Several U.S. colleges offer need-based financial aid to undergraduate students, including international students. However, it’s important to note that the availability and extent of this aid can vary widely between institutions. Some of the notable U.S. colleges and universities that are known to provide need-based aid to international students include:

1. Harvard University: Known for meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including internationals.

    

2. Yale University: Offers substantial need-based financial aid to international students.

    

3. Princeton University: One of the first universities to offer need-blind admission and full financial aid to international students.

    

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Commits to meeting the full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

    

5. Amherst College: Offers need-blind admissions for all applicants, including international students, meeting 100% of demonstrated need.

    

6. Dartmouth College: Provides need-based aid to international students, though admissions are need-aware.

    

7. Stanford University: Offers significant financial aid based on need for international students, but admissions are need-aware.

    

8. Williams College: Provides need-based aid to all students, including international applicants, with a need-aware admissions policy.

    

9. Columbia University: Offers financial aid based on demonstrated need to a limited number of international students.

    

10. University of Pennsylvania: Provides need-based financial aid to a select number of international students.

     

11. Wellesley College: For female students, it offers need-based aid and has a need-aware admissions policy.

     

12. Brown University: Offers financial aid based on demonstrated need for some international students, with a need-aware policy.

It’s important to research each institution’s specific policies, as “need-aware” admissions may mean that an applicant’s financial situation could influence their admission decision. In contrast, “need-blind” admissions mean that an applicant’s ability to pay is not considered in the admission decision. Keep in mind that need-based aid for international students is more limited than for U.S. residents, so it’s essential to look into each school’s resources and policies.

As of April 2023, there are only a handful of U.S. colleges that are need-blind for international undergraduate students. Being “need-blind” means that these colleges do not consider an applicant’s financial situation when making admission decisions. The institutions that have this policy and also commit to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students, are:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Harvard University
3. Princeton University
4. Yale University
5. Amherst College

The admissions process at these schools is highly competitive, and their need-blind policies make them particularly attractive to a broad range of applicants from around the world.

Remember, policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the most current information on each college’s website or contact their admissions offices directly.

In the U.S., financial aid eligibility in terms of family income varies by institution. For private, high-endowment universities like Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Princeton, families earning around $60,000 to $80,000 per year may qualify for full financial aid, which includes tuition, room, and board. These universities also offer scaled financial aid for families with incomes up to about $150,000 to $200,000, depending on various factors.

Public universities generally have lower tuition costs but might offer less generous financial aid compared to private institutions. Financial aid decisions consider family income, assets, the number of children in college, living expenses, and other financial commitments. Therefore, two families with the same income could receive different financial aid offers.

For a personalized estimate, use this Net Price Calculator

• Tata Trusts Scholarship
  
  Eligibility: Typically for Indian nationals only, with a good academic record, and admission to a highly reputed institution abroad. Financial need is often a consideration.

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

  Eligibility: Open to Indian residents under 30 years, with an undergraduate degree from an Indian university. Requires an excellent academic record and admission to a top institution abroad.

• J. N. Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

   

  Eligibility: For Indian nationals planning to pursue postgraduate, doctoral, or post-doctoral studies abroad in any field. A good academic record is essential.
• Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships

   

  Eligibility: Indian nationals under 30 years, with a consistently high academic record. The scholarship is for postgraduate studies in various fields at prestigious universities.
• KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

   

  Eligibility: Open to Indian students with a first-class degree or equivalent diploma of similar standard from a recognized Indian university. Preference is given to students with some work experience.
• Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarship

   

  Eligibility: Indian women graduates from recognized Indian universities, planning to study abroad in areas like social work, education, gender studies, child health, development, and others.
• Ratan Tata Scholarship for Engineering and Applied Sciences

   

  Eligibility: Specifically for Indian students admitted to Cornell University for undergraduate courses in engineering and applied sciences.
• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

   

  Eligibility: Open to students from developing countries, including India. Preference is given to students under 30 years of age pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.
• The British Council GREAT Scholarships for Indian Students

   

  Eligibility: Indian students applying for postgraduate courses at participating UK universities. The criteria can vary based on the university and course.
• The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

   

  Eligibility: For citizens of Commonwealth countries, including India. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and be willing to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. at a UK university.

   

Each scholarship has specific requirements, so it’s essential to visit their official websites or contact the scholarship provider for the most accurate and detailed information. Good luck!

When colleges award scholarships, they typically look at a combination of factors:

1. Academic Achievement: Strong grades, a high GPA, and rigorous coursework are often primary considerations. Performance on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT can also be a factor.

    

2. Extracurricular Involvement: Active participation in clubs, sports, arts, or community service demonstrates well-roundedness and leadership qualities.

    

3. Talent and Skills: Special talents in areas like music, arts, sports, or other fields can be a basis for scholarships.

    

4. Personal Essays and Letters of Recommendation: These provide insight into a student’s character, goals, and potential.

    

5. Diversity and Background: Colleges often seek to create a diverse student body. This can include geographic, cultural, or socioeconomic diversity.

    

6. Financial Need: While this is more relevant for need-based aid, some scholarships consider financial need alongside merit.

    

7. Interview Performance: If required, a strong interview can showcase a student’s personality, intellect, and suitability for the scholarship.

    

8. Specific Criteria: Some scholarships are tailored for specific fields of study, achievements, or backgrounds.

Colleges aim to award scholarships to students who they believe will contribute significantly to their campus community and who have the potential for future success.