US Education at Undergraduate level is a costly affair, no doubt. Indeed, the big question is money. And US education does mean big money. However, a little research and understanding of the US system can help a great deal. Many institutions award merit-based assistance; whereas others offer need-based aid – assistance proportionate to applicants’ financial need. However, majority of institutions take a middle-of-the-path approach and make a mix of both need and merit while awarding financial assistance. Harvard, Princeton, Brown and Yale are the only four Ivy-League Universities that follow absolutely need-blind admission policy. The admissions office of these Universities even do not know whether an applicant is looking for funds and has applied for it. So the applicant’s paying capacity (or lack of it) has absolutely nothing to do with the admissions outcome. Once admitted, admission offer will come with full assessed financial assistance as needed for all the four years.
USA is perhaps the only country that supports a large number of international applicants interested in studying in America at undergraduate level. The financial assistance policy of American universities and colleges can be broadly categorized into two main categories—Merit Based Scholarships and Need-based Financial Assistance. There are various avenues of financial support as described below:
Merit-based Scholarships: Merit-based Scholarships are awarded by the very College or University which offers you admission. Out of more than 3,800 Colleges and Universities offering undergraduate programs around 950 Universities and Colleges do offer merit-based scholarships to an International student and usually there is a keen and fierce competition for relatively fewer numbers of awards. The range of merit-based scholarship is quite wide and can be as little as 500 USD or as high as the full cost of attendance. Check with the Individual Colleges or Universities regarding availability of this type of financial assistance.
