Living in the USA

[American Guy]

You are being given a little bit of bad advice.

For the most part, the information provided is correct - wages, expenses, etc. depends entirely upon where you choose to reside. The coasts are much more expensive than the mid-West.

But, as far as college is concerned, there are no government-sponsored general scholarships or "aid" available for a non-permanent resident, unless the school itself or some other private third-party is sponsoring a private scholarship that you've been awarded. You do not qualify for government-backed student loans since you're not a permanent resident. You will pay higher non-resident tuition at public schools. Having a student visa does not, automatically, grant you the ability to work wherever you'd like. And, you will not qualify for any government-sponsored educational grants as a non-permanent resident. You cannot gain permanent residency on a student visa. In short, there won't be much assistance offered you unless you are a "super student" studying on a full-ride scholarship. You don't describe that situation. Plus, being a political science major myself in college, I can tell you that a degree in that area won't get you very far in the employment arena since you aren't a citizen - you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an English major, a poli sci major, etc. looking for a job. If you're thinking that will lead to a good job, it won't. Sorry.

That will leave privately-funded student loans, which they will probably not give you being a non-resident. Bottom line - if you cannot afford to attend school in the US on your own, your chances of doing it here are quite slim. That's reality. Hope it works out for you.

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by American Guy

You are being given a little bit of bad advice.

The OP states he will come over as a permanent resident. The advice was all good! You are the one wrongly assuming he will be on a student visa!

[Xman]

Originally Posted by nocturno

Dear friends,

I was hoping you may assist me.

There is a possibility for me to move to the U.S. next year on a permanent
resident status. I am so excited about this however it isn't sure yet.

I am a bit concerned about what to do if that happens.

I mean where to settle and everything else.

Can you please tell me what parts (state, city,etc) of the States are more convenient considering the
following:

1. Finding a proper job more easily
2. Finding a job that is paid more
2. Selecting a College/University on reasonable price as much as possible (as
I
would like to continue my undergraduate studies)
3. More affordable housing and living costs, lower taxation, etc.

What kind financial aid can permanent resident receive in order to meet the costs of studying?

Can student work and study? Cause I'll definitely need to work first in order to make some savings for the University.

Can financial aid cover the majority of tuition, etc.

What is your opinion about distance/online learning?

It seems I need a bunch of info :-) Sorry for a lot of questions abut I needed to :-(

If you know about the particular forums/discussions, please let me know.

Thank you very much!!!

Hope to hear from you soon.

Take care!
Dusan

The United States is not the place to attend university if your finances are a concern.I can't say it any more clearly than that.

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by Xman

The United States is not the place to attend university if your finances are a concern.I can't say it any more clearly than that.

I disagree. Tertiary education is both affordable and very flexible in the US. IF the OP is a permanent resident, he should be able to find a way.

[American Guy]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

The OP states he will come over as a permanent resident. The advice was all good! You are the one wrongly assuming he will be on a student visa!

The OP is delusional. He isn't coming over as a permanent resident right out of the gate. The way the post is written, it appears as if he is looking at coming over on a student visa, nothing more. I'd say the OP needs to be more specific about how, exactly, he is coming to the US out of the box as a permanent resident.

The remarks about coming to the US for education without financial backing are spot on as well, permanent residency or not. Sorry, Fatbrit, but you're out in left field on this one.

[JohnSoCal]

Originally Posted by American Guy

The OP is delusional. He isn't coming over as a permanent resident right out of the gate. The way the post is written, it appears as if he is looking at coming over on a student visa, nothing more. I'd say the OP needs to be more specific about how, exactly, he is coming to the US out of the box as a permanent resident.

The remarks about coming to the US for education without financial backing are spot on as well, permanent residency or not. Sorry, Fatbrit, but you're out in left field on this one.

You are the one who is confused. The OP stated very clearly that if he came here, it would be on a "permanent resident" visa. Reread his post. The OP doesn't need to explain how as he wasn't asking about the type of visa.

[Fatbrit]

Originally Posted by American Guy

The OP is delusional. He isn't coming over as a permanent resident right out of the gate. The way the post is written, it appears as if he is looking at coming over on a student visa, nothing more. I'd say the OP needs to be more specific about how, exactly, he is coming to the US out of the box as a permanent resident.

The remarks about coming to the US for education without financial backing are spot on as well, permanent residency or not. Sorry, Fatbrit, but you're out in left field on this one.

It all swings on his status. He says he's coming as a PR. I didn't bother questioning him since it's a perfectly acceptable scenario -- my first visit ever to the US was on an immigrant visa......so the feat is not impossible.

As a PR, his access to education is probably unparalleled in the US compared with all other countries. After a year here he'll have access at local rates, and he'll qualify immediately for most scholarships, grants and loans. Education here is also very flexible: he can work to pay his way through if he wants.

Of course, if he's planning on coming on a student visa, this all goes out of the window. But it would be contrary to the info we so far have from him.

[Xman]

Originally Posted by Fatbrit

It all swings on his status. He says he's coming as a PR. I didn't bother questioning him since it's a perfectly acceptable scenario -- my first visit ever to the US was on an immigrant visa......so the feat is not impossible.

As a PR, his access to education is probably unparalleled in the US compared with all other countries. After a year here he'll have access at local rates, and he'll qualify immediately for most scholarships, grants and loans. Education here is also very flexible: he can work to pay his way through if he wants.

Of course, if he's planning on coming on a student visa, this all goes out of the window. But it would be contrary to the info we so far have from him.

Well maybe I'm out of date,but it would be very strange if someone can come to the US with or w/o permanent resident status and have more affordable access to higher education than a US citizen.I remember I was twice rejected for university financial assistance because I "did not earn enough money" during the two years before.Yes you are reading that correctly.I had been living in my car,working odd labour jobs,and was not eligible for assistance because I WAS NOT EARNING ENOUGH.
Also,one year I was told I could qualify but the assistance I could get was only about two-thirds of the expenses.So I said,well I'll have to save that amount of money and they said oh no,if you save any money we have to deduct that from your financial aid package.They said I had to start the academic year with no money and then earn during the year.So I said,well I'll have to work a lot of hours to earn enough money during the year,and they said no,you can't work more than 20 hrs a week or your financial aid will be cancelled.I said I didn't think I could save very much while working a student job for 20 hrs a week.THey said those are the rules.
So I asked them,the financial aid office counsellors,how I could get an extra 6000 dollars w/o saving in advance and w/o working more than 20 hrs a week as a student.They said well I can ask my family for help.
Of course if that were an option,why was I in the financial aid office?

The best place to attend university if you are a foreigner is Sweden.
At least for the moment. THe rules may change.