Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
The USA is one of the most popular destinations for higher education, attracting students from around the world. It is home to 25 universities ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, offering world-class education, research opportunities, and global career prospects.
However, pursuing a bachelor's degree in the USA can be a major financial commitment, with costs ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 per year depending on the university, location, and lifestyle choices. Tuition fees alone can range from $17,000 at affordable public universities to over $67,000 at top private institutions. Additionally, living expenses vary by city, with annual costs (including rent) ranging from $37,800 in Tier 3 cities to $45,352 in Tier 1 cities like New York.
To help international students plan their finances effectively, this guide covers all the key financial aspects international students need to plan their budget effectively.
Explore: Study in USA for International Students
Cost of a Bachelor's Degree at Top Universities in the USA
The table below shows the annual tuition fees for top universities in the USA to help international students plan their finances wisely:
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | University Name | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $61,990 | ₹5,365,654 |
| #4 | Harvard University | $52,659 | ₹4,558,731 |
| #6 | Stanford University | $58,744 | ₹5,086,356 |
| #10 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | $60,864 | ₹5,266,913 |
| #11 | University of Pennsylvania | $63,452 | ₹5,497,780 |
| #12 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | $44,008 | ₹3,811,686 |
| #16 | Cornell University | $62,456 | ₹5,407,877 |
| #21 | University of Chicago | $67,446 | ₹5,839,676 |
| #22 | Princeton University | $59,710 | ₹5,169,625 |
| #23 | Yale University | $64,700 | ₹5,601,679 |
Affordable Public University for Bachelor's Degree in USA
The table below lists affordable public universities in the USA for international students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree:
| QS World University Ranking 2025 | University Name | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 245 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | $38,171 | ₹3,304,073 |
| 227 | Western Carolina University | $21,435 | ₹1,854,173 |
| 296 | South Dakota State University | $18,812 | ₹1,628,831 |
| 83 | Bemidji State University | $21,892 | ₹1,892,748 |
| 49 | Dickinson State University | $21,458 | ₹1,855,374 |
| 69 | California State University, Long Beach | $17,304 | ₹1,497,065 |
| 621-630 | University of South Florida | $17,324 | ₹1,498,805 |
Also Check: Cost of Studying in USA
Living Expenses to Study in USA
On average, the cost to live in America is 10,000 to 25,000 USD and varies depending on the chosen location. Accommodation expense is the biggest chunk of this, costing about 10,000 to 12,500 USD per year. US cities can be classified as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities based on the factors below
- Universities or educational institutions
- Cost of living
- Employment opportunities
- Health benefits
- Infrastructure
Following are some popular cities in USA and their respective yearly average cost of living for international students:
| Types of Cities | Cities | Annual Cost (USD) without rent | Annual Cost (USD) with Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | New York | $20,352 | $45,352 |
| Los Angeles | $16,368 | $41,368 | |
| Chicago | $15,564 | $40,564 | |
| Tier 2 | Washington DC | $16,212 | $42,212 |
| Atlanta | $16,056 | $41,056 | |
| Philadelphia | $14,976 | $39,976 | |
| Tier 3 | Baltimore | $14,472 | $38,472 |
| Cleveland | $14,208 | $38,208 | |
| Pittsburgh | $13,800 | $37,800 |
Other Essential Living Expenses
| Category | Expense Type | Tier 1 (High-Cost Cities) | Tier 2 (Medium-Cost Cities) | Tier 3 (Low-Cost Cities) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food & Groceries | Monthly Grocery Costs | $200 - $400 (₹16,814 - ₹33,628) | $200 - $400 (₹16,814 - ₹33,628) | $200 - $400 (₹16,814 - ₹33,628) |
| Meal for 1 Person | $135 (₹11,349) | $115 (₹9,668) | $85 (₹7,145) | |
| Meal for 2 Persons | $255 (₹21,438) | $195 (₹16,393) | $144 (₹12,106) | |
| Utilities | Basic Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating, Garbage) | $188 (₹15,798) | $197 (₹16,561) | $154 (₹12,947) |
| Mobile Phone Plan (10GB+ Data) | $68 (₹5,717) | $57 (₹4,792) | $44 (₹3,699) | |
| Internet (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data) | $72 (₹6,053) | $70 (₹5,885) | $69 (₹5,801) | |
| Transportation | Monthly Public Transport Pass | $132 (₹11,097) | $99 (₹8,322) | $77 (₹6,473) |
| Annual Public Transport Pass | $1,584 (₹133,166) | $1,188 (₹99,875) | $924 (₹77,680) | |
| Car Ownership | Gasoline (Per Gallon) | $3 - $5 (₹252 - ₹420) | $3 - $5 (₹252 - ₹420) | $3 - $5 (₹252 - ₹420) |
| Insurance & Parking Fees (Monthly) | $200 - $500 (₹16,814 - ₹42,035) | $200 - $500 (₹16,814 - ₹42,035) | $200 - $500 (₹16,814 - ₹42,035) |
Pre-arrival Expenses
| Expense Category | Details | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Standardized Tests | GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS; costs vary per exam. | ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Application Fees | Varies by university; MBA programs may have higher fees. | ₹4,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Visa Application Fee | F1 student visa application fee. | ₹15,500 |
| SEVIS Fee | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee. | ₹29,300 |
| Airfare | One-way flight from India to the USA; varies by airline and booking time. | ₹32,000 – ₹1,08,000 |
Affordable Study Strategies for Bachelor’s in the USA
Here are some smart ways for international students to save money while studying for a Bachelor's degree in the USA.
1. Find Affordable Housing
Living off-campus in a shared apartment is usually cheaper than staying in university dorms. Choosing a university in a smaller, more affordable city can also help save on rent.
2. Save on Food Expenses
Cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out and helps you stay healthy. Buying groceries in bulk and planning your meals can further cut down food costs.
3. Use Public Transportation
Owning a car comes with extra expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance. Using public transport, university shuttles, or bikes is a more budget-friendly option.
4. Work Part-Time to Earn Money
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters, earning between $9 to $17 per hour. Many students also work as Teaching or Research Assistants, which may come with financial benefits.
5. Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid
Several scholarships help cover tuition and even living expenses. Some great options include the Stanford Reliance Fellowship, Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, and AAUW International Fellowships for women.
6. Earn Through Stipends & Internships
Some universities offer stipends for research students, which can help with expenses. Paid internships during summer or winter breaks are also a great way to earn extra money while gaining experience.
7. Shop Smart & Use Discounts
Look out for student discounts on food, travel, and entertainment. Using cashback offers, discount cards, and shopping during sales can help save a lot of money.
Also Check: Public Universities in USA
Students should remember smart budgeting and cost-saving tips can help make a Bachelor's Degree in the USA more affordable. One just needs to plan expenses wisely, international students can avoid financial stress and focus on their studies while enjoying their experience abroad.
FAQs
Ques: Are tuition fees different for international students compared to domestic students?
Ans: Yes, public universities charge higher tuition for international students, while private universities have a fixed rate for both domestic and international students.
Ques: Is it cheaper to study in certain states in the USA?
Ans: Yes, states like Texas, Florida, and North Dakota generally have lower tuition and living costs compared to cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston.
Ques: How much does health insurance cost for international students in the USA?
Ans: Health insurance is mandatory for international students and can cost between $500 to $2,500 per year, depending on the university and coverage plan.
Ques: Which cities in the USA are the most expensive for international students?
Ans: Cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston have higher tuition fees and living costs, with annual expenses exceeding $45,000 including rent.
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