The first time Uju Nwagba heard about the University of Wyoming from her friend, who got a fully funded Master's program, she had to research the city. International students mostly struggle with funding, especially those who want to study in the United States.
Study abroad can be a costly venture, but finding a state with a more affordable path to a high-quality education has become the ultimate goal. While tuition is a significant cost, international students can pick states that impact their overall expenses through cost of living, taxes, transportation, and food costs.
Key Considerations:
- Post-Graduation Plans: Many students would like to work in the US after their program, and they must prioritize states with strong industry connections in their fields.
- Beyond Tuition: We always looked at the "sticker price" of tuition as a major problem, but tuition is only part of the story. For instance, if you get a lower tuition in an expensive city like Miami or New York, it may ultimately cost more than a higher tuition in cities like Texas or Iowa.
- Scholarship Strategy: As an international student, you should apply for a scholarship early because funding is highly competitive. When applying for funding, highlight your academic excellence, leadership, and other experiences.
Here are eight affordable states for international students in the United States, highlighting their attractions, universities, and funding opportunities.
Wyoming
Wyoming has mountainous terrain and vast plains, and is one of the most cost-effective states for international students. If you love a tranquil setting and a low-populated region, Wyoming will provide this environment for you.
International students love Wyoming’s natural beauty and its strong emphasis on outdoor activities. Wyoming has a deep Western and Native American history and has colourful annual events, pow-wows, and historical sites. You can explore wonders like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, and these parks offer internship and apprentice programs.
Schools & Funding
The University of Wyoming (UW) in Laramie is known for its diverse student body with various international student services and clubs. Students can look into grants from UW and other sources, such as the Central Wyoming College's guaranteed scholarships for international students.
Indiana
The small city of Indiana offers a blend of vibrant city life and peaceful rural landscapes. The city is home to more than 20 private universities and numerous public institutions. It has a reputation for affordability, high-quality, cost-effective education, and a strong academic presence. Indiana offers a wide array of attractions, from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis to the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Schools & Funding
Some institutions in Indiana include the Indiana University South Bend and the University of Indianapolis, offering a range of academic and need-based scholarships for international students.
Missouri
Missouri, the Gateway to the West and also the "Show-Me State," offering a mix of Midwestern charm and a fresh atmosphere, is an affordable destination for international students. The state is a significant hub for jazz and blues music.
It has a rich history, culture, and attractions like the iconic Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, including beautiful natural scenery, such as the Lake of the Ozarks.
Schools & Funding
The University of Missouri is a major institution that offers various scholarships, including merit-based scholarships, such as the International Honors Scholarship and International Merit Scholarship, with awards up to $20,000 per year. The school also provides departmental and third-party scholarship resources.
Alabama
Alabama offers international students low living and tuition costs. It has this friendly Southern charm that makes it a home for everyone. Beyond its affordability and rich history, Alabama offers a unique cultural experience.
It houses the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, landmarks in Montgomery and Selma, beautiful Gulf Shores beaches, the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, and the famous Talladega Superspeedway.
Schools & Funding
Alabama has prominent universities like the University of Alabama and the University of South Alabama. These schools offer competitive, merit-based scholarships like the Global Freshman and Transfer Scholars Talent and Ability Scholarship, which can help students receive in-state tuition, including International student scholarships for high-achieving freshmen and graduate assistantships for master's and PhD students.
Kansas
Kansas offers a friendly, suburban environment in a midwestern state, and is committed to values. The state has a unique blend of rural prairie landscapes and vibrant city life, with a robust arts scene, world-class dining, and professional sports.
Kansas has a laid-back, welcoming environment. International students can explore attractions like the Kansas Aviation Museum, the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Schools & Funding
The University of Kansas (KU) offers renewable institutional scholarships based on high school GPA, up to $16,000 per year. In addition, the school has scholarships for transfer students and grants for currently enrolled students who demonstrate financial need.
Here are a few more states that consistently rank high for affordability and quality of life:
Oklahoma
The state has schools like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, known for their strong sense of community and offering scholarships for high-achieving out-of-state and international students at near in-state rates.
Texas
Texas has institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin, which are massive research powerhouses with significant funding, though competitive. The state has no state income tax and a generally lower cost of living than coastal states, compared to Dallas.
Iowa
Iowa is home to universities like Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. It offers a classic, friendly Midwestern experience with manageable living costs outside of a few small urban centers.
How to Secure Funding Abroad
Start Early: The trick to getting funding is to research funding opportunities at least 12-18 months before your intended start date because deadlines for full-ride scholarships are often very early (e.g., November/December of the prior year).
Look Beyond the University:
- Home Country: Explore scholarships from your government, local organizations, and companies.
- US Government: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the US government.
- Private Organizations: Organizations like the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Soros Foundation offer scholarships for international students.
Be a Top-Tier Candidate: Funding is awarded to the most exceptional applicants. Focus on your grades, test scores, and building a compelling personal narrative.
Contact Professors (For Graduate Studies): For RA positions, directly email professors whose research aligns with your interests. Express your specific interest in their work and inquire about potential funding opportunities. This is the single most important step for graduate funding.
Check Boxes: On your application, always check "Yes" when asked if you are interested in being considered for scholarships or assistantships.
Go Directly to the Source: The "Financial Aid" or "Scholarships" page of your target university's website is the most accurate source. Use search terms like "[University Name] international student scholarships."
Target PhD Programs: If seeking a PhD, funding is more common. Fully-funded packages (stipend + tuition waiver) are the norm at reputable research universities. Focus on contacting potential advisors.
External Scholarships: Look into organizations like the Institute of International Education (IIE), InternationalEducationFinancialAid.org, and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for international fellowships.
By targeting the right states and focusing your applications on universities with a history of funding, you can make your dream of studying in the US a financially achievable reality.
