NRI Education Loans in the U.S.

Updated on April 9, 2024

At a Glance

  • NRIs, or Non-Resident Indians, are individuals of Indian origin residing outside the jurisdiction of the Republic of India.
  • With over 31 million NRIs globally, it is one of the largest immigrant communities.
  • NRIs in the U.S. often seek education loans to cover the high costs of studying, with federal education loans not available to them.
  • Private lenders like Stilt offer personal loans with a simplified application process and quick disbursement of funds to cater to the financial needs of NRIs.

Disclosure: Stilt is a lending company. Nonetheless, we are committed to recommending the best loan products to our readers when their needs are outside Stilt’s loan offerings.

Are you an NRI living in the United States looking for an education loan? For members of the immigrant community in the U.S., getting an education loan can be next to impossible. So what are your options?

Read on to learn about financing your an education in the U.S. as an NRI!

Who are NRIs?

NRI is an acronym which stands for Non-Resident Indian. People of Indian origin and heritage who migrate to foreign countries for various reasons are classified as NRIs. They are individuals associated with India but live outside the jurisdiction of the Republic of India.

As per Indian government records, currently, there are over 31 million NRIs living on foreign soil, which makes it one of the world’s largest immigrant communities.

Why an NRI in the U.S. Would Want an Education Loan?

The number of Indian students studying in the United States has skyrocketed in the last few years. There’s nearly a 100% increase within the past 5 years—taking the count close to 2,000,000 in the United States alone, or about 17% of the international student population in America.

The majority of Indian students in the U.S. are undergoing post-graduate studies, while a significant percentage belong to the undergraduate group. It’s no secret that the cost of quality education in the United States can burn a hole in the pocket of parents. It’s likely to be an overwhelming experience to have to arrange the funds suddenly unless you have the foresight to put away significant monthly savings for your child’s education. That’s the reason NRIs in America often need to look for financing to cover the cost of education for their children.

Benefits of Getting an Education in the U.S.

It doesn’t take a lot of deductive reasoning to state that getting your education in the U.S. has several benefits. Not only is the quality of education better, but the prospect of getting a decent job after graduating is also much higher. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of studying in the U.S.

High-Quality Universities

The education sector in the United States is far more advanced compared to the rest of the world. It is home to some of the world’s finest universities and colleges. If you consider the QS World University Rankings as a benchmark, then 50% of the top 10 universities in the world are located in the United States. If the purpose of getting an education is to prepare yourself better for career challenges, then U.S. universities are your best bet to achieve that goal.

Broad Range of Programs

U.S. universities offer the opportunity to undergo a wide range of educational programs. Nowhere else can you find such a diverse array of specialized subjects and fields of study. Apart from the well-known educational streams, you will be able to choose some emerging disciplines that have bright prospects in the future.

International Experience

Studying in the U.S. gives you the opportunity to highlight international exposure on your CV. It’s the first step to a successful international career. Optional Practice Training (OPT) and exposure tours to top international universities will give you the right kind of edge in your professional career.

Are There Education Loans for NRIs in the United States?

Unfortunately, there are strict government regulations when it comes to extending student loans to immigrants in the U.S., which means NRIs do not qualify for federal education loans.

Personal loans, however, are an option. While many U.S. banks will refuse to deal with NRIs, some private lenders are willing to work with visa holders in the U.S.

Download the NRI Education Loans in the U.S. Checklist

NRI students in the U.S., master education loan options with our expert checklist. Download for a smooth journey!

Get the Checklist

How to Get a Personal Loan with Stilt?

Stilt makes it easy for NRIs and immigrants in the U.S. to get personal loans. The eligibility criteria to qualify for a personal loan with Stilt is designed so that immigrants can meet it.

To apply for a personal loan, you need to visit the official Stilt website, submit an application, and you will receive a decision within 24 hours.

If offered a loan, you will likely be asked to provide some supporting documents. If your documents are in order, your loan funds will be disbursed directly to your personal account within just a few days.

It’s that simple.

Conclusion

Many NRIs in the U.S. want to get an education so they can take advantage of the opportunities America has to offer. Getting a degree from a reputable U.S. university has several advantages, too. The quality of education is far superior and the job prospects are also brighter in the U.S. If you are finding it difficult to secure an education loan for your child’s studies in America, then a personal loan can be a feasible alternative. Personal loans don’t require any collateral and are easier to get.

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Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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