Studying in the United States is a dream for many Indian and international students. With its world-class universities, diverse culture, and opportunities for personal and academic growth, the USA remains a top destination for education.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the USA ranks second in the list of Best Countries to Study Abroad. However, pursuing higher education in the US can be a significant financial investment.Â
In this blog by MSM Unify, we will delve into the costs associated with studying in the USA in 2025, helping you better understand the financial aspects of your educational journey.
The cost of studying in the USA varies from institution to institution. The cost of studying in the US can vary widely depending on several factors, including the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral), the specific university or college, the location, and your lifestyle.
Type of education | Fees in dollars | Fees in INRÂ |
Bachelor’s degree | $8,000 – $40,000 | INR 6,49,436 – INR 32,47,182 |
Master’s degree | $10,000 – $60,000 | INR 8,11,796 – INR 48,70,773 |
Here is a summary of the typical annual costs associated with studying in the USA:Tuition fees of studying in the USA for international students
Every year, students from around the world flock to enroll in prestigious US universities, with aspirations of pursuing their dream careers in the vibrant and captivating cities of the US, including New York, Pennsylvania, Seattle, and Chicago.Â
These urban centers are home to some of the globe’s top educational institutions. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the expenses associated with studying in the US for international students can be quite substantial.
Tuition fees | – Master’s degree: Tuition fees for international undergraduate students can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more per year at public universities (out-of-state rates) and $30,000 to $70,000 or more per year at private universities. – Bachelor’s degree: Graduate tuition fees can vary widely, but they often range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year. Some professional programs may be more expensive. |
Living expenses | – Housing: The cost of accommodation can vary based on whether you live on-campus or off-campus, as well as the location. On average, expect to spend $10,000 to $20,000 per year on housing and utilities. – Food: Budget approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per year for groceries and dining expenses. – Transportation: Depending on your location and transportation needs, you might spend $1,000 to $3,000 per year on transportation costs. |
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Visa fees | The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is $350, and visa application fees vary based on your home country. |
Health insurance is mandatory for international students. Universities typically offer their insurance plans, which can cost around $1,000 – $3,000 per year. | |
Textbooks and course materials | Plan on spending around $500 – $1,000 per year for textbooks and school supplies. |
Miscellaneous expenses | These include household supplies, stationery, and other incidental costs that can add up to approximately $50 – $100 per month. |
Here are the top 5 universities in the USA, along with their average tuition:
Name of universities | Fees in dollars | Fees in INR |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $50,000 – $55,000 | INR 39,16,150 – INR 43,07,765 |
Stanford University | $25,000 – $55,000 | INR 19,58,075 – INR 43,07,765 |
Harvard University | $25,000 – $51,000 | INR 19,58,075 – INR 39,94,906 |
California Institute of Technology | $44,000 – $57,000 | INR 34,46,586 – INR 44,64,895 |
*Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on the specific course of study, scholarships, and other factors.
Course area | Low range | High range | Average range |
Humanities (e.g., English, History, Philosophy) | $23,000 | $43,000 | $30,000 – $35,000 |
Education | $25,000 | $40,000 | $30,000 – $35,000 |
Arts (e.g., Music, Theater, Visual Arts) | $28,000 | $45,000 | $32,000 – $38,000 |
Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Economics) | $28,000 | $48,000 | $35,000 – $40,000 |
Business (e.g., Management, Marketing, Finance) | $33,000 | $53,000 | $38,000 – $45,000 |
Science & Technology (e.g., Biology, Computer Science, Engineering) | $33,000 | $53,000 | $40,000 – $48,000 |
Law | $40,000 | $70,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
Medicine | $50,000+ | $80,000+ | $60,000+ |
Overall, studying in the US will provide you with plenty of opportunities in the future. If you will invest in a good education it will broaden your horizons and experience. In the beginning, the cost of studying in the US can be overwhelming but do not worry and make the best out of it.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the post-arrival costs you might encounter while studying in the USA:
While there’s no single definitive ranking of “best” student cities in the USA, here’s a breakdown of the estimated cost of living in some popular student cities with varying affordability levels:
City | Estimated Monthly Cost of Living (Excluding Tuition) |
San Francisco, CA | $3,500+ |
Boston, MA | $3,000 – $3,500 |
New York City, NY | $3,300+ |
Los Angeles, CA | $2,800 – $3,300 |
Chicago, IL | $2,500 – $3,000 |
Washington D.C. | $2,500 – $3,000 |
Austin, TX | $2,000 – $2,500 |
Philadelphia, PA | $1,800 – $2,300 |
Atlanta, GA | $1,800 – $2,200 |
San Diego, CA | $2,000 – $2,500 |
Remember: Tuition fees will be a major additional cost on top of living expenses. Be sure to factor those in when comparing the affordability of different student cities.
Determining the absolute “top 3” scholarships for the USA can be subjective as it depends on your field of study, nationality, and academic background. However, here are 3 highly competitive and well-regarded scholarship programs to consider:
1. Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright offers prestigious scholarships for international graduate students (Master’s level) from over 140 countries to study and conduct research at U.S. universities across all disciplines (excluding medicine). It focuses on fostering mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations.
Key features:
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, these scholarships support outstanding international students from outside the United Kingdom to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc, or Ph.D.) in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge.
Key features:
3. Marshall scholarships: Funded by the British government, Marshall Scholarships support outstanding U.S. graduates to pursue a one or two-year postgraduate degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in any subject at a participating university in the United Kingdom.
Key features:
If you are struggling to get the right guidance and support from overseas educational consultants, please contact MSM Unify as soon as possible!
At MSM Unify, you can explore more than 50,000 courses across 1500+ educational institutions across the globe. MSM Unify has helped 1,50,000+ students achieve their study abroad dream so far. Now, it is your turn to attain your study-abroad dreams and elevate your professional journey!
Cost to study in USA
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The cost of a 4-year degree in the USA varies widely depending on the type of institution and location. On average, for tuition and fees alone, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to $160,000 or more.
Yes, education in the USA is generally expensive, with high tuition fees and additional costs for books, housing, and living expenses.
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