Globalization has successfully expanded the field of education beyond geographical boundaries as more and more students are taking up degrees and courses abroad. Owing to their brilliant faculty and infrastructure American colleges hold high ranks on the 世界大学排名 consistently, but they can be quite expensive as well. You might be looking somewhere between $20K to $60K, depending on the institution. However, there are several ways one can pay for college so that they do not have to give up on their education in the USA.
1. Scholarship
The best way to get an education is to apply for a scholarship. Most universities offer a bunch of excellent scholarships for meritorious students, which can cover the entire tuition fees, or at least a part of it. Irrespective of which branch of academics, degree or course you are aspiring for, you will be able to find scholarships, ranging from general open to all, to those for students in specific categories of age, nationality etc. Apply for any and every scholarship, whose criteria you can match. Even if you get a partial scholarship, a part of the money problem is solved at least.
2. Grants and private scholarships
If you do not qualify for your college scholarship, don’t lose hope, as there are several amazing grants offered by colleges, as well as by the government and private individuals, for bright students who come to the US for their education. The criteria for these are usually a little more lenient than those of universities, which helps students have a better chance of getting funds. Moreover, there are a number of private scholarships sponsored by companies, nonprofits organizations, community groups and even a few generous individuals and families.
3. International student financial aid
Depending on your financial situation, and whether you will be an asset to a school you might be able to get some financial aid as an international student. The conditions and value of these aids are fortunately negotiable, which means you can apply, and try to convince them that you could do with a little more aid, in order to achieve your goals. If you have come across a sudden depletion of finances owing to any steep medical bills or a change in your family’s financial situation, unemployment etc, make sure that you disclose the details while applying for financial aid.
4. Work-study job
Several schools have the option of a number of work-study jobs on campus, that a student can take up in order to fund their education. You will have to apply for these and depending on your aid as well as current financial situation, you will be allotted a work-study job, which will pay you by the number of hours you work. If you do not qualify for one, you can also look for part time jobs outside the campus, online work or even small odd jobs. There are a ton of employment opportunities out there, which your student visa allows you to enjoy.
If nothing else works out, there is always an option of getting yourself a student loan to fund your education. If you want to go for an education in the US, don’t let money come in the way of your dreams.
