Estimate Expenses and Identify Financial Resources

When you apply to a college (and for a student visa), you will be required to show that you have existing financial resources necessary to cover your expenses for at least 1 year of study in the United States. Because there are employment restrictions on international students, you will not be able to rely on working in the United States to help pay for your education (see “Working in the United States”).

Costs vary depending on college location, but, in general, you should expect to spend between US$10,000 and US$20,000 each year. Financial resources may come from any dependable source, including family funds, your own finances, sponsorships, and scholarships.

Community colleges may award students small scholarships after the first year of study based on their academic achievements. Some community colleges offer scholarships (grant-in-aid) to outstanding athletes. Scholarship sports for men are baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, outdoor track and field, soccer, and tennis. Scholarship sports for women are basketball, cross-country, fast-pitch softball, outdoor track and field, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. To determine whether the colleges to which you are applying award athletic scholarships, check the featured college profiles later in this guide. You should also check the college Web site for the athletic department or coaches’ contact information. Let the college contact person know of your interest in athletic scholarship opportunities, and provide them with information about your talents and experience.

Other Important Considerations

Regional Accreditation

You want to make sure that the community college you plan to attend is regionally accredited. Universities accept transferred course credits only from other accredited institutions. Furthermore, most ministries of education around the world will recognize a degree only if it is awarded by an accredited higher education institution. See the Council for Higher Education Accreditation web site for a list of accredited colleges and universities. Note: All community colleges profiled in this guide are regionally accredited institutions.

SEVP-Approved Colleges

International students are eligible to attend only U.S. colleges and universities that are approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Note: All community colleges profiled in this guide are SEVPapproved institutions.

Statement of Financial Support

You must submit a statement of financial support, which is a document certifying that you have sufficient assets to cover the costs related to college and living expenses for at least 1 year while studying in the United States. Expenses include tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, meals, health insurance, and personal expenses. See the college profiles in this guide for cost estimates for one year of study at individual community colleges. Financial resources may come from any dependable source, including

• Family funds.

• Your own personal funds.

• Sponsorships.

• Scholarships.