Cost of Studying in the United States: Guide for International Students

Though a worthwhile long-term investment, international education can be expensive. Being aware of living expenses and budgeting accurately is critical to ensure students will have the financial means to complete their education.

Tuition Fees

The cost of studying in the US varies by institution and level of study. Below you will find average tuition costs by institution type:

Public College or University

• Undergraduate: US$15,000 to US$31,700 per year
• Postgraduate: US$20,000 to US$36,000 per year

Private College or University

• Undergraduate: US$30,000 to US$65,000 per year
• Postgraduate: US$35,000 to US$70,000 per year

Living Expenses

In addition to tuition, students need to account for housing, food, transportation, and other day-to-day living  expenses. Costs are generally more expensive in bigger cities with some states and regions being more cost  effective than others. Expenses also largely and will depend on the student’s lifestyle, choice of accommodations, and spending habits. 

Below is a breakdown of some average living expenses in the US (current as of November 2025):

Utilities

Some accommodation options include utilities, but some do not. It’s essential to factor the cost of utilities into the budget. 

Monthly utility bills can fluctuate based on the following factors: 

• Regulations, like related city and state laws
• Location
• Lifestyle
• Local climate

Below is a breakdown of some average utility costs in the US (current as of November 2025):

Transportation and Academic Supplies

Transportation costs depend on your location. Living on-campus saves money, as you're already near classes and facilities. Off-campus students will spend more, but most schools offer discounted bus passes. Check your institution's website for deals.

Academic supply costs vary by program, but textbooks are the biggest expense. To save money, check the campus bookstore or Amazon for second-hand books and rentals.

Below is a breakdown on what to expect for transportation costs and academic supply costs (current as of November 2025):

Leisure

It’s important to also budget for fun extracurriculars while studying abroad. Some students may enjoy evenings at the gym, while others prefer to go out for dinner with friends.

Below is a breakdown on what to expect for leisure activities (current as of November 2025):

Financial Assistance

The majority of international students in the US pay full-time fees for their studies. However, there are a number of scholarships, grants, and institutional aids available to assist students with the cost of their education. They are offered through the institutions and private organizations.

Funding sources include:

• Institutional Aid: Private and public universities offer financial incentives for students. Most international student aids are reserved for graduate studies (assistantships and fellowships). However, merit-based scholarships are also awarded based on TOEFL scores, academic record, artistic ability, musical ability, or athletic ability.
• Scholarships and Grants: There are many scholarships available to undergraduate international students. Students can access numerous portals to see what they are eligible for. Beware of fraudulent scholarship offers and never send an organization money, bank account numbers, or credit card number for a scholarship.

Below is a list of scholarship portals:

• College Board: Financial aid source for scholarships, grants, and loans for all US college-bound students
• International Education Financial Aid: Scholarship search service for international students
• International Scholarships: Scholarship database for international student
• Mobility International US: Scholarship resource for non–US citizens with disabilities

Private Loans: Private loans can be rare for international students but are available for those who meet certain criteria. If a student is applying for a loan, they will need to list a cosigner to provide lenders with security in case the student cannot make payments.