Can I get into an Ivy League School?

Can you get financial aid for an Ivy League school if...?

• Can you get financial aid for an Ivy League school if you are not a citizen or resident of the U.S.? For example, I've been living in FL since 1994, but I don't have residency yet (green card). I live with my dad, and he is currently unemployed (he used to be in real estate, but since the housing market is bad now, he has no job) and I also don't have a job (I'm 17). Do private universities give financial aid to non-residents? Can I apply? Thanks.

• Answer:

  Maggie: Federal financial aid is only available to citizens and certain eligible non-citizens. Once you get your permanent residency (green card), you will be completely eligible for federal aid. The Ivy League schools are unique in the types and amounts of financial aid that they offer. These schools have such incredible endowment funds that they are able to provide a phenomenal amount of "institutional" aid directly to students. In fact, Yale is one of several schools that only recently announced that they have pretty much waived the cost of attendance for any admitted student whose family has an annual income of less than $60,000. You read that right - Yale students go to school for free if their parents earn less than $60,000 a year (assuming the parents don't have other significant assets). Do non-US citizens qualify for institutional funds? Absolutely. I'm sure there are programs somewhere that restrict their institutional assistance to students with the flag tattooed on their you-know-where, but most of the schools with their own, substantial institutional aid programs make those funds available to any student who earns admission. Very best of luck to you with your big dreams and goals. I hope you become a huge success and you're able to take care of your dad!