List of USA Colleges Offering Financial Aid for International Students

With renowned universities, high-tech research centers, and a large, multicultural academic community, the United States is a pioneer for international education. 

However, for many international students, the financial cost of attending university in the United States is still overwhelming. Tuition, housing, and living costs all mount up, so funding remains one of the biggest hurdles for anyone considering locating to and studying in America. 

Even with the current financial difficulties, the universities in the USA are engaged in substantial efforts to increase the accessibility of education by providing financial assistance, which is unique for students from different other countries. 

To be Precisely, institutions in the USA spend about $120 billion per year on educational scholarships. The average package for international students has reached approximately $77,000 in recent years.

In this article, we will understand which universities in the USA are offering full and partial scholarships for international students. 

Why Choose Universities in the USA Offering Financial Aid? 

So, why should international students choose financial aid that universities in the USA offer? The reasons are based on the situations the USA presents to international students who are willing to study in the USA. 

• Financial aid allows you to stay in high-ranking universities without the full cost of college education in the USA. With financial aid from universities, the tuition costs can be offset by at least 20%. 
• Since a lot of universities offer financial aid to international students, there may likely be a 50-60% chance that the student will get some funding through the college. 
• Financial support for students in universities in the USA, in general, is continuous, and costs are recouped at the end of the study program for the degrees of international students.
• Finally, part-time international students are entitled to a full tuition scholarship in certain situations, and partial tuition scholarships are also always available.

Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2025

List of Universities in the USA Offering Financial Aid to International Students 

Here is the list of universities in the USA that give financial aid to international students. This aid can be in the form of scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, and even work-study opportunities.  These options make it easier for students to study in the USA. 

Here are the top 10 universities that offer financial aid to international students: 

1. Stanford University 
2. Yale University 
3. Princeton University 
4. Columbia University 
5. Brown University 
6. Cornell University 
7. New York University 
8. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 
9. Rice University 
10. Stevens Institute of Technology 

In the next section, we will discuss top universities that will give maximum financial aid to international students.  

Universities in the USA Giving Maximum Financial Aid to International Students

The following table contains a list of universities in the USA and colleges and their average international student financial aid package for the 2023-24 academic year, as per the US News:

(Source: US News) 

Scholarships for international students in the USA are available at all of the leading universities and colleges. 

Generally, merit-based scholarships are available in universities, and a few universities provide need-based scholarships. Regardless of the scholarship status, a significant number of universities provide financial support to international students who want to attend the USA.

Also Read: 5 Most Affordable Universities in the USA for Indian Students

Universities in the USA Offering Full Tuition Fee Waiver for International Students 

Full tuition fee waivers for universities might seem like a tall order, but at each level of study, scholarships are available for international students to help with education expenses. 

International students are allowed to apply for scholarships available at the following leading North American universities that fully fund their tuition:

• Brandeis University 
• Duke University 
• Georgia University 
• Case Western Reserve University 
• Columbia University 
• Swarthmore College 
• Columbia College 

The following scholarships grant full tuition waiver scholarships for the following universities to international students:

United States universities that target international students with scholarships also have maximum admissions, regardless of the rankings. There are not that many universities that offer full scholarships for international students, but between 20-30% of them offer them season-to-season. Hence, they are also useful choices for students to choose.

How to enjoy the maximum ROI on your higher education?

While exploring lists of U.S. universities offering financial aid and even full tuition fee waivers for international students is crucial, there’s another smart way to evaluate universities—through the lens of return on investment (ROI). This approach helps you understand not just how much you’ll pay but what you’ll likely get back in terms of career opportunities and earning potential.

SelectRight (by GradRight) makes this process easy. With its AI-powered system, SelectRight offers:

• Tailored university recommendations based on your academic profile and career goals.
• Data-driven insights, like placement rates, recent alumni success stories, and ROI.
• Match scores to help you weigh options objectively.
• Fundable shortlists that ensure your chosen institutions align with available loan options.
• Perks like fee waivers and scholarship opportunities.

Here’s how it works:

1. Share your details with SelectRight.
2. Receive personalized university matches.
3. Access valuable data and match scores.
4. Shortlist fundable options.
5. Make an informed decision with confidence.

Understanding university choices through ROI with SelectRight is a smart move, but you can do something even smarter. 

The reality is that many students still need financial help to cover their expenses. That’s where FundRight (by GradRight) steps in to make things simpler and more effective. Instead of navigating the confusing loan market alone, FundRight connects you with a network of over 15 trusted banks and NBFCs that compete to offer you the best possible loan terms. This means lower interest rates, flexible repayment options, and even access to no-cosigner loans, depending on your needs.

Here’s why FundRight stands out:

• No paperwork or bank visits—all digital and secure.
• Tailored loan offers: You get options based on what fits you best.
• Quick disbursement: Funds can be available in as little as 10 days.

And it works. As of August 2024, FundRight has served over 71,350 students, helped 12,620+ approvals, and assisted students in saving a combined ₹1,304 Cr INR.

With SelectRight to guide your university choice and FundRight to provide financial backing, you can move forward confidently.

Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about financial aid for international students.

Also Read: Best Exams to Study in USA for Indian Students 2025 (Masters & UG)

FAQs