Education, they say, is the key to success in life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most expensive pursuits in life. In the United States, for example, the average student pays $33,215 per year for an undergraduate course, which translates into a whopping $132,860 for a four-year undergraduate degree. As a result, many students end up either dropping out of school, deferring their studies, or going into the job market to earn money to pay for their education.
Currently, the United States has the highest number of international students at an estimated one million. That means about 5 percent of all students in the US are from abroad, with the number on a steady rise every year. In a quest for quality education and greener pastures, many Africans have moved to the US and are thus a substantial component of the one million international students.
Not all these students are having it easy, though. The financial burden is quite straining for a number of them. Nevertheless, it does not have to be that way. There are multiple ways to overcome the financial constraints. You must diligently examine the available options and come to a decision that suits your unique needs.
Below are some options available.
1. Apply for Scholarships and Grants
1. Scholarship and Grants
Despite not having enough funds to finance your education in the US as an international student, you can always apply for scholarships and grants. These funds run into billions a year and are availed by the Federal Government, State Governments, nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions. While grants are mainly disbursed based on the needs of every student applicant, scholarships primarily target students with high GPA. Some scholarships are, however, awarded based on a student’s excellence in sports and arts, among other talents.
To submit your application for either a scholarship or a grant, avoid companies that demand for some fee as a prerequisite for applications. You can make use of the College Board’s Scholarship Search system, which is free and comprehensive. Other platforms that offer extensive information about scholarships and grants include CollegeNet.com, Scholarships.com, Federal Student Aid, and Fastweb.com.
2. Getting an Affordable School
Truth be told, most universities and colleges in the US are very expensive the one with lower price is scholarship. However, with a good search, you can get colleges that are surprisingly affordable. As you take this step, always give priority to government institutions because they are more reliable either paid or scholarship. Of course, there are myriads of other private colleges and universities that are also trustworthy. Even as you consider affordability, be sure to confirm the academic institution you choose is accredited. Some of the US universities that are affordable and open for international students include University of Georgia (Est. $30,392), Binghamton University (Est. $26,328), University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (Est. $28,910), Florida State University (Est. $21,683), and Asbury University (Est. $28,631). University of Texas promises full scholarships to in-state students with family incomes under $65K by 2020. New York University’s School of Medicine offer fulls scholarships to all students in its doctor of medicine program.
