Cost of Studying in USA
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
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When you dream of studying in the USA, you’re not just thinking about top universities and amazing careers—you’re also wondering, “How much will it actually cost me?” Let’s break it down clearly, so you can plan smartly and stress less.
Tuition Fees in the USA (Approx.)
Your biggest expense will be tuition, and it varies by course and degree type. Here’s what Indian students usually pay:
- Undergraduate (UG): $20,000 – $45,000 per year (₹16–37 lakhs)
- Master’s (PG): $25,000 – $50,000 per year (₹20–41 lakhs)
- MBA: $40,000 – $70,000 per year (₹33–57 lakhs)
- PhD: $28,000 – $55,000 per year (₹23–45 lakhs) – often reduced with assistantships & funding
Tip: Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones. Also, research-based programs often provide tuition waivers + stipends.
Living Costs in the USA
- Rent/Accommodation: $600 – $1,200 (₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000)
- Food/Groceries: $250 – $400 (₹20,000 – ₹33,000)
- Transport (metro/bus/ride-share): $100 – $200 (₹8,000 – ₹16,000)
- Health Insurance: $500 – $1,000 per year (₹40,000 – ₹82,000)
- Miscellaneous (phone, internet, leisure, clothes, etc.): $200 – $300 (₹16,000 – ₹25,000)
Hidden Costs Students Forget
Apart from tuition and living, don’t miss these:
- Visa Fee: $185 (₹15,000)
- SEVIS Fee: $350 (₹29,000)
- Airfare (India → USA one-way): $700 – $1,200 (₹58,000 – ₹1,00,000)
- Books & Supplies: $500 – $1,000 per year (₹40,000 – ₹82,000)
- Laptop & Gadgets: One-time $800 – $1,500 (₹65,000 – ₹1,20,000)
Want a personalised first-year budget (with exact tuition + living estimate for your course & choice of city)?
Average Annual Cost for Indian Students
| Expense Type | Average Cost (USD) | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (UG/MS) | $25,000 – $45,000 | ₹20 – 37 Lakhs |
| Living Expenses | $10,000 – $18,000 | ₹8 – 15 Lakhs |
| Visa + SEVIS + Fees | $700 – $1,000 | ₹58,000 – 82,000 |
| Hidden Costs | $1,200 – $2,000 | ₹1 – 1.6 Lakhs |
Total Budget Estimate: $35,000 – $65,000 (₹29–53 lakhs) per year
How to Save Money as a Student
Studying abroad doesn’t mean you need to burn a hole in your pocket. Here are smart ways Indian students save big in the USA:
- Apply for scholarships & grants (many U.S. universities offer partial or full scholarships).
- Work as a Research/Teaching Assistant (RA/TA) to get stipends + tuition waivers.
- Choose shared housing instead of solo apartments.
- Use student discounts (on transport, software, restaurants, even movie tickets!).
- Cook at home instead of eating out daily.
Why This Matters
Being financially prepared helps you avoid surprises and focus on your studies & career growth. Many Indian students manage costs smartly through scholarships, assistantships, and budget-friendly cities.
