<p>Hi, I am looking to apply to U of R but I have an important question regarding financial aid. I am neither a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, but I have applied for Permanent Residency and that is currently pending. On the Part 1 of the application, it did not allow me to request financial aid because I was neither of the above. I have been living in the US for nine years now and it would suck if I couldn't get financial aid from the school. Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>Because you are neither a US citizen nor a permanent resident, you are considered an international student and are not eligible for any federal financial aid. Your residency status (and FA eligibility) will not change until your green card is granted.</p>
<p>UR’s policy for FA for international students is here:</p>
<p>[University</a> of Rochester : Financial Aid](<a href=“http://enrollment.rochester.edu/financial/international/]University”>http://enrollment.rochester.edu/financial/international/)</p>
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<p>UR’s does offer merit aid to international students:</p>
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<p>The Renaissance & Global Scholarship provides full tuition to about 30 students (total, both US and international) each year. The scholarship is extremely competitive and takes into consideration factors beyond academics.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick response WayOutWestMom. Do you think its possible that I could take out a loan for the first year and once my green card comes in I’ll apply for need-based aid the following year?</p>
<p>Since you cannot take out federal student loans, you would need to take out a private student loan. Those require that you have a US citizen co-sign the loan for you. Is there someone willing to do so for you?</p>
<p>Private student loans have a substantially higher interest rate than federal student loans and interest begins accumulating immediately.</p>
<p>I would also strongly recommend you call the financial aid office and ask them how they handle a student whose financial need status changes. Some colleges do not allow students who do not apply for FA as freshman to apply for FA in subsequent years. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS UR’S POLICY, but you need to check.</p>
<p>I, personally, would be very cautious about taking out large loans (more than $25,000 total for all 4 years) for an undergraduate degree. UR’s COA is around $55,000/year. If you take a large private loan for year 1, are you willing to add to that debt load in years 2-3-4? Although UR is a meets full need school, it does include loans as part of your FA package. Even when you get your green card, you would still be expected to take out federal student loans (at a minimum) as part of your aid package in subsequent years.</p>
<p>I am not trying to discourage you from applying to UR (I think it’s a good school and UR has been very generous to my D), but you need to be realistic about its affordability for you.</p>
<p>Cubbie—one more thing. UR uses the CSS Profile as well FAFSA to determine need. When you call the FA office, you should also ask if they require international students to file a Profile.</p>
<p>CubbieBlue… I recommend contacting the financial aid office. Your situation is unique an I think you would benefit from a meaningful discussion with a financial aid counselor.</p>