The United States of America harbors several prestigious universities and provides a friendly environment for foreigners to study, live and work wherever they desire.
Due to the unequal education quality among educational institutions, studying at a good school like Clark University can be the best choice international students can make for themselves.
If you’re considering studying at Clark University on scholarship, this article shares all you need to know as an international student. Have a good read.
About Clark University
Clark University was founded by Jonas Gilman Clark in 1887 as the first all-graduate institution in the country. The institution is notable for some events carried out by certain icons that existed years back.
The famous Sigmund Freud delivered his only lectures in the US and specifically at Clark University. The mindset created at the university, which promotes rigorous academic work and practical examples, has helped shape students’ perspectives.
With the school’s slogan, “Challenge Convention. Change Our World”, students are always ready to take a positive stand and go beyond the state affairs in society.
It is believed that every student of Clark University will have so much to offer; knowledge and expertise. There are 45 undergraduate majors and major courses, over 50 minors, interdisciplinary concentrations, and 30-plus advanced degrees.
Financial Aid For International Students At Clark University
In keeping with their decision to recognize diversity and global commitment, Clark University offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students.
This financial aid comes in form of a grant and is given to both first-year and transfer students. Since this scholarship is open to all countries, the competition for financial aid is overwhelming.
If you’re wondering about those categorized as international students, Clark University considers any non-US citizen as such. Aside from the Clark University scholarship, several others are sponsored by individuals and groups.
Clark Merit-Based Scholarship
Several meritorious awards are given to transfer and full-time undergraduate international students. As the name implies, this scholarship is based on applicants’ academic performance. This also includes their personal qualities while in secondary school.
Every applicant is considered for any available scholarship, and no separate application is required except stated.
Successful applicants will receive an award based on their academic record and not related to their financial needs; this selection will be carried out by the school’s Office of Financial Assistance.
If you’re selected, you’ll receive a mail stating the type of award you’ve received. Over the years, 60% of the applicants have received several merit-based awards.
Among the awards available on merit are;
- Richard Traina Scholarship: Students under this scholarship are given a sum of $112,000 four-year award ($28,000 per year) regardless of their family’s financial needs.
- Robert Goddard Achievement Scholarship:
Eligible students will receive $104,000 in four-year awards ($26,000 per year) for academic excellence and personal qualities.
- Jonas Clark Scholarship:
Incoming students are awarded the sum of $84,000 four-year award ($21,000 per year). This scholarship is named after the founder of the university.
- Scarlet Award Scholarship:
The word scarlet reminds students of courage and passion. Eligible students will receive a sum of $64,000 in four-year awards ($16,000 per year).
- 1887 Scholarship:
For students who have a flair for creativity, research, and the life of the mind, this scholarship offers a $52,000 four-year award ($13,000 per year).
- Presidential Scholarship:
For this, only five students are considered and awarded scholarships. This covers their tuition and on-campus room and board for four years. All applicants are expected to submit two essays before the deadline.
If you want to apply, kindly check the option when filling out the Common Application form, which will be available on August 1. Follow the requirements, and if successful, you’ll be notified in March.
These are the available merit-based scholarships at Clark University. Also, there are private scholarships sponsored by both national and local organizations. Those admitted on this basis are considered private students.
While scouting for a private scholarship, do well to be mindful of scammers, and report all private scholarship aid to the Clark University Office of Financial Assistance for confirmation.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Clark University considers students whose financial status cannot cover every expense needed to study in the US, specifically as an undergraduate at the University.
The grant aid comes in the form of grant scholarship aid and self-help aid.
Grant scholarship aid covers the educational costs of the students, and it is sponsored by both Clark University, the state or federal government, among other private individuals. Grants are non-repayable.
Self-help aid requires financial aid like loans from feasible sources that are repayable. Students can also enroll for a service at the University or other organizations to earn a Federal-Work study which is paid directly to the student.
About six grants are available for domestic and international students seeking financial aid. They include;
Clark University grant
Offered by the university and your funds depend on your financial need and would be determined by the Clark Office of Financial Assistance.
Federal Pell Grant
This scholarship is determined by the U.S. Department of Education. It is based on the number of courses chosen and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The maximum amount is valued at $6,095.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The maximum amount is tagged at $2,500 which is based on your FAFSA.
Student Employment / Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Students can work on campus and earn; your award offer limits your potential earnings. Funds earned can be used to offset personal and some educational bills.
Note that your earnings are taxable. It is important to note that before being considered for the need-based scholarship, you must fill out the FAFSA and submit it before the deadline.
For a general application for financial aid, you can visit the school’s admission portal.
Frequently Asked Questions For International Students
How do I know if I am considered an International student?
You are an international student if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
Yes. As an international student, you’re eligible for need-based financial aid, which can be in the form of a grant or loan from the university and the government respectively.
For merit-based scholarships, separate essays must be considered for two merit scholarships: the Presidential LEEP Scholarship and the Global Scholars Program Scholarship. Need-based applicants must fill out the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE, which is available at the school’s admission portal.
Do I have to submit the CSS PROFILE?
All international students seeking need-based financial assistance must complete the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE. You don’t need to complete the profile if you’re considering a merit-based scholarship.
Can international students work to pay for their educational expenses?
Yes, but this is only possible on campus because the US government prohibits students from working outside the university. Note that your earnings can not foot any significant bill for your tuition. It can only help pay up personal expenses.
Can international students and their families take out private loans?
Yes. International students can take up loans with their families, payable without stress.
Conclusion
The US houses one of the best universities in the world, Clark University, which creates a favorable environment for all international students to study, work and live for the period of their stay.
If you’re looking for a good school to study in outside the shores of your country, having read this article, it is vivid that Clark University is a good choice for you.
Remember that there are several ways to get funds before and after admission. Ensure you visit the school’s website to get better details of every scholarship award and apply before the deadline.
