non-american parents

happymomof1
Sun, 27 Mar 2011 10:08:57 +0000

Since you are a citizen, you can apply for federally determined (FAFSA) financial aid. This is a very good thing! Some colleges and universities will also require the CSS Profile. In either case, you will need to convert your parents’ financial information to US dollars at the exchange of the day that you file, and you can use 000-00-0000 where the FAFSA asks for their social security numbers.

You won’t get less aid because your parents are international. However, it probably won’t be possible for you to take out any private loans to make up the difference between your financial aid packages and the actual Cost of Attendance (COA). But in all honesty, that is a good thing. You don’t want to end up in a lot of debt just for college.

You aren’t the only student in your situation. I have a list on my other computer, and I’ll send it to you in a PM. If you look up those students’ threads, you will find lots of useful ideas.

Wishing you all the best!