How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in the USA?

How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in the USA?

The academic reputation of the United States and its esteemed universities make it a desirable destination for international students. But it’s crucial to take American college costs into account. A major portion of the total cost is tuition, with public and state universities often having lower tuition than private ones. For Indian students, the annual cost of college in the USA ranges from $7,000 to $55,000. Indian students should budget their money carefully because their study abroad costs will pay for everything from living expenses to tuition at U.S. universities.

Indian students may find studying in the USA costly, but given the high caliber of instruction, it is an investment worth making. But before choosing to study in the USA, knowing how much it would cost is important. These include living expenses, travel charges, course fees, and lodging costs. Even if annual college costs in the U.S. range from $7,000 to $55,000, it’s still important to thoroughly consider your financial options. Numerous Indian and American organizations offer loans, scholarships, and financial aid. You will get all the details on the expense of studying in the United States of America in this blog created by an GRE Coaching online.

Cost of Studying In the USA

Studying in the USA might cost anywhere from $7,000 to $55,000 annually. The program, course, university, city, and other factors affect how much education costs in the United States. In general, there are two types of universities: public and private. In the United States, public and state universities charge lower tuition than private ones. For more detailed information resources like AbroAdvice.com, a Study Abroad consultant will provide the list below:

College Type in the U.S. (2024)Tuition FeesRoom Charges in the U.S.
Public two-year colleges$3,860 (318401.56 INR)$9,330
Public four-year colleges (in-state fees)$10,950 (903237.58 INR)$11,950
Public four-year colleges (out-of-state fees)$28,240 (2329445.59 INR)$11,950
Private non-profit four-year colleges$39,400 (3250005.53 INR)$13,620

Cost of Attending a University in the US

There are both public and private institutions in the U.S., and the main cost of higher education is tuition. The cost of higher education will also differ depending on the degree and the school attended. Tuition and living expenditures for international students studying in the U.S. range from $25,000 to $45,000 annually. But even with the high average tuition required, one may be confident that attending the best institutions in the USA is inexpensive. This is because there are various forms of funding available.

Let’s look at the tuition fee structure in the United States to obtain a clear image of what an aspiring international student planning to study in the United States should be prepared for financially.

Public University Tuition Fees

Tuition is one of the most expensive starting fees for studying in the United States. The cost of studying in the United States varies depending on several factors, including the course selected, degree program type, university type, and so on.

The chart below shows a range of costs for studying at public U.S. universities depending on the degree you choose:

Course LevelAvg. Annual Tuition Fee
Bachelor in US8,000 – 35,000 USD /year
Masters in US10,000 – 35,000 USD /year

Private University Tuition Fees

Private institutions have higher tuition than public universities but are well worth it. Tuition expenses are the same for all students.

The chart below shows a range of costs for studying at Private US Universities depending on the degree you choose:

Course LevelAvg. Annual Tuition Fee
Bachelor in US25,000 – 50,000 USD /year
Masters in US22,000 – 55,000 USD /year

Cost of Undergraduate in the USA for International Students

International students’ average cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree at an American university is $30,000. The Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) are among the most sought-after undergraduate degrees in the U.S. Tuition and fees can change based on the school and degree program. Note: Should international students decide to apply for admission in the United States, the expenses would differ from one university to the next.

Cost of Master’s in the USA for International Students

In the U.S., the cost of a master’s degree ranges from $20,000 to $35,000. This range is determined by the cost of the particular program being pursued and the diversity of universities that provide the degree. The M.S. in Software Engineering, M.S. in Computer Science, and M.S. in Data Science are the most sought-after Master’s degrees in the United States. Many international students are lured to master’s programs in the United States that concentrate on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These programs offer additional practical training as well as a two-year stay-back option.

Cost of Living in the USA

One major aspect influencing the total expenses of Indian students is the cost of living in the United States. It varies based on several variables, including the place of residence, the kind of housing, transportation, dining tastes, and more. The living expenditures usually include rent, groceries, internet, transit, and food. In the U.S., a single student’s annual budget typically falls between $10,000 and $25,000. The state of residence also affects the cost of living; larger cities, such as New York and San Francisco, have higher living expenses than smaller towns or cities. Nonetheless, areas like Texas, Kansas, and Ohio provide reasonably priced options. To learn more about the cost of living in the USA, see the table below:

Living ExpensesAverage Yearly Cost (USD)
Apartment housing, including utilities$17,200 – $21,710
Food$6,500
Dormitory housing$7,588 – $11,914
Transportation$2,180
Books and study materials$500 – $1,000
Traveling$500 – $1,200
Clothes and footwear$500
Miscellaneous expenses$6,700

Other Study-Related Costs in the USA

When creating your budget, you should consider a wide range of expenses along with the cost of tuition and living. See below for the additional expenses related to studying in the United States.

The price of a student visa

Getting a valid student visa is one of the first stages of studying in the United States. After receiving an offer letter from an accredited U.S. university, you can register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and apply for a student visa. A US student visa might cost anywhere from $160 to $265, depending on the kind of visa needed. The F1 student visa has two costs attached to it:

  • SEVIS fee
  • Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

Cost of Health Insurance

One of the significant expenses that students frequently overlook is health insurance, which should be considered while making financial plans. Health insurance makes it easier to pay for medical care while visiting the nation. In the United States, the average annual cost of health insurance is between $500 and $1000.

Application Cost

Students must pay an application fee—which is non-refundable—while applying. The application costs vary from USD 65 to USD 85. The application cost varies based on the university where you intend to study.

On a concluding note,

In the U.S., the annual cost of education can range from $7,000 to $55,000. This price might change depending on the university, degree, and course you select. In the U.S., annual living expenses vary from $10,000 to $25,000. The price may differ depending on the city, kind of lodging, mode of transportation, preferred cuisine, etc.

Anusha

Anusha is an SEO Analyst with 5 years of experience in enhancing online presence through effective strategies. With 2 years of expertise in professional article writing, alongside technical SEO and social media marketing, Anusha crafts engaging content on technology, business, and general topics. Committed to delivering valuable insights, she aims to empower readers and drive meaningful engagement in the digital landscape.