Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Studying in USA is a great milestone, but often a costly venture for Indian students. The US education, high standard of living, ample amount of job opportunities attracts many students from all over the globe. But it all comes at a ‘cost’. The cost of studying in the USA includes tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and various pre-arrival fees.
As per the CollegeBoard Trends in College Pricing report, published in October 2024:
- The average annual tuition and fees in 4-year public universities are 30,780 USD for international students in 2024-25, with a 3.2% hike than in 2023-24.
- The average yearly housing and food expenses in 2024-25 is 13,310 USD from 12,770 USD in 2023-24.
- If we combine the tuition with housing and food expenses, the average annual cost will be 44,090 USD from 42,610 in USD.
As you can see, tuition fees, housing and food expenses are all increased in 2024-25. However, these are widely varying factor depending on your chosen course, type of the university, housing option and location of the university. Here’s a breakdown of these expenses, with a focus on the factors that Indian students should consider when budgeting for higher education in the U.S
Note: For better understanding, we will be considering the cost of studying undergraduate programs only to keep a uniformity. You can also check cost of studying MS in USA if needed.
Tuition Fees in USA for International Students
At the very top-tier US universities (the majority of which are private non-profits), fees and living costs are likely to add up to around 60,000 USD per year. US universities within the public sector are run as state university systems, or collections of colleges within a state, which share some administrative aspects while operating as separate institutions. Public universities usually have two types of tuition fees
- In-state tuition (For US citizen and permanent residents within the state)
- Out-state tuition (For other US states and international locations)
Here’s a categorization of the universities and their tuition fees according to the CollegeBoard’s Trends in College Pricing report, 2024.
| Particulars | 4-year Public in-state fees | 4-year Public out-state fees | 4-year Private non-profit fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | 11,610 USD (9,88,243 INR) |
30,780 USD (11,32,947 INR) |
43,350 USD (21,21,190 INR) |
| Housing and food | 13,310 USD (26,19,993 INR) |
13,310 USD (11,32,947 INR) |
15,250 USD (37,52,940 INR) |
| Total (tuition+housing) | 24,920 USD (36,89,952 INR) |
44,090 USD (12,98,080 INR) |
58,600 USD (49,88,032 INR) |
Source: CollegeBoard
Also read: Cheapest Universities in USA
Living Expenses to Study in USA
Living expenses are the 2nd biggest chunk among the expenses for studying in USA. These vary widely based on location, lifestyle, and housing choices. The cost of living in top-tier cities like New York or Los Angeles will be around 10-20% higher than smaller cities like Indianapolis, Atlanta.
Accommodation Cost in USA
In USA, you can choose to stay in homestays, private share apartments, student dorms, or on-campus housing. The on-campus housings are the best option for international students as they are secure and also provide meal plans. Here, we have listed the housing options along with their monthly costs.
| Accommodation Type | Monthly Rent |
|---|---|
| Shared Rental | 470 to 3,600 USD per month |
| Homestays | 600 to 3,000 USD per month |
| Rentals | 450 USD per month |
| On-campus housing | 700 to 800 USD per month |
| Hostels and guesthouses | 45 to 100 USD per night (not recommended) |
Also read: Student Accommodation in USA
Food and Groceries Cost in USA
On average, the monthly groceries will cost you around 200-400 USD, depending on your location and choice of foods. Cooking at home is the most cost-effective option for managing food expenses and highly recommended for Indian students.
Being an Indian, you will obviously go eating out in a fancy restaurant, aren’t you? Check out the average cost of eating out.
| Cities | Meal for 1 | Meal for 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 cities | 135 USD (11,491 INR) |
255 USD (21,705 INR) |
| Tier 2 cities | 115 USD (9,788 INR) |
195 USD (16,598 INR) |
| Tier 3 cities | 85 USD (7,235 INR) |
144 USD (12,257 INR) |
Other Costs
The cost of utilities, transportation, clothing and leisure all the included in the living expenses.
- Transportation: In cities with robust public transit systems (New York, Chicago), monthly passes range from 70 to 120 USD.
- Personal expenses: These include health insurance, mobile plans, entertainment, and other essentials, adding up to around 200 to 300 USD per month.
- Utilities: Monthly expenses for utilities such as electricity, heating, water, garbage collection, and internet can add up to 250 to 300 USD.
Pre-arrival Expenses
Several costs arise even before stepping foot in the US. These include exam fees, application fees, and visa expenses.
- Standardized Tests: To study in USA you need to take tests such as the GRE, GMAT, SAT, or TOEFL/IELTS. The cost per exam is about INR 15,000 to 20,000. Multiple test attempts or additional score reports can increase these expenses.
- Application Fees: Application fees range from 50 to 150 USD per university. The application fees for MBA programs in USA often go up to 250 to 300 USD. For students applying to several universities, this adds up quickly.
- Visa Fees: The application fees for F1 student visa for Indian students is currently 185 USD which is paid online directly to the US Department of State. In addition to this, you also need to pay the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) of 350 USD.
Additional Costs
Beyond the primary expenses mentioned above, Indian students should budget for other costs like travel, textbooks, and emergencies.
- Textbooks and Study Materials: Depending on the program, textbooks and study supplies can range from 500 to 1,000 USD annually. Many students save by purchasing used books or digital copies.
- Airfare: Round-trip tickets between India and the U.S. cost between 1,000 and 2,000 USD, depending on the season and airline.
Also read: Best Banks for International Students in USA
While studying in the U.S. can be expensive, understanding these costs helps Indian students budget effectively and explore scholarships, part-time work, and financial aid to manage their expenses better. Careful planning and a realistic approach to financial resources are essential for a smooth study abroad journey.
FAQs
Ques: How much does it cost to study in America?
Ans: For international students, the yearly cost of studying in the U.S. ranges from $35,000–$80,000 (INR 28–64 lakhs), including tuition and living expenses. Public universities are generally more affordable than private ones.
Ques: How much does it cost to study it in US?
Ans: It costs around $20,000–$30,000 (INR 16–24 lakhs) per year at public universities and up to $50,000 (INR 40 lakhs) at private institutions. Graduate programs are similar, often ranging from $25,000–$45,000 (INR 20–36 lakhs) per year.
Ques: How much does a 4 year degree cost in USA?
Ans: A 4-year undergraduate program can cost between $80,000 and $240,000 (INR 66 lakhs to 2 crores) depending on the university type. Additional expenses, including living costs, can add $40,000–$60,000 (INR 33–50 lakhs) over the duration.
Ques: How much money is required to study in the USA in Indian rupees?
Ans: For Indian students, total yearly expenses range from INR 28–64 lakhs. This means a 4-year undergraduate degree may require INR 1.1–2.6 crores, while a 2-year master’s program could cost INR 32–72 lakhs per year.
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