Need Based Aid

Are you applying as a citizen or resident?

If you are applying to any country other than the US, check the destination country to determine if you meet residency requirements for resident fee rates.

If you are applying to the US, you will qualify for federal government aid. State aid is hard to qualify for. You need to be able to show residency in various ways to qualify. All students who qualify for federal aid will be required to complete the FAFSA form. This determined how much Federal Grants, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loans and Federal Work-Study you qualify for.

If you university offers additional internal aid, they may choose to use the FAFSA information or they can ask you to complete additional documents such as the CSS Profile or internal documents.

Are you applying as an international student?

Read the universities information carefully and ask questions. "Need-based aid available" does not usually equal full cost of attendance coverage.

Outside the US, most schools do not offer need-based aid to international students. Most will not ask for financial information in the application process. But, when completing the visa documents, proof of finances for the education and living expenses will be required usually on a bank statement.

Private schools in the US and some public schools offer need-based aid. The amount varies by school. Each school will require a form and supporting documentation. The most common form is the CSS Profile. Another popular one is the International Student Financial Aid Application. Some universities have their own form. It is important to read through the checklist on the universities website of forms and documents needed and when they are due.