The table below provides an overview of the cost of studying in USA for Indian students.
Universities in USA | 5300 |
Average Living Expense | INR 8 lakh - INR 16 Lakh |
Popular Courses in USA | MS in USA | MBA in USA | BTech in USA | MIM in USA |
Part-time Work Allowance | 20 hours/week |
Work permit in USA post-study | 12 months |
USA Study Visa cost | 185 USD (INR 15,430) |
Tuition fees are the most critical expenses to study in USA. However, the cost may vary depending on the country, university, program, and course. Humanities, arts courses, and education are typically less expensive than areas such as medical, engineering, and business management. The table shows the average annual tuition fees for your chosen degree
Program | Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Average Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate (UG) | $8,000 - $40,000 | INR 6,49,436 - INR 32,47,182 |
Associate | $3,800 | INR 3,08,674 |
Postgraduate (PG) | $10,000 - $60,000 | INR 8,11,796 - INR 48,70,773 |
Doctoral | $28,000 - $55,000 | INR 22,73,027 - INR 44,67,435 |
English Language Studies | $700 - $2,000 (monthly) | INR 56,805 - INR 1,62,274 |
Engineering | $30,000 - $75,000 | INR 24,34,112 - INR 60,85,279 |
MBA | $50,000 - $60,000 | INR 40,56,853 - INR 48,70,773 |
Diploma | $500 - $20,000 | INR 40,569 - INR 16,22,741 |
Check the most popular courses list in USA preferred by international students.
Computer Science
Engineering
Business Management
Life Science courses
Social Sciences
Mathematics
Law
Business Administration
Finance
Here is the fee structure of top universities in the USA, which can help you better understand the cost of studying there.
University Name | Public/Private | Tuition Fees (USD) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Private | $50,000 - $55,000 | INR 39,16,150 - INR 43,07,765 |
Stanford University | Private | $25,000 - $55,000 | INR 19,58,075 - INR 43,07,765 |
Harvard University | Private | $25,000 - $51,000 | INR 19,58,075 - INR 39,94,906 |
California Institute of Technology | Private | $44,000 - $57,000 | INR 34,46,586 - INR 44,64,895 |
University of Chicago | Private | $55,000 - $59,000 | INR 43,07,765 - INR 46,21,558 |
University of Pennsylvania | Private | $60,000 - $62,000 | INR 46,21,558 - INR 48,08,699 |
Princeton University | Private | $52,000 | INR 40,56,853 |
Columbia University | Private | $62,000 | INR 48,08,699 |
Yale University | Private | $55,000 | INR 42,96,370 |
University of Texas at Dallas | Public | $13,000 | INR 10,07,458 |
University of Texas at Arlington | Public | $9,000 | INR 6,97,107 |
Texas A&M University | Public | $9,000 | INR 6,97,107 |
Arizona State University | Public | $13,000 | INR 10,07,458 |
Illinois Institute of Technology | Public | $31,000 | INR 24,14,680 |
University of Florid | Public | $12,000 | INR 9,31,620 |
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor | Public | $69,326 | INR 53,87,940 |
University of Virginia | Public | $63,780 | INR 49,57,847 |
Georgia Institute of Technology | Public | $52,222 | INR 40,61,423 |
University of North Carolina | Public | $36,776 | INR 28,59,019 |
University of California, Berkeley | Public | $55,600 | INR 43,15,669 |
University of Texas at Austin | Public | $43,149 | INR 33,55,835 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | Public | $27,938 | INR 21,70,861 |
Purdue University | Public | $9,992 | INR 7,76,195 |
Below, you will find the most affordable universities for international students in USA.
Bringham Young University
Southwest Minnesota State University
Dakota State University
Nicholls State University
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Another factor influencing the cost of studying in the United States for Indian students in rupees is the cost of living there. The average cost of living in USA ranges from INR 8,30,000 to INR 16,60,000 per year.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of all expenses of studying in the USA. This is a rough estimate of the cost of studying in USA. Take a peek.
Expenses | Average Cost of Living in USA per Month/Year |
---|---|
Tuition Fee | INR 37,40,000/year |
Application Fee | 4000 INR to 16500 INR |
Living Expenses | INR 8 Lakhs - INR 16 Lakhs /year |
Visa Fees | INR 29100 |
Entrance Examinations Fee | Vary depending on the exam |
SEVIS Fee | INR 30,000 |
In the United States, hotel expenses vary almost as much as general living expenditures. The typical apartment costs are 600 USD (for one-bedroom flats in more rural locations) and 3,300 USD or more (for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston). Renting outside of school in America may be cheaper than living on campus (450 USD/month for shared rooms). However, consider the distance to the university and the possibility of having to commute on a regular basis.
Groceries cost between 300 - 500 USD per person each month. This is determined by your food preferences and whether or not some meals are offered with your university accommodations. Look for the cheapest supermarkets to shop at, such as Walmart, Target, Costco, and Trader Joe's. If you live in the resident halls, you can choose the on-campus food plan, which costs roughly 250 USD per month.
A monthly public transit pass costs between $45 and $100 (some colleges provide student discounts, but not all). For example, in Cincinnati, a student metro fare card is issued for USD 53 every semester, and in Nashville, a monthly public transit pass costs USD 44.
In addition to purchasing or renting a home, homeowners and renters must pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other maintenance expenses. These expenditures might vary significantly based on the home's location, size, age, and local tax rate.
The cost of living in USA depends on several factors, such as accommodation type, transportation, food habits, etc. Here is an overview of the average cost based on the expected living expenses in the USA.
Expenses | Average Cost (INR) |
---|---|
Apartment housing, including utilities | INR 1,20,000 |
Food | INR 45,031 |
Dormitory housing | INR 52,500 - INR 5,00,000 |
Food for dormitory residents | INR 17,229 |
Books and supplies | INR 6,200 |
Miscellaneous | INR 4,583 |
There are a few additional fees that Indian students should consider when studying in the USA. We've divided this fee into two categories: pre-arrival and post-arrival.
Before you travel to the USA, there is a cost that you have to bear. The pre-arrival cost includes the following:
Entrance Exams
Students wishing to study in USA must take entrance tests according to the course they want to pursue. The IELTS, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and SAT/ACT are some of the most standardised entry examinations accepted by top universities in the USA. These assessments are part of the application process and assist in determining the student's English language competence and aptitude. However, it is crucial to note that not all colleges have the exact entrance exam requirements, and there may be certain exceptions in some situations. The table below lists the study abroad tests you can take.
Exams | Fee Cost |
---|---|
MCAT | INR 26,990 |
NEET | INR 1,000 - INR 1700 |
IELTS | INR 17000 |
TOEFL | INR 16,900 |
GRE | INR 14500, INR 22,500 |
GMAT | INR 22,800 |
SAT | INR 8,532 |
Airfare
Many students overlook the cost of an airline ticket when creating a financial budget. The cost of airfare when flying to the USA can vary, but it usually runs between 460$ and 1300$. The amount you pay varies depending on where you fly from, the airline you choose, the dates you book, your departure location, and the destination in the USA where you'll land.
Even after reaching the USA, there are costs that you have to pay on a regular basis.
Tuition Fee
The average cost of studying in the USA is INR 37,40,000/year, but the cost may vary depending on the university and program you choose.
Cost of Living
Living costs in the United States range from INR 8,30,000 to INR 16,60,000 per year. Due to diverse lifestyle choices, the cost of living will change from one student to the next. Most of your spending will likely be for lodging, transportation, and other minor expenses.
Apart from the two prices listed above, there are additional costs that you should be aware of that are included in the total cost of studying in USA. These charges are significant because they are the primary source for starting your initial voyage to the USA.
Here is an overview of the additional cost of living: -
SEVIS Fees (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) - The SEVIS database stores all information about international students, including their primary reasons for visiting the USA. When you are accepted to your dream university, the former will disclose the SEVIS number on your I-20. Students must pay the SEVIS cost of INR 30,000 before submitting their visa application.
Visa Application Fees - If you plan to study in the USA, you must apply for a study visa. It is not uncommon for students to seek an F1 visa. This applies to students enrolled in higher education such as undergraduate, graduate, or study courses with a study time of more than 18 hours per week.
Students must pay a visa application fee of INR 29100. If their visa is approved, they must also pay a visa issuance cost; however, Indian students are exempt from paying this fee.
Health Insurance - Regarding the cost of studying in USA, health insurance is one of the most crucial considerations. Having health insurance allows you to afford medical care around the country. Preparing to study in USA might be tricky due to the fees involved.
Application Fee - Students must pay a nonrefundable application fee when submitting an application form. The charge will fluctuate depending on the university. However, most application fees range between 4000 INR to 16500 INR.
Counselling Fees - Many students want a counselling session before arriving in the USA. Making the appropriate educational option is essential, which is why a counselling session may assist students in selecting the course that best suits their interests and skills. A counselling session costs roughly INR 28,000 and can vary depending on the counsellors hired.
Studying abroad is an expensive affair, especially when the country is the USA. The USA has the most Ivy League colleges and pursue higher education in a top-notch university. Scholarships help ease the financial burden of high tuition fees, cost of living and other expenses. Check out the list below for the most common scholarships for international students in the USA.
Scholarship | Description | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Cover tuition fees, travel, and living expenses. USD 1,00,000 (~75 lakhs) | Students pursuing courses other than Computer Science, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Public Health, Music & Film Animation |
Aga Foundation Scholarship | Provided as 50% grant and 50% loan. | Students from countries where the Aga Foundation operates |
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | covers billable AU expenses like tuition, room | 3.8 GPA equivalent out of 4.0 GPA |
Akhtar Ali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship | Awarded to MBA students. $25,000 | Awarded to students whose native is India |
Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarship | Provided by Illinois Wesleyan University USD 16,000 - USD 30,000 | Must be an international student enrolling for a UG course |
National Overseas Scholarship | Scholarship for students from the SC/ST community 15,400 USD | Family income less than 6,00,000 INR. |
SN Bose Scholarship | Airfare, health insurance, and stipend are covered. | Must be admitted in courses like Atmospheric & earth sciences, mathematical & computational, and chemical sciences. |
KC Mahindra Scholarship | Interest-free loan for PG students. 8 lac INR | Must have a first-class degree or equivalent diploma |
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship | Given to international students looking for master's courses. 20 lac INR. | Must apply for courses like Applied sciences, social sciences, pure sciences, architecture, Humanities, law, or management. |
Here are a few ways to reduce and manage your financial burden while studying in USA.
Research & Budget Accordingly - Tuition fee guides can help students estimate the cost of studying in USA. However, Indian students are more concerned about their living expenses. Pre-departure research and planning will be crucial in determining budget expectations.
Part-Time Jobs - Part-time jobs are a very common way for international students to supplement their income. This can help them manage their living expenses while studying in the USA. Even if it isn't much, it helps to alleviate increasing financial stress.
Shared Accommodation - Seeking housing on campus reduces both accommodation and transportation costs. Off-campus accommodations are typically more expensive than on-campus accommodations.
Students from India who want to study in USA now have an additional option: shared accommodation. This entails acquiring housing and sharing it with other people, preferably students. The costs can be shared equally among all roommates, and everyone effectively reduces their expenses.
Use Public Transport - The USA has a robust public transportation system, including taxis, buses, and subway services. Students can find the right fit based on location, travel distance, and budget.
Money saved on public transportation. Making the change necessitates that Indian students become acquainted with the timetable and schedule.
Here's a quick guide to managing your living expenses abroad. By planning your budget according to the given table, you live your life cost-effectively in the USA.
Aspects | Cost Analysis |
---|---|
Accommodation | 40% |
Food | 25% |
Transportation | 15% |
Health Insurance | 10% |
Other | 10% |
Ans. A non-immigrant visa application typically costs $185, which includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Petition-based visas, such as employment and religious visas, cost $315. Additional expenses for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and visa processing cost $510 for F-1 and M-1 visas and $160 for J-1 visas. If English is your second language, consider the cost of necessary language aptitude examinations.
Ans. Undergraduate degrees for international students typically cost between $25,000 and $35,000 at public universities versus $30,000 to $45,000 at private universities. There are community colleges that offer programs beginning at $18,000.
Ans. Scholarships make it more affordable for Indian students to study in the United States. You can locate them on official scholarship websites or university financial aid portals.
Ans. The USA is a popular study destination for Indian students interested in studying abroad. Most students want to study in the United States because it is known for its top-ranked universities and high-quality education.
Ans. The annual cost of studying in the United States for Indian students varies depending on the program type and university. Aspirants should expect to pay a minimum of 42000 - 48000 USD.
Ans. Students can pay for their education with scholarships, student loans, part-time jobs, work-study programs, and grants. Scholarships are an excellent source of money, while student loans and part-time work can help with living expenses.
Ans. Tuition, housing, food, transportation, clothing, textbooks, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs are among the expenses incurred by Indian students in the USA. These may vary depending on the course, geography, and lifestyle.
Ans. The financial requirements will be mentioned in your I-20 Form (it is a Certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student Status).
Ans. No, it is not difficult for Indians to get a USA student visa if you follow the instructions carefully.
Ans. Indian students find the cost of studying much easier to manage with scholarships in the USA. Try searching for official scholarships or check university pages to find out what financial aid is available.
Contact MOEC Experts for Study Abroad Guidance!