Cost Of Studying In USA For International Students

Due to their decades-long academic success, international students dream of studying in the US due to its QS-ranked universities, improved academic facilities, flexible fee payment options, and more.

Before choosing your chosen university, you must consider the whole expense of studying in the US. You must plan funding to make each journey from enrolling in university to living in the US seamless and enrich your education experience.

Top Factors That Determine Cost Of Studying In USA

While you are aware that the United States offers the best student life for international students, it is always a good idea to check on the necessary budgetary needs. There are a variety of costs for international students wishing to study in the United States.

Tuition fees are one of the most significant and initial costs of studying in the United States. The average cost of studying in the United States for international students is $45,000 USD per year. The cost of studying in the United States varies depending on a variety of criteria such as the course studied, the type of degree program, the university, and so on.

Here is an overview of the cost of studying in the United States based on degree level:

Degree Type and Average Annual Tuition Fee

• Bachelors in US: 8,000 – 40,000 USD /year
• Masters in US: 10,000 – 60,000 USD /year

To help you understand the fee structure better, here is another overview of the tuition fees to study in USA from top universities:

University Name and Tuition Fees (USD)

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 50,000 – 55,000 USD/year
• Stanford University: 25,000 – 55,000 USD/year
• Harvard University: 25,000 – 51,000 USD/year
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech): 44,000 – 57,000 USD/year
• University of Chicago: 55,000 – 59,000 USD/year

For students with financial difficulties, the United States offers a variety of scholarship alternatives to international students. Students can apply for the best scholarship based on their needs. These scholarships cover the majority of the regular expenses such as tuition, living expenses, and so on.

Living Expenses to Study In USA

The average cost of living in the United States is between $10,000 and 20,000 USD per year.

The cost of living varies depending on many factors such as where you choose to reside in the US, the sort of lodging you choose, the mode of transportation you use to go, where you dine, and so on.

The majority of a student’s expenses would include rent from housing, transportation, incidental expenses, groceries, internet, meals, and so on. The cost of living in the United States varies depending on the student’s lifestyle choices.

Here is a summary of the anticipated living expenses in the US:

Expenses and Average Cost

• Apartment housing including utilities: 17,200 USD/year
• Food: 6,500 USD/year
• Dormitory housing: 7,588 – 11,914 USD/year
• Food for dormitory residents: 2,487 USD/year
• Books and supplies: 900 USD/year
• Miscellaneous: 6,700 USD/year

Other Expenses

Aside from the two costs mentioned above, there are other important costs to be aware of that are included in the total cost of studying in the United States. These charges are significant since they are the primary source from which to begin your initial trip to the United States:

1. SEVIS Fees

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a database that stores all information about international students, including their top reasons for visiting the United States. The former will show the SEVIS number on the I-20 if you’ve been accepted to your chosen university. Before submitting the visa application form, students must pay the SEVIS fee of $350 USD.

2. Visa Application Fees

International students need a student visa to study in the US. F1 visas are often applied for by students alone. This applies to undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students with more than 18 hours of study per week.

The visa application fees for students is 160 USD. A visa issue fee is also required if your visa is approved, however Indian students do not have to pay it.

3. Health Insurance

Health Insurance is one of the most important factors to consider when thinking about the cost of studying in USA. Having health insurance makes it affordable for you to access medical care in the country. The cost of availing health insurance in USA is 500-1000 USD/year.

4. Application Fee

Students when submitting their application form should pay a non-refundable application fee. This fee will differ based on universities. However the most application fees range from 65-85 USD.

5. Counseling Fees

Many students prefer to have a counseling session before coming to the United States. Making the correct educational choice is critical, which is why a counseling session may assist students in selecting the course that best suits their interests and skills. A counseling session typically costs around 340 USD and varies depending on the counselors hired.

Pre-Arrival & Post-Arrival Cost

Lastly, there are a few more costs that you will need to consider during your study cost in USA for Indian students. We have divided these costs into two categories pre-arrival and post-arrival.

Let’s learn about each of them in detail:

1. Pre-Arrival Costs

Before you travel to USA, there are a set of costs that you need to cater to. Here is an overview of the same.

Entrance Exams

Students must take admission tests based on the course they are enrolled in. For example, if you want to study medicine in the USA, you must take an MCAT, NEET, or other exam.

As a result, here is a summary of the most common entry tests required in the United States:

Exams and Fee Cost

• MCAT – 315-320 USD
• NEET – 20 USD
• IELTS – 245-255 USD
• TOEFL – 190 USD
• GRE – 205 USD
• GMAT – 275 USD
• SAT – 60 USD

Airfare

The airfare costs range between 390- 1300 USD. This figure will change based on the trip made, air flight chosen, booking dates, the place you’re travelling from, where in USA you will land, etc.

2. Post- Arrival Costs

Once you arrive in USA, there are two such costs that you will have to pay regularly, which are tuition fees and cost of living.

Tuition Fees

The cost to study in USA is 45,000 USD/year. The fee structure however will change based on the university you’ve chosen, course undertaken and the study level.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living in the United States is between $10,000 and 20,000 USD per year. The cost of living will change from one student to the next due to diverse lifestyle choices. Most expenses will be for transportation, accommodation, other charges, and so forth.

FAQs

Is it difficult to get US study visa?

• No, it isn’t difficult to get a US study visa as long as you check all the requirements mentioned for the same.

Which is the easiest country to get student visa?

• USA is one amongst the many countries where international students can easily get a student visa.