Cost of Studying in the USA : Tuition & Living Expenses
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Tax Benefits Under Section 129*
0% TCS** on Remittances AbroadFlexible Repayment Options*T&C Apply. Deduction under Section 129 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 (erstwhile Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, 1961) is available only under the old tax regime and shall not be applicable if the taxpayer opts for the new tax regime. Customers are advised to consult their tax advisors for applicability.
T&C Apply. Deduction under Section 129 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 (erstwhile Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, 1961) is available only under the old tax regime and shall not be applicable if the taxpayer opts for the new tax regime. Customers are advised to consult their tax advisors for applicability.
Why Do Indian Students Prefer Studying in the USA?
- The USA is home to several top-notch universities.
- Students can choose from many different courses.
- Job opportunities after course completion.
- Options to apply for scholarships and internships.
Tuition Fees in the United States for International Students
| Institution Type / Programme | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Approx. Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (Typical Range) | $10,000–60,000 | ₹9,63,900–₹57,83,400 |
| Bachelor's Degree (Average at Many Universities) | Around $25,000 | ₹24,09,750 |
| Bachelor's Degree (Higher Average at Private Universities) | Around $40,000 | ₹38,55,600 |
| Master's Degree (Average) | Around $30,000 | ₹28,91,700 |
| Private Universities | Around $40,000 per year | ₹38,55,600 per year |
| Highly Prestigious Private Universities | Around $60,000 per year | ₹57,83,400 per year |
| Public (State) Universities – Out-of-State Students | $20,000–25,000 per year | ₹19,27,800–₹24,09,750 per year |
| Public (State) Universities – In-State Students | Around $10,000 per year | ₹9,63,900 per year |
Source: https://www.mastersportal.com/countries/82/united-states.html
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Calculate Your Cost of
Studying in the USA
Student Visa and Application Fees for the USA
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx. Cost (INR)* |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 Student Visa Application Fee | $185 | ₹17,832 |
| SEVIS (Form I-901) Fee | $350 | ₹33,737 |
| Estimated Total (Visa + SEVIS) | $535 | ₹51,569 |
Source: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/faq
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Cost of Living in the USA
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Approx. Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 150–200 | ₹14,459–₹19,278 |
| Food & Groceries | USD 150–180 | ₹14,459–₹17,350 |
| Internet | USD 15–30 | ₹1,446–₹2,892 |
| Dining Out | USD 75–100 | ₹7,229–₹9,639 |
| Weekend Leisure | USD 50–100 | ₹4,820–₹9,639 |
| Public Utilities | USD 20–40 | ₹1,928–₹3,856 |
| International Calling Card | USD 15–30 | ₹1,446–₹2,892 |
| Mobile Phone | USD 50–80 | ₹4,820–₹7,711 |
| Entertainment | USD 80–100 | ₹7,711–₹9,639 |
| Shopping | Around USD 100 | Around ₹9,639 |
| Estimated Total Monthly Living Cost | USD 1,000–2,500 | ₹96,390–₹2,40,975 |
Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-living/
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Accommodation Costs in the USA
| Accommodation Type | Cost (USD) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Accommodation | ||
| Public Colleges/Universities | USD 1,100 per year | ₹1,06,029 per year |
| Private Colleges/Universities | USD 9,800–15,000 per year | ₹9,44,622–₹14,45,850 per year |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | ||
| 1 BHK Apartment | USD 500–3,500 per month | ₹48,195–₹3,37,365 per month |
| Shared Apartment | Around USD 450 per month | Around ₹43,376 per month |
Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-living/
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Food and Grocery Expenses in the USA
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Dining | USD 150–300 per month | ₹14,459–₹28,917 per month |
| Grocery Expenses | USD 200–400 per month | ₹19,278–₹38,556 per month |
Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-living/
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Transportation Costs in the USA
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transportation | USD 30–150 | ₹2,892–₹14,459 |
| Annual Transportation | USD 360–1,800 | ₹34,700–₹1,73,502 |
Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-living/
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Health Insurance Expenses in the USA
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Approx. Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | USD 286.50–835.50 | ₹27,620–₹80,535 |
Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-living/
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Budgeting Tips to Manage Expenses in the USA
- Share a room or apartment to save on rent.
- Cook your meals instead of eating out often.
- Use student discounts for travel, food, and events.
- Buy used books or borrow from the library.
- Take part-time campus jobs (allowed up to 20 hours/week)
- Plan your monthly budget and track spending.
Total Cost of Studying in the USA
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Public Universities – Out-of-State) | ₹19,27,800–₹24,09,750 per year |
| Tuition Fees (Private Universities) | ₹38,55,600–₹57,83,400 per year |
| Living Expenses | ₹11,56,680–₹28,91,700 per year |
| Student Visa Fee | ₹17,832 |
| SEVIS Fee | ₹33,737 |
| Estimated First-Year Cost (Public University) | ₹31,36,049–₹53,53,019 |
| Estimated First-Year Cost (Private University) | ₹50,63,849–₹87,26,669 |
Note: The total estimates are indicative and include annual tuition fees, estimated living expenses, the F-1 student visa application fee, and the SEVIS fee. Actual costs may vary depending on the university, programme, city of residence, accommodation type, and personal lifestyle.
Disclaimer: All USD to INR conversions are based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹96.39 as of July 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate over time, so please check the latest rates before making any financial decisions.
Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/cost-of-living/
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