Financial Aid

Funding your studies is a challenge faced by many international students studying in the U.S. The Antioch University Financial Aid Office does not offer any type of federal, state, or other form of aid to international students studying in the United States, as generally, international students are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. You must be one of the following to receive federal student aid:

• U.S. citizen
• U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain’s Island)
• U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)

If you are not in one of these categories, you must be an eligible noncitizen, and you must have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:

• Refugee
• Asylum Granted
• Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending
• Conditional Entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
• Parolee (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year and must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a citizen or permanent resident.)

If you have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-171 or I-464), you are not eligible for federal student aid.

If you’re in the United States on certain visas, including an F1 or F2 student visa or a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, you are not eligible for federal student aid. Students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work unless approved for on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, Severe Economic Hardship, or employment at designated International Organizations.

Also, persons with G series visas (pertaining to international organizations) are not eligible.

• Association of International Educators (NAFSA) — This page contains information about planning your study in the U.S. and the costs of studying.
• International Student Scholarship & Financial Aid Guide — This page provides a comprehensive overview of resources and financial planning considerations for international students.
• Funding for U.S. Study — Funding for US Study Online is an extensive database of scholarships, fellowships and grants organized and maintained by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
• EduPASS — This website contains useful information and links pertaining to scholarships, financial aid, and loans for international students. In addition, there are links to information about traveling and living in the U.S., calculating college costs, income tax, and much more.
• International Education Financial Aid — IEFA provides a scholarship search with options to narrow the results based on your program of study and home country.
• International Scholarships — This website lists over 1000 scholarships and other funding opportunities for international students.

• There may be funding options offered by your own government. If you are still in your home country, write or contact your government to ask about funding possibilities. Many organizations, corporations, and institutions provide funding for students for foreign study.
• Make sure the scholarships and grants that you apply to are open to international students. If you are unsure, contact the person or organization in charge of the scholarship.
• Allow plenty of time for searching, applying, and receiving any type of scholarship or financial funding. Keep pertinent contact information from organizations and records of your applications for your reference. There are many people like you searching and applying for the same scholarships, so do not worry if you do not receive a reply from every organization.
• If you are awarded a scholarship or any other type of funding, congratulations! Verify how to obtain the funds and note any deadlines.
• Good luck and happy searching!

Changes in Income

• Recent unemployment of a family member or an independent student;
• A student or family member who is a dislocated worker (as defined in section 101 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998);
• The number of parents enrolled at least half time in a degree, certificate, or other program leading to a recognized educational credential at an institution with a program participation agreement under section 487;
• A change in housing status that results in an individual being homeless (as defined in section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act); or
• Other changes in a family’s income, a family’s assets, or a student’s status

Dependency Overrides

Undergraduate students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and do not meet the federal definition of an independent student may request a dependency override if the student can document other unusual circumstances that might warrant the treatment of the student as independent for purposes of establishing eligibility for federal and state need-based financial aid.  Please note that the following circumstances that will not be considered unusual:

• Parents refuse to contribute to the student’s education
• Parents will not provide information for the FAFSA or verification
• Parents do not claim the student as a dependent for income tax purposes
• Students demonstrate total self-sufficiency

Unexpected Costs

• Recent unemployment of a family member or an independent student
• Special circumstances may include:
• Tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school;
• Medical, dental, or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance;
• Unusually high child care or dependent care costs

To apply for an appeal please fill out the digital form to the best of your ability and include supporting documentation. If you have any questions please contact the financial aid office at [email protected].

The estimated time frame to review and process an appeal is within 7-10 business days of receiving your last required document. Once your appeal is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If additional information is required, you will be sent an email outlining it. All email communication is sent to your Antioch email address.

Appeal requests must be submitted at least one month before the end of the financial aid year.