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For many international students, studying in the U.S. is a dream—but it comes with a significant price tag. According to recent data, the average cost of a master’s degree in the United States is approximately $65,134—and that number can be even higher for international students when you factor in health insurance, living expenses, and visa-related fees.
That figure can be overwhelming, especially without access to the same financial aid and government-subsidized loans available to U.S. citizens. Fortunately, there are strategic ways to fund your U.S. education from merit-based scholarships and loan or payment plan options, and employment opportunities through CPT and on-campus jobs.
1. Scholarships for International Students
Most international students come to the U.S. primarily for academic and professional development. That’s why this section focuses on merit-based and program-specific scholarships that international graduate students are more likely to access, here are some types of scholarships that may apply to you:
1) Merit-Based Scholarships:
Awarded for strong academic performance, leadership skills, or exceptional talent in a specific field. These are often renewable annually if the student maintains a certain GPA.
2) Departmental or Program-Specific Awards:
Some academic departments offer scholarships or assistantships to high-performing students enrolled in their program. These may come in the form of partial tuition waivers, research assistant stipends, or grants for specific projects. If you have a great bachelor's academic and project portfolio, it's actually very realistic that your new graduate program will offer some types of program/department scholarship just to have you committed to the program.
3) Country- or Region-Specific Awards:
Certain universities and external organizations provide aid to students from targeted countries. Confirm with their admissions department if that applies to you.
2. Student Loans & Payment Plans for International Students
U.S. student loans are tricky for international students due to the lack of a U.S. credit history and the absence of federal student loan access. Still, there are growing options for non-citizens—especially those with strong academic profiles or cosigners. We highly recommend you to carefully research on loan providers and interest rate options if you decide to get a loan in the US.
Loans from home countries are more common for most applicants. Still, there are key things to consider before you apply:
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Exchange Rate - Paying back in local currency may cost more over time.
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Variable vs. Fixed Rates: Understand how your monthly repayment might change.
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Legal Implications: If you fall out of visa status, repayment obligations remain.
Payment plans especially payment plans without interest, can be powerful and relieve your overwhelming pressure of having to pay up the whole tuition for the semester all at once. Let's use New England College's interest-free monthly payment plan as an example. This plan allows students to spread out tuition and fee payments over the semester, making education more accessible without the burden of interest charges. Similar to other universities that support interest-free payment plans, this financial program offers:
- Interest-Free: No interest accrues on the balance.
- Flexible Payment Options: include automatic bank payments (ACH) or credit/debit card payments (additional fees apply).
- Payment Plan Enrollment Fee: An enrollment fee of $65 per agreement, and that's about all the extra you need to pay.
3. Earn While You Learn: On-Campus Jobs and CPT
There are legitimate work options that help international students earn income to support themselves, either on-campus, or even in the real world setting working in a corporate setting.
On-Campus Employment
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during breaks. Common roles include library assistant, research/lab assistant, IT support, tutor, or cafeteria worker. Typical pay ranges from state minimum wage to $20-$30/hour, depending on the institution and the job duty.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Day 1 CPT
CPT allows students to work off-campus in a role directly related to their major, if authorized by the school’s Designated School Official (DSO). Some universities offer Day 1 CPT, allowing students to start work during their first semester, and work full-time.
Start a free consultation on Day 1 CPT
Book a 1:1 consultation to find the program most suitable for you
However, it’s important to choose a Day 1 CPT program carefully and ensure it complies with USCIS regulations. Misuse of CPT—such as working in unrelated roles or overworking beyond allowed limits—can lead to visa complications. Here's more tips about how to navigate potential risks factors of Day 1 CPT.
Final Thoughts
Funding your U.S. education doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing game. Many international students succeed by combining:
- Scholarships (based on academic merit or background)
- Strategic loans and payment plans (from reputable U.S. or home-country lenders and universities)
- Employment opportunities (on-campus or through CPT)
Start a free consultation on Day 1 CPT
Book a 1:1 consultation to find the program most suitable for you
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