The View From Campus – How International Students Can Finance Their U.S. Studies
This month’s post is featuring Aimee Thostenson, Director of International Student Recruitment, at University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Ms. Thostenson explains one of the most critical elements to successfully studying in the United States: funding your years of education.
Q: Describe your institution in 5 words?
A: Large, research, public, comprehensive, urban
Q: For what is your institution best known overseas?
A: High-quality and top-ranked academic programs, great metropolitan location, affordable tuition and many opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom
Q: What are your top academic programs (undergrad & grad)?
A: At the undergraduate level, the most international students are enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science & Engineering, the Carlson School of Management and the College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences.
At the graduate level, the most internationals students are enrolled in the College of Science & Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts, the Carlson School of Management and the College of Education & Human Development.
Q: What are the top 5 countries represented at your college?
A: China, Republic of Korea, India, Malaysia & Vietnam
Q: How does your institution use IELTS in the admissions process?
A: Students can submit IELTS results as part of their application for admission. At the undergraduate level, our minimum for admission consideration is 6.5 overall with a 6.5 section score in Writing. Graduate programs require 6.5 overall with 6.5 section scores for both Writing and Reading.
Q: What are the best sources of funding for international students coming to the U.S.?
A: Students should ask the admissions or recruitment representative at each university they are considering for funding options available. Some universities will offer merit-based scholarships, which means that they award the scholarships based primarily on a student’s academic record or grades.
Universities may also offer need-based awards, based on the student’s family financial situation. This type of award might require a separate application or might be included in the merit-based scholarship consideration.
Sometimes, universities may offer special scholarships because of a personal attribute or talent, like a scholarship specifically for students who play a particular instrument or intend to go into a particular program/major. Sports or athletic scholarships are also an option, but they are often extremely competitive.
Graduate students, in addition to merit and need-based scholarships, may be eligible for assistantships (teaching or research under the direction of a faculty member). Usually, assistantships mean that the full or partial cost of tuition is waived and the assistant may receive other benefits like a salary and health insurance.
Q: How should prospective international undergraduate students look at the price of a U.S. higher education?
A: Usually, admission and recruitment staff at US universities will be very forthcoming with costs and scholarship options and they know that it is a primary concern for most families. Education is an investment in a student’s future, so it is good to focus on finding the best fit for a student’s educational goals – affordability is an important factor in the equation.
Q:For graduate degree seeking students, what is the best advice for finding institutional aid?
A: Graduate students should be in contact with the academic department directly about funding opportunities. Graduate admission officers also can assist prospective students to find the right person.
Q: Talk about the role of work in funding an international students’ education in the U.S.?
A: All students, regardless of level, can consider on-campus jobs to supplement their funding. While an on campus job cannot usually cover the full cost of tuition, it can help with personal expenses or books. International students who come to the USA with an F-1 student visa can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during vacations and breaks.
Q: Are there funding sources available for students after their first year of studies, in case they don’t receive any support initially?
A: Some universities will allow international students to be Resident Advisors for a residential hall floor in exchange for housing and food. Usually this is offered to students who have already been studying at the university for one semester or a year. Academic departments may offer special scholarships to students enrolled in specific programs.