10 U.S. Colleges That Offer the Most Scholarships to International Students (Part 1)
The U.S. universities that give the most money, on average, to international students per year for bachelor's degrees — Vassar, Wellesley, Georgetown, Duke, Cornell, and more.
Not all financial aid is created equal. Some schools give $30,000 per year. Others give $80,000+. The difference is life-changing.
These 10 schools give the most amount of money, on average, to international students per year for their bachelor's degrees. We're not talking about a partial scholarship that still leaves you scrambling — these are schools where the average aid package covers virtually everything.
This is Part 1 of 3. See also: Part 2 | Part 3: The Top 20 Ranked by Amount
1. Vassar College#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Poughkeepsie, New York |
| Type | Private liberal arts college |
| Students | ~2,500 |
| Ranking | Top 15 Liberal Arts |
| Acceptance Rate | ~19% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$86,258/year |
Vassar gives international students an average of over $86,000 per year in financial aid. Founded as a women's college, Vassar now maintains a culture of independence and creative thinking as a coeducational institution. Located in the Hudson Valley, about 90 minutes from New York City.
2. Wellesley College#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Wellesley, Massachusetts |
| Type | Private women's liberal arts college |
| Students | ~2,500 |
| Ranking | Top 5 Liberal Arts |
| Acceptance Rate | ~13% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$88,095/year |
Wellesley averages over $88,000 per year for international students — one of the highest figures anywhere. Alumni include Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright. Cross-registration with MIT means you can take engineering courses at one of the best tech schools in the world.
3. Georgetown University#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Type | Private research university (Jesuit) |
| Students | ~7,900 |
| Ranking | Top 25 National |
| Acceptance Rate | ~12% |
Georgetown is located in the nation's capital — steps from the White House, Congress, and every major embassy. Their School of Foreign Service is one of the best international relations programs in the world. The D.C. location provides unmatched access to government, policy, and international organizations.
4. Haverford College#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Haverford, Pennsylvania |
| Type | Private liberal arts college |
| Students | ~1,400 |
| Ranking | Top 20 Liberal Arts |
| Acceptance Rate | ~14% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$87,516/year |
Haverford averages over $87,500 per year for international students. With only ~1,400 students, it's one of the most close-knit colleges in America. The Honor Code creates a uniquely trusting campus culture. Part of the tri-college consortium with Swarthmore and Bryn Mawr.
5. Williams College#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Williamstown, Massachusetts |
| Type | Private liberal arts college |
| Students | ~2,100 |
| Ranking | #1 Liberal Arts College |
| Acceptance Rate | ~11% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$88,446/year |
The #1 liberal arts college gives international students an average of over $88,400 per year. With a $4+ billion endowment for 2,100 students, Williams has the resources to be extraordinarily generous. No-loan aid packages mean every dollar is a grant.
6. Wesleyan University#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Middletown, Connecticut |
| Type | Private liberal arts university |
| Students | ~3,000 |
| Ranking | Top 20 Liberal Arts |
| Acceptance Rate | ~15% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$90,106/year |
Wesleyan tops the charts at over $90,100 per year in average aid to international students — the highest on this entire list. One of the "Little Three" alongside Williams and Amherst. Known for creative campus culture with strong programs in film, music, and social sciences.
7. Duke University#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Durham, North Carolina |
| Type | Private research university |
| Students | ~6,700 |
| Ranking | Top 10 National |
| Acceptance Rate | ~5% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$88,274/year |
Duke averages over $88,200 per year for international students — remarkable for a large research university. Located in the Research Triangle, one of America's fastest-growing tech and biotech hubs. Strong across engineering, public policy, business, and sciences.
8. Cornell University#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Ithaca, New York |
| Type | Ivy League research university |
| Students | ~15,700 |
| Ranking | Top 15 National |
| Acceptance Rate | ~8% |
| Average Aid to International Students | ~$84,351/year |
Cornell averages over $84,300 per year and is unique among Ivy League schools: it has 7 undergraduate colleges, each with its own admissions process and culture. Programs range from hotel management to engineering to agriculture — the widest range of any Ivy.
9. Washington and Lee University#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Lexington, Virginia |
| Type | Private liberal arts university |
| Students | ~1,900 |
| Ranking | Top 15 Liberal Arts |
| Acceptance Rate | ~17% |
The 9th-oldest university in America offers both liberal arts and a business school at the undergraduate level. Located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Known for producing leaders in finance, law, and government with a powerful alumni network.
10. College of the Holy Cross#
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Type | Private liberal arts college (Jesuit) |
| Students | ~3,100 |
| Ranking | Top 30 Liberal Arts |
| Acceptance Rate | ~32% |
A Jesuit liberal arts college with a ~32% acceptance rate — one of the most accessible schools on this list. The Jesuit alumni network is powerful across industries. Worcester is about an hour from Boston.
Why Average Aid Matters#
When comparing schools, look at the average financial aid awarded to international students — not just whether they "offer" scholarships. A school that averages $85,000/year in aid is covering nearly everything. A school that averages $20,000/year is leaving you with a massive bill.
The schools on this list don't just offer aid — they give enough to make attendance truly affordable.
What's Next?#
- Part 2 — Dartmouth, Amherst, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and more
- Part 3 — The Top 20 ranked by exact dollar amount
Ready to apply? Read the full guide: How to Get a Full Scholarship for Your Bachelor's Degree in the USA. You can also explore 100% scholarships for international students in the USA and 30 universities with 100% scholarships for international students.
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