• Planning Ahead
• Calculating Your Expenses
• Financing Your Education
• Financing Undergraduate Studies
• Financing Graduate Studies
• Other Scholarships & Grants

Planning Ahead

• Start your financial planning at the same time you begin choosing colleges -- at least 12 months before you wish to study in the United States.
• Tuition costs vary from college to college. Private universities charge more than state universities, which in turn charge more than community colleges. Research actual costs very carefully.
• Cost is not an indication of the quality of an institution.
• Living expenses vary depending on location and your lifestyle.
• Many colleges expect you and your family to fund the full cost of your education.
• The main source of possible financial assistance is the college where you are applying; however, funds available for international students are limited, and full funding is very rare.
• Financial assistance can be awarded as scholarships, grants, and, in some instances, through work-study or loans. Aid, if available, is usually based on merit, but sometimes on need.
• Opportunities to work in the United States are limited and cannot be used as official sources of funding.
• Talented athletes may try to obtain sports scholarships (see the next chapter for further details).
• You can reduce the costs of your education in the United States in a number of ways; taking courses at community colleges and accelerated programs are just two examples.