International Students and U.S. College Myths
Myth 1: You Need to Be Wealthy to Attend American Colleges
U.S. colleges range in cost, and some can be more affordable for prospective international students, experts say.
“Tuition in the U.S. varies greatly,” notes Pamela Rambo, founder of the education-focused Rambo Research and Consulting firm in Virginia. “College tuition and fees at median-priced colleges run from approximately $24,000 to $35,000 per year. Colleges with the highest-priced tuition run from approximately $55,000 to $80,000 per year.”
The college sticker price, or cost of attendance, includes the total cost of tuition per year, housing, food, textbooks and all other school costs and fees before any sources of aid – like grants, scholarships, loans and work-study – are applied. Tuition costs can be reduced through scholarships for high-achieving students, and some colleges automatically consider international students for scholarships without requiring a separate application or financial need.The University of New Mexico, for example, offers scholarships for international students, including at the undergraduate level.
Myth 2: It Is Nearly Impossible to Get a Student Visa
While the visa process slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to embassy and consulate closures, experts say it is not difficult to get a student visa after being accepted for admission to a school.
Welsh says all schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to enroll foreign students has a designated school official who “is often very helpful and willing to answer questions and offer advice throughout the visa process.”
Myth 3: U.S. Colleges Are Located in Big, Unsafe Cities
With nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., international students can find the perfect fit when it comes to both academics and safety, experts say.
“U.S. colleges vary greatly by type of location, from rural areas near small towns to large metropolitan areas, as well as the safety of the areas on and around campus,” Rambo says.
To determine how safe a college campus and surrounding area are in terms of reported crime, families can visit the Campus Safety and Security website maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Rambo says parents can also educate students about safety precautions and situations to avoid.
Myth 3: U.S. Colleges Are Located in Big, Unsafe Cities
With nearly 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., international students can find the perfect fit when it comes to both academics and safety, experts say.
“U.S. colleges vary greatly by type of location, from rural areas near small towns to large metropolitan areas, as well as the safety of the areas on and around campus,” Rambo says.
To determine how safe a college campus and surrounding area are in terms of reported crime, families can visit the Campus Safety and Security website maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.
Myth 4: American Colleges Have a Party Atmosphere
Hollywood movies have popularized the notion of nonstop college partying, but that is not necessarily the case at most U.S. college campuses.
The stereotype of the U.S. party culture is overdramatized by popular film and television depictions of college life.
While schools have conduct policies that ban underage drinking and recreational drug use, “the vast majority of students come to college to learn, grow and take advantage of the many cocurricular opportunities available at U.S. campuses