Funds available in the US for undergraduate study are minimal and can only be obtained from private universities and colleges. Financial assistance is generally based on both academic achievement and financial need and rarely covers more than tuition expenses. Although competition is very keen, more financial aid is available for graduate study and research. Aid may come from either public or private universities or private foundations and organizations. There tends to be greater support available for students in the hard and natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Limited funding is also available in the humanities and social sciences.
Almost no funding is offered in the fields of business, law, and medicine. In most cases, foreign students are in competition with American students for financial aid funds. Foreign students should therefore explore all opportunities for funding in their own country before applying for US-based aid. Demonstrable financial need but enough private funding to at least cover part of the cost. Only the most exceptional students could expect to get full support.