Millions of students around the world dream of studying in the United States. Improving their future prospects, obtaining a high quality higher education and having access to better opportunities are some of the reasons why so many students want to study at a university in the U.S. And the best part? There are many famous universities and colleges to choose from.
However, the U.S. is also known for the cost of education. Its universities are some of the most expensive in the world, the annual investment can reach five figures; but this could vary depending on what you are looking for and where you are looking for it, as most universities do not have a standardized fee system.
There are several types of institutions available in the United States, from public to private and community colleges, one more expensive than the other. While a public institute charges between $35,000 and $45,000, private ones have fees ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 per year.
As you can see, studying in the U.S. can be expensive, but planning your budget wisely can help you control your finances effectively. That's why here we leave you a guide so you know all the expenses you could end up having as a student in the United States:
Tuition costs:
Tuition fees depend on the university or course you want to take, as they differ from one institution to another. However, one thing that is certain is that international students almost always pay more than U.S. students.
Most commonly, courses in the humanities, education and the arts are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering tend to be more expensive. If you want to study for a graduate degree or MBA, tuition is usually higher. The average cost of these programs is around $60,000.
Undergraduate:
The price of undergraduate degrees varies widely. International students pay between $25,000 and $35,000 per year at a public university and between $30,000 and $45,000 at a private university; although you can also find private institutions that charge between $50,000-55,000 per year.
On the other hand, there are community colleges. They are a cheaper option; you will receive a technical degree-not a bachelor's degree-because they only offer two-year courses. Their prices range from $2,500-$3,000 per year.
Postgraduate:
The fees for a postgraduate degree depend on the courses you choose. In general, doctoral or master's degrees cost less than MBAs or medical specializations. International students typically pay between $20,000 and $35,000 per year at public universities and between $35,000 and $50,000 at private universities.
English courses:
As with any other degree of study, prices for courses at English academies vary depending on which one you choose and where you decide to reside. It could cost you between $700 and $2,000 per month for language classes.
To sum up:
Public University (undergraduate) - 25,000 and $35,000 per year
Private University (undergraduate) - $30,000 and $45,000 per year
Public University (graduate) - $20,000 and $35,000 per year
Private University (graduate) - $35,000 and $50,000 per year
English courses - $700 and $2,000 per year
Housing Costs:
Most universities offer their international students on-campus residence. This is a very affordable option; dormitories are usually shared with 2 or 3 other students, prices include basic utilities - water, electricity and Internet - and range from $5,000 to $8,000 per year.
However, you can also choose to stay in an off-campus residence. You can share an apartment with other students or you can live on your own. The rent depends on the area; but keep in mind that you will have to pay electricity, internet and water bills along with the monthly rent. The usual price for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the size and location.
Daily expenses:
It is important to take into account your daily and basic needs such as emergencies, shopping, groceries, food, water, clothing, books and study materials. When living abroad you will need to keep track of even the smallest expenses, which will help you monitor your total expenses and plan your budget.
A good estimate would be $10,000 to $25,000 per year, all depending on the city you choose to live in. Here are the most common expenses you will need to include in your budget:
- Internet/phone: $35 - $60
- Food: $30 - $60
- Electricity/gas: $70 - $120
- Transportation: $36 - $50
-Social activities: $60 - $80
Health cost:
It is mandatory for all students traveling to the U.S. to have health insurance prior to the start of their studies. Several universities offer comprehensive insurance plans for international students, but they are only applicable while your program is in progress and cease upon completion.
However, there are some institutions that do not offer this convenience, so you will have to take out private health insurance. This will cost you between $700 and $1,500 per year, depending on the package you choose.
Which are the cheapest states to study in the United States?
1. Indiana
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Kansas
5. Missouri
6. Tennessee
7. Oklahoma
8. Arkansas
9. Mississippi
10. Iowa
If you want to study in the United States, but don't know where to start, here is everything you need to know about how to get a student visa.
However, the U.S. is also known for the cost of education. Its universities are some of the most expensive in the world, the annual investment can reach five figures; but this could vary depending on what you are looking for and where you are looking for it, as most universities do not have a standardized fee system.
There are several types of institutions available in the United States, from public to private and community colleges, one more expensive than the other. While a public institute charges between $35,000 and $45,000, private ones have fees ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 per year.
As you can see, studying in the U.S. can be expensive, but planning your budget wisely can help you control your finances effectively. That's why here we leave you a guide so you know all the expenses you could end up having as a student in the United States:
Tuition costs:
Tuition fees depend on the university or course you want to take, as they differ from one institution to another. However, one thing that is certain is that international students almost always pay more than U.S. students.
Most commonly, courses in the humanities, education and the arts are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering tend to be more expensive. If you want to study for a graduate degree or MBA, tuition is usually higher. The average cost of these programs is around $60,000.
Undergraduate:
The price of undergraduate degrees varies widely. International students pay between $25,000 and $35,000 per year at a public university and between $30,000 and $45,000 at a private university; although you can also find private institutions that charge between $50,000-55,000 per year.
On the other hand, there are community colleges. They are a cheaper option; you will receive a technical degree-not a bachelor's degree-because they only offer two-year courses. Their prices range from $2,500-$3,000 per year.
Postgraduate:
The fees for a postgraduate degree depend on the courses you choose. In general, doctoral or master's degrees cost less than MBAs or medical specializations. International students typically pay between $20,000 and $35,000 per year at public universities and between $35,000 and $50,000 at private universities.
English courses:
As with any other degree of study, prices for courses at English academies vary depending on which one you choose and where you decide to reside. It could cost you between $700 and $2,000 per month for language classes.
To sum up:
Public University (undergraduate) - 25,000 and $35,000 per year
Private University (undergraduate) - $30,000 and $45,000 per year
Public University (graduate) - $20,000 and $35,000 per year
Private University (graduate) - $35,000 and $50,000 per year
English courses - $700 and $2,000 per year
Housing Costs:
Most universities offer their international students on-campus residence. This is a very affordable option; dormitories are usually shared with 2 or 3 other students, prices include basic utilities - water, electricity and Internet - and range from $5,000 to $8,000 per year.
However, you can also choose to stay in an off-campus residence. You can share an apartment with other students or you can live on your own. The rent depends on the area; but keep in mind that you will have to pay electricity, internet and water bills along with the monthly rent. The usual price for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from $6,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the size and location.
Daily expenses:
It is important to take into account your daily and basic needs such as emergencies, shopping, groceries, food, water, clothing, books and study materials. When living abroad you will need to keep track of even the smallest expenses, which will help you monitor your total expenses and plan your budget.
A good estimate would be $10,000 to $25,000 per year, all depending on the city you choose to live in. Here are the most common expenses you will need to include in your budget:
- Internet/phone: $35 - $60
- Food: $30 - $60
- Electricity/gas: $70 - $120
- Transportation: $36 - $50
-Social activities: $60 - $80
Health cost:
It is mandatory for all students traveling to the U.S. to have health insurance prior to the start of their studies. Several universities offer comprehensive insurance plans for international students, but they are only applicable while your program is in progress and cease upon completion.
However, there are some institutions that do not offer this convenience, so you will have to take out private health insurance. This will cost you between $700 and $1,500 per year, depending on the package you choose.
Which are the cheapest states to study in the United States?
1. Indiana
2. Georgia
3. Alabama
4. Kansas
5. Missouri
6. Tennessee
7. Oklahoma
8. Arkansas
9. Mississippi
10. Iowa
If you want to study in the United States, but don't know where to start, here is everything you need to know about how to get a student visa.