@fibonaccioso, Could you please clarify what happened with this year’s acceptances and financial aid? Do you mean that the need-based aid that was awarded required a family contribution of $20K and that they were unable to come up with that much? Was the family’s reduced financial situation reflected in their financial aid application?
A few more questions: What is her grade point average? Did she apply to selective schools this year (meaning Ivy-level universities and top ranked LACs)? If yes, was she rejected or were they not affordable?
There are quite a few US colleges that offer need-based aid to internationals. If the student qualifies they can be quite generous. The important point is to look for colleges that guarantee to meet full demonstrated aid for internationals.
If need-based aid isn’t workable, then she’ll have to look for merit aid. Merit scholarships are few and far between for internationals. Better scores will help, but may not be the enough. Grades, extracurriculars, demographic and life experience are all important.
Chicago does offer merit scholarships to internationals, but my understanding is that funding is in the form of partial-tuition with the balance made up of need-based aid.
(The symbiotic relationship between need-based aid and merit aid is difficult to predict. The process requires some trial and error.)
It’s very difficult for international transfer students to get need-based aid. Some schools offer it, but not all. Merit aid for transfers is even scarcer.So if none of her current admits works, then II think she’d be better off reapplying next year, than trying to transfer.
During her gap year she should try to accomplish something significant that would make her interesting to colleges, which could be just about anything that she’s sincerely interested in – as well as helping to support her family.
Since her high school grades are already established I wouldn’t expect a major turn around in colleges that she wasn’t accepted to the first time around, even if her scores improve. It happens, but it’s not likely. If she re-applies, she need to research what’s financial doable and not count on a merit award from a prestigious university.