Bachelor Degree Cost in USA – Tuition Fees & Cost of Living

While talking with my friends about a bachelor’s degree cost in the USA, I figured most of them were only considering the tuition fees, and did not know much about other expenses that add up to the total cost of studying abroad.

Tuition fees are not the only expense that a student has to incur in order to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the USA. Adding to it is the cost of living, charges for admission form, entrance exam fees, mandatory health coverage, and other miscellaneous expenses that must be considered when working out a complete list of expenditures.

Read on to get comprehensive details on the different costs associated with pursuing an undergraduate degree in the USA.

How Much Does it Cost to Study Bachelors in USA

The cost of a bachelor’s degree in the United States can be very high. It can start from $15,000 for some specific short undergraduate courses and go up to $50,000 per year for a four-year undergraduate program. However, the average annual cost of study per student is around $38,270.

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in USA

Here are the types of bachelor’s degrees offered in the USA for international students. 

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA degree)

Students wishing to build a career in liberal arts, opt for this degree. The subjects commonly offered include English, Education, Communication, Philosophy, Psychology, Foreign Languages, etc. 

2. Bachelor of Science (BS degree)

This is one of the most commonly opted degrees in science-related courses such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing, Business, etc. 

3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)

Students wanting to pursue visual or performing arts can choose from either of the domains – Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Film and Photography, Music, and Theater and Dance. 

Cost of Studying Bachelors in USA: Top Universities 

The United States is one of the most chosen study abroad destinations by international students. Various institutions offer a bachelor’s degree in the USA, including community colleges, universities, and liberal arts colleges.

The average cost of a bachelor's degree in the USA ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. However, the tuition fees are on the higher side at top universities. Here are some of the top-ranked colleges by QS World University Rankings 2025, along with tuition fees.

Name of the University	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$57,590
Stanford University	$57,693
Harvard University	$54,768
California Institute of Technology	$58,479
University of Chicago	$85,536

Source: Official University Website

Cost of Living in the USA 

The cost of living for an international student depends upon the location of the college and accommodation. Several unavoidable expenses when living in a different country include charges for accommodation, food, transport, utility bills, and others. Accommodation is the costliest, and students end up spending the most on it.

It is important to have some money aside for grocery shopping, utilities, emergencies, and social activities. Some of the necessary living expenses are as follows.

Factor	Average Annual Cost of Living
Accommodation	$3,600 - $7,200 (on campus) $7,200 - $36,000 (off campus)
Travel	$540 - $1,200
Food	$3,000 (on campus) $4,800 - $7,200 (off campus)
Books and Material	$1,000 - $2,000
Health Insurance	$1,500 - $2,500
Utilities	$2160
Total	$13,540 – $25,000 (on campus) $18,940 – $52,800 (off campus)

Pre-Arrival Costs Before Studying Bachelors in USA

1. English Examination Cost

TOEFL and IELTS are the two most common English language proficiency tests taken by non-native English speakers to be accepted into a US university. The cost of taking TOEFL in India is INR 16,900 and the cost of taking IELTS is INR 17,000.

2. Standardized Test Costs

A valid test score in a standardized admission test helps in securing admission, visa, and immigration services. Students will also have to take exams like the SAT to get admitted for a bachelor’s degree in the USA.

The registration charges they have to pay for taking the SAT test are $60 (around INR 5,000), plus a $43 (INR 3,592) regional fee. It is to be noted that beginning August 24, 2024, the SAT registration fee is $68 (INR 5,680) along with a regional fee of $43.

2. University Application Cost

The average application cost to apply for an undergraduate degree in the USA is around $50.

3. Visa Application Cost

A valid student visa (F1, M1, J1) is an official prerequisite to study in the USA. The application fee for a F-1 student visa is $185 for international students. However, the cost is subject to variation and changes.

Also Read:-

• F1 US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

• F1 Visa Documents Checklist

4. Airfare

The one-way cost of airfare ranges between $400 to $900, depending on time, airfare class, city, and airline. One can get the lowest fares by booking a few months before the date of the journey.

The cost of a bachelor’s degree in the USA depends  on the type of program and university or school students are opting for. They can also get in touch with upGrad Abroad to explore several cost-saving options.

Post-Arrival Costs of Studying Bachelor's in USA

The post-arrival expenses for an undergraduate cost in the USA can be divided into two main parts: tuition fees and cost of living. Insurance and emergency funds are two other major expenses you may have to consider.

1. Tuition Fees

The average tuition fee for a bachelor's degree of four years for international students at public institutions was $41,920 for the 2023/24 academic year. Remember that the tuition fees can vary depending on various factors like chosen course, university, intake, etc.

2. Accommodation

It is one of the biggest expenses you will have to deal with while studying abroad. Make sure you weigh your accommodation costs on and off campus!

On-campus housing costs between $1078 and $2395 in the USA. In the case of off-campus housing, you have two options: apartments and homestays.

On average, off-campus housing costs $525 per month, excluding food, utilities, groceries, and transportation. 

3. Cost of Living

The cost of living in the USA for students ranges between $13,540 and $52,800 per year. The cost can vary based on personal preferences and lifestyle.

4. Insurance

Take note of health insurance premiums or any out-of-pocket expenses for medical care. Usually, insurers charge anything from $1,500 to $2,500 annually.

5. Emergency funds

These include savings set aside for unforeseen expenses or emergencies. You should limit non-essential costs and open a savings account to build a financial cushion by directing a particular portion of your income. An ideal emergency fund comprises three to six times your monthly expenses.  

Tips on Financial Planning for Students

The tips I have listed below can help you reduce the expenses related to the cost of an undergraduate degree in the USA.

1. Prepare a Budget

Make a budget by outlining your income and expenses. Take into account the cost of living, transportation, accommodation, tuition, and recreational activities.

2. Prioritize your Expenses

Set aside a significant amount of your budget for necessities such as groceries, rent, transportation, and textbooks. Spend less on luxuries, entertainment, and dining out. Living near your university can cut your travel costs.

3. Part-Time Work

International students in the USA are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Exploring jobs like library assistant, lab assistant, or campus dining services can help with your living expenses.

4. Student Discounts

Many stores, restaurants, and services offer student discounts. Always ask if one is available, and use your student ID to get discounts on software, books, and public transportation.

5. Home Cooking

Eating out frequently can be expensive and cause a hole in your pockets. Cooking at home saves money. You can try to plan meals and cook in batches.

6. Emergency Fund

Set a monthly savings target to build a corpus for an emergency fund that can be utilized at an urgent or unexpected crisis. 

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Conclusion

Now that you have a blueprint for a bachelor’s degree cost in the USA, you must prepare a budget from Day 1. Though the cost for international undergraduate students in the USA can be high, you can easily manage the costs with proper financial planning.

Also, remember the long-term financial benefits of your degree are undeniable. Your investment pays off with higher earnings, career growth, and job stability if you are focused on your studies.