Financial Costs and Assistance in the United States

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:

State College or University

• Bachelor: $25,000
• Postgraduate: $20,00 - 35,000
• Doctoral: $28,000 - $40,000

Private College or University

• Bachelor: $34,740
• Postgraduate: $40,000
• Doctoral :$28,000 - $40,000

Community College

Associate Degree $2,527

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.

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

Tip: To find out the average monthly cost of utilities in the area, speak to a landlord, realtor, or apartment manager. Or, use a cost of living calculator like Numbeo.

Below is a breakdown of some average utility costs in the US (current as of August 2024):

Transportation and Academic Supplies

Monthly transportation costs will vary based on location. Students living on-campus, will save money on transportation by being close to classes, libraries, and campus facilities. Students who live off-campus, will have to spend more money getting to and from the places mentioned above. Luckily, most schools offer their students a discount on a bus pass. Be sure to check the academic institution website to see what deals are offered. Below is a breakdown on what to expect for transportation costs and academic supply costs (current as of August 2024):

The cost of academic supplies can vary depending on program, level of study, and ability to find deals on textbooks. Despite the figure above representing all kinds of academic supplies, including pens, paper, and binders, the cost of textbooks takes up the majority of this expense. Check out the institution’s book store to find second-hand books or rentals as well as Amazon. 

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:

• Abroad Planet Scholarship Resources: Online community of international students studying in the United States
• 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

Assist also has scholarship resources available for a select group of US institutions. 

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.