This week's NACAC Conference in Seattle provided lots of information that may be of interest to many potential college students. One is getting financial aid if you are a foreign student.
When asked if there is "traditional" need-based aid programs with state and federal grants and federally supported loans like Stafford and PLUS for non-U.S. Citizens -- the short answer is NO. However, that does NOT mean a good student cannot receive college-based merit or need-based aid.
There are six colleges that most of us in the industry knew will (1) admit international students in a need blind fashion and (2) meet their full financial need once admitted. These schools include Harvard, Yale, MIT, Princeton, Williams, and Middlebury. At this week's NACAC conference in Seattle attendees learned that Berea College, Colby College and Mount Holyoke also offer aid packages through the colleges to foreign students.
So there is good news is if you are a foreign student, some private colleges may offer aid packages if admitted regardless of citizenship. It is more likely to happen at "need-blind" colleges meaning they will look at admitting you first regardless of ability to pay. Once admitted, they will help meet your need with whatever dollars are legally available.
If this is something you want to explore, check with the college Admissions and Financial staff to see what their policy on college-supported aid would be. Also ask about the required financial aid paperwork. Most of these colleges use the Financial Aid Profile in addition to the FAFSA so you will need to make sure you comply with their policies and due dates.
