These schools offered international students more than $50,000 on average during 2013-2014.

t’s conventional wisdom that paying for college is a challenge for many American students. What’s less well known is that for international students, footing the bill for a U.S. school can be even harder.

Unlike their U.S. counterparts, international students do not qualify for federal aid programs, such as Stafford and Perkins loans, or state government scholarships. Need-based aid is available to non-U.S. citizens at some schools, but it’s not common.

[Explore our international student infographic.]

Fortunately for international students, there are schools that make it a priority to give financial aid to students from outside of the country. Much of that funding is usually merit aid, which typically means students qualify on the basis of their academic achievements.

Nearly 375 ranked U.S. colleges offered financial aid to at least 50 undergraduates from outside the U.S. during the 2013-2014 school year, with the average award totaling $18,790, according to data reported to U.S. News in an annual survey.

International students may have the best luck getting aid at some of the country’s top-ranked colleges and universities, which tend to be more liberal with their financial assistance.

Of the 10 schools that awarded the highest average aid to international students, more than half are ranked among the top five National Liberal Arts Colleges or National Universities. The bad news for international students is that while these schools tend to be the most generous, they are also among the most selective. Continue >>>> http://onlineeducationstudy.com/study-abroad/10-colleges-that-award-international-students-the-most-financial-aid/