Pomona College Scholarships for International Students

I'm an international student interested in applying to Pomona College. I'm curious about what types of scholarships are available to international students there and what the application process is like. Any advice or insights would be great!

Pomona College's financial aid policy is incredibly generous for international students. Just like domestic students, international students are eligible for need-based financial aid from Pomona. The college is known as a need-blind institution for domestic applicants (U.S. citizens and permanent residents), and need-aware for international applicants.

This means that while your financial circumstances can factor into the admissions decision if you're an international student, the college is committed to meeting 100% of all admitted students' demonstrated need. Grants, loans, and work-study opportunities can all be part of your financial aid package. This financial aid is essentially equivalent to a "scholarship" as it does not need to be repaid (except for loans, of course).

To apply, you will need to include your financial aid documents with your application process. You'll be asked to submit the CSS Profile, which assesses your family's finances and determines your eligibility for financial aid. Furthermore, it's strongly recommended that you submit a copy of your parents' tax return or wage statement, translated into English if necessary, to give the college a clear understanding of your financial situation.

Remember not to overshoot your personal contribution when filling out the CSS Profile. It's important to be honest and straightforward about your family's financial abilities, and keep in mind that Pomona takes into consideration factors like home equity, tuition expenses for siblings in college, medical costs, among other things.

Please note that even though Pomona has in place a need-blind policy for students from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the policy is need-aware for students from other countries. Therefore, it's important to keep in mind that your financial need could be a factor in the admissions decision.

I hope this helps clarify the financial aid process at Pomona College. It can seem daunting, but remember there are plenty of resources available if you need assistance understanding the process. Good luck in your application!