International Students - Financial Aid

The Rowan-Virtua SOM Financial Aid Office has curated a number topics that are relevant for international students who are researching ways to fund their education at Rowan-Virtua SOM. We recommend reviewing all topics below, when beginning your search for education financing.

Federal Financial Aid and Need-Based Institutional Aid

Eligibility for federal and University need-based aid (aid that is based on financial circumstances) is limited to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens.

Institutional Merit-Based Scholarships

The Admissions Committee may consider awarding merit-based scholarships (aid based on standards other than those that are solely financial) to incoming students during the admissions cycle. Scholarships may be awarded based on a variety of criteria, including financial need and academic excellence. Students considered for a scholarship will be notified by the Admissions Office. Student Financial Aid is not involved in the selection process for any merit-based scholarships.

Private Credit-Based Loan Options

How to research private, credit-based loan options:

1. If you qualify as a citizen, permanent resident of the U.S. or eligible non-citizen and as such are able to access U.S. federal student loans, which offer very favorable terms, you should consider them first. Start by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
2. If you do not qualify for U.S. federal student aid, we advise that you check with your home country to see if loans to study in the U.S. are available.
3. Next, many U.S. lenders offer credit-based educational loans to international students if they apply with a credit-worthy U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen co-borrower. If you are able to secure a qualified co-borrower, we urge you to do so and consider loans of this type, because approval and more favorable terms will be more likely.
4. If you are an international student seeking to borrow without a co-borrower, you will find fewer lenders from which to choose. The two lenders listed below do not require a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen co-borrower, however their interest rates and other terms may be less favorable. Certain restrictions apply as noted.
   1. MPower Financing
      Offers loans to eligible international students who are enrolled in a degree program and are within two years of graduation.
   2. Prodigy Finance

You are not required to borrow from any lender listed here, elsewhere on our website, or in other University materials. You may choose to borrow from any lender without penalty. We urge you to compare credit-based loan information and terms carefully to determine the best fit for your particular circumstances.

Private Scholarships

Some private scholarship agencies do offer scholarships for international students. Although, you must search for these scholarships. More information about searching for private scholarships can be found on our Scholarships page.

Additional Considerations

International students applying for admission must present evidence of sufficient funds to cover all tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for their study at Rowan-Virtua SOM.

Consider costs for the entire duration of your program. Many credit-based loans are approved on a yearly basis and students are not guaranteed to be approved for loans each year as lender requirements change. We strongly encourage international students to have plans in place in situations where funding availability changes.

Please be in contact with the SOM Admissions Office and Rowan University's International Center to make sure you are compliant to begin your program at Rowan-Virtua SOM.