USA is home to most Indian students due to the powerful academic reputation they continuously hold high for decades. The country is a dream destination for all international students globally due to the QS-ranked universities available, upgraded academic facilities provided, convenient option for payment of fees to study in USA, and more.
But before you can start choosing your dream university, you first need to divert your attention towards the total cost to study in USA. You need to arrange available funds as with each journey from enrolling to the university to when you start living in USA, these funds will make it a smooth sail that will enhance your education experience. So to help you understand this better, this blog covers complete details related to cost of studying in USA for Indian students.
Top Factors That Determine Cost Of Studying In USA
While you’re aware that USA provides the ideal student life for international students, in order to better reside in USA, it’s always good to have a check on the budgetary needs required. For international students looking to study in USA, there is a range of expenses that you will encounter.
Here is an overview of the popular expenses to study in USA:
- Cost of studying in USA for Indian students
- Living expenses to study in USA
- Other essential study cost in USA for Indian students
- Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival cost of studying in USA for International students
Let’s learn in detail about each of them.
Cost Of Studying In USA For Indian Students
Tuition fees are one of the most important and first expenses to study in USA. On average, the cost of studying in USA for international students is 45,000 USD/year. The fees to study in USA differ based on multiple factors such as the course undertaken, type of degree program, university basis, etc.
Here is an overview of the cost of studying in USA based on degree choice:
|
Degree Type |
Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|
8,000 - 40,000 USD /year |
|
|
10,000 - 60,000 USD /year |
To help you understand the fee structure better, here is another overview of the tuition fees to study in USA from top universities:
|
University Name |
Tuition Fees (USD) |
Tuition Fees (INR) |
|
50,000 - 55,000 USD/year |
39,16,150- 43,07,765 INR/year |
|
|
25,000 - 55,000 USD/year |
19,58,075- 43,07,765 INR/year |
|
|
25,000 - 51,000 USD/year |
19,58,075- 39,94,906 INR/year |
|
|
44,000 - 57,000 USD/year |
34,46,586- 44,64,895 INR/year |
|
|
55,000 - 59,000 USD/year |
43,07,765- 46,21, 558 INR/year |
For students with financial issues, USA provides a range of scholarship opportunities to international students. Based on the requirements, students can apply for the ideal scholarship. These scholarships cover most of the common expenses which are tuition fees, cost of living, etc.
Living Expenses To Study In USA
The next factor that impacts the cost of studying in USA for Indian students in rupees is the cost of living in US. On average, the cost of living in USA ranges between 10,000- 20,000 USD/ year.
The cost of living can vary as it is determined by several factors such as the area you choose to live in USA, type of accommodation, what transport you use to travel, where you dine, etc.
Most of the expenses from a student front would be rent from accommodations, transportation, miscellaneous expenses, groceries, internet, food, etc. The living expenses to study in USA will differ from one student to another due to the lifestyle choices made.
Here is an overview of the expected living expenses in USA:
|
Expenses |
Average Cost |
|
Apartment housing including utilities |
17,200 USD/year |
|
Food |
6,500 USD/year |
|
Dormitory housing |
7,588 - 11,914 USD/year |
|
Food for dormitory residents |
2,487 USD/year |
|
Books and supplies |
900 USD/year |
|
Miscellaneous |
6,700 USD/year |
Other Essential Study Cost In USA For Indian Students
Apart from the two stated costs mentioned above, there are other essential costs which you should know about that is also included in the total cost to study in USA. These costs are important as it is the prime source to commence your initial journey to USA.
Here is an overview of the same:
1. SEVIS Fees
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a database where all information related to international students are saved, including their top reasons to travel to USA. Once you're accepted into your dream university, the former will share the SEVIS number on the I-20. Students should pay the SEVIS fee which is 350 USD before filing the form for visa application.
2. Visa Application Fees
When applying to study in USA, international students are required to apply for a student visa. For students alone, applying for the F1 visa is common. This is applicable to students who are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or a study course which has more than 18 hours of study period in a week.
Students are required to pay a visa application fee which costs 160 USD. Apart from this, there is also a visa issuance fee that is required to be paid if your visa is approved, however for Indian students, there is no need to pay the same.
3. Health Insurance
Health Insurance is one of the most important factors to consider when thinking about the cost of studying in USA. Having health insurance makes it affordable for you to access medical care in the country. The cost of availing health insurance in USA is 500-1000 USD/year.
4. Application Fee
Students when submitting their application form should pay a non-refundable application fee. This fee will differ based on universities. However the most application fees range from 65-85 USD.
5. Counseling Fees
Many students prefer to undergo a counseling session before they arrive in USA. Making the right educational choice matters, which is why having a counseling session can help students pick the course which suits their interests and skills best. A counseling session costs around 340 USD and can differ based on the counselors chosen.
Pre-Arrival & Post-Arrival Cost Of Studying In USA For International Students
Lastly, there are a few more costs that you will need to consider during your study cost in USA for Indian students. We have divided these costs into two categories pre-arrival and post-arrival.
Let’s learn about each of them in detail:
1. Pre-Arrival Costs
Before you travel to USA, there are a set of costs that you need to cater to. Here is an overview of the same.
Entrance Exams
Students are required to give entrance exams based on the course taken. For instance, if you wish to study a medical course in USA, you’re required to take up a MCAT, NEET exam, etc.
Thus here is an overview of the popular entrance exams required in USA:
|
Exams |
Fee Cost |
|
MCAT |
315-320 USD |
|
NEET |
20 USD |
|
245-255 USD |
|
|
190 USD |
|
|
205 USD |
|
|
275 USD |
|
|
60 USD |
Airfare
The airfare costs range between 390- 1300 USD. This figure will change based on the trip made, air flight chosen, booking dates, the place you’re travelling from, where in USA you will land, etc.
2. Post- Arrival Costs
Once you arrive in USA, there are two such costs that you will have to pay regularly, which are tuition fees and cost of living.
Tuition Fees
The cost to study in USA is 45,000 USD/year. The fee structure however will change based on the university you’ve chosen, course undertaken and the study level.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in USA ranges between 10,000- 20,000 USD/year. The cost of living will vary from one student to another since the lifestyle choices will be different. You can expect most expenses to be accommodation, transport, miscellaneous expenses, etc.
Wrapping Up….
If you manage your cost of studying in America, it becomes easy to enjoy the educational and social life there. USA has always been on the list of best countries to study abroad, now that you have the complete study in USA cost in rupees, it becomes easier for you to plan your budgetary journey. On this note, it’s time to apply to the top universities in USA and begin a journey towards a fruitful educational and career path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cost Of Studying In USA For Indian Students
Ques: Is the cost of studying in USA affordable for Indian students?
Ans: Yes, the study cost in USA for Indian students is affordable as the budget is determined based on the expenses of a student.
Ques: Is it difficult to get US study visa?
Ans: No, it isn’t difficult to get a US study visa as long as you check all the requirements mentioned for the same.
Ques: How to get scholarship to manage the expenses to study in USA?
Ans: The cost of studying in USA for Indian students becomes easier with scholarships. You can find them either on official scholarship websites or university pages under financial aid.
Ques: Which is the easiest country to get student visa?
Ans: USA is one amongst the many countries where international students can easily get a student visa.
Ques: Can the cost to study in USA for Indian students be free?
Ans: If you have scholarships, you can receive either full or partial funding. However international students are liable to pay tuition fees to study in USA.