Background:
Riya, a student from India, aimed to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science at a Tier-1 university in the United States. While her academic record was strong, her family was concerned about the high tuition fees and living costs abroad.

Challenges:

• Limited savings for international education

• Uncertainty about scholarship availability

• Need to balance quality education with affordable investment

Solution:
Riya worked with a financial planning advisor to map out her budget. They:

1. Calculated tuition, living expenses, and miscellaneous costs.

2. Identified merit-based scholarships and assistantship opportunities.

3. Explored education loans with favorable terms to cover shortfalls.

4. Prioritized universities with high ROI, strong career prospects, and alumni support networks.

Results:

• Riya received a 50% merit-based scholarship, significantly reducing tuition costs.

• By selecting a university offering internship opportunities and post-study work options, she secured a paid internship during her program, further offsetting living expenses.

• Riya successfully completed her application within budget, showcasing preparedness and strategic planning to the admissions committee.

Conclusion:
This case highlights how effective financial planning transforms international education from a financial challenge into a realistic goal. By combining scholarships, loans, and ROI-focused decisions, students can pursue elite education without excessive debt while maximizing long-term career benefits.