Hello, does anyone know if paying college tuition for international students has to be within the beginning of the year or is it possible to pay it off installing or like graduate with debt?
Colleges do have payment plans, but you need to check if they are available to international students. You also have to pass the visa requirements that show how you will be supported.
You cannot graduate with an outstanding bill. The school will hold your diploma and transcripts.
You will not get an F1 visa if you cannot demonstrate to the visa officer that you have enough funds to pay the full cost of attencance for at least your first year. Some of that money can be a loan or scholarship, but you have to have enough or you won’t be allowed to come here to study.
You have to show you have all funds, upfront. The US doesn’t want Intl students here who run out of money
The issue is double:
- your parents must show their ability to pay the bill. That’d be Cost of attendance - scholarships. Bank statements, employer statements…have to be attached to your certification of finance.
- direct costs can often be paid in installments but each university decides the conditions.