Higher tuition creates financial challenges for international students
International students at Mesa Community College pay nearly four times the tuition residents do, causing a major financial strain for many students on F-1 Visas.
According to the Maricopa Community Colleges website, international students pay $372 per credit, compared with Maricopa County residents, who pay $97 per credit.
F-1 visa rules require international students to be enrolled full-time, which means at least 12 credit hours. That adds up to thousands of dollars in tuition each semester. Students must also carry health insurance and cover their everyday living expenses.
MCC estimates an international student may spend more than $30,000 a year, depending on their housing situation.
Esklid, a second-year MCC student, says housing is his biggest expense. His apartment lease is a major responsibility on top of tuition. Depending on his course load, he says he spends about $4,500 on tuition each semester.
“My first semester was a rough one for me, but thanks to my parents supporting me, I was able to pay,” Esklid said.
Paying tuition is only part of the challenge. Federal rules limit how F-1 students can work. International student advisor Jennifer C. Vinca says off-campus employment is generally not allowed, and on-campus jobs are limited and usually part-time.
International students also generally cannot receive federal aid through FAFSA, forcing many to rely on family support, scholarships, or other financial resources.
Before admission, MCC requires international students to show they have enough money to cover their educational and living expenses, but unexpected problems can still come up at any time.
Vinca says some students take only the minimum course load needed for their F-1 status to cut tuition costs. Those who lose their financial sponsorship may face tough decisions, including possibly returning to their home country.
“People may assume that international students come from wealthy families and do not face financial challenges. That is usually not the case,” Vinca said.
The Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board sets tuition rates under Arizona law and related regulations, Vinca says.
MCC does offer some help in alleviating this financial burden. A tuition payment plan lets students divide their balance into monthly payments. International students can also apply for scholarships.
MCC’s International Education Office lists the Honors Achievement Award, the Follett Bookstore Scholarship, and Maricopa Foundation scholarships. They are not just for international students, but some are open to those who meet the requirements.
MCC also encourages international students to finish an associate degree before transferring to a university. For students paying out-of-state tuition, starting at a community college is supposed to be a more affordable way to complete the first part of a bachelor’s degree.
Despite those options, many international students still worry about the cost of their education. For Esklid, lower tuition would make a big difference. He says he would like to see tuition come down, and possibly a discount for students who keep a good GPA.
