International students often seek ways to finance their education in the United States, and many wonder if they can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Unfortunately, most international students are not eligible for federal aid through FAFSA.
However, there are alternative financial aid options and some important exceptions for certain categories of students.
In this guide, we’ll explore who qualifies for FAFSA, the exceptions that exist, and the alternatives international students can pursue to secure financial aid for their education.
Who is eligible for FAFSA?
Most international students are not eligible for FAFSA, as it is primarily designed for U.S. citizens and specific non-citizens who meet particular immigration criteria.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the FAFSA program is intended for students who are:
- U.S. citizens or nationals
- Permanent residents (holders of a green card)
- Individuals with certain visas or statuses, such as refugees, asylum seekers, T-visa holders (for victims of human trafficking), or those covered under the Violence Against Women Act.
Other eligible categories include students from specific freely associated states like Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.
Unfortunately, most other international students, including those on F-1, J-1, or M-1 visas, cannot access federal aid through the FAFSA.
Still, this does not mean that financial assistance is entirely unavailable.
Why fill out FAFSA as an international student?
Even if international students are ineligible for federal aid, completing the FAFSA can still be useful.
The thing is that many U.S. universities use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
Schools assess financial need using the information provided on the FAFSA form, which may help students access scholarships, grants, or other forms of aid directly from their institution.
For example, some private scholarships also rely on FAFSA information to gauge financial need. Completing this form increases the chances of securing aid packages that are not tied to federal funding.
Alternatives for international students
For international students who cannot apply for FAFSA, several other financial aid opportunities are available:
1. Institutional aid
Many colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships and grants specifically for international students.
The eligibility criteria and the amount of aid vary between schools, so it’s essential to consult each institution’s financial aid office directly.
Students may need to complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile or the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) instead of the FAFSA to qualify.
Institutions like Stanford and Harvard provide substantial endowments for international students who demonstrate financial need, but these opportunities are often highly competitive.
Therefore, early application and thorough documentation of financial status are crucial.
2. Private scholarships
Several private organizations and foundations offer scholarships tailored to international students.
Unlike federal aid, these scholarships may not require FAFSA completion.
To maximize the chances of securing private scholarships, international students should consider the following steps:
- Research Scholarship Databases: Websites like Fastweb, InternationalScholarships.com, and ScholarshipPortal are excellent resources for finding scholarships available to international students.
- Check Eligibility Requirements: Private scholarships vary widely in their eligibility criteria, so it’s important to thoroughly review them to ensure you qualify before applying.
- Focus on Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: Scholarships may be awarded based on academic excellence, leadership roles, volunteer work, or specific skills like writing or scientific research. Highlighting these accomplishments in applications can increase your chances of being selected.
Private scholarships can be competitive, so applying to multiple scholarships and ensuring all application materials are complete and accurate is essential.
3. Private student loans
Another option for international students is private loans. However, these loans often come with specific conditions:
- Students usually need a U.S.-based co-signer (such as a family member or friend who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).
- Interest rates and repayment terms vary, so it’s important to compare different lenders.
It is essential to note that private loans may have higher interest rates than federal loans, and repayment plans might not offer the same flexibility.
Co-signers for private loans:
When applying for private loans, many lenders require international students to have a U.S.-based co-signer, such as a relative or friend.
A co-signer shares the responsibility for loan repayment, which reduces the risk for the lender.
Although private loans can fill the gap left by FAFSA ineligibility, they often come with higher interest rates and varying terms. It’s essential to carefully review the loan terms and explore multiple lenders before making a decision.
DACA students and FAFSA eligibility
Students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, often referred to as “DREAMers,” are not eligible for federal aid through FAFSA.
However, DACA recipients have options beyond FAFSA:
- State-Based Aid: Some states, such as California, Texas, and New York, offer financial aid programs specifically for DACA students. These may include state grants or scholarships that help offset tuition costs. States with such programs may also offer in-state tuition rates for DACA recipients, making education more affordable.
- University Scholarships: Some universities provide need-based or merit-based scholarships for DACA students, helping fill the gap left by the absence of federal aid. It’s essential for DACA students to research these opportunities directly through the institutions in which they are interested.
While DACA students do not have access to federal aid through FAFSA, state and institutional resources can offer significant support.
Thus, you should research these options early in the application process to find out what is available.
Employment opportunities: Work-study alternatives
Although international students cannot participate in the federal work-study program, they can seek on-campus employment.
Many universities allow F-1 and J-1 visa holders to work part-time on campus, which can help cover living expenses or contribute to tuition costs.
On-campus jobs might include positions in libraries, dining services, or academic departments, and the pay may vary depending on the role and institution.
Here’s how they can navigate work options:
- On-Campus Employment: Most universities allow international students on F-1 and J-1 visas to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school term. On-campus jobs might include positions in libraries, cafeterias, administrative offices, or teaching assistants.
- Internships and CPT: International students on F-1 visas can also participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to work off-campus in jobs related to their field of study. CPT opportunities can provide valuable work experience and help students earn money to cover educational expenses.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): After graduation, F-1 students may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT), enabling them to work in their field for up to 12 months (or longer for STEM graduates). This experience can be used to help pay off education-related expenses or support further studies.
These employment opportunities can help international students offset some of their costs while gaining valuable professional experience.
Checking state-specific programs
Some U.S. states provide financial aid programs for international students, particularly those with DACA status or other non-eligible federal aid statuses.
For example, states like California, Texas, and New York offer grants, scholarships, or state-funded loans that do not require FAFSA eligibility.
Examples include:
- California Dream Act: The California Dream Act provides state financial aid to eligible undocumented and DACA students attending eligible California institutions. It offers grants, scholarships, and work-study programs, similar to FAFSA-based aid.
- Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA): In Texas, the TASFA allows eligible non-citizens to access state aid. Texas also provides in-state tuition rates to qualifying students, significantly reducing educational costs.
- New York’s Excelsior Scholarship: This program is available to eligible DACA students who meet specific residency and income requirements, offering free tuition for qualifying students at SUNY and CUNY schools.
Students should check with their state’s education department or the financial aid office of their chosen institution to learn about state-specific options and application procedures.
The role of the CSS profile
The CSS Profile, administered by the College Board, is an alternative financial aid form used by many colleges and universities to determine need-based aid for international students.
Unlike the FAFSA, the CSS Profile collects more detailed information about a student’s finances, including assets, expenses, and foreign tax information.
Many prestigious institutions require international students to submit this profile to be considered for their specific aid packages.
Filling out FAFSA as an international student
Although most international students are not eligible for federal aid, some may still be advised to complete the FAFSA manually.
For those whose institutions request FAFSA data, international students should:
- Print the FAFSA form from the official website and fill it out manually since they cannot provide a Social Security number.
- Mail the form to the Federal Student Aid Programs office as specified.
It’s also recommended that international students consult their institution’s financial aid office to confirm if filling out FAFSA could be beneficial for institutional or private scholarship purposes.
Building a funding plan: What international students can do
Given the limited options for federal aid, international students must create a comprehensive funding plan.
To maximize financial aid opportunities, international students should:
- Research thoroughly: Investigate each school’s policies on international financial aid before applying. Some institutions may offer substantial aid packages, while others may have limited options for international students.
- Apply early: Deadlines for institutional aid can vary, so it is crucial to submit all required documentation as early as possible.
- Explore external resources: Some countries provide scholarships or grants for students studying abroad. International students should check with their home country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S. for available options.
Final thoughts
While most international students cannot apply for FAFSA, understanding the alternatives is essential for financing education in the U.S. Scholarships, private loans, institutional aid, and state-specific programs offer various avenues to explore.
By proactively researching and applying for multiple sources of aid, international students can maximize their chances of securing the financial support they need to achieve their academic goals.
It’s true that all these options require planning and persistence. But once you take the right strategy, you can find the resources you really need to succeed.