The Ultimate Guide to How Much Money Is Required to Study in USA?
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Studying in USA can be an investment, and the cost is one of the key factors to consider when planning your education. The cost of studying in USA can be expensive. But it is important to understand the various costs of studying abroad in USA to make an informed decision. The cost of studying in USA can vary depending on the university, program, and location
Let’s look at the costs associated with studying in USA, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses. We will also discuss the financial aid and scholarship options available to help students cover the cost of their education. With this information, you will be able to better understand how much money is required to study in USA and make a more informed decision.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for universities/colleges in USA varies depending on several factors:
Undergraduate Programs
- Diploma: $20,000 to $70,000 per year.
- Degree: $20,000 to $50,000 per year.
Postgraduate Programs
- Diploma: $20,000 to $60,000 per year.
- Degree: $20,000 to $40,000 per year.
Top USA's universities Fees
| University/College | QS Ranking 2025 | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 30,120 USD to 84,337 USD |
| Harvard University | 4 | $50,000 to $70,000 USD |
| Stanford University | 6 | 93,200 to USD 110,000 USD |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | $63,402 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | $58,620 to $68,836 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 | $30,000 to $65,000 |
| Cornell University | 16 | 62,456 USD |
| University of Chicago | 21 | $67,446 |
| Princeton University | 22 | USD 62,400 |
| Yale University | 23 | $49,500 USD to $67,250 USD |
Cost of Living in USA
The cost of living in USA varies significantly depending on the city you choose to live in. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to be more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas. However, the annual cost of living in USA for international students is $10000 to $12000 per year.
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Food | EUR 159 |
| Travel Costs | EUR 127 |
| Entertainment | EUR 74 |
Best Cities in USA for Students
| City | Avg. Cost of Living |
|---|---|
| Dublin | €1,560 |
| Galway | €968 |
| Cork | €1,235 – €1,587 |
| Limerick | €857 to €1000 |
| Waterford | €1,286 |
Accommodation costs in USA
Most universities in USA offer on-campus residence facilities called the Halls of Residence to international students. However, you need to apply for it separately, and well ahead in time to secure a slot for yourself. The average cost is usually between:
Apartments: Can range from $12,000 to $30,000 per year or more
Homestays: Can be around $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
Additional Expenses
| Health Insurance | $30 to $277 per a month |
|---|---|
| Study permit fees | 185 USD |
| Flight Expense | $500 to $1,250 |
| University Application fee | $50-$100 |
| Proficiency tests fee | IELTS- ₹17,000. GRE (general/subject)- ₹22.550/ ₹14,500 TOEFL iBT- ₹16,900 GMAT- ₹25,163 CAEL- ₹16,680 |
| Biometric fee | $85 |
Taxes in USA
- Nonresident Alien Status: Most F-1 students are.
- Taxable Income: Includes wages, scholarships (if exceeding educational expenses), and off-campus job income (up to a limit).
- Federal Tax Return: Use Form 1040-NR.
- State Taxes: Depend on the state.
- FICA Taxes: Exempt for on-campus jobs, but may apply to off-campus income.
- Form 8843: Required even without taxable income.
Scholarships for in USA
Government Scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
- OAS Academic Scholarship Programs
Private/ University Scholarships
- Harvard University Scholarships
- Stanford University Scholarships
- Yale University Scholarships
- University of New Haven Scholarship
- University of Memphis Scholarships
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
- AAUW International Fellowships
In addition, if you are a student who always scores good marks or has some other exceptional talent, you can get a merit-based scholarship.
If you want to know more about scholarships in USA, you can read this article: Scholarships for Indian Students in USA. Or, you can avail of our counselling from Transglobal Overseas to understand each scholarship’s eligibility, process, Etc.
Part-time Jobs in USA for Students
USA offers a plethora of opportunities for international students to work part-time while pursuing their studies.
Here are some popular options:On-Campus Jobs
- Teaching Assistant (TA): Assist professors in conducting classes, grading assignments, and providing student support.
- Research Assistant (RA):Contribute to research projects under the guidance of faculty members.
- Library Assistant:Help with library operations, such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and managing the library’s digital resources.
- Campus Tour Guide:Showcase the campus to prospective students and their families.
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail and Hospitality:Work in cafes, restaurants, retail stores, or hotels.
- Customer Service:Provide customer support through call centers or online platforms.
- Tutoring:Leverage your academic strengths by tutoring fellow students.
- Delivery Services:Work for food delivery or courier services.
- Freelancing: Utilize your skills in writing, editing, graphic design, or programming to earn money online.
FAQs
How much does a 4 year degree cost in USA?
The average cost of a 4-year degree in the USA is around $38,000 per year, but it can vary widely depending on factors like type of institution, location, field of study, financial aid, and other expenses. It’s important to research different schools and financial aid options to find the most affordable program that meets your needs.
How much money is required to study in USA after 12th?
Here is a breakdown of the average cost of studying in the USA after 12th:
- Tuition and fees: $25,000 – $60,000 per year
- Living expenses: $10,000 – $25,000 per year
- Total cost: $35,000 – $85,000 per year
Is USA worth it for Indian students?
Whether the USA is worth it for Indian students depends on various factors:
Pros:
- World-class education
- Research opportunities
- Career prospects
- Cultural exposure
Cons:
- High tuition costs
- Visa challenges
- Cultural adjustment
- Cost of living
How does the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students compare to other countries?
The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students is generally higher than in many other countries. However, it offers valuable benefits like global recognition, research opportunities, and networking. Factors like university type, location, program, and financial aid influence the cost. While the USA might be more expensive, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits and opportunities it offers.
Are there universities in the USA that offer low tuition fees for international students?
Some examples of universities known for offering relatively affordable tuition fees for international students include:
- University of North Georgia
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Southeast Missouri State University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Louisiana at Monroe
What factors influence the tuition fees in the USA for international students?
Factors Influencing US Tuition for International Students:
- University prestige: Top-tier universities often charge more.
- Location: Urban areas tend to be more expensive.
- Program: Professional programs like law and medicine can be costly.
- In-state vs. out-of-state: International students usually pay out-of-state rates.
- Financial aid: Scholarships can reduce costs.
- Housing and living expenses: On-campus housing and location-specific factors influence costs.
- Exchange rates: Fluctuations can impact the cost.
How can Indian students reduce the cost of studying in the USA?
To reduce the cost of studying in the USA:
- Research scholarships.
- Start at a community college.
- Work part-time.
- Live frugally.
- Consider state universities.
- Explore online or accelerated programs.
