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10 Universities with CSS Fee Waivers & Full Funding for International Students (Part 2)

More U.S. universities that waive the CSS Profile fee or offer a free alternative form and fully fund international students — Barnard, Haverford, Grinnell, Northwestern, UChicago, Tufts, and more.

William Kaseu
William Kaseu
March 27, 20265 min read
10 Universities with CSS Fee Waivers & Full Funding for International Students (Part 2)

More schools that waive the CSS Profile fee or provide a free alternative financial aid form — and meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need.

Pro Tip

This is Part 2 of 4. See also: Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4


1. Barnard College#

DetailInfo
LocationNew York City, New York
TypePrivate women's liberal arts college
Students~2,700
RankingTop 15 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~9%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Barnard is a women's college affiliated with Columbia University — you can take classes at Columbia, use their libraries, and join their clubs. Located in Manhattan's Morningside Heights, you're in the heart of New York City. Barnard doesn't generally accept College Board CSS fee waivers, but if you can't complete the CSS Profile online (hardship or technical barriers in your country), you can submit the free ISFAA paper form instead. Full details in my Barnard school profile. Note: Barnard funds international freshmen only — transfers get no aid.


2. Haverford College#

DetailInfo
LocationHaverford, Pennsylvania
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~1,400
RankingTop 20 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~14%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

With only ~1,400 students, Haverford is one of the most close-knit colleges in America. The school operates on a unique Honor Code where students govern themselves. Part of the tri-college consortium with Swarthmore and Bryn Mawr. If you can't afford the CSS Profile fee, Haverford lets you submit the free ISFAA form instead — so you never pay to apply for aid. Full details in my Haverford school profile. Note: Haverford funds international freshmen only — transfers get no aid.


3. Grinnell College#

DetailInfo
LocationGrinnell, Iowa
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~1,700
RankingTop 15 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~12%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Grinnell has a $2+ billion endowment for just 1,700 students, and provides exceptional financial aid. They don't give CSS fee waiver codes and won't accept a paper CSS Profile — instead they offer their own free form, the ISAFA (International Student Application for Financial Assistance), so you never pay to apply for aid. Open curriculum, strong social justice commitment, and a deeply international community. Full details in my Grinnell school profile. Note: Grinnell's aid is effectively freshman-only — international transfers needing aid are very rarely funded.


4. Carleton College#

DetailInfo
LocationNorthfield, Minnesota
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~2,100
RankingTop 10 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~16%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Carleton runs on a trimester system and is known for collaborative culture and academic rigor. They waive the CSS fee or provide an alternative form for international students. Strong in STEM, social sciences, and humanities.


5. Colgate University#

DetailInfo
LocationHamilton, New York
TypePrivate liberal arts university
Students~3,200
RankingTop 20 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~13%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Colgate sits on a stunning 575-acre campus in rural upstate New York. Over 60% of students study abroad. The alumni network — especially in New York City — is remarkably strong for career placement. CSS fee waived for qualifying students.


6. Washington and Lee University#

DetailInfo
LocationLexington, Virginia
TypePrivate liberal arts university
Students~1,900
RankingTop 15 Liberal Arts
Acceptance Rate~17%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

The 9th-oldest university in America (founded 1749), Washington and Lee offers both liberal arts and a business school at the undergraduate level — a rare combination. Located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. CSS fee waived.


7. Northwestern University#

DetailInfo
LocationEvanston, Illinois (near Chicago)
TypePrivate research university
Students~8,900
RankingTop 10 National
Acceptance Rate~7%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

A top-10 university on Lake Michigan, minutes from downtown Chicago. Northwestern excels across every field — journalism (Medill), business (Kellogg), engineering, performing arts, and sciences. Northwestern doesn't give CSS fee waiver codes — instead it uses the free ISAFA form to bypass the CSS Profile, so you never pay to apply for aid.


8. University of Chicago#

DetailInfo
LocationChicago, Illinois
TypePrivate research university
Students~7,500
RankingTop 10 National
Acceptance Rate~5%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

One of the most intellectually intense universities in the world. UChicago's famous Core Curriculum and quirky application essays reward creative, unconventional thinkers. No-loan financial aid for families earning under $125,000/year. UChicago doesn't use the CSS Profile at all — you apply for aid with the free UChicago Financial Aid Worksheet, so there's no CSS fee to pay or waive.


9. Tufts University#

DetailInfo
LocationMedford, Massachusetts (near Boston)
TypePrivate research university
Students~6,700
RankingTop 30 National
Acceptance Rate~10%
Financial Aid100% of demonstrated need

Tufts values international perspectives and active citizenship. Located in the Boston area — surrounded by dozens of other universities — the networking and internship opportunities are exceptional. Their international relations program (Fletcher School) is one of the best in the world. Tufts doesn't give CSS fee waiver codes, but they accept the free ISFAA form instead, uploaded through the Applicant Status Portal after you apply (if admitted, they'll give you a free CSS waiver code to complete the profile before enrollment).


10. Berea College#

DetailInfo
LocationBerea, Kentucky
TypePrivate liberal arts college
Students~1,600
Acceptance Rate~30%
Financial AidFree tuition for every student

Berea doesn't use the CSS Profile at all — tuition is free for every student. No forms, no fees, no financial aid application needed. Every student receives a full-tuition scholarship plus housing, meals, and a laptop. Students work 10–15 hours per week on campus.


What's Next?#

  • Part 3 — Bates, Colby, Kenyon, Oberlin, Macalester, and more
  • Part 4 — Whitman, Pitzer, Johns Hopkins, WashU, Vanderbilt, Wesleyan

If you want even more options, check out these comprehensive lists of schools offering full funding:

Ready to apply? Read the full guide: How to Get a Full Scholarship for Your Bachelor's Degree in the USA.

William Kaseu

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