Financial Aid (International Student)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Worcester Polytechnic Institute
1

<p>Hello everyone, </p>

<p>I create a new topic to discuss about WPI's financial aid policies for international students. I spent a fare amount of time on the school's website, and found that the policies are really confusing.</p>

<p>Ok, so on <a href="http://www.wpi.edu/offices/fa/international-students.html"&gt;http://www.wpi.edu/offices/fa/international-students.html&lt;/a>, it says that "Need-based financial aid is available to undergraduate international students who enter as freshman in the fall semester and should be considered secondary to family, government, or other sponsor support."</p>

<p>Yet, when I go to <a href="http://www.wpi.edu/offices/fa/fa-types.html"&gt;http://www.wpi.edu/offices/fa/fa-types.html&lt;/a>, it is obvious that the types of financial aid for international students are either from merit-based grants or taking private loans.</p>

<p>So, what are the policies for international students? I'm really confused. If anyone has the information and can help me, I really appreciate that!</p>

2

<p>Typically, what colleges like WPI do is offer financial aid for international students with strong qualifications.(above the average applicant) and financial need… That is, they do so based on need AND merit together. So a top student who is part of the Saudi royal family probably won’t receive aid, but a top student with demonstrated need could receive a merit-based grant. (note: This is NOT an official response. It does reflect a common practice among US schools)</p>

3

<p>@worldspirit: thanks for your reply! But if an admitted student is not offered any merit scholarships, can we assume that he/she will get a need-based financial aid package? Thanks again!</p>

4

<p>The key is “Merit-based Grants”. Complete the application process presenting yourself as best as you can, and then see if the school awards something. </p>

5

<p>Any federally based financial aid is not available to international students.</p>

6

<p>Thanks @worldspirit and @MADad!</p>