Hunting for American university scholarships at undergraduate level: need-based and merit-based

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

For many Vietnamese families, undergraduate tuition in the US is a large number. However, American university scholarships for international students still exist in two main forms: need-based and merit-based scholarships. Correct understanding of these two mechanisms – along with the concepts of need-blind and need-aware – is the key to building a reasonable school list.

How are need-based and merit-based different?

Need-based aid is support based on the family's ability to pay. According to EducationUSA, the level of support depends on the difference between the cost of studying and the amount the family can contribute. The more difficult the family, the greater the support. Some schools commit to meeting 100% demonstrate financial need – MIT, for example, clearly states this commitment on its admissions page.

Merit-based scholarship is a scholarship based on merit: academic grades, standardized test scores, awards, artistic, athletic or leadership talent. Does not consider family finances.

Need-blind, need-aware and impact on admission

• Need-blind: the school does not consider financial ability when deciding to recruit. For international students, only a very small group of schools applies this policy, and competition is extremely high.
• Need-aware (need-sensitive): the school considers financial need when recruiting international students. Asking for too much support can reduce your chances of being admitted, especially in "border areas".
• Meet full need: committed to meet the entire demonstrated financial need of admitted students. A school can be need-aware but still meet full need.

Please read each school's "International Applicants – Financial Aid" page for exact policies. This is the most important information when making a list.

Financial profile: CSS Profile and documents

According to the College Board, the CSS Profile is an online application that many schools and scholarship programs use to consider non-federal financial aid, and has separate instructions for international students. Some schools use their own form (such as the International Student Financial Aid Application). Documents usually include:

• Parents' income (payroll, income confirmation, tax declaration if any).
• Assets, savings, real estate, debts.
• Information about siblings attending school.
• English translation of documents – see Notarized translation of study abroad documents.

Please report honestly and consistently. Financial information will also be relevant to future I-20 and visa applications, see Proof of finances for studying abroad.

Strategy for hunting American university scholarships

1. Determine your family's realistic budget each year before choosing a school. This number determines whether to lean towards need-based or merit-based.
2. Make a balanced list: a few top need-based schools (high risk), many schools with generous merit scholarships for international students (safer), and 1–2 schools that are affordable even without scholarships.
3. Target the school where your application is in the top group: merit scholarships are often reserved for candidates who outperform the school's average.
4. Consider Early Decision carefully: ED is binding; Only submit when your family is sure to accept that school's support package.
5. Comprehensive investment profile: essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation. Reference Extracurricular activities and personal projects and scholarships for high school students.
6. Consider alternative routes: Community college then transfer can significantly reduce costs – see American community college scholarships.

Frequently asked questions

Do American public schools provide need-based support for international students?

Very limited. Public schools often give state residents priority funding; International students mainly receive merit scholarships if available.

Do merit scholarships require a separate application?

Many schools consider you automatically when you submit your admission application, but some high-value scholarships require a separate application and an earlier deadline. Read the school's scholarship page carefully.

Should I ask for less support than my actual needs to increase my chances of being admitted?

Please declare your actual needs. If you are admitted but the support is not enough, you will not be able to enroll. Untruthful reporting can also lead to serious consequences.

Is SAT/ACT required for merit scholarships?

Policies vary by school: some schools require retest scores, others are optional. High scores often help with merit scholarships.

Conclusion

Hunting for American university scholarships is a matter of strategy: understanding need-based and merit-based, carefully reading the need-blind/need-aware policy, and building a list of schools that balances the family budget. See more Overview of scholarships to study in the US. When results are available, VeDuHoc is ready to accompany via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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