USA Study Costs: What You Need to Know
Get a clear picture of what costs to study in the USA, from tuition fees to housing and daily expenses.
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Studying in the USA can be expensive. Tuition fees vary widely, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the institution and program. On average, a four-year bachelor’s degree for international students costs about $30,000 annually. Living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, add to the cost. Room and board at private colleges average $12,680 per year. Planning your budget carefully and exploring scholarships or financial aid options to manage these expenses is essential.
Tuition Fees for Abroad Study USA
Below is the cost of education in USA:
Bachelors in the USA
Masters in USA
Doctoral Degree
Note: These are average figures and the actual costs may vary.
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 USD to 70,000 USD |
| Stanford University | 6 | 93,200 USD 110,000 USD |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | 63,402 USD |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | 58,620 USD to 68,836 USD |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 | 30,000 USD to 65,000 USD |
| Cornell University | 16 | 62,456 USD |
| University of Chicago | 21 | 67,446 USD |
| Princeton University | 22 | 62,400 USD |
| Yale University | 23 | 49,500 USD to 67,250 USD |
Cost of Living in the USA
| Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Travel | USD 300 – USD 700 per year |
| Accommodation | USD 9,800 – USD 11,100 per year |
| Electricity | USD 100 – USD 150 per month |
| Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 – USD 600 per month |
| Phone Subscription | USD 50 per month |
| Home Internet | USD 45 – USD 50 per month |
| Health Insurance | USD 700 – USD 1,100 per year |
Additional Expenses to Study Abroad in America
| Expense | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Want to learn about the cost of studying in the USA? Get in touch with our USA education consultants to get expert help.
Best Cities to Study in the USA for Indian Students
| Top Cities | Annual Cost of Living (USD) |
|---|---|
| Boston | $43,152 |
| New York | $56,532 |
| San Francisco | $45,168 |
| Chicago | $34,128 |
| Los Angeles | $39,840 |
| Washington, D.C. | $24,696 |
| Philadelphia | $15,902 |
Contact Transglobal Oversaes’s USA study abroad consultants to find the best cities to study in the USA.
Accommodation costs in the USA
The major part of living expenses in USA goes to accommodation costs. There are several accommodation options available for international students in USA and some of them are listed below:
| Housing Accommodation | Average Monthly/Yearly Cost |
|---|---|
| On-campus Stay | Public colleges: $9,800 yearly Private colleges: $11,000 yearly |
| Off-campus Stay | Sharing: $450 per month One-bedroom Apartmentment Rural States: $500 per month One-bedroom Apartmentment Urban States: $3,500 per month |
Taxes in the USA
As an international student, you are required to file federal taxes even if you do not have U.S.-source income. You are required to pay both federal and state income taxes.
Get in touch with Transglobal Overseas best education consultants for the USA to learn about USA tax system as an international student.
Scholarships in the USA
Government Scholarships
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- AAUW International Fellowships
- ACI Foundation Scholarship
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
- Rotary Peace Fellowship
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
Contact the best consultants for USA study visa to find and apply for the best scholarships in the USA.
Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students
Students are allowed to work part-time while studying. Here are some jobs you can take up:
On-Campus Jobs
- IT Support Assistant
- Social Media Coordinator
- Fitness Center Assistant
- Event Staff
Off-Campus Jobs
- E-commerce Support
- Healthcare Assistant
- Photography & Videography
- Remote Internships
- Warehouse & Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in the USA as a student?
The average cost of living in the USA for an international student ranges between $10,000 and $25,000 per year.
What are the main expenses for international students in the USA?
The main expenses for international students in the USA are tuition, housing, food, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.
Which are the most affordable universities in the USA for international students?
California State University, Brigham Young University, Dakota State University, Nicholls State University, and Delta State University are some of the most affordable universities in the USA for international students.
What is the average cost of accommodation for international students in USA?
The average cost of accommodation for international students in the USA ranges between $500 to $1,200 per month.
Can international students get scholarships to study in the USA?
Yes, international students can get scholarships to study in the United States. There are several scholarship options such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, and university-specific scholarships.
Are there work opportunities to help cover study costs in USA?
Yes, there are a variety of work opportunities available to cover study costs, including on-campus jobs through Federal Work-Study programs, part-time jobs off-campus, freelance work, tutoring, and even online gigs.
How can international students reduce their expenses in the USA?
These are some tips to reduce expenses in the USA for international students:
- Work part-time
- Effective budgeting
- Get Private scholarships
- Use student discounts
- Opt for Institutional aid
- Use shared accommodation
- Use public transportation
- Avoid non-essential expenses
How much money should I budget per month as an international student for USA?
As an international student, you should budget around $1,000 to $2,000 per month for living expenses.
