International student confused about FAFSA eligibility for IT programs - urgent advice needed

Unfortunately, as an international student, you are not eligible for federal student aid through FAFSA. FAFSA is only available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens (refugees, asylum granted, etc.). However, you still have options: 1. Many universities offer institutional scholarships specifically for international students 2. Look into schools with rolling admissions for IT programs (they accept applications year-round) 3. Check out community colleges with IT programs - much more affordable 4. Research education loans specifically designed for international students 5. Some private organizations and your home country might offer scholarships I recommend checking out websites like EducationUSA or the International Student section on university websites. You'll need to narrow down schools based on your budget constraints.

im an international student too and yea FASFA is only for americans but lots of schools have their own scholarships!! i got into a tech program in texas and they gave me like 40% scholarship just based on my grades from back home. u should look at state schools in midwest they usually cheaper and have good IT stuff

To add some specific advice to what others have said: Schools still accepting IT applications with good international student support: - Arizona State University (rolling admissions for some programs) - University of South Florida (strong IT department) - California State University campuses (various application deadlines) - Illinois Institute of Technology (good merit scholarships) Also, look into schools that participate in the Common Application - you can apply to multiple at once. While FAFSA isn't an option, there's a financial aid form called the CSS Profile that some schools use for international students. Start by making a list of 10-15 schools with IT programs in your price range, then check application deadlines and international student services on each website.

FAFSA is useless for international students, I wasted so much time trying to figure it out when I first came here!!! The system is SO complicated and nobody explains it clearly. Even with a student visa you can't get federal aid. Focus on private scholarships and maybe look at Canada too? Their schools are cheaper than US and have good tech programs.

When I was trying to reach Federal Student Aid to clarify my eligibility status (I have a complicated visa situation), I spent HOURS on hold and kept getting disconnected. I finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person at FSA in about 20 minutes. They confirmed what others are saying - regular international students aren't eligible, but there are some exceptions depending on your specific status. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Even though you probably aren't eligible for FAFSA, it might still be worth talking to someone at FSA directly if you have a unique immigration situation (like asylum pending, etc.) just to confirm.

As an international student advisor, I'll add some practical advice. The FAFSA question is clear (it's for citizens/permanent residents/eligible non-citizens only), but your timing question is important. Many schools with strong IT programs offer spring or summer start dates with separate application deadlines. For IT specifically, look at schools with co-op programs where you can work part-time in your field while studying. These can significantly reduce your financial burden and provide valuable work experience. Schools like Northeastern University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Drexel University have excellent co-op programs for international students. Also, consider schools in states with growing tech hubs but lower costs of living (Utah, Colorado, North Carolina) rather than the most expensive coastal cities.

u shud try scholarships.com and fastweb they have tons of scholarships and some r just for international ppl!!! my roomate is from vietnam and she got like 3 different scholarships for her computer science degree. also some countries have special programs 4 students studying abroad maybe check with ur embassy

To address your follow-up question about co-op programs: Yes, most established co-op programs at universities have arrangements that allow international students to work off-campus through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization. This is a major advantage since it's built into your curriculum and doesn't count against your OPT time after graduation. Regarding the CSS Profile that you asked about earlier - yes, you should complete it as soon as possible if you're applying to private universities. About 200 schools use it to determine institutional aid eligibility for international students. It costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school. You'll need financial documents from your family translated into English. Also, many schools with later deadlines for fall entry are listed on the NACAC website under their College Openings Update (usually published in May).

Just wanted to add that you should also look into merit-based scholarships at public universities - many have automatic scholarships based on GPA and test scores that don't require separate applications. For example, University of Alabama, University of Mississippi, and University of Kentucky offer substantial merit awards to international students with strong academics. Also, consider starting at a community college for your first two years to save money, then transferring to a 4-year university for your IT degree. Many community colleges have transfer agreements with state universities, and you'll get the same degree at the end but pay much less overall. Just make sure the credits transfer properly before enrolling. One more tip: some schools waive application fees for international students if you apply online or attend virtual information sessions. Every bit helps when you're applying to multiple schools!