Cost of Studying in the USA for International Students 2025

The cost of studying in the US is a major concern for international students. The cost of studying in the US and living in the US are major factors determining whether the United States of America (USA) is a feasible destination for higher studies. The tuition fee for the USA varies according to the different universities, courses, and cities within a country. The average tuition fee is around  USD 50,000 annually for top colleges in the US. Also, the cost fluctuates while pursuing different courses.

For example, pursuing an MBA is costlier than pursuing an Arts degree. The average cost of pursuing an MBA is around USD 75,000, while an Arts degree typically costs around USD 40,000. Colleges in the US, which offer undergraduate programs of a longer duration, may cost students more than the usual one year of postgraduate study; however, the tuition fee should not be taken as a yardstick for the quality of education being provided by the institution. Moreover, students who wish to study in the US should note that tuition fees for government-funded institutions are generally lower than those for private universities.

Cost of Studying in the US 2024-25

The following data reveals the recent cost of studying in the US:

• According to the College Tuition Inflation Rate Report, published by EducationData, the annual inflation rate for higher education institutions in the US stood at 8%
• National Center for Education Statistics data reveals that the average fee for a 4-year program in a private non-profit academic institution was USD 41,540 for 2023-24
• For 2024-25, 1-year cost of an undergraduate program at Harvard University was USD 82,866. 

(Source: Trends in College Pricing 2024 by CollegeBoard)

The cost of studying in public universities in USA is slightly cheaper than that of private universities in USA. Applicants who want to study in USA but at an affordable price, can consider public university systems like:

1. California State University
2. University of California
3. State University of New York
4. University of Texas
5. University of North Carolina

Apart from these, there are high ROI universities in USA which also include Ivy League schools, that can be considered for studying in USA if looking for lucrative options. 

Cost of Popular Courses in the US 2025

The top universities in the US are Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, and Stanford University. Most of the country's best colleges are in cities like Boston, New York, Cambridge, Old Saybrook, and New Haven. The more urbanized the place, the costlier it will be.

Business Management, Computer Science, Finance and Accounting, Economics, and Communications/Media are popular courses that Indian students pursue in the US. The cost of studying in the US in a full-time course for the following courses per annum is as follows:

• MBA courses in the US cost INR 59.93 lakhs.
• The cost of studying for a full-time MS in the US is 16.2 Lakhs, and
• The cost of studying a full-time BE/ B. Tech course in the US is INR 47.08 lakhs.

Average Cost of Living in the US

The expenses to studying in the USA can be broken down into living, food and studying expenses. The tuition fees for a particular country form one major chunk of the expenditure; the other is the living cost while in the country. Students living in the city would be shelling out more money than students who stay in the suburban part of the country. A student spends approximately USD 15,000 – USD 20,000 per year on living expenses while studying in the US. However, this amount entirely depends on the location where a student lives. If a student decides to reside in a metropolitan city, he will spend more than one who opts for a hostel or suburban accommodation.

Cost of Living in the US - the average cost of living in the USA generally includes the following expenses:

• Accommodation
• Room and board
• Food
• Travel
• Textbooks
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Entertainment
• Personal and miscellaneous expenses

Other expenses that are taken into consideration under living expenses include:

• Travel expenses between India and the country of choice during vacation time
• Large purchases, such as a PC, furniture, or even a rental car
• Medical expenses which are not covered by health insurance, e.g. dental care, eye care, cosmetic treatments
• Social outings
• Weekend trips
• Variable expenses.

Considering these factors, we have gathered an all-inclusive average living expenses index for students wanting to travel abroad. Students from India can expect to shell out around INR 8.85 Lakhs per annum to cover their living and meal expenses while studying in the US. Plus, student visa fees for USA from India applying for undergraduate courses in rupees is 13,056.

USA Education Loan

Often, studying in the US can prove to be an expensive endeavour. The biggest challenge in studying in the USA is arranging funds to study there. Although many financial aid opportunities are available for students who want to study in the USA, along with scholarships and grants that can help you fund your studies, getting financial aid is not as easy as it sounds. Also read about: FAFSA for Indian Students

The cost of living and studying in a country like the USA can be exorbitant and not everyone can afford it. However, the aspiration to study abroad and achieve success in life always drives you to overcome these hurdles. Arranging funds is one of the most crucial aspects of the entire process. Various banks have recognised this scenario and simplified the financing of higher education by offering education loans for studying in the US.

Several banks and financial institutions are willing to provide education loans for students to study abroad. Education loans are a significant investment for any student, and understanding the terms and conditions before applying is crucial. Some banks offer student loans at competitive rates and provide students with various benefits, such as flexible repayment options and low interest rates. Candidates must adhere to the guidelines to be considered successfully for a student loan to study abroad. Candidates seeking to study in the US, with the assistance of an education loan, must provide financial institutions and banks with documents and security for their loan amount.