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How Much Does it Cost to Study in USA? – Living Expenses, Tuition Fees

Cost to Study in USA

Are you seeking information regarding the Cost to Study in USA? Many international students choose to study in the USA due to its exceptional academic reputation and renowned universities. However, it is crucial to consider the expenses associated with studying in the USA.

Tuition fees are a big part of the total cost, and public universities are usually cheaper than private ones. The cost of studying in the USA ranges from $7,000 to $55,000 per year. You need to plan your finances carefully. It covers everything from university fees to living expenses.

The cost to study in USA can be high, but it is worth it because of the quality of education. Before deciding to study in the USA, it is important to understand all the costs involved. These include course fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses. 

While college fees in the US typically range from $7,000 to $55,000 per year, it is important to research and plan your finances well. There are various financial aid, scholarships, and loans available from American organizations to help you manage the expenses. In this article, you will find detailed information about the cost to study in USA.

Cost to Study in USA

1. By Type of College

Studying in the USA can cost you anywhere from $7,000 to $55,000 per year. This cost varies based on factors like the program, course, university, and city you choose. Universities are divided into public and private ones. Typically, public/state universities in the USA are cheaper than private institutions.

Type of College Tuition FeesRoom Charges 
Public two-year colleges$3,860 $9,330
Public four-year colleges (in-state fees)$10,950 $11,950
Public four-year colleges (out-of-state fees)$28,240$11,950
Private non-profit four-year colleges$39,400 $13,620

2. By Course Type

Studying in the USA can be expensive. It is mainly because of tuition fees. These fees can vary based on factors like your chosen course, degree program, and university. The cost can range from $7,000 to $55,000 per year. 

It comes at an average of about $35,000 annually. Typically, humanities, education, and arts courses have lower fees compared to fields like medicine, engineering, and business management.

CourseTuition Fees 
Undergraduate (UG)$8,000 – $40,000
Associate$3,800
Postgraduate (PG)$10,000 – $60,000
Doctoral$28,000 – $55,000
English Language Studies$700 – $2,000 (monthly)
Engineering$30,000 – $75,000
MBA$50,000 – $60,000
Diploma$500 – $20,000

3. By University

In the USA, you will find many top-ranked universities that can increase your higher education and career prospects. The government-funded schools usually have cheaper tuition fees compared to private ones. 

If you are looking to cut down on educational costs, you can apply for scholarships in the USA. Lots of U.S. universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. It covers things like tuition fees and living expenses. 

University NamePublic/PrivateTuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyPrivate$50,000 – $55,000
Stanford UniversityPrivate$25,000 – $55,000
Harvard UniversityPrivate$25,000 – $51,000
California Institute of TechnologyPrivate$44,000 – $57,000
University of ChicagoPrivate$55,000 – $59,000
University of PennsylvaniaPrivate$60,000 – $62,000
Princeton UniversityPrivate$52,000
Columbia UniversityPrivate$62,000
Yale UniversityPrivate$55,000
University of Texas at DallasPublic$13,000
University of Texas at ArlingtonPublic$9,000
Texas A&M UniversityPublic$9,000
Arizona State UniversityPublic$13,000
Illinois Institute of TechnologyPublic$31,000
University of FloridaPublic$12,000
University of Michigan- Ann ArborPublic$69,326
University of VirginiaPublic$63,780
Georgia Institute of TechnologyPublic$52,222
University of North CarolinaPublic$36,776
University of California, BerkeleyPublic$55,600
University of Texas at AustinPublic$43,149
University of Wisconsin-MadisonPublic$27,938
Purdue UniversityPublic$9,992

4. By Course

When you decide to study in the USA, you will find a wide range of courses available. Here are the top courses in the USA and their associated costs: 

CourseCost 
Engineering$70,000
Medical$90,000
Law$36,500
Life Sciences$57,000
Business$45,000
Arts and Humanities$30,000-$32,000

Living Cost to Study In USA

When you live in the USA as a student, how much you spend depends on where you stay, how you get around, what you eat, and more. These factors affect your overall expenses. Your living costs cover things like rent, transportation, groceries, internet, and meals. 

On average, you might need between $10,000 and $25,000 each year. Living costs vary from state to state. Big cities like New York and San Francisco are expensive. But places like Texas, Kansas, and Ohio offer more affordable options.

Cost of LivingAverage Annual Cost 
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 Essential Costs to Study in USA

When you are planning your budget for studying in the USA, there are more costs beyond tuition and living expenses. You should consider these additional expenses to get a complete picture of your financial needs.

1. Cost of student visa

When you are planning to study in the USA, one of the first things you need to do is get a student visa. After you receive an acceptance letter from a US university, you can apply for a student visa and sign up with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 

The cost of a US student visa varies from $160 to $265. It depends on the type of visa you need. There are two fees linked with the F1 student visa: the SEVIS fee and the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee).

a. SEVIS Fees

When you are accepted into a university in the USA, they will give you an I-20 form with your SEVIS number. SEVIS is also known as short for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. 

It is a database that stores important details about international students coming to study in the USA. Before you apply for a US visa, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee. It costs around $350.

b. Visa Application Fees

If you are an international student planning to study in the USA, you will need to get a student visa. There are two types: the F1 visa and the M1 visa. The F1 visa is the most common one for undergraduates and graduates. To apply for the F1 visa, you will have to pay a fee of $160. Once your visa is approved, there is another fee called the visa issuance fee.

2. Application Fee

When you are filling out the application form, you will have to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee can range from $65 to $85. The amount you pay will depend on the university you are applying to.

3. Counseling Fee

If you are planning to study in the USA, you might want to consider getting counseling to help you with things like finding the right intake, course, accommodation, and more. This service typically costs around $340. But, the price can vary depending on the counselor you choose.

4. Health Insurance

When planning your finances for studying in the USA, it is important not to avoid the cost of health insurance. Health insurance helps you cover medical expenses while you are in the country. Health insurance in the USA costs between $500 and $1000 per year.

Pre-arrival & Post-arrival Costs

Below, you will find detailed information about the pre-arrival and post-arrival expenses in the USA.

1. Pre-arrival Costs

When you are thinking about studying in the USA, it is important to plan for the expenses you will face before you start your studies there. These costs are known as pre-arrival costs. It covers things like application fees, English proficiency tests, standardized tests, and getting your student visa.

a. Entrance Exams

When you are planning to study in the USA, you will need to take entrance exams. It depends on the course you want to pursue. These exams, like IELTS, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and SAT/ACT. 

These exams are important for universities to assess your English skills and abilities. Not all universities have the same entrance exam requirements, so it Is essential to check each one’s specific criteria.

b. Flight Charges

When you are planning your finances for studying in the USA, you should consider the cost of your air ticket. Airfare prices for traveling to the USA can vary a lot. It ranges from $390 to $1300. 

The amount you will pay depends on factors like where you are flying from, which airline you choose when you book your tickets, where you will depart from, and where in the USA you are going to land.

2. Post-arrival Costs

Once you are in the USA, you will have to manage two types of ongoing expenses: tuition fees and living costs. These post-arrival expenses are different from the one-time fees you pay before coming here. They are the costs you will deal with regularly while you are studying in the U.S.

a. Tuition fees

The tuition fees in the US can range anywhere from $7,000 to $55,000 per year on average. However, the actual amount you will pay depends on factors like the university, program, and specific course you choose.

b. Cost of living

Living costs in the US can vary widely. It ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 per year. Your expenses depend on factors like where you live, the type of accommodation you choose, how you get around, your dining preferences, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the typical costs for overseas students at Public and Private Universities in the USA? 

In the US, Public Universities typically charge tuition fees each year. It can range from $7,000 to $35,000. On the other hand, Private Universities in the USA usually have higher fees. It ranges between $25,000 to $55,000. This depends on the program and how long it lasts.

2. How to get a scholarship to manage the expenses of studying in the USA?

You can find scholarships to help cover the cost of studying in the USA. You can find them either on official scholarship websites or on university pages under financial aid.

3. How much is the tuition fee in the USA for foreign students? 

The cost of going to a US university can vary. It is based on factors like the type of degree, the school, and the specific program you choose. As an international student, you might expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $55,000 or even more, on average.

Conclusion

The cost to study in USA starts anywhere from $7,000 to $55,000 each year. It depends on factors like your chosen university, degree program, and courses. 

The living expenses in the USA typically range between $10,000 and $25,000 annually. This amount can vary. It is based on factors such as the city you live in, the type of accommodation you opt for, your transportation choices, dining preferences, and more.

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