KSU International Handbook

Chapter 3

Financial Aid and Out-of-state Tuition Waiver

An international student is not eligible for federal financial aid unless they have a green card. The philosophy behind this is you have not paid any money (taxes) into the system so you are not entitled to get any money from it. As an international student, you are not eligible to receive the out-of-state tuition waiver or the need-based waiver during your first year at Kennesaw. Apply during your first year and fulfill the requirements during this eligibility period. Before being permitted into the United States, international students have to verify they have the financial support to sustain themselves. This does not take into consideration the unsteady, always fluctuating exchange rate.

It is the responsibility of each student, whether international or not, to look for additional sources of financial aid if there is need. This can be done by going to the library, and looking through information on scholarships and grants. Some examples of financial aid books are: Funding For United States Study A Guide for International Students and Professionals by Marie O'Sullivan and The Higher Education Money Book for Minorities and Women by William C. Young. Use the websites at the end of this chapter and the International Financial Aid Notebook.

The Institute for Global Initiatives offers the Out-of-state Tuition Waiver Program. These waivers allow those who receive them an opportunity to pay in-state tuition. To qualify you must apply, have a competitive grade point average (GPA), submit your credentials, do volunteer work and have attended Kennesaw for at least one year. Even if you meet these qualifications there is no guarantee you will receive a waiver. The number of people who apply for the out-of-state tuition waiver far outnumber the number of waivers available.

DO NOT DEPEND ON RECEIVING A WAIVER TO FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION!!!!!!
You may not get one. Many students have been disappointed and have had to return home before they completed their studies because they had no more money. If your main plan to finance your education is from the tuition waiver, get another plan. What will you do if you don't get it? By all means apply... but be realistic.

If you get the out-of-state tuition waiver, continue to submit your credentials, keep your grades up and do your volunteer hours in a timely fashion. You must submit your credentials, keep your grades up and do volunteer service each semester.

Along with the tuition waiver are need based waivers. The applications for both forms of assistance are available in the Institute for Global Initiatives. Read the information and after reading, if you still have questions, ask the International Advisor. It is important that you understand you are responsible for finding resources to fund your education. Do Not Depend on the Waivers! You may not receive one. Apply, but have other options.

Remember, if you have a Green Card, you are eligible for federal financial aid. Whether you have a Green Card or not, try the following websites which may help you in your search for financial aid:

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