The United States of America attracts a massive number of international students every year from all over the world owing to its finest higher education system acclaimed by the whole world. It is home to the highest number of top-rated universities recognized worldwide for their excellence and unique programs, enticing a huge number of international students. Owing to the enormous demand for higher education globally, there are many aspiring international students looking for the cost of studying in the USA.
Tuition fee is the key component of the cost of education in the USA and universities here are divided into private and public/state institutions. The education costs at public/state universities are comparatively lower than at private educational institutions. Expenses on tuition fees will depend on the qualification type and the university/school that one would choose. The university fees in the USA for international students will require roughly $25,000-$55,000 every year.
The education system in the USA for higher studies provides a lot of diversity for international students. With more than 4,500 universities in the country, the education system in the USA offers the below-mentioned degrees.
Bachelor’s degree
The undergraduate degree in the USA is a full-time program for a duration of four years.
Associate degree
Offered to students who want to undertake a diploma degree at the undergraduate level. The community colleges offer an associate degree for a duration of two years.
Master’s degree
Universities in the USA offer a graduate degree for a duration of two to three academic years.
Doctorate degree
A university in the USA offers a doctorate degree for five to eight years.
The total expense a student has to incur on the tuition fees totally depends on the type of study program, qualification and the institution they select. The fees for the courses in humanities, education, and arts are much less compared to the subjects like medicine, engineering, and business management.
The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students differs according to the course they have chosen. The universities in the USA offer a wide variety of options. Here’s a quick look at the top courses in the USA.
In addition to the cost of education in the USA, the cost of living forms a major constituent of the expenses a student has to incur to study in the country. The cost of living in the USA depends on the lifestyle of a student and if anyone is tight on budget, they can opt for student accommodation.
Expenses Incurred to Study in the USA
Expense
Average cost per year
Rent for housing including utilities
$21,710
Dormitory housing
$7,588 – $11,914
Food
$8,500
Books and Supplies
$13,800
Transportation
$2,180
Miscellaneous
$1,000
Pre-arrival Costs in the USA
The USA education cost for Indian students also includes one-time pre-arrival expenses they have to pay. These costs include the expenses incurred on application fees, English proficiency tests, standardized tests, student visas, and so on.
Unlike the pre-arrival cost that has to be incurred one time, post-arrival costs are the expenses a student has to bear during the course of study.
Costs Incurred After Arriving in the USA
Expense
Cost Per Year
Tuition Fee
Bachelors – $8,000 – $40,000
Masters – $10,000 – $60,000
Health Insurance
$1,000 – $1,500
Living Expenses
$20,000 – $22,000
Best Student Cities in the USA
The cost of studying in the USA for international students depends on the city they are living in. With more than 50 states having world-famous universities, each city in the USA offers excellent opportunities in terms of education and industry.
Cost of Living in the Best Student Cities in the USA
City
Average cost of living
New York
$21,000/ year
San Francisco
$20,000/ year
Los Angeles
$20,000/ year
Boston
$22,000/ year
Chicago
$20,000/ year
Scholarships to Study in the USA
A student can reduce the burden of US university fees for international students to an extent if they receive a scholarship on the basis of their merit or excellence. It might be offered by the government of the country, private organizations, or the university.
Top Scholarships in the USA for International Students
Name of the scholarship
Benefits
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Applicable for international students enrolled in graduate programs. Covers the cost of health insurance, airfare, tuition fee, and accommodation.
United World Colleges International Youth Scholarships
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the USA can receive partial or full fee waivers under this scholarship.
Rotary Peace Fellowships
Students opting for Certificate Program or Masters’ Degree related to peace and conflict resolution are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It covers the cost of studying, internship and field-study expenses, transportation, and accommodation.
PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women
Female students enrolled in graduate programs can get benefits of $12,500 per year under this program.
Clark Global Scholarship Program
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree and in need of financial help can get benefits of $15,000-$25,000.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible for this scholarship which offers benefits of $12,000-$25,000.
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Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, France, and Germany. Her background includes founding a startup and working with early-stage educational ventures, giving her a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these educational landscapes. Additionally, Rakhee specializes in helping students craft compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs) for studying abroad, leveraging her insights into different education systems to guide students in articulating their academic and professional goals effectively. Her comprehensive knowledge and strategic approach make her a valuable resource for students navigating their educational journeys and financial planning.