FINANCIAL AID FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students admitted to Williams are considered for financial assistance on the basis of documented financial need as demonstrated through the required financial aid application forms. As of the Fall of 2001, Williams is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all applicants, regardless of citizenship. In addition to funding tuition, room and board, our international scholar financial aid packages include yearly travel, textbook and personal spending allowances. Williams offers no merit-based or athletic scholarships.

Relaxing with the International Students Club

Although Williams financial aid policies are the same for all students, domestic or international, please check which forms must be submitted, based on the following:

GROUP A:

• Canadian citizens
• Dual Citizens of the U.S. and another country
• Permanent Residents of the United States or "Green Card" holders
• All U.S. citizens living outside U.S. boundaries

GROUP B: International applicants not included in any of the Group A categories

Forms:

GROUP A candidates should complete two forms provided by the College Scholarship service (CSS): the Financial Aid PROFILE, submitted to CSS, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submitted to the appropriate federal processor as noted on the FAFSA. Copies of federal tax returns should be submitted to the Williams Office of Financial Aid. Canadians must submit the CSS PROFILE and provincial tax returns, but not the FAFSA. All Canadian figures should be converted to American dollars.

GROUP B candidates must submit the International Student Financial Aid Form, which comes enclosed with the Prospectus and Admission Application. or it can be downloaded here:

International Financial Aid Application*

*Available in PDF format. If you don't have a PDF viewer, you can download the plug-in from Adobe's web site. Please download and print these files.

Applicants must also submit documentation of parental income in the form of a letter from the parent's employer (on company letterhead) stating the total income and benefits received in the prior calendar year.

Calendar for Submitting Financial Aid Forms:

Regular Decision:
All forms and financial records are due February 1st

Early Decision:
All forms and financial records are due by November 10th

Note that completing the PROFILE requires that students register on-line several weeks in advance of the deadline. Once an account has been created with a username and password you will be able to complete and submit the PROFILE form on-line.

Obtaining an I-20 Form from Williams: In order to be issued an I-20 Form which is needed to obtain a visa, all matriculating Williams students who are non-U.S. citizens must fill out a Certification of Finances form, which is mailed with the follow-up acceptance materials from Williams. All non-U.S. citizen students must be able to document their means of payment of the full annual cost of attendance at Williams, whether through personal and family resources only, or with financial assistance from Williams, or from government or other sources. The completed, original Certification of Finances form, with signatures of the student and a bank official verifying availability of personal funds required to meet expenses at Williams, must be returned as soon as possible, since several months may be required to obtain the necessary visa. The Certification of Finances form is required of all non-U.S. citizens to verify ability to pay costs before receiving the I-20 forms, regardless of financial aid status.

What does Financial Aid cover?

Dependent upon demonstrated financial need, financial aid at Williams can cover all educational costs, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and personal expenses. Financial aid also pays for one round trip airline ticket for each of the four years a student attends Williams. Financial aid consists primarily of a scholarship/grant, but it generally includes a small loan from Williams and a campus job opportunity. All financial aid is renewable for three years until graduation, dependent upon a student's academic success and continued financial need. Financial aid students may borrow many textbooks from the 1914 Library. In addition, financial aid provides a small monthly stipend to assist with personal expenses and support during regular college vacations. Williams issues term bills (financial aid is credited to the bill) for one-half of these expenses twice a year, before the beginning of each semester. Monthly payment plans may also be arranged. Williams College costs may increase approximately 3.5% annually; financial aid is re-evaluated each year to reflect these increases.

Williams College Office of Admission 33 Stetson Court, Williamstown, MA 01267 413-597-2211 admission@williams.edu