmental programmes from your home country
- Private philanthropic organisations and corporations
Step 2: Scholarship Eligibility Criteria and Standardised Test Preparation
Enhance your candidacy by focusing on:
- Exceptional GPA (3.5+) minimum to qualify for competitive funded scholarships
- Standardised Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
- Labelled leadership roles and active participation in extracurriculars
- Collection of awards and achievements
Phase 2: Application Composition (8-12 months prior to enrolment)
Step 3: Document Compilation
Required essential documents include:
- Certified academic transcripts and standardised test documents (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
- Recommendation letters from professional and academic contacts
- Personal statement or answer to set essay questions
- Curriculum vitae encapsulating leadership roles and achievements
- Portfolio (for applicants to arts, design or other creative programmes)
Step 4: Application Strategy Formulation
Scholarship Application Timeline:
- Early applications: September-November (year preceding enrolment)
- Regular deadlines: December-March
- Late applications: April-June (fewer options available)
Application Portfolio Maintenance:
- At least 15-25 applications for scholarships must be submitted
- Customise applications according to specific parameters and their criteria
- Use management applications to track deadlines and use spreadsheets
- Draft essays and draft responses tailored to specific scholarships
Phase 3: Financial Aid Application Process
Step 5: Complete Required Financial Aid Forms
- International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA): A number of universities use this in place of the FAFSA for international students
- CSS Profile: This one is used by private colleges as a more detailed one for financial aid
- Forms From the School: As a rule of thumb, every institution may have other forms to submit and specific timelines to adhere to
Step 6: Demonstrate Where Applicable Financial Need
Required Financial Documents:
- Banking statements alongside financial certificates
- Documents indicating income from parents or sponsors
- Valuations of properties and statements of assets
- Affidavits from sponsors alongside letter of support
Phase 4: Submission of Application and Follow Up
Step 7: Submission of Applications in Strategic Phases
Best Practices for Submission:
- Applications 2-4 weeks before the deadline to avoid last minute rush
- All documents and requirements must be crosschecked
- Follow up with confirming emails or calls
- All submissions must be documented and filed in an orderly manner
Major Scholarship Programmes
Federal and Government Programmes
Fulbright Foreign Student Programme
- Eligibility: Graduate students, young professionals, and artists
- Coverage: Full funding including tuition, living expenses, airfare, health insurance
- Application Process: Apply through Fulbright office in home country
- Timeline: Applications typically due by October of previous year
Private Foundation Scholarships
AAUW International Fellowships
AAUW Fellowship Programme awards from $18,000 to $30,000 per annum, depending on academic progress regarding scholarship renewal.
- Qualifications: Women from foreign countries studying in America
- Coverage: $18,000-$30,000 yearly
- Objective: Primary focus on advanced academic work
MPOWER Financing Scholarships
- Qualifications: International and DACA students enrolled in participating institutions
- Coverage: Several awards per academic year
- Conditions: Enrolment as a full-time student at institutions eligible under MPOWER
Field-Specific Scholarships
STEM Opportunities:
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
- IEEE scholarships for engineering students
- Microsoft Diversity Scholarships for computer science
- Medical and health sciences scholarships through professional associations
Business and Economics:
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships
- Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
- Industry-specific scholarships from major corporations
Maximise Your Chances: Proven Expert Tactics
Application Tips Ensuring Excellence
"Strategically, the most impactful scholarship applicants forge a cohesive narrative beyond the bare minimum. They showcase themselves as ideal candidates---including demonstrated, measurable influence and strong alignment with the scholarship's goals. Applications should be purposeful, and focused."
Essay Writing:
- Respond to the prompt as directed
- Showcase understanding of different cultures and global issues
- Share personal achievements and the difficulties faced
- Indicate strong academic and professional collaboration with clearly defined goals
- Always quantify achievements and the impact they have whenever possible
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Application Errors:
- Completing applications that are lacking content and failing to meet deadlines
- Submitting generic scholarship essays that do not meet scholarship requirements
- Lack of thorough final reviews and revisions
- Not adhering to specific design and structure criteria
- Not investigating the organisation's core values and mission
Financial Errors:
- Outdated or inadequate financial documents
- Conflicting data on different documents
- Unmet required signatures or certifications
Conclusion
Obtaining scholarships and financial aid for studying in America requires meticulous coordination, effort, and a well-crafted plan. Given the over $41 billion in financial aid available, along with the inspiring stories from international students, the American dream does become attainable with a bit of strategic planning.
Keep in mind that scholarship success stems from strategy, application persistence, and in many instances, less-than-perfect qualifications. Countless recipients lacked traditional academic accolades like being a valedictorian but showcased attributes that strongly resonated with scholarship objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal time to start seeking out for available scholarships?
Commence searching for scholarships 12 to 18 months prior to the desired enrolment date. Reputable scholarships often have application deadlines six months to a year prior.
Can I apply for scholarships after commencing my studies?
Some opportunities are available for continuing students, but most scholarships are reserved for incoming students. It's best to apply as early as possible.
Will I need to maintain perfect grades to win scholarships?
Maintaining strong academics certainly helps, but many scholarships also factor in leadership roles, community involvement, and other contributions. Ensure to highlight your profile and demonstrate your unique value.
What awards would you recommend I apply for?
Aim to apply for between 15 and 25 scholarships. This approach broadens opportunities for all types of awards (merit, need-based, field, and award-specific).
Are scholarships awarded separately for undergraduate and graduate students?
Funding opportunities differ by level. Graduate students are often provided assistantships and available research funding, whilst undergraduate students typically receive merit scholarships.
May I hold multiple scholarships at once?
It is possible to receive multiple scholarships at once, as most scholarships are award flexible, but some scholarships have restrictions. Make sure to always verify terms and inform all respective organisations of other awards received.
Student Testimonials
Fatima Al-Rashid, Business Administration Graduate
"Winning the MPOWER scholarship feels overwhelmingly amazing. I remember it opened new doors for me, and it reminds to continue excelling in my field."
James Orator, Engineering Student
"My educational experience was not only fully covered, but it came with a slew of underutilised mentorship channels. I was able to access advanced research programmes and career mentorship with gained me a tremendous amount of my follow. Now in my fifth year of receiving with community, I am now leading in community development projects in my home country."
