International students can study in the USA at a very affordable cost. This article will help you explore best scholarships and top tuition-free universities to pursue higher education in the United States.
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Studying in the USA is one of the dream destinations for many students. There are a few tips and tricks that a student can use to study in the USA for free.
Aspiring students can enroll themselves in fully funded universities that do not charge for international students and offer them a wide range of courses. They can also opt for some scholarships and some other opportunities that can be availed of by international students to study in the USA for free or at minimal cost.
Methods to Study in USA for Free
Some methods that the students can opt for to study in USA for free are listed below.
- Full Scholarships: Various universities in the US provide full scholarships to international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. A full scholarship allows the aspiring student to study in the USA for free, covering all the tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship: The joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship program. It allows scholarships to students from developing countries, including full tuition fees, monthly stipends, and travel expenses.
- Clark Global Scholarship: This is offered by Clark University, which provides financial aid to international students who have a record of outstanding academic achievements.
- Pursue tuition-free universities: There are several US institutions which provide tuition-free education to international students.
- Participate in work study programmes: The federal work study program in US allows the students to do part-time work in order to cover their tuition or living expenses. Many US universities provide on campus job in administration, libraries and research positions to help the students in their expenses. International students can easily apply for these programs to universities, financial aid office . You can also look for opportunities like research, assistants or teaching assistants which can help you which types or tuition reductions.
- Look for financial aid: Many US based universities provide financial aid to their international students. These universities only demand fees which the students can afford based on their families income, resulting in sustainable reductions or even complete waivers of tuition fees.
- Apply for government funded scholarships: You can also apply for government funded scholarships, which can help you study in US for free.
Also Read: Financial Planning for Studying Abroad: Scholarships, Loans, and Budgeting Tips
Top Universities to Study in USA for Free
Some universities in the USA allow free tuition fees, accommodations and travel charges. The list of top universities to study in the USA for free is listed below.
- College of the Ozarks: To apply for Ozarks, students must have a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores. The English language proficiency requirement is waived for students in some countries, including India. International students must submit the Institutional Financial Need Application to be eligible for financial aid.
- Berea College: Berea College offers full-tuition scholarships worth more than $25,000 to every student. It also assists students with expenses related to food, accommodation, etc., by offering a work-study program. A total of USD 55,389,392 was awarded for need-based scholarships and grants to students of the 2020 batch.
- Alice Lloyd College: To apply for ALC, students need a minimum ACT score of 17 or an SAT score of 810 and a high school GPA of 2.25. International students must also submit their TOEFL scores and a certificate of finance, which must be supported by a bank statement. For international students to be eligible for the Student Work Program, they must hold an F1 visa and obtain a US-issued Social Security number before enrollment.
- City University of New York: CUNY takes pride in its substantial international student population and provides various resources to help foreign students adapt to life in the United States. The university also offers full-tuition scholarships to students enrolled in their teacher academy.
- U.S. Academies: Tuition-free universities in the USA include the US Service Academies. In all, there are five US Academies. These five academic are the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy, and US Coast Guard Academy.
- There is no tuition charge for students attending any of these U.S. academies. Additionally, they receive a monthly stipend in return for their service. As part of the application process, candidates are required to pass a physical fitness test. Other admission requirements may differ from one program to another.
- Deep Springs College: Established in 1917, Deep Springs College offers a unique higher education experience to its students. Around 12-15 students are enrolled every year. Each student receives a full scholarship, and costs like tuition, board, room, etc., are covered. Deep Springs students are expected to devote themselves to serving humanity in exchange.
- While international students apply similarly to domestic students, there is one major difference. For applicants who have not attended an English-speaking secondary school or college, the college will require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent exam).
Also Read: Best 5 Scholarship Essay Examples that Works in 2024
Top Institutions in the US Providing Scholarships
Some top institutions providing scholarships in US are given below.
| Institution | Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility |
| Harvard University | Need-Based Financial Aid | Full tuition, fees, accommodation, and living expenses based on need | Strong academic background, financial need |
| Stanford University | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses | Leadership skills, academic excellence |
| Yale University | Yale Need-Based Financial Aid | Full tuition and living expenses based on financial need | Academic merit and financial need |
| MIT | MIT Need-Based Financial Aid | Full tuition and other expenses for students with financial need | Academic excellence, financial need |
| Duke University | Robertson Scholars Leadership Program | Full tuition, fees, room, and board | Leadership potential and academic merit |
| Berea College | Berea College Full Tuition Scholarship | 100% of tuition covered | All admitted students receive scholarships |
| Amherst College | Amherst College Need-Based Financial Aid | Full tuition and other expenses based on financial need | Academic merit, financial need |
| Clark University | Clark Global Scholars Program | Full tuition, fees, and living expenses | Academic excellence and community engagement |
| University of Pennsylvania | Penn World Scholars Program | Full tuition and living expenses | Outstanding academic achievement |
| Columbia University | Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students | Full tuition, fees, and housing | Displaced or refugee students |
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