<p>@cauldroncastle , see below from UR’s website, about financial aid for international students. Since the average aid for admitted international students, which includes both need based and merit aid, is very high: $45,530, the fact that you need substantial aid to attend certainly does not mean you will be denied admission.</p>
<p>Since you are already a Richmond Scholar semi-finalist, UR has already indicated their interest in you. As @guinieagirl96 points out, being need-aware allows UR to target their funds on the international students that they really want to attend, so while there are no guarantees for international students, I certainly think you have a good shot at both being admitted and receiving the substantial aid you need.</p>
<p><a href=“Financial Aid - University of Richmond”>Financial Aid - University of Richmond;
International Students
Need-Based Aid
Richmond is need-aware when reviewing admission applications from non-U.S. citizens. If you are admitted, we will meet 100% of demonstrated eligibility for all admitted students. The average financial aid award (need-based, merit, etc.) to international students in 2013-14 was $45,530.</p>
<p>International students who do not receive financial aid their first year will generally not be assisted in following years, unless funds permit.</p>