by A home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and groundbreaking research, the United States has long been a leader in education. The country attracts thousands of international students each year seeking quality higher education. If you plan to study in the US, you have come to the right place. This blog will cover essential aspects of studying in the US, including tuition fees, living costs, visa expenses, and more. Understanding these financial components is crucial, as costs can vary significantly depending on the institution and location. So, let us delve into the specifics and ensure you have all the information you need to make your dream of studying in USA a reality!
Cost to Study in USA
The United States of America boasts of both private and public universities with tuition fees being the primary expense for higher studies abroad. The tuition fees of the public universities in the US are quite cheaper comparative to that of private universities. This is due to the different kinds of funding available for the US institutions. Let us look at the average cost to study in USA for undergraduate and postgraduate degree at both private and public universities.
At Public Universities:
- Undergraduate Degree: 8,000 – 35,000 USD /year
- Postgraduate Degree: 10,000 – 35,000 USD /year
At Private Universities:
- Undergraduate Degree: 25,000 – 50,000 USD /year
- Postgraduate Degree: 22,000 – 55,000 USD /year
These tuition fees generally cover the instructional costs, administrative costs, campus facilities, student services, technology access, library resources and other utilities.
Moving ahead, let us look at the living costs in the United States.
Cost of Living in USA
The average cost of living in the United States is approximately $1,500 per month or around $10,000 per year. This amount encompasses housing, meals, transportation, books, seasonal clothing, and recreational activities. Let’s explore a detailed breakdown of living costs and expenses in the USA:
| Expenses | Average Cost |
| Books & Study Material | $900 – $2,000 per year |
| Travel | $300 – $700 per year |
| Accommodation | $9,800 – $11,100 per year |
| Electricity | $100 – $150 per month |
| Meals | On campus: $250 per month
Off-campus: $400 – $600 per month |
| Phone Subscription | $50 per month |
| Home Internet | $45 – $50 per month |
For international students, the cost of living varies by state and is influenced by factors such as taxes, lifestyle choices and location. In the next section, we will look at the visa cost and other visa expenses to study in USA for international students.
Student Visa Costs in USA
The US government permits international students to study in their country but obtaining a student visa is a prerequisite. The type of education dictates the specific visa required. Mentioned below are the three types of study visa in the USA:
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is applicable for the international students aiming to pursue full-time academic degree in the United States. We will check the cost involved in this kind of visa:
- Application Fee: For Indian students, it is $185 (₹15,170) USD
- Total Cost: The complete cost for an F-1 student visa is approximately $510 (₹41,820) USD
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for the international students who want to apply for vocational or non-academic training in the US.
- Application Fee: The M-1 visa application process involves a SEVIS I-901 fee of $330 (₹27,060) USD and an application fee of $185 (₹15,170) USD
- Total Cost: The total cost for an M-1 visa varies based on the program and applicant.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is applicable for the students who are applying for the academic and cultural exchange program that includes internships, research programs and cultural exchange programs. We will check the cost involved in J-1 type of visa:
- Application Fee: The J-1 visa application fee is approximately $160 (₹13,120) USD.
- Additional Fees: The total cost for a J-1 Visa includes other costs such as SEVIS fees waiver fees.
In conclusion, pursuing higher education in the United States offers international students access to top-tier universities and diverse learning opportunities. However, understanding the financial implications is crucial for a successful study abroad experience. So, to get proper guidance, we suggest students connect with abroad education consultants in Aurangabad, Nagpur, Mumbai, Chandigarh, or any of the Indian cities.
These experts can assist with everything from choosing the right university to understanding US visa requirements and managing living costs. By leveraging their knowledge and resources, students can make informed decisions and prepare for a rewarding educational journey in the United States.
