Exploring postgraduate universities and funding options in Pennsylvania
From its vibrant cities and beautiful scenery to its elite universities and rich history, Pennsylvania has much to offer international students looking for a dynamic study abroad experience. However, if you’re hoping to study abroad on a budget, you may struggle to cover the expenses associated with studying for a postgraduate STEM degree in the U.S.
Read on to determine whether Pennsylvania is the right study abroad destination for you and the benefits of funding your education with an MPOWER international student loan for postgraduate degrees.
Why study abroad on a budget in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a popular destination for international students. It is home not only to some of the best universities in the U.S., but also to great cultural institutions and recreational opportunities. Students studying abroad on a budget in the lively cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia can access many museums and theaters for free or at a discounted rate, while those studying in more remote towns may enjoy exploring Pennsylvania’s 100+ state parks.
The cost of living in Pennsylvania may be higher in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. These cities, however, offer the best internship and employment opportunities in the state, especially in the health care, biotechnology and finance sectors.
With an MPOWER student loan for postgraduate degrees, you can bridge the gap between your funds and the cost of a premium Pennsylvania education. Unlike other education lenders, MPOWER loans don’t require a cosigner or collateral, so you may qualify for an MPOWER education student loan even if you don’t qualify with other lenders. It takes less than a minute to check.
Best MPOWER-eligible Pennsylvania universities for studying abroad on a budget
For help determining the right Pennsylvania university for you, check out MPOWER’s list of 500+ eligible schools.
Here are some of the top MPOWER-eligible universities in Pennsylvania and their commonly selected majors:
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Known as the “Social Ivy” for the active social lives of its students, this intellectually rigorous Ivy League school is one of the oldest academic institutions in the U.S. It’s known, in part, for the Wharton School, one of the best business schools in the world. UPenn’s top postgraduate programs include:
- International business
- Finance
- Marketing
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Students studying abroad on a budget at this top public research institution benefit from the school’s strong academics and passionate sports culture. Popular postgraduate STEM programs include:
- Supply chain management and logistics
- Materials engineering
- Industrial engineering
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
CMU is not only an elite technical school but also a leader in the arts. Though located in the city of Pittsburgh, CMU still has a strong campus culture with a large selection of student organizations and campus traditions. Popular postgraduate programs include:
- Computer science
- Electrical engineering
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics and automation engineering
Funding your Pennsylvania education with a student loan for postgraduate degrees
An international education in the U.S. can be pricey, so it’s important to explore all your funding options from financial aid to education student loans.
Financial aid
Financial aid can be hard to come by for international students studying in the U.S. Fortunately, international students wanting to study abroad on a budget can explore scholarship opportunities through resources such as iefa.org, eduPass, FastWeb, International Study Abroad and MPOWER’s list of graduate student scholarships.
However, as scholarships are often very competitive, students should also seek financial support through their university departments. UPenn, Penn State and CMU all offer departmental assistantships, fellowships and grants.
This database shows which schools provide international students with financial aid in the state of Pennsylvania.
Education student loans for international students
Though scholarships and assistantships can certainly reduce your overall expenses, they likely won’t cover the entirety of your tuition, fees and living costs. Private student loans for postgraduate STEM degrees can cover the rest.
With a no-cosigner, no-collateral MPOWER international student loan, you can borrow up to US$100,000 to finance your study abroad experience in Pennsylvania. MPOWER wants to invest in your success. That’s why MPOWER offers loans based on future earning potential rather than financial history.
To help you make the most of your international education, all MPOWER customers gain access to the Path2Success program, which provides comprehensive student support, from visa assistance before your studies begin to career services after you graduate.
Final thoughts: Studying in Pennsylvania with an MPOWER student loan for postgraduate degrees
Pennsylvania is a great option for students looking for access to active cities, the great outdoors and some of the nation’s top universities to boot.
To finance your Pennsylvania education with an education student loan that doesn’t require a cosigner or collateral, choose MPOWER. You can check your eligibility in under a minute.
