<p>Hey forum,</p>
<p>I'm looking at coming to Florida to get my degree, but it seems that even second-tier schools are looking for wads of cash I just don't have. The problem is that a lot of schools seem to want proof that I can pay for the entire sequence of education; years 1-4 all at once, and they want bank statements to prove it. Who can afford that?? I was wondering what schools in Florida are more international friendly, and if they can't offer me significant financial aid to cover ludicrous out-of-state tuition costs then will at least let me pay a year at a time.
I don't want to go the bank loan route as I know that's one of the worst debts you can get into; but I'm dead-set on going to Florida, and figured the easiest way would be to go on a student visa.
Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I would suggest you reconsider your plans to study in Florida. You need to have the full amount of tuition money for the four years in order to get a visa. This is a requirement by the Department of Homeland Security. </p>
<p>There are currently only six schools in the United States who are need-blind for international students. Colleges in Florida don’t even have the resources to provide full financial aid to their own citizens. The unfortunate truth is that they will not pay a dime toward a foreign citizen’s tuition. </p>
<p>The only way you can pay for your education in Florida would be to take out a private loan. As you said, this would be stupid decision. You’ll end up taking out ~$250,000, often more than a mortgage and you’ll end up spending your whole life paying for these four years. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, the best option for you would be to stay in the UK and complete your education there.</p>
<p>Is the situation really that hopeless? Should I consider other states? I have seen a few schools not in florida that only require proof for one year.</p>
<p>The situation is exactly the same for US students coming to the UK. They have to prove they already have the money to fund their entire course.</p>
<p>I suggest you look for a UK uni which offers courses with a year abroad in America. A quick Google search finds lots eg Manchester.</p>
<p>The fact that you are so stuck on Florida is a bit of a red flag to me. It won’t be like a Disney holiday every day. Are you being realistic? Foreign students come to the UK because they think they’ll be attending Hogwarts. I am sure you know that children’s fiction bears no relation to real life at a UK uni. So think about why you want to study only in Florida and what your expectations are.</p>
<p>I think cupcake is right. Don’t be naive. The cost of an education in the U.S. is prohibitively expensive, and it definitely isn’t worth taking out a loan for. </p>
<p>Some schools might give you some financial aid, but it won’t be more than $1000-5000, which will be a small fraction of the total cost. This money will usually be “merit-based,” meaning that the money you get is based on your performance. </p>
<p>Even if some schools ask for one year proof of finances, the U.S. embassy (during your visa interview) will ask you about FOUR years, as that would be the length of your visa.</p>
<p>Try looking at a community college, some have on campus housing and it can be quite a lot cheaper than going straight to the 4 year college.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the replies, guys!</p>
<p>The reason I’m so set on Florida is because I already have a social base there. I think it will make a lot of sense for me to go where I already have friends willing to help me out. I’ve been to FLorida a lot, so I know it’s not a Disney wonderland- the mosquitos and bugs are horrible!</p>
<p>But if I have friends in Orlando, it makes no sense to move to Montana.
I hope to eventually become a resident, so looking for a year abroad won’t quite cut it for me. I want to move there, and I figured the best way to go was to go as a student, so that A) I can have a degree, and B) I can work on making myself live there permanently while I’m there, instead of trying to do it overseas. </p>
<p>Community colleges do tend to be a bit cheaper, but when you consider out-of-state tuition it’s still a wheelbarrow of money I don’t have at my disposal.</p>
<p>plunge, fair enough! </p>
<p>I would not suggest going to a community college. They are very expensive and the education you get there is far worse than that at most universities in the U.K. </p>
<p>I cannot give you legal advice, but your plans to immigrate to the U.S. sound extremely costly. You should contact a lawyer to see what would be best option for you in order to obtain permanent residency.</p>