Finances are a big constraint when it comes to opting for undergraduate studies in the USA. However this should not be a limiting factor in your pursuing undergrad studies abroad because there are over 1000 fully funded scholarships available for international students at US universities. Yale, Harvard, Clark are some of the top universities which offer these scholarships. In this blog we shall look at some scholarships that Indian students can avail of for their undergrad program in US.
There are three types of scholarships offered by universities in US
- Merit based scholarships – Given to those who have an outstanding academic and extra-curricular record, with participation in voluntary work that exhibits community spirit.
- Need-based scholarships – Given to those who are not economically equipped to pay the fees. Financial documents are needed to prove your eligibility for a need-based scholarship. Need based scholarships are of two kinds – Need-blind and Need-aware. Need-blind colleges offer scholarships to students regardless of whether they are economically weak or not. Need aware colleges offer scholarships after having established the economic constraints of the student.
- Activity-based scholarships – Given to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in any sport, Olympiads, or competitions outside school.
We shall now give a brief outline of specific scholarships offered by US universities to international students for undergrad studies.
This covers 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees for the first year. In the further years of undergrad program, international students are expected to save $1,000 by way of summer jobs provided by the college to contribute toward their expenses.
Clark Presidential Scholarships is a merit-based scholarship awarded to top students among the applicants whose academic record and leadership potential places them at the top. It is awarded to 5 students each year and covers full tuition and boarding fees.
Colby-Sawyer College Scholarships
This is a merit based financial aid and the amount of the scholarship value varies based on academic ability (measured in GPA) and can go up to $8,000 per year. However this is not a full financial aid.
A merit-based scholarship awarded to outstanding international students; it is a one-time cash grant or covers 15%- 100% of tuition fees.
Johnson Scholarship – Washington & Lee
Washington & Lee College in Lexington, Virginia offers scholarships to up to 44 incoming students each year (roughly 10% of the first-year class). The scholarships cover tuition and fees, housing and food, and $7,000 in funding for a summer experience — a grand total of more than $80,000 per year.
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program offers scholarship for full tuition for 8 semesters, room and board, and the most essential fees at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Concordia College Scholarships
These are merit-based scholarships that are awarded to international first-year students or transfer students for up to four years and range from $8,000 – $16,000 per year.
East Tennessee State University
The merit-based scholarship value per academic year is $12,500 for Undergraduate students.
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
These awards range from $16,000 to $30,000 per year and are renewable for up to four years.
Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
International students are selected for this financial aid based on a holistic review of SAT or ACT scores and high school marks/grades. The awards range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year and are renewable.
New York University Wagner Scholarships
These are offered to a limited number of admitted students and cover partial to full tuition ranging from $25,000-$47,000.
Oregon University Scholarships
Each year, the University of Oregon awards more than $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Wesleyan University Scholarships
The Freeman Asian Scholars Program
It is a full tuition scholarship for a four-year bachelor’s program for 11 exceptionally able Asian students. Apart from this the University offers financial aid to approximately 40-45 foreign students from a pool of approximately 2,800 international applicants applying for financial aid.
International Freshmen Academic Scholarship by University of Southern California
A merit based scholarship, it ranges in value from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition, merit scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, service and talent.
International Scholars Award by North Eastern University
The range of this merit-based scholarship is $10,000–$28,000 annually but this does not cover the total cost. The number of students awarded this scholarship varies every year.
International Freshmen Scholarships by the University of Pittsburgh
The range of this merit-based scholarship is $2,000 to $20,000 per year and is available for 8 semesters. The recipient has to consistently maintain a minimum 3 CGPA.
This is a need-based financial aid and based on an assessment of your financial earnings documents, an award that is equal to your need will be offered.
Dartmouth College Scholarships
These are need-based scholarships awarded after establishing a demonstrated need of all admitted undergraduates, including those from other countries. For international students, the scholarships include an allowance for travel to the U.S.
This need-based financial aid is awarded to a select group of international students each year. Students can apply for partial to full merit-based scholarships through the Emory University Scholars Program (November 15 deadline).
Some known activity based scholarships are
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- World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Scholarship by Illinois Tech
- First Robotics Scholarships by Harvey Mudd College
- Student Athletics Scholarships by Duke University
There are no additional documents/forms needed for merit-based scholarships but need-based scholarships require CSS profile. For additional information on CSS profile, please visit the College Board website.