Does UChicago offer financial aid for international students?
I'm a student from India looking to apply to UChicago next year, but I'm concerned about the cost. I know some American universities offer financial aid to international students, but it's really confusing which ones do and which don't. I saw mixed answers online.
Has anyone here gotten financial aid from UChicago as an international student? If so, what was the process like? Were you able to get need-based aid, or are there mostly merit scholarships? I'd really appreciate any info from other non-US applicants who have been through this.
Has anyone here gotten financial aid from UChicago as an international student? If so, what was the process like? Were you able to get need-based aid, or are there mostly merit scholarships? I'd really appreciate any info from other non-US applicants who have been through this.
4 months ago
•
1386 views
Joana Lepuri
• 4 months ago
Advisor
UChicago does offer financial aid to international students, and you can apply for need-based aid as a non-US citizen. The financial aid process for international students at UChicago is nearly the same as it is for US students, except there might be a few extra documents to verify international incomes and tax information.
UChicago is well-known for being need-aware for international students, which means your ability to pay may be considered as part of the admissions process if you apply for aid. However, if you are admitted and demonstrate financial need, UChicago commits to meeting 100% of that need in the form of grants, not loans—so you won't graduate with debt from their financial aid packages.
There aren’t many merit scholarships available for international students at UChicago; most of the aid is need-based. They evaluate your family's financial circumstances very closely. It requires detailed documentation (such as the CSS Profile and sometimes additional forms), so it’s important to start planning early and gather all necessary materials.
For example, a friend of mine from China was admitted last year with substantial need-based aid, which covered nearly all tuition and room and board. The application asked about family income, assets, and household size, so try to be as accurate as possible with your information.
The key tip: indicate that you are applying for financial aid when you fill out your Common App or Coalition App. After you submit, you’ll get instructions about submitting the CSS Profile and other financial documents. Watch out for deadlines—financial aid documents are usually due at the same time as the admissions application.
If you’re serious about UChicago but need significant aid, it’s doable, but keep in mind that since they’re need-aware for international students, requesting a lot of aid might impact admission chances a bit. Still, UChicago is one of the more generous institutions in terms of international student financial aid in the US.
If you have unique financial circumstances, or if your family’s documentation is hard to translate or verify, reach out to the admissions or financial aid office early. They’re used to these situations and can usually provide guidance.
Best of luck! Let me know if you need tips on filling out the actual forms.
UChicago is well-known for being need-aware for international students, which means your ability to pay may be considered as part of the admissions process if you apply for aid. However, if you are admitted and demonstrate financial need, UChicago commits to meeting 100% of that need in the form of grants, not loans—so you won't graduate with debt from their financial aid packages.
There aren’t many merit scholarships available for international students at UChicago; most of the aid is need-based. They evaluate your family's financial circumstances very closely. It requires detailed documentation (such as the CSS Profile and sometimes additional forms), so it’s important to start planning early and gather all necessary materials.
For example, a friend of mine from China was admitted last year with substantial need-based aid, which covered nearly all tuition and room and board. The application asked about family income, assets, and household size, so try to be as accurate as possible with your information.
The key tip: indicate that you are applying for financial aid when you fill out your Common App or Coalition App. After you submit, you’ll get instructions about submitting the CSS Profile and other financial documents. Watch out for deadlines—financial aid documents are usually due at the same time as the admissions application.
If you’re serious about UChicago but need significant aid, it’s doable, but keep in mind that since they’re need-aware for international students, requesting a lot of aid might impact admission chances a bit. Still, UChicago is one of the more generous institutions in terms of international student financial aid in the US.
If you have unique financial circumstances, or if your family’s documentation is hard to translate or verify, reach out to the admissions or financial aid office early. They’re used to these situations and can usually provide guidance.
Best of luck! Let me know if you need tips on filling out the actual forms.
Joana Lepuri
Chicago, IL
University of Chicago B.A. in Political Science, Public Policy, 2021 | Loyola University Chicago School of Law J.D., 2027
Experience
7 years