Cost of Studying in the USA
*T&C Apply
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 USA for Indian Students
| College Type | Tuition & Fees (USD) | Tuition & Fees (INR) (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Public two-year colleges (in-district) | $4,050 | ₹3,48,000 |
| Public four-year colleges (in-state) | $11,610 | ₹9,99,000 |
| Public four-year colleges (out-of-state) | $30,780 | ₹26,48,000 |
| Private non-profit four-year colleges | $43,350 | ₹37,28,000 |
Source: https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-College-Pricing-2024-presentation.pdf
Note: The study fees for Indian students mentioned above are tentative and based on estimates for 2025. Tuition costs may vary depending on the university (public or private), country, course specialisation, and other factors. It is always best to check with the university for the most accurate and updated fee structure.
Student Visa and Application Fees
SEVIS Fee (F1 Visa): $350
Visa Application Fee: $160
University Application Fees: $50 – $100 (per university)
IELTS/TOEFL Test Fees: Around $180 – $250
GRE/GMAT Test Fees: Around $200 – $275
Source: https://research.collegeboard.org/
Cost of Living in the USA for Students
These costs may vary based on your location and personal spending habits
Utility Costs with Accommodation
Sometimes, your rent does not include utility costs. Always check your rental agreement before signing. Here are some common monthly utility expenses:
Electricity: $50 – $100 per month.
Heating: $50 – $100 per month.
Internet: $45 – $50 per month.
Phone subscription:$50 per month.
Water, sewer, and trash: These are often paid by the homeowner, but if not, they cost $50 – $75 every three months.
Food Costs
On average, groceries cost between $400 – $600 per month for one person. If you live on campus, you may choose a meal plan. This can cost about $250 per month
Transportation Cost
Travelling around the city is another part of your budget:
A monthly public transport pass costs between $45 and $100.
Some cities offer discounts to students. For example:
- In Cincinnati, student metro passes cost $53 per semester.
- In Nashville, it’s $44 per month.
Don't forget to add the airplane tickets for travelling between the USA and your home country. These can be expensive and may impact your total budget.
You may also want to take trips within the USA. A vacation or weekend trip might cost up to $500.
Additional Expenses
Some other things you’ll need to spend on:
Books and study materials: $400 – $1,000 per academic year.
Health insurance: $700 – $1,100 per year. This is important for your safety and may be required by your university.
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 from India
Here is a summary of the total cost of studying in USA for Indian students, including tuition, visa, and living expenses:
Average Tuition Fees (per year):
- Public Two-Year Colleges: ₹3.49 lakhs
- Public Four-Year Colleges (In-State): ₹10.01 lakhs
- Public Four-Year Colleges (Out-of-State): ₹26.55 lakhs
- Private Four-Year Colleges: ₹37.39 lakhs
Living Expenses (per year):
- Accommodation, food, transport, and utilities: ₹10.75 – ₹15.04 lakhs, approx.
Student Visa & Application Costs (one-time):
- SEVIS Fee: ₹30,184
- Visa Application Fee: ₹13,798
- University Application Fees: ₹4,312 – ₹8,624 (per university)
- IELTS/TOEFL Test Fee: ₹15,523 – ₹21,560
- GRE/GMAT Fee: ₹17,248 – ₹23,688
Books and Study Materials: ₹34,496 – ₹86,240 per year
Health Insurance: ₹60,368 – ₹94,864 per year
Flight Tickets (India–USA round trip): ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000 (varies)
You can consider an education loan for the USA to comfortably manage these expenses and focus on your academic journey.
Note: Students planning to pursue higher education abroad should thoroughly review the international student policies of their chosen country. Understanding the visa requirements, work regulations, and post-study opportunities will help them make informed decisions.
Note: Currency conversion is based on the April 2025 rate of 1 USD = ₹86.10. These are average estimates. Please research thoroughly or consult experts before making any decisions.
