<p>Well there are other programs that are lesser known and less prestigious. The one I am familiar with is Berea College. I visited Berea back in the dark ages when <em>I</em> was considering college.</p>
<p>[International</a> Students | Admissions - Berea College](<a href=“http://www.berea.edu/admissions/international/default.asp]International”>http://www.berea.edu/admissions/international/default.asp)</p>
<p>It is a far cry from the “Ivy League.” It fills a very different niche in the academic world - it was created primarily “to provide an educational opportunity primarily for students from Appalachia, black and white, who have great promise and limited economic resources.” </p>
<p>It is “the only school in the United States that provides 100% funding to 100% of enrolled international students for the first year of enrollment. This combination of financial aid and scholarships offsets the costs of tuition, room, board, and fees.” </p>
<p>This is not the same thing as meeting 100% of “need.” Need is defined by the institution and might not be what the student believes his need to be.</p>
<p>In Berea’s case, they fully FUND their students through scholarship and a work program.</p>
<p>The OP is in need of full financial aid - which might not be met with “full need”. Admissions to elite programs are difficult. He should consider Berea, and other programs such as those, instead of singularly focusing on the Ivy League.</p>