The average cost of studying in the US for international students is US$50,920 to US$65,470 per year at a four-year university, covering out-of-state tuition, housing, food, and books. Mandatory university health insurance (US$1,800 to US$5,300) and F-1 visa fees add to your initial required budget. This guide breaks down tuition by university type, regional living expenses, official Form I-20 proof-of-funds rules, and practical ways to reduce your expenses through scholarships and on-campus employment.
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Disclaimer: Figures in this guide are averages and estimates. Your real costs depend on your school, program, city, and lifestyle. Canadian dollar (CAD) amounts use the Bank of Canada rate of US$1 = C$1.41. Always confirm costs on your school's website and on the official US State Department website.
Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Study in the US?
According to the College Board's latest report, the average yearly budget for a full-time student in 2025-26 was:
These totals include the combined allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and other expenses. Your actual cost may be lower if you qualify for financial aid.
US Tuition Fees for International Students
Tuition varies by institution type, program, and degree level.
- Public universities: Funded by each state. International students usually pay the out-of-state rate, which averaged US$31,880 a year in 2025-26.
- Private nonprofit universities: Set their own fees. The average was US$45,000 a year in 2025-26, and top private universities can charge much more.
- Community colleges (public 2-year): The lowest tuition. The average for local students was US$4,150 in 2025-26. International students pay more than this, so check each college's international fee.
Graduate tuition (master's and PhD programs) varies a lot by school and program. Many graduate students also apply for assistantships, which can cover some or all of their tuition.
Tip! Starting at a community college and then transferring to a university (a "2+2" pathway) can lower the total cost of a bachelor's degree.
Living Costs in the US
Living costs depend on where you study. Big cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco cost much more than smaller college towns.
Housing
- On-campus housing: Many first-year students live in campus housing with a meal plan. The College Board's average for housing and food was US$13,900 a year at public 4-year schools and US$15,920 at private schools in 2025-26.
- Off-campus housing: Typical US rent across all home types was about US$1,930 a month in September 2026, according to Zillow. Sharing an apartment with roommates can lower your costs a lot.
Sharing accommodation with roommates can reduce rent and utility expenses. Before signing a lease, check the deposit, lease term, utility charges, transport links, and whether furniture is included.
Transportation
Transportation costs depend on where you live and how far you travel to campus. Some universities offer discounted transit passes or campus shuttles, while others require students to arrange their own transportation.
Check your university's transportation services and the local transit authority's current fares when preparing your budget. If you need a car, allow for insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance, and registration costs.
Books and Supplies
The College Board's 2025–26 budget includes books and supplies within a combined allowance for books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses: US$5,140 at public four-year universities for out-of-state students and US$4,550 at private nonprofit four-year universities.
Your actual spending on course materials depends on your program. You may be able to save by renting textbooks, purchasing used books, borrowing library copies, or using materials provided by instructors.
Other Monthly Costs
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Health Insurance
Health insurance can be a significant additional expense for international students in the US. Requirements and prices vary by university, state, program, and insurance plan.
Some institutions automatically enroll international students in a university-sponsored plan. Others allow students to use an alternative policy if it meets the institution's requirements.
Before accepting an offer, check:
- The annual premium and payment deadlines.
- Whether enrollment in the university plan is mandatory.
- Whether an alternative insurance policy is permitted.
- Deductibles, copayments, coverage limits, and exclusions.
- Whether prescription medication, emergency care, and specialist visits are covered.
Do not rely on a single national price estimate for health insurance. Request the current premium and coverage details directly from your university.
F-1 Student Visa Fees
Before you travel, you will need to pay these fees:
Note: Visa fees and rules can change. Check the website of the US embassy or consulate in your country for the latest fees before your appointment.
Proof of Funds for Your I-20
To get your Form I-20 (the document your school issues so you can apply for an F-1 visa), you must show you can pay for at least your first year of tuition and living costs. Your school lists the estimated cost on your I-20. You must also show how you will pay for later years.
Prepare Your Proof of Funds
Learn what financial documents you need for your I-20 and student visa, and how to get them ready.
How to Lower the Cost of Studying in the US
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most international students pay their own fees, but many schools offer help:
- Merit scholarships: Awards based on your grades, test scores, or talents like art, music, or sports.
- Graduate assistantships: Paid teaching or research roles that can cover tuition for master's and PhD students.
- Outside scholarships: Awards from private groups and governments.
Useful scholarship search tools include College Board BigFuture, IEFA, International Scholarships, and Mobility International USA (for students with disabilities).
Warning! Be careful of scholarship scams. Never pay money or share your bank or card details to get a scholarship.
Work On Campus
F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, and full-time during breaks. On-campus jobs can help with daily costs, but you cannot use future wages as proof of funds.
Private Loans
Some lenders offer loans to international students, but you usually need a US cosigner (someone who agrees to repay the loan if you cannot).
Frequently Asked Questions
The College Board's average total student budget for 2025-26 was US$50,920 at public 4-year universities (out-of-state) and US$65,470 at private nonprofit universities. Add health insurance and visa fees on top.
Community colleges have the lowest tuition. Many students study at a community college for 2 years and then transfer to a university to finish their bachelor's degree.
The SEVIS I-901 fee is US$350 and the visa application fee is US$185. A US$250 visa integrity fee has also been approved by law, but collection is still being rolled out and may differ by embassy.
Most schools require it. School plans for 2026-27 cost about US$1,800 to US$5,300 a year, with many between US$2,400 and US$3,000.
Yes. F-1 students can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during the school term and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work needs special permission.
Plan Your US Study Budget
Studying in the US is a big investment, but it can open doors to a world-class education and a global career. Start with your tuition, add housing, food, insurance, and visa fees, then look for scholarships and on-campus jobs to lower your costs. ApplyBoard is here to help you find a program that fits your goals and your budget.
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