This guide breaks down the costs of tuition, housing, living expenses, and financial aid options for international students planning to study in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about studying in the States.
What’s the Cost of Studying at a U.S. University?
Wondering how much it costs to study in the U.S.? If you’re considering an American education, budgeting for university is a key factor. This guide covers every expense you’ll face as a student in the U.S., so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Keep in mind that prices and exchange rates are accurate at the time of publishing but may change. All costs listed are in U.S. dollars.
How Much Are Tuition Fees in the U.S.?
The U.S. is one of the top destinations for higher education—and also one of the priciest. While the initial sticker shock might make you hesitate, don’t dismiss it just yet. There are plenty of funding and financial aid options to explore.
Annual tuition fees range from 5,000to5,000to50,000, with most undergraduate programs lasting four years.
Public colleges charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students. On average, in-state students pay 10,200peryear∗∗,whileout−of−statestudentspay∗∗10,200peryear∗∗,whileout−of−statestudentspay∗∗26,290. Private non-profit colleges (like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale—home to some of the best law schools) average around $35,800 per year.
What’s the Cost of Student Housing in the U.S.?
Living costs vary by location. University towns in the Midwest tend to be more affordable, while the East, Northeast, and West Coast are pricier. Renting an apartment can range from 500/month∗∗(aone−bedroominaruralarea)to∗∗500/month∗∗(aone−bedroominaruralarea)to∗∗3,500/month or more (a one-bedroom in a major city).
On-campus housing usually means shared dorm rooms (two or three students per room) with communal bathrooms. Annual dorm costs average between 5,300and5,300and8,100, covering utilities and housing fees. The lowest rates are at two-year public colleges, while private four-year institutions are the most expensive.
Many university websites have cost calculators to estimate tuition and housing expenses.
What Are the Living Expenses in the U.S.?
- Internet: 35–35–70/month
- Phone bill: Around $50/month
- Gas: About $0.98 per liter
- Public transport: Monthly passes range from 20–20–60 (some areas offer student discounts)
- Books & supplies: Roughly **1,170peryear∗∗(1,170peryear∗∗(390 per semester)
Another key expense is the student visa (F1 visa), which costs $510 per application. Start the process 3–5 months before your semester begins, as it can take time.
Other Student Costs to Consider
- Utilities (if not included in rent):
- Electricity: 50–50–120/month
- Heating: 50–50–120/month
- Water/sewage/trash: 50–50–75 every three months (if not covered by the landlord)
- Groceries: 20–20–70 per week (varies by diet and location)
- Dining out: Around $20 per meal
- Entertainment:
- Movie ticket: ~$12
- McDonald’s Big Mac: $5.58
- Gym membership: ~$60/month
- Night out (average): ~$80 (depends on location and activity)
Financial Aid for International Students
While U.S. tuition may seem steep, remember that 85% of public university students and 89% of private non-profit students receive financial aid. Even top-tier schools with high sticker prices (like MIT, where 91% of students get aid) offer generous funding options.
Financial assistance comes in many forms: scholarships, grants, assistantships, and work-study programs. Some are U.S.-citizen-only, but many are open to international students. For example, the University of Pennsylvania extends need-blind aid to Canadian and Mexican students, ensuring they get full financial support.
Check each university’s website for funding details—apply for aid at the same time as admission.
Some U.S. schools have need-blind admissions, meaning they admit students regardless of financial status and provide necessary support. Government-funded scholarships like the Fulbright Program and Hubert Humphrey Fellowship are also available.
Once you’re in the U.S., your student ID can score you discounts (10–50% off) on clothes, movies, museums, travel, and even Airbnb stays.
More in This Series
- Cost of studying in Japan
- Cost of studying in the UK
- Cost of studying in Germany
- Cost of studying in Canada
- Cost of studying in France
- Cost of studying in Australia
- Cost of studying in the Netherlands
- Cost of studying in New Zealand
- Cost of studying in China
- Cost of studying in Brazil