International Undergraduate Applicants
As a public university, WCSU offers an affordable education making it a valuable choice. Financial aid resources for international students are limited as international students are not eligible for federal funding.
International Resources
Merit Scholarships
WCSU offers a variety of merit-based scholarships to newly admitted first-time, full-time Freshman and Transfers who apply and are accepted by March 1. Scholarship offers are made through the admission process in accordance with the requirements and criteria for each scholarship.
These scholarship offers are renewable for up to a maximum of 8 full-time, consecutive semesters for first-time freshman (number of eligible semesters for Transfers may vary) and are offered in addition to other need and non-need-based aid made available through the Office of Financial Aid & Student Employment. No separate application is required for consideration of merit-scholarships.
Incoming residential students are also eligible for a Wolves Den Housing Scholarship up to $6,000 ($1,500 annually); on-campus residency is required.
Note: Eligible students may not receive more than one of the merit-based scholarships. These funds, in combination with other grants, scholarships, and educational assistance may not exceed direct, university billed cost(s) of Tuition & Fees, Housing & Food (for campus residency) and an allowable and established allocation of books as listed in the annual Cost of Attendance budget. Selections and scholarship offer are contingent upon availability of funding.
University Scholarships
Students may complete the IAAMWCSU application to be considered for other University Scholarships. Deadlines and eligibility may vary. Selections and scholarship offers are contingent upon availability of funding.
The IAAMWCSU application can be found at https://wcsu.academicworks.com
Payment Plan Options are available to students. Western Connecticut State University realizes that managing the cost of education is a challenge for many families. To help you meet your educational expenses, WCSU has partnered with TouchNet to offer you a low-cost payment option. The cost to enroll in the TouchNet online payment plan is $45 per semester and there are no interest or finance charges. It is easy to enroll in the plan each semester and once you set up your plan, payments are made automatically. You must enroll in the payment plan for every semester that you want to use the payment plan to pay your semester charges. For more information, please visit https://wcsu.edu/cashiers/payment-plan-options .
Private Educational Loans for International Students
Attending college in the U.S. entails additional expenses, aside from tuition and fees; these may include housing, food, textbooks, supplies, and personal expenses. As an international student, you may consider applying for international private student loans to help cover college expenses. Most private lenders require that you apply with a co-signer who is a credit-worthy U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
A private loan may be a suitable option for you. You can review some lenders who offer loans to international students on www.elmselect.com . It is important to note that no lender is endorsed by the university.
Campus Employment
Student employment is an integral part of the university. Student labor benefits the school in almost every academic and administrative department on campus. The student’s employment can be related to his/her major and/or interests and work schedules can be arranged around the student’s academic schedule.
Western Connecticut State University employs approximately 800 students during the academic year. The types of jobs available are as diverse as the students themselves. There is a complete list of jobs and their descriptions available for students to examine on the Student Employment website at https://wcsu.edu/finaid .
Students are paid biweekly with an hourly rate of pay contingent on the difficulty of the position and the experience of the student. The first paycheck is held back for two weeks, as required by the state.
International students only qualify for institutional payroll employment opportunities. International students on F-1 visas are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Students must obtain a social security number prior to employment.
The Institutional Payroll is not based on a student’s financial need. Students are employed under this program based on the needs of the department, the availability of funds, and the student’s experience in specific areas.
All student employees must be matriculated full-time to remain eligible to work on campus during the regular academic year (fall/spring).
Helpful Outside Resources for International Students
International Student Resource Center
International Student Guide for Applying to Study in the US – Sallie Mae
International Student Scholarship Search & International Financial Aid
International Scholarships