If your child is planning to study abroad and attend college in the United States, they'll be considered an international student. These students may have some sticker shock when they see the cost of attendance at many colleges and universities in the United States. While most foreign citizens won't qualify for federal student loans from the U.S. Department of Education, there are some exceptions. Financial institutions can also help you cover the cost with private student loans.
We broke down some education loan options for international students below, with additional tips for lowering the cost of college.
How much does college cost for international students?
On average, students pay $38,270 per year to attend school in the United States, as of 2026. However, international applicants could pay more, especially at public colleges that charge more for out-of-state students. At private colleges and universities, the average is higher: $58,628 per academic year.
In addition to tuition costs, international students may also have to consider expenses like:
- Travel costs
- Room and board
- Health insurance
- Visa and other application fees
Federal student loans for international students
Most foreign citizens don't qualify for federal student loans from the U.S. Department of Education. However, some noncitizens are eligible, including:
- U.S. nationals and permanent residents
- Students with an Arrival Departure Record (I-94) and status of refugee, asylum granted, conditional permanent resident, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, and Conditional Entrant (if issued prior to April 1, 1980)
- Parolee (you must be paroled for at least one year, and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
- Modified parole requirements for
- Ukrainian citizens and nationals paroled into the United States between Feb. 24, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2024
- Afghan citizens and nationals paroled into the United States between July 31, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2023
- Students who hold (or parent holds) a T nonimmigrant status
- Student is a battered immigrant-qualified alien
In addition, citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau can qualify for some federal student aid programs but not loans.
Certain Native American students born in Canada with a status under the Jay Treaty of 1794 may also be eligible for federal student aid.
Private student loans for international students
Some United States financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions and other organizations, offer private student loans to international students. Exact loan options depend on the country of origin, the school's cost of attendance and the applicant's credit history.
Financial institutions in the student's origin country may also offer private student loans for study abroad in the United States.
7 things to know about private student loans before you apply:
Here's what you need to know about education loans for international students:
1. You may need a creditworthy U.S. cosigner
A cosigner is a joint applicant with a good credit score and takes responsibility for repayment if the primary borrower misses payments or defaults on the loan. Most lenders require a cosigner to be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for at least two years.
If you don't have an eligible cosigner, there are some international student loans that don't require a cosigner. Talk to your financial aid office to learn more.
2. Interest rates vary based on credit history and lender
Private student loans come with fixed or variable interest rates. The interest rate depends on the credit of the borrower and/or the cosigner and lender.
A good credit score can equal lower interest, and some lenders offer 0.25% interest rate reduction for auto‑pay or additional discounts for existing customers.
If you don't have good credit, you can look at specific private loan options for international students with bad or no credit. Additionally, you can consider building your credit with a secured credit card, making payments on time with your current debt obligations, and keeping your balances low.
3. There are repayment options
Repayment refers to how long the borrower has to pay back the loan and determines the amount of the monthly payment. The longer the repayment term, the smaller the monthly student loan payment will be, and vice versa. Longer repayment terms also mean paying more in interest over time.
There are typically three types of repayment options, depending on the lender:
- Interest-only payments: Payments are made only on the interest while the student is enrolled in school at least half time and for the six months after leaving school. After this period, full principal and interest payments begin.
- Immediate repayment: Full principal and interest payments begin about 60 days after funds are disbursed.
- Full deferment: No payments are made while the student is enrolled in school at least half time and for a grace period six months after their graduation date. After this period, full principal and interest payments begin.
4. You need a student visa
To attend school half‑time or more in the U.S. as an international student and to be approved for a student loan, you need an F‑1 student visa. Consult with your local embassy on the student visa process.
5. There are minimums and maximums you can borrow
Many private lenders require you to take out a loan over a specific amount. They also tend to restrict borrowers to the total cost of their education minus any additional aid they're receiving. Borrowing only the necessary amount can keep debt low and make repayment more manageable.
6. You may need loan approval to attend a U.S. school
Some U.S. schools require proof of ability to pay, which can include bank statements, scholarships and other documents. If you need private loans to pay for college, you may have to show loan approval prior to enrollment.
7. The loans must be used for qualified expenses
You can typically only use your international student loans for education‑related expenses such as:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board (including fees for extended stay over holiday breaks)
- Books
- Living expenses such as meal plans
- Insurance
Your loan usually does NOT cover spending money and travel expenses.
What to look for in an international student loan
Choosing a lender for an international student loan is similar to choosing a college. Compare lenders before making a commitment, paying special attention to:
- Fixed vs. variable interest rates: A fixed rate will always stay the same. A variable interest rate may start out lower or higher, but it can change over the life of the loan based on market conditions.
- Repayment terms: Determine whether interest‑only payments, immediate repayment or full deferment is right for your finances.
How to lower education costs
Beyond loans, international students can take steps to lower the overall cost of college in the United States, such as:
- Apply for scholarships. Some scholarships and grants are open to non‑U.S. citizens, and some are even solely dedicated to non‑U.S. students. Education USA also has a list of nearly 300 awards for foreign citizens. Explore more scholarships for international students.
- Check with your government for financial aid assistance. Some countries have financial aid programs for their citizens, even if they're studying outside of the country.
- Talk to the financial aid office. Many colleges in the United States offer financial aid for international students.
- Consider refinancing. After graduation, you may be able to refinance your student loans and qualify for a better interest rate if you have good credit.
Ready to start your international education?
Attending college in the United States and earning your bachelor's or graduate degree can be expensive, but you have options! If you need to take out private loans, always compare your options to identify the best offers for your needs, education and long‑term financial goals.
If you have questions about applying for a private student loan, call a Student Loan Specialist at 1‑888‑411‑0266, and we'll walk you through the process.
Citizens is here to help you navigate your college planning and student lending options for today and the future. Make sure to visit our Student Lending Page — we're on chat.