International students enrolling at US colleges continue to face substantial costs, with tuition, housing, meals, books, travel, and visa fees adding to the overall financial burden. Unlike domestic students, they are not eligible for federal financial aid and often rely on institutional support to manage expenses.Despite these constraints, several private colleges and universities provide sizeable financial aid packages to attract students from abroad. According to figures compiled by US News through its annual survey of undergraduate institutions, the average financial aid award for international students stood at $25,109 across 823 reporting schools during the 2024-2025 academic year.Financial aid levels far exceed national averagesAt the top 20 institutions identified by US News, the average award was more than triple the national figure, reaching $84,434. Wesleyan University led the list, awarding an average of $90,106 to 108 international students. The publication quoted its data as showing that “generous institutional grants play a critical role in international enrolment strategies”, a point US News highlighted in conversation with participating colleges.Most of the colleges on the list are based along the East Coast. Massachusetts accounted for five institutions, followed by New York with three. Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island each had two. Only three colleges were located in California: Stanford University, Pomona College and the California Institute of Technology.Rankings, resources and tuition costsUS News noted that 16 of the 20 institutions ranked within the top 20 of their respective categories, including National Universities and National Liberal Arts Colleges. Financial resources per student account for eight per cent of the Best Colleges ranking methodology. While aid itself is not a ranking factor, US News stated that “well-resourced institutions are often better positioned to support international students financially”, as quoted by the outlet.All 20 institutions are private, with tuition and fees ranging from $65,960 to $74,550. The data below summarises the colleges with the highest average institutional and grant aid for international undergraduates.
List compiled by US News.Public universities show different patternsAmong public institutions, the University of Vermont awarded the highest average aid, providing $39,655 to 119 international students. Auburn University offered a lower average of $11,134 but supported 5,807 students, the highest number recorded. US News described this contrast as reflecting “scale rather than generosity”, according to figures quoted by the publication.
