Metadata
Title
What if you could make Rice a reality?Your step-by-step Guide to Paying for college
Category
scholarships
UUID
eed95fdbba2347ff8ea0febdda0fa5e8
Source URL
https://financialaid.rice.edu/intl-college-affordability-101
Parent URL
https://financialaid.rice.edu/
Crawl Time
2026-03-18T05:16:35+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown

What if you could make Rice a reality?Your step-by-step Guide to Paying for college

Source: https://financialaid.rice.edu/intl-college-affordability-101 Parent: https://financialaid.rice.edu/

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Welcome to your personal college financial planning hub! We’re here to make understanding and applying for financial aid simple and straightforward.

Interested in more financial aid information, from the basics to helpful resources?

Sign Up for Paying for College 101

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YOUR FINANCIAL AID ROADMAP

Even though it’s a little different for each student and their family, there are a few basic steps that everyone follows.

Learn the Lingo

To make the best decisions when it comes to choosing and paying for college, you need speak the language of financial aid.

Discover What's Possible

Choose the Right Fit

You may be wondering how you'll pay for college. While each school is different, many have resources to help international students fund their education through need-based and/or merit-based aid.*

Once you know what you’ll be expected to pay, you’ll have a better idea of where you’d like to apply and what sort of financial support you’ll need.

Apply to Schools

Complete the CSS Profile

You’ve done the research; now it’s time to apply! (Remember to keep track of the dates for early decision, regular admission and rolling deadlines.)

To be considered for financial aid, you’ll need to complete and submit the CSS Profile form.\ \ Please note that international students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid, but may be eligible for institutional or private aid.

*At Rice University, need-based and merit-based aid is available for first-time incoming freshman students. (Transfer students are not eligible.) To learn more, visit the International Students Applying for Aid page.

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ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

There’s a lot that goes into choosing and paying for your college education. Learning the answers to these questions is a great place to start.

How do I get help paying for college? : Everyone’s situation is a little bit different, but taking these steps can help you find the funding you need for college:

I don’t know what half of these financial terms mean. Can someone help break it down for me? : When it comes to financial aid, you’ll see a lot of terms – some of them for the first time! And with new terms being added or revised, it can be a bit overwhelming. Head to our glossary for a crash course in the language of financial aid!

Let’s face it: Money is a sensitive topic. How do I have the financial aid talk with my family? : We get it. Talking about money can be uncomfortable. And, for some people and cultures, it’s downright taboo. To take some of the stress out of The Money Talk, here are some tips to make it a little easier:

Are international students eligible for financial aid? : Yes! While international students are not eligible for federal aid, they may be eligible for need-based and/or merit-based institutional aid. International students can apply for financial aid by completing the CSS Profile and submitting income documentation.

Please note that all international students must also complete an International Student Financial Statement form and supply appropriate supporting documentation with their admission application, regardless of whether or not they choose to apply for financial aid.

What information do I need to submit for the International Student Financial Statement? : More information on the International Student Financial Statement can be found on the First-Year International Applicants page.

I’m afraid I won’t qualify for financial aid. Should I even apply? : Yes! It’s definitely worth applying for financial aid!

There are a lot of options to pay for college beyond what is offered from completing FAFSA and the CSS Profile—including outside scholarships, grants, private loans and work study programs. And at Rice, first-time international undergraduate students receiving need- based aid will have 100% of their demonstrated needs met with [institutional grant aid](https://financialaid.rice.edu/apply-aid/international-students)!

[Download Infographic PDF](https://financialaid.rice.edu/sites/g/files/bxs4201/files/2023-01/Rice_Infographic_FA_Eligibility.pdf)

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I need more information

EMAIL ME ABOUT FINANCIAL AID!

Helpful Links

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CALL

713-348-4958

EMAIL

fina@rice.edu

WALK-IN HOURS

M-F 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT

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