Financing Your U'S' Education

1
Financing Your U.S. Education
With information from An Insiders Guide for
International students How to Select a
University Finance an Education in the United
States, Suffolk University, and Nancy Keteku,
REAC for Africa
2
Expenses Involved
3
Before You Apply

• Assess your financial situation
• Consider many types of institutions
• Remember the extra costs of applying
• Know that costs will increase every year

4
COST The Main Factor?

• Harvard College 2005-06
• Tuition 28,752
• Health Services Fee 1,370
• Student Services Fee 1,975
• Room 5,148
• Board 4,430
• Billed costs 41,675

• University of Massachusetts
• Tuition Fees 18,397
• Room Board 6,517Total 24,914

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General Advice

• Research options
• Start the application process early
• Use EAC books and materials
• Use the Internet
• Contact schools directly about financial
  assistance

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Sources of Funding for Undergraduates
Source Open Doors 2005
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Sources of Funding for Graduates
Source Open Doors 2005
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Sponsors

• Find alumni from your local school/university who
  studied in the U.S
• Find an influential person in your region who
  studied in the U.S.
• Send updates on your grades activities in the
  U.S. to your sponsor

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Loans

• Most American banks require U.S. citizens or
  permanent residents to co-sign the loan
• Find out if any local/international banks in your
  country offer educational loans for specific
  degrees/institutions
• For more information on loans, look at
  www.iefc.com

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U.S. Government Programs

• Advantages
• Funded by U.S. Government
• Application procedure easy
• Visa procedure simplified

• Disadvantages
• Applicants can not choose schools
• J-1 exchange visitor visa has a 2 year home stay
  requirement
• Programs not in all disciplines

11
You have to balance your interests, abilities and
finances.

• Educational advisers are trained to help you make
  the best decision.