How to Determine the Cost of Studying in the USA?

Some of the most top-tier universities in the US although don’t come cheap but they can help students level-up their careers. The cost of studying there can go as high as $9762. However, there are several ways in which you can reduce your expenses.

The USA is a popular destination for international students to study abroad. According to a report, the total number of international students admitted in 2019 to study in the USA was 1,095,299, which amounts to 5.5% of total academic students. 

Some of the most top-tier universities in the US although don’t come cheap but they can help students level-up their careers. The cost of studying there can go as high as $9762. However, there are several ways in which you can reduce your expenses.  

So, here’s a comprehensive take on the cost of studying in USA for Indian students and different ways to optimize expenses.

Major Expenses: Academic Costs

When you opt for universities in the US, there are two categories to choose from- State and Private. University fees in USA for international students choosing from different state universities will be lower than their private counterparts. 

Another factor to remember is that the tuition fee depends on the type of university, courses, and qualifications. For example, in the USA, the tuition fees in top-tier universities can go up to $60000, which is not affordable for every student. 

If you consider the cost of tuition fees based on the courses, humanities, arts, music, and other such education courses, they are cheaper than medicine or engineering. Undergrad students have tuition fees far more affordable than post-graduate students. 

Here are tuition fees based on the level of studies in the USA for International students

• English language studies -$700 to $2,000 per month
• Community colleges- $6,000 to $20,000 per year
• Undergraduate bachelor degree– $20,000 to $40,000 per year
• Graduate programs– $20,000 to $45,000 per year
• Doctoral degree- $28,000 to $55,000 per year

Accommodation costs

One of the significant cost of studying in USA is accommodation. It can cost about $600 in a county or rural area and can go up to $3000 for a one-bedroom apartment in a metro city like Boston or LA. However, you can save money by renting a place or sharing a room outside the campus of your university, which can cost up to $450 per month. 

Visa costs

Visa costs start from the basic application fee, which is around $160. It is one of the vital aspects of your study abroad as, without a visa, you are not permitted to enter a country. In the US, there are three categories of student visas you can apply for, 

• “F” Student Visa- to study in a US college or university or study English at an English language institute.
• “J” Exchange Visa- for participation in an exchange program of high school or university. 
• “M” Student Visa-Vocational study or training 

Apart from Visa, tuition fee, and accommodation costs, there are other expenses like transportation, food, supplies, books, and miscellaneous activities.

Food & Transportation Costs

Transportation costs contribute to a major part of your overall expenses after academic costs. According to a report, on an average a student spends about $1760 per year on transportation costs in the USA. The best way to reduce such costs is by leveraging carpooling or using a ride-sharing approach where you can share cabs with fellow students. 

Local authorities are also promoting free transport services on specific days of the week for students through different programs. 

Food expenses depend on your taste and eating habits. For example, if you are used to eating home-cooked food, the groceries cost is around $125 per month. On the other hand, the cost of eating outside the campus or on weekends can go up to $75. 

So, you can have home-cooked food not only to stay healthy but also to reduce costs. Another way is to opt for a complete package of food plus accommodation in hostels or Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).

Conclusion

Studying abroad is not that easy, especially when you are on a budget. So, if you are planning to study in the USA, you need to plan everything from visa to accommodation and even transportation. However, smart budgeting and tips like renting a place outside the university or even choosing public transport over riding taxis can help.

Most importantly, a proper estimate of the cost of studying in USA for Indian students or any international student helps you plan your budget in time. 

Get more information on study overseas at The WorldGrad.

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Author: Deepak Shukla