<p>Hello guys, I'm a senior and am planning on applying to a plethora of schools in a matter of a month or so. But, I've come across a pretty serious problem. I am in the U.S on an H-4 visa and have been living here for 10 years now with my family. I even have a ssn. We are dependent on my father who has an H1 visa. I believe I would be considered as an international applicant when I do apply, right? Will I be able to get full financial aid from schools in the top 20 and those not necessarily in the top 20? Who will my stats be compared against since I've done most of my school here? Btw, I have Ivory Coast citizenship, one of my brothers has French citenzenship, and the onther was born here in the US. So we're kind of from everywhere. I've heard that I'd be eligible for in state tuition but that isn't enough. So, Where do I go from here?</p>
<p>Some (mostly private) universities will give need-based financial aid to international students. Some more (including publics) might consider you for merit-based scholarships. </p>
<p>Universities with need-based aid for international students tend to fall into 2 categories: the tippy top national universities and small liberal arts colleges. If you cannot get into the former and don’t want to attend the latter, you might have to settle for a lower-ranked university that would offer you a merit scholarship. </p>
<p>Two more options:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you’ve been in the US on an H-4 visa, I assume your family is in the process of applying for a green card? How long do you think you’ll have to wait for your green card? If you’ll probably get it in the next year or two, it might be worthwhile to take a gap year; then you could apply for regular financial aid at the universities you’d like to attend. </p></li>
<li><p>Apply for external scholarships (e.g. from your local community or your parent’s employer) and see if you receive enough scholarship money to make your public university affordable.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>" I’ve heard that I’d be eligible for in state tuition but that isn’t enough. "</p>
<p>If your state will consider you an in-state student for tuition and fees, you also need to find out whether or not you are eligible for scholarships and other financial aid that are awarded by your state of residence. How much can your family pay? Would two years at your local community college be affordable if you commute from home?</p>