International enrollment in US colleges and universities reached a record high in 2007-2008: more than 624,000 students.

This is an impressive figure, but one masking an unfortunate flip side. Many of these students will be forced to return to their native countries due to economic hardship. Rising tuition and living expenses – including food, housing and gasoline – combined with the global recession have made an American education infeasible for many.

American schools do what they can to relieve financial burdens, but competition is fierce and funds are limited.

The University of San Francisco, for example, allocates $82,900 per year for international students – a sum that, even in boom times, is quickly dispersed.

Many universities require international applicants to furnish proof of income before being admitted. In some cases, this means demonstrating resources equivalent to four years of full tuition. For prestigious institutions such as Harvard, this means freshmen students must prove access to approximately $135,000 (excluding room and board, living expenses and transportation costs).

Restrictions on student work visas only compound the problem. International students are frequently ineligible to work in the US, or if they are granted work privileges, can only work on campus or for a fixed number of hours. And because many are also ineligible for financial aid awards, staying afloat in the US is a daily struggle.

Help for International Students with Financial Needs

But there is good news.

Colleges and universities across the US recognize the pressures on international applicants and are responding with scholarships, fellowships and “emergency funds.” The University of California is even capping its admission rate partly in an effort to expand financial aid.

There are also hundreds of private organizations and foundations devoted to international student aid. The international student services office at your school may even be able to provide a directory.

Funding a college education is stressful even in the best of times. During a recession, it’s virtually overwhelming. But rest assured that with creativity, resourcefulness and perseverance, you will weather this challenge and those in the future.