Do you dream of going to college in the USA? You are not alone! The United States of America is a sought-after study abroad destination for many Indian students because of its world-class education, research opportunities, and plenty of career opportunities. However, to turn this dream into reality, understanding the complete financial picture, including tuition fees, living expenses, and hidden costs, is essential.
To guide you in this journey, here is the breakdown of the costs involved in studying in the USA: –
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are one of the main expenses of higher education abroad. The US has public and private universities, with public universities generally being cheaper than private ones. However, the fees can still vary significantly depending on the specific institution and the degree program.
| Type of University | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
| Public University | INR 16,62,724 to INR 29,09,767 per year | INR 24,94,005 to INR 41,56,675 per year |
| Private University | INR 24,90,000 to ₹49,80,000 per year | INR 33,20,000 to INR 62,25,000 per year |
Living Expenses
Living expenses can vary depending on factors like our location, accommodation type, transportation needs, food habits and more. However, on average, living expenses can range from INR 8.5 lakh to INR 16.5 lakh per year.
Here is the breakdown of living expenses in the USA: –
- Accommodation:
- On-campus housing: INR 6L to INR 10L per year.
- Off-campus apartment: INR 50K to INR 1L per month.
- Food & Groceries: INR 16K to INR 33K per month.
- Transportation:
- Public transit pass: INR 6K to INR 10K per month.
- Occasional ride-shares: INR 800 to INR 1K per trip.
- Books & Supplies: INR 42K to INR 84K per year.
- Personal Expenses: INR 25K to INR 42K per month.
Other Expenses
Besides tuition fees and living expenses, some other expenses students studying in the USA have: –
Student Visa Cost
Students must pay an application fee while applying for a USA student visa. Before filling out the visa application form, they will also need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.
Health Insurance
Getting health insurance is a must in the USA, allowing you to access medical care in the country. The cost of health insurance in the USA ranges between INR 41,500 and INR 83,100 per year.
University Application Fee
Students are required to pay a non-refundable application fee when applying to a college in the USA. The fee can vary depending on the university, but they generally range from INR 5400 to INR 7066.
Airfare
The airfare costs vary depending on your point of departure, airline, travel dates and the city you are flying into in the US. However, the costs generally range between INR 67K to INR 1.2L (round-trip).
Studying in the USA is a significant investment, but with proper planning, scholarships, and options like education loans for studying abroad, you can manage these expenses effectively. Remember, education is an investment towards your future, and its returns can be life-changing.
