5-Step Checklist: Choosing the right international education program for you
With a master’s program loan from MPOWER Financing, you can access the many benefits of studying abroad in the U.S. or Canada, from global networking opportunities to cutting-edge educational institutions. With so many options for your postgraduate degree program, however, choosing the right international study program can be difficult.
If you dream of studying abroad but don’t know how to find the best program for you, here’s a five-step checklist for choosing an international education program. Plus, learn how a no-cosigner international student loan from MPOWER can help you finance your degree.
Step 1: Identify your academic and professional goals
Before you start searching for a degree program, you need to clarify your academic and professional goals. What are your long-term career aspirations? What academic program will best help you achieve your goals?
If you’re unsure what your professional goals are, start by researching the areas of study you find most compelling. For guidance, turn to MPOWER. Some of the most commonly selected majors among students studying with an education student loan from MPOWER are computer science, data science and engineering.
Step 2: Explore universities and degree programs
Once you’ve determined the area of study you’re interested in, it’s time to explore the academic institutions you can attend with a no-cosigner international student loan from MPOWER. Different schools excel in different areas of study. If you hope to study STEM, you may want to explore the offerings at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.* If you want to pursue a Master of Business Administration, the MBA program at Boston University* is highly regarded.
Beyond academic offerings, be sure to evaluate universities for factors such as:
- Length of program
- University resources
- Location and campus environment
Your university of choice will be your home for the next few years, so it’s important to choose a school that meets your standards.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.
Step 3: Compare university reputations
To hone your list, investigate each university’s reputation. Respected ranking systems, such as the U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, can offer great insight, but so can firsthand reports. Try reaching out to students and alumni from each university to get a sense of student satisfaction and alumni success. Do research on rankings, but make sure you choose a university that’s best for you and not just at the top of the list.
To be certain your university will give you the best education outcomes possible, choose your program from the 500+ schools that accept master’s program loans from MPOWER. Evaluated based on factors like graduation rate, graduate employment rate and alumni earnings, MPOWER’s list of eligible schools constantly expands to include the strongest degree programs in the U.S. and Canada.
Step 4: Consider program cost and return on investment
Depending on university location, program duration and school ranking, tuition and living costs may vary widely. Determine which programs you can afford by weighing your total anticipated expenses against your total income, including scholarships and education student loans, using a study abroad budget.
Some programs may be expensive but boast a strong return on investment (ROI) for graduates. When comparing costs, make sure to factor in the average starting salary for graduates in your field and the average long-term ROI.
If you need to bridge the gap between your current funds and your dream postgraduate degree program, a master’s program loan from MPOWER can get you there. MPOWER offers no-collateral, no-cosigner international student loans of up to US$100,000 for those studying at any of MPOWER’s 500+ eligible schools in the U.S. and Canada.
Step 5: Trust your gut
No matter how much research you do, there will be elements of your study abroad experience that you won’t be able to anticipate. When it comes time to make a final decision, trust your instincts.
Final thoughts: Finance the right international education program with no-cosigner international student loans
MPOWER is here to help you study abroad in the U.S. or Canada.. While other private lenders make their loans inaccessible by requiring a U.S. cosigner or a high U.S. credit score, MPOWER offers no-cosigner international student loans based on future earning potential rather than financial history.
Take advantage of all MPOWER has to offer. Check your eligibility today.
