<p>I was granted political asylum in the USA a week ago. Now my status is "asylee" and i'm wondering if anyone knows whether i have any chances applying for financial aid at Columbia University (i can't afford paying more than like up to 10k a year for college) or i should just begin with Brooklyn College or even a Community College? I'm 21 years old, finished 2 out of 5 years at college in Eastern Europe. Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>I would recommend contacting the schools FA office and the FAFSA technical support line. Asylee's are much different than foreign students or resident aliens.</p>
<p>If you are an asylee under section 208 of the INA, you will be eligible for federal need based financial aid. You would have an I-94 stamped with the section 208 designation or an I-571 Refugee Travel Document if you fall under this designation. If you are qualified for federal aid, I would think schools would treat you as a citizen for their institutional aid, too (although they probably wouldn't be obligated to do so). I agree ... contact the financial aid office & talk to them. Make sure you let them know what your asylum status is.</p>