<p>Good Morning everyone, </p>
<p>I'm an international student who will be attending a community college this coming fall and I have plans to transfer to Cornell University Human Ecology but the problems are not just if I will ever be admitted but also if I can afford the education.. My family is not rich, my father's annual income is around $20k? I am worried that I won't be able to attend my dream school just because I can't afford it. I heard that most schools offer very limited FA to transfer students and also international students. Is there any other ways on how to pay for my education other than relying on the financial aids? I don't really want my parents to pay for my education because it breaks my heart to think of them paying when they don't really have the money to.. I don't want to put any burden on them for my education. Thank you so much!</p>
<p>See [International</a> Applicants | Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.finaid.cornell.edu/apply-aid/international-applicants]International”>First-Year International Students | Financial Aid)
Your family should save for your college education. Also you would work for a few years and save for college too.</p>
<p>4kidsdad -</p>
<p>This is an international student who will not be able to work in the US legally unless currently in a degree program (CPT) or after completing a bachelors or masters degree (OPT). Working and saving would need to take place in his/her home country.</p>
<p>jlee0129 -</p>
<p>If you will not be attending a community college that has a guaranteed transfer arrangement with HumEc, and/or Cornell will be unaffordable without significant aid, what other options will you have for finishing your degree? Can you attend college in your home country instead? Or, can you take a gap year and reapply to places that are more likely to offer you direct admission and financial aid?</p>
<p>Thanks happymomof1. I kept forgetting that international students with very limited incomes also want to attend expensive schools in US.</p>
<p>happymomof1 - </p>
<p>Thanks for the helpful information! I really appreciate your help! Few questions though, Is it possible for me to take a gap year after I finish my 2 years in a CC? Maybe after I get accepted I can take an year off and work. I will be getting a green card by late 2015.
By the way, I am pretty sure my school has an articulation agreement with Cornell University.</p>
<p>You can take a gap year or year off from studies whenever you feel like it. Don’t worry about that. Since you are expecting your green card, it may make sense to take time off when you get it because you will be able to get a better job. While you are still in international status, you can only have a job that is related to your studies and/or on the campus where you are studying. Speak with the International Students Office at your CC to find out more about the rules governing CPT. Here is some information <a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curricular_Practical_Training[/url]”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curricular_Practical_Training</a></p>
<p>It looks like you are planning to study at a CC in NY state. Many of those do have agreements with the NY state divisions of Cornell and with other universities in the SUNY/CUNY system. This can be a very good way to finish your education.</p>
<p>When you do have your green card, many things will change. You will be able to work legally anywhere in the country, and you will be eligible for federally determined financial aid because you will be able to file the FAFSA. Will your parents also receive their green cards at that time, and if so, where will they be living? If they are also somewhere in the state of NY, you might qualify for in-state tuition and fees in HumEc. So do find out about that. The policies might be different at your CC, HumEc, and any SUNY/CUNY that you are interested in.</p>
<p>If OP is applying for a green card in US, I don’t think OP could leave the country. However, OP may be able to obtain an EAD and work.</p>
<p>4kidsdad & happymomof1 - </p>
<p>Thank you all so much for the helpful advises! I will keep all that in mind. I am grateful that I still have time to think over my plans for future. Wish me luck! Wish the very best for you guys as well!</p>