Share this Post!

Cost of Studying in USA

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.

Table of Contents

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Are there scholarships available for Indian students?
    Yes, there are various scholarships available, including the Tata Scholarship for Cornell University and Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships.
  1. What are the common entrance exams required for US universities?
    Common entrance exams include IELTS, GMAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT, depending on the program.
  1. 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.

Book your FREE consultation with certified counsellors

Blog Category

Archives

About the Author: Sanjukta Deka

Sanjukta is a content creator and writer who brings stories to life. Her research skills, combined with her proofreading, fact-checking, and SEO prowess, ensure every word is polished to perfection. Outside of her writing lair, she’s a dance enthusiast who geeks out over history and monuments, an avid movie lover and obsesses over aviation videos. She also enjoys trying different cuisines.

Subscribe to receive the latest News

Discover a world of opportunities through our study abroad news and updates. Unlock valuable insights, inspiration, and guidance for your transformative journey!