Confused about financial aid

Hi, can someone please explain to me how financial aid works for someone of my background? I am an international student (canada) who has lived in the United States for 10 years. I have two parents, one who works, and live with a family of four. Do my chances of getting into a good college with lots of financial aid increase with my background? Thanks

Are you looking for aid in Canada or the US?

In the US

Do you have a green card? If you’re an international student who needs aid, you only option is merit aid based on performance.

No, I have a visa. So my family’s background is not applicable?

Not accurate. Many schools will make institutional need-based aid available to international students. However, most of those schools also practice need-aware admissions for international students, so the first hurdle is getting admitted.

Your family’s background may be applicable, but this will depend on the school and also what you mean by “background.”

The state you are living in (and I assume graduating from a US high school) may give you instate tuition at a public school, which is a big break in cost. You might be eligible for merit awards, but make sure being a citizen/eligible isn’t required, as I’ve seen more and more where being a citizen IS required. You will not be eligible for federal aid, but may be eligible for state or school aid, including loans.

You might find a better deal in Canada. My friend’s son was born in Canada to two US citizens, and lived most of his life in the Boston area. He’s graduating this month from a Canadian school, took 6 years because he had such a great internship that he extended it for a second year.

There are a small number of colleges who award institutional need based aid to Canadian citizens in much the same way as for U.S. citizens.

But is a VERY small number.

In most cases you will be viewed as an international student.

You will need to check a few things.

  1. Does the college give aid to international students? Some do...and some don't. And some give limited aid to international students. You need to check each college you have an interest in applying to.
  2. Is the college need aware for international students? If so, this would jean that your ability to pay will be considered when your application for admission is considered.
  3. What are your ACT or SAT score, and your GPA? Those will help determine whether you get accepted at a "good college".
  4. When you say "lots of financial aid" what amount are you talking about?
  5. Are you eligible for instate tuition at the public universities in the state where you live? If so...start there!