The United States is a popular location for international students. According to the Institute of International Education, there were over 1.1 million international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities in 2024 — an all-time high.
For international students looking to study in the U.S., the cost of higher education can be a big surprise; just the cost of tuition can be $30,000 or more per year. If you need financial aid, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for student loans. Typically, private loans are only available to U.S. citizens, but there are some exceptions (and other financial aid options if you don’t qualify for loans).
Student Loan Eligibility Requirements
The cost of studying in the U.S. can be expensive. The annual total cost of attendance — the price of tuition, fees, living expenses, and textbooks — ranges from about $44,000 for public universities to nearly $60,000 for private schools.
Many students rely on student loans to cover some of their education costs. International students aren’t eligible for federal student loans, but private loans may be an option.
Not all private student loan companies offer international student loans. For ELFI’s private loans, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.
However, there are some lenders that issue loans for international students. Typically, these loans are only available to international students who have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen; without one, your options for student loans in the U.S. are very limited.
Financing a College Education as an International Student
While some international students, such as refugees or those who have been granted asylum, can qualify for federal financial aid in the U.S., other international students aren’t eligible. However, there may be other financial aid options that can make the cost of studying in the U.S. more manageable:
Grants
Grants are a type of gift financial aid, so you don’t have to repay the grant award. Grants can come from private companies, non-profit organizations, and schools, and you typically qualify based on financial need.
For example:
- Margaret McNamara Education Grant: This grant program is for women students from select countries who are studying in the U.S. or Canada. Grant recipients can receive up to $15,000 to help with their education costs.
- University of Texas at San Antonio International Student Grant: The University of Texas at San Antonio has its own grant program for international students. Award amounts vary each year based on available funding.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators maintains a database of international student grant opportunities.
Scholarships
Scholarships are merit-based, so they tend to be a good option for exceptional students. Like grants, they’re a form of gift aid. International student scholarships can come from schools, non-profit organizations, and companies.
- Google Lime Scholarship: This scholarship provides up to $10,000 to students studying computer science or engineering in the U.S.
- University of South Florida Scholarship: International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships that can reduce their tuition costs by up to $11,000 per year.
Use the Institute of International Education scholarship database to find potential scholarships.
Institutional Loans
Some colleges have their own student loan programs, and set their own eligibility requirements. Depending on the school, you may be eligible for institutional student loans as an international student.
For example:
- Northwestern University: Northwestern international students can qualify for an institutional loan at competitive interest rates.
- Berkeley: At the University of California-Berkeley, international students are eligible for the Shih Loan.
Contact your college’s financial aid office to find out what financial aid options may be available.
Applying for Financial Aid as an International Student
As an international student, complete these steps to maximize your chances of qualifying for financial aid:
- Complete the International Student Application for Financial Assistance (ISAFA): Many colleges and universities throughout the U.S. use this form to determine international students’ eligibility for financial aid, including grants and loans.
- Make a CSS Profile: Unlike the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, international students can fill out the CSS profile, another form schools use to determine your financial aid options.
- Request school-specific forms: Some colleges and universities have their own financial aid applications for international students. Contact your school’s financial aid office to find out what you need to do to apply for aid.
