<p>Typically, what colleges like WPI do is offer financial aid for international students with strong qualifications.(above the average applicant) and financial need… That is, they do so based on need AND merit together. So a top student who is part of the Saudi royal family probably won’t receive aid, but a top student with demonstrated need could receive a merit-based grant. (note: This is NOT an official response. It does reflect a common practice among US schools)</p>