Has studying in the USA ever been your dream? USA draws a lot of international students because of its well-known universities and solid academic standing. It’s really important to take all the expenses into account. One of the most important components of total costs is tuition, which is generally less expensive at public colleges than private ones. International students can expect to spend between USD 20,000 and USD 50,000 per year, which covers both tuition and living expenses.
If you’re an Indian student, consider your course fees, accommodation, travel, and daily living costs when planning your budget. Thankfully, there are various financial aid, scholarships, and loans available from both Indian and American organisations to help ease the financial burden. In this article, you’ll find all the information you need about the costs of studying in the USA.
Why Study in USA?
Approximately half of the world’s top universities are located in the USA, according to U.S. News & World Report. Whether you’re interested in undergraduate studies, Master’s, or PhD programmes, USA universities provide quality academic opportunities across various fields. With over 5,000 higher education institutions to choose from, each university has its own strengths and features.
Cost of studying in USA
In the US, the price of education fluctuates and changes based on a number of factors, including the program, course, college, and city. There are two main categories of universities: public and private. In the US, tuition at public or state universities is less expensive than at private ones. The following table shows the cost of studying in the United States.
Breakdown of College Costs in the USA
| College Type in USA | Tuition Fees | Housing and Food |
| In-district public two-year colleges | USD 3,990 | USD 9,970 |
| In-state public four-year universities | USD 11,260 | USD 12,770 |
| Public four-year colleges (out-of-state) | USD 29,150 | USD 12,770 |
| Four-year private non-profit universities | USD 41,540 | USD 14,650 |
What is the cost of studying in USA for Indian students?
| University Name | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
| Arizona State University | USD 13,000 | INR 10,07,458 |
| California Institute of Technology | USD 44,000 – USD57,000 | INR 34,46,586 – INR 44,64,895 |
| Columbia University | USD 6 2,000 | INR 48,08,699 |
| Harvard University | USD 25,000 – USD 51,000 | INR 19,58,075 – INR 39,94,906 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | USD 31,000 | INR 24,14,680 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | USD 50,000 – USD 55,000 | INR 39,16,150 – INR 43,07,765 |
| Princeton University | USD 52,000 | INR 40,56,853 |
| Purdue University | USD 9,992 | INR 7,76,195 |
| Stanford University | USD 25,000 – USD 55,000 | INR 19,58,075 – INR 43,07,765 |
| University of California, Berkeley | USD 55,600 | INR 43,15,669 |
| University of Chicago | USD 55,000 – USD59,000 | INR 43,07,765 – INR 46,21,558 |
| University of Florida | USD 12,000 | INR 9,31,620 |
| University of Michigan- Ann Arbor | USD 69,326 | INR 53,87,940 |
| University of North Carolina | USD36,776 | INR 28,59,019 |
| University of Pennsylvania | USD 60,000 – USD 65,000 | INR 46,21,558 – INR 48,08,699 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | USD 9,000 | INR 6,97,107 |
| University of Texas at Austin | USD 43,149 | INR 33,55,835 |
| University of Texas at Dallas | USD 13,000 | INR 10,07,458 |
| University of Virginia | USD 63,780 | INR 49,57,847 |
| Yale University | USD55,000 | INR 42,96,370 |
Cost of Living in USA
One significant element influencing the total costs for Indian students is the cost of living in the United States. It fluctuates based on a number of variables, including the neighbourhood, kind of lodging, mode of transportation, preferred meal options, and more. Rent, groceries, internet, transit, and food are usually included in the living expenditures. In the US, a single student’s annual budget typically falls between $10,000 and $25,000. Additionally, the cost of living varies by state, with larger cities like New York and San Francisco costing more than smaller towns or cities. Nonetheless, areas like Texas, Kansas, and Ohio provide reasonably priced options. To learn about the cost of living in the United States, see the table below.
Living Expenses for Students in the USA (Estimate)
| Living Expenses | Average Yearly Cost (USD) |
| Apartment housing including utilities | USD17,200 – USD21,710 |
| Food | USD6,500 |
| Dormitory housing | USD7,588 – USD11,914 |
| Transportation | USD2,180 |
| Books and study materials | USD500 – USD1,000 |
| Travelling | USD500 – USD1,200 |
| Clothes and footwear | USD500 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | USD6,700 |
Other Expenses to Study in USA
There are numerous more costs to take into account while planning your budget, in addition to the tuition and living expenditures. The increased expenses associated with studying in the United States are listed below.
Cost of Student Visa
Getting a valid student visa is one of the first stages to studying in the United States. You can apply for a student visa and register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) after receiving an offer letter from an accredited US university. Depending on the kind of visa needed, the price of a US student visa might vary from USD 160 to USD 265 USD.
SEVIS fees
SEVIS, or Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, is a database that tracks important information about international students studying in the USA. After you get accepted into a university, you’ll receive a SEVIS number on your I-20 form, and you’ll need to pay a SEVIS fee of $350 before applying for a US visa.
Visa Application Fees
To study in the United States, international students must apply for a student visa. The F1 visa and the M1 visa are the two varieties here. The most popular visa is the F1, which can be obtained by students enrolled in intense study programmes, graduate programmes, or undergraduate programmes. Students must pay a $160 application fee. Additionally, Indian students are excused from paying the visa issuance fee, which is required to be paid when the visa is approved.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is one of the biggest expenses that students usually ignore; budgeting is crucial. Having health insurance makes it easier to pay for medical care when visiting the country. Health insurance in the United States typically costs between $500 and $1,000 per year.
Application Fee
In the range of 65 to 85 USD are the application fees. The application fee will vary based on the university you intend to attend.
Counselling Fee
Counselling is typically preferred by students who want to study in the United States in order to find out about admission requirements, appropriate courses, housing options, and other details. The price will vary depending on the counsellors, but it will be approximately USD 340.
Entrance Exams
Students who want to study in the United States need to take entrance tests related to their chosen courses. Some of the most common tests accepted by US colleges include IELTS, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and SAT/ACT. These tests help evaluate a student’s English language skills and readiness for college. However, not all universities require the same tests, and there can be exceptions. Check the chart below to find out which tests you need to take for your study abroad plans.
| Entrance Exam | Cost (INR) |
| DAT | INR 3000 |
| Duolingo | INR 4045.42 |
| GMAT | INR 22703.86 |
| GRE | INR 17579.21 |
| IELTS | INR 17,000 |
| LSAT | INR 3800 |
| MCAT | INR 26006.24 |
| NEET | INR 1,600 |
| OAT | INR 41279.75 |
| PTE | INR 15,900 |
| SAT | INR 8586.19 |
| TOEFL | INR 16096.86 |
Scholarships
Many international students travel to the United States to study at prestigious universities. Scholarships assist students in lessening the financial strain of expensive tuition and other costs. Indian students can apply for several scholarships at US universities.
- Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Fulbright – Nehru Fellowships
- International Education Financial Aid
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
Airfare
One item that many students forget to include in their financial budget is the price of an airline ticket. When visiting the United States, airfare prices can vary. Typically, it ranges from USD 390 to USD 1300. Where you fly from, the airline you select, the dates you book, where you depart from, and where you land in the United States all affect how much you pay.
Conclusion
To wrap up, studying in the USA provides valuable opportunities but involves costs that require careful planning. From tuition and living expenses to additional fees like visa costs and health insurance, it’s important to budget wisely. Despite the financial challenges, the high-quality education and experiences available in the USA make it a worthwhile investment for many international students. By exploring scholarships and financial aid options, Indian students can find ways to manage their expenses and pursue their academic goals.
FAQs
- What is the average cost of studying in the USA?
International students can expect to spend between $20,000 and $50,000 per year, covering both tuition and living expenses.
- What types of visas do international students need?
International students typically need an F1 visa for academic programs or an M1 visa for vocational programs.
- Are there scholarships available for Indian students?
Yes, there are various scholarships available, including the Tata Scholarship for Cornell University and Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships.
- What are the common entrance exams required for US universities?
Common entrance exams include IELTS, GMAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT, depending on the program.
- How much should I budget for living expenses?
A single student’s annual living expenses typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on location and lifestyle.
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About the Author: Sanjukta Deka
