Key Takeaways:
- Attending college in the United States costs $38,270 per year on average.
- Some noncitizens can qualify for federal student loans, but most international students will need education loans from private lenders.
- Scholarships, grants, and the student’s country’s financial aid programs could help lower the cost.
In most cases, international students are not eligible for FAFSA.
Just like its citizens, international students may have some sticker shock when they see the cost of attendance at many colleges and universities in the United States. While most foreign citizens won’t qualify for federal student loans from the US Department of Education, there are some exceptions. Financial institutions can also help you cover the cost with private student loans. We broke down some education loan options for international students below, with additional tips for lowering the cost of college.
How Much Does College Cost for International Students?
On average, students pay $38,270 per year to attend school in the United States, as of 2025. However, international applicants could pay more, especially at public colleges that charge more for out-of-state students. At private colleges and universities, the average is higher – $58,628 per academic year.
International students may also have to pay more in the long run due to travel costs and higher loan interest rates, as most don’t qualify for federal student loans and aid.
Education Loans for International Students
If you’re planning to attend school in the United States as an international student, you may qualify for education loans from two sources:
1. Federal Student Loans
Most foreign citizens don’t qualify for federal student loans or aid. However, some noncitizens are eligible, including:
- U.S. national and permanent residents
- Students with an Arrival Departure Record and status of refugee, asylum granted, conditional permanent resident, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Parolee, and Conditional Entrant (if issued prior to April 1, 1980)
- Students who hold (or parent holds) a T nonimmigrant status
- Student is a battered immigrant-qualified alien
In addition, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau can qualify for some federal student aid programs but not loans.
2. Private Student Loans
Some United States financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and other organizations, offer private student loans to international students. Exact loan options depend on the country of origin, the school’s cost of attendance, and the applicant’s credit history. Many private student loans require a cosigner who is a US citizen.
Financial institutions in the student’s origin country may also offer private student loans for study abroad.
However, private student loans tend to have much higher interest rates and fewer repayment options compared to federal student loans from the US Department of Education.
How To Lower Education Costs
Beyond loans, international students can take steps to lower the overall cost of college in the United States, such as:
- Apply to scholarships. Some scholarships and grants are open to foreign citizens, and some are even solely dedicated to international students. Education USA also has a list of nearly 300 awards for foreign citizens. Explore more scholarships for international students.
- Check your government’s financial aid offers. US citizens studying abroad can qualify for federal aid, and other governments have financial aid programs for their citizens, even if they’re studying out of the country.
- Talk to your college’s financial aid department. Many colleges offer financial aid packages to its applicants, including international students.
Between high tuition prices and interest rates, attending college in the United States and earning your bachelor’s degree can cost more than $500,000 in the long run. If you need to take out private loans, always compare your options to identify the best offers for your needs, education, and long-term financial goals.
Scholarships can help bridge the gap between what you have and what you need – without paying interest. Explore awards you qualify for using our Scholarship Search Tool today.
