US citizens and dual citizens living outside of the US can apply for financial aid as domestic students at American universities.
When families first call us about US universities, one of the first subjects they raise is cost. With top brand US colleges such as NYU or Princeton costing more than US$60,000 a year in tuition alone, that's a fair worry. But there's a part of the picture many families miss - whether you can get help paying for it depends heavily on your passport
A snapshot of tuition across US universities
Prices vary widely by type of university. Here is a snapshot of annual tuition for 2026–27 at six universities that many of our families consider. Housing, food and other living costs are extra.
Boston University: US$73,024
Pomona College: US$71,660
New York University: Up to US$75,326
Harvard University: US$62,226
UCLA (out-of-state): US$55,700*
University of North Carolina (out-of-state): US$47,500*
*Public university figures include mandatory fees
US citizens living overseas almost always pay the out-of-state rate at public universities, so that's the rate we show. Owning property in a US state, or having a relative who lives there, doesn't change this, because tuition residency is based on where a student's family has its permanent home. Exceptions exist, such as some military and diplomatic families.
Harvard University
If your child holds a US passport
US citizens living in Australia (or anywhere else in the world) are considered domestic students for financial purposes. That matters, because US citizens can apply for need-based financial aid, while very few US universities offer need-based aid to international students.
A common assumption we hear is: "We live in an expensive suburb and our home has a high value, so we won't qualify for aid." In our experience that's not the whole story. Universities consider your overall circumstances, including the cost of living where you are, and other education costs the family carries, such as school fees for siblings or a sibling already at university, and medical and business expenses, for instance.
To apply, US citizens file the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Many private colleges also require the CSS Profile, a separate and more detailed form from the College Board. It is imperative to make sure tax returns are up-to-date at the time of application, and please be aware that these forms are extensive and require some time to complete. Hayman Elderkin assists our clients in confirming each college's requirements, as conditions and costs can change from year to year.
Merit aid: money that doesn't depend on need
Merit scholarships can be a welcome bonus. Merit awards are based on a student's achievements, such as academic or leadership accomplishments, rather than on family finances. We've seen Australian and US citizens alike receive offers of thousands of dollars off the sticker price at all types of US colleges; from the large public universities, medium size private universities right down to smaller, liberal arts colleges.
Many universities consider students for merit awards upon application, so no extra work is required, but some merit awards and scholarships must be applied for.
Family help can make a difference
Sometimes help comes from unexpected places. We've worked with families where the parents couldn't cover all the costs, but the grandparents or other family members could. We typically don't get involved in a family's finances, because that's your private business. What we do is explain honestly what the options are, so you can make an informed decision.
What if my child isn't a US citizen?
Merit scholarships are available at a range of US universities, and a well-balanced list that is mindful of cost can make a US degree much more affordable. A small number of highly selective colleges offer need-based aid to international students on the same terms as US students, though places are very competitive. Policies can change, so check each college's current position on their own website.
Start the conversation early
The earlier you understand your options, the more choices your child will have. If you'd like to talk through what's realistic for your family, get in touch with us to arrange a free 30-minute consultation.