Cost of studying in the USA for Indian students 2025

Do you want to pursue your education overseas or in the United States? In recent years, the USA has gained popularity as a destination for higher education. For Indian students, the cost of studying in the USA can be high, but given the caliber and quality of education provided, it is unquestionably worth the investment. Studying in the US will give you a competitive advantage in the job market because it is home to some of the greatest universities in the world.

There are both public and private universities in the US. Tuition fees at public or state universities are less expensive than at private universities. The cost of studying in the USA  for higher education will also differ depending on the degree sought and the school attended. Tuition and living expenses for international students studying in the US should roughly range from $25,000 to $45,000 annually.

Here is the cost breakdown of living expenses, including yearly tuition fees amongst other components:-

Cost Breakdown	Amount (Approximately in Dollars)
One-Year Tuition Fees	$82,455
Living expenses	$19,000
Housing	$20,880
Medical Insurance	$7,620
Health fees	$783

Comparative Cost Analysis of Studying Abroad: US, Germany, Canada, & Australia

The cost of studying in USA for Indian students can be a hefty affair monetary-wise but still quite popular. Here is the comparative cost analysis of Studying Abroad in US v/s Studying Abroad in Germany, Canada, and Australia:

Cost Category	United States	Germany	Canada	Australia
Tuition Fees (per year)	$32,000 – $60,000	Free at public universities for undergraduates, €20,000 – €30,000 for non-EU master’s students	$20,875 – $63,323 for undergrad, $13,667 – $66,665 for graduates	$20,060 – $35,730
Accommodation (per month)	$1,500 – $3,100	€300 – €800	$350 – $500	$600
Food (per month)	$200 – $500	€200 – €300	$200 – $500	$350 – $450
Transportation (per month)	$90 – $130	€20 – €100	$30 – $80	$150
Health Insurance (per year)	$1,500 – $2,500	€110 – €290	$600 – $1,200	$495 – $870

Cost of studying at Top Universities in US

Let’s have a look at the Cost of studying at top universities in US for both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees

Universities	Avg. fee for Master’s	Avg. fee for Bachelor’s
University of Kent	$12,876- $19,000	$15,130- $28,865
DePaul University	$16,680- $51,649	$43,665-$45,030
Governors State University	$12,144-$18,524	$18,783
Kennesaw State University	$22,000-$55,000	$ 20,000- $ 23,000
University of Central Oklahoma	$15,400-$17,400	$17,400
Clarkson University	$37,880	$38,630
Liberty University	$24,645	$16,395
Stony Brook University	$13,970	$14,920
Texas State University	$13,986- $23,310	$24,820
CSU East Bay	$16,524	$17,040

What is the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students?

Many international students consider the United States of America to be their ideal place to study because of its excellent educational system, opportunities for international research, career advancement, and exposure to other cultures. To guarantee that students have a fantastic academic experience, it is also vital to consider the financial aspects of studying in the USA. 

Let’s look over the specifics of what is  the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students:

The primary expense of an education in the United States is the tuition fee, which distinguishes private universities from public/state universities. Comparatively speaking, public and state universities have cheaper tuition than private colleges. Tuition costs are contingent upon the type of qualification and the university or school of choice. International students must pay university fees in the USA between $25,000 and $55,000 annually.

Recommended Read: Study in USA 2024: Colleges, Courses, Fees

Course-wise cost in USA

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are one of the most substantial expenses for international students. The Course-wise cost in the USA varies widely based on the type of institution, program of study, and location. The average annual tuition cost for international students is estimated at around $35,000, which encompasses both public and private institutions. 

1. Public Universities

• Undergraduate Programs:

Cost: Approximately $20,000 to $35,000 per year.

Examples: Universities like the University of California system or the University of Texas at Austin fall into this category.

• Graduate Programs:

Cost: Ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 per year.

Examples: Programs in fields like engineering or business may be on the higher end.

2. Private Universities

Cost: Generally higher, ranging from $35,000 to $70,000 per year.

Examples: Ivy League schools such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford often charge upwards of $70,000 annually.

3. Specialized Programs

Business Schools: MBA programs can cost around $45,000 to $70,000 per year.

Medical Schools: Tuition can reach up to $90,000 annually, depending on the institution.

Engineering Programs: Typically range from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

Cost of Living in USA

Cost of Living in the USA can vary significantly based on the city and lifestyle choices. Overall, students should budget between $8,500 and $16,600 annually for Cost of Living in the USA. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

1. Accommodation

On-Campus Housing: Ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 per year.

Off-Campus Housing: Costs can vary widely, with urban areas being more expensive. Monthly rents can be:

Major cities (e.g., New York, San Francisco): $1,500 to $3,000.

Smaller cities: $500 to $1,200.

2. Food

Monthly Grocery Costs: Approximately $200 to $400.

Dining Out: Eating out can add to costs, with meals at restaurants ranging from $10 to $30 per meal.

3. Transportation

Public Transport: Monthly passes range from $50 to $150, depending on the city.

Car Expenses: If owning a car, consider costs for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which can total around $200 to $400 per month.

4. Personal Expenses

Miscellaneous: This includes clothing, entertainment, and other personal expenses, averaging around $100 to $300 monthly.

Other Expenses to study in USA

1. Application Fees

Cost: Application fees for universities typically range from INR 9,000 to INR 11,000 (approximately $110 to $135) as per application. Some universities may charge higher fees.

2. Visa Fees

Student Visa (F-1): The visa application fee is approximately $160 to $265.

SEVIS Fee: An additional fee of about INR 26,250 (approximately $320) is required for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

3. Entrance Exams

Standardized Tests:

GRE/GMAT: Costs range from $205 to $250.

TOEFL/IELTS: Costs are approximately $200 to $300.

Preparation Costs: Additional expenses for coaching classes or study materials may add another $200 to $1,000.

4. Health Insurance

Most universities require international students to have health insurance, which can cost between $500 and $2,000 per year, depending on the coverage and provider.

5. Travel Expenses

Round-trip airfare from India to the USA can cost between INR 32,000 to INR 1,08,000 depending on the airline, season, and class of travel.

Travel within the USA for vacations or emergencies can add another $300 to $700 per year.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

This includes costs for entertainment, personal care, laundry, and other incidentals, averaging around $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

7. Pre-Arrival Costs

Application fees for universities typically range from INR 9,000 to INR 11,000 (approximately $110 to $135) per application.

Visa interview expenses like travel to the US embassy, hotel stay, etc. can add another $100.

In addition to tuition and living expenses, international students should budget for visa fees, entrance exams, health insurance, travel, and miscellaneous costs. Pre-arrival expenses like application fees and visa interview costs should also be factored in. Planning ahead and budgeting for these Other Expenses to study in the USA can help ensure a smooth transition and stay in the USA.

Cost of student visa

1. SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is $350 for F-1 and M-1 visas, and $220 for J-1 visas.

The SEVIS fee is paid electronically before applying for the visa and is approximately INR 29,100 for F-1/M-1 visas and INR 18,290 for J-1 visas.

2. Visa Application Fee

The visa application fee, also known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, is $185 for all student visa types (F, M, J).

This fee is paid online directly to the U.S. Department of State and is approximately INR 15,380 as of May 2023.

The total cost of student visa for Indian students is around INR 44,480 for F-1/M-1 visas and INR 33,670 for J-1 visas, including both the SEVIS and visa application fees.

It’s important to note that the Cost of student visa are non-refundable and must be paid even if the visa application is denied. Students should factor in these costs when budgeting for their studies in the USA.

Pre-arrival & Post-arrival Cost

When planning to study in the USA, Indian students should consider both pre-arrival and post-arrival costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these expenses based on the provided search results.

Pre-Arrival Costs

Pre-arrival expenses are one-time costs incurred before traveling to the USA. These include:

1. Application Fees

University Application Fee: Typically ranges from $30 to $100 per application, depending on the university.

2. English Proficiency Tests

• IELTS: Approximately $245 (around ₹18,750 to ₹19,600).
• TOEFL: Approximately $190 (around ₹14,550).
• PTE: Approximately $200 (around ₹15,900).
• Standardized Entrance Exams
• SAT: Approximately $104 (around ₹8,532).
• GRE: Approximately $205 (around ₹22,550).
• GMAT: Approximately $275 (around ₹21,000).

3. Visa Fees

SEVIS Fee: Ranges from $185 to $350 (approximately ₹29,100).

Visa Application Fee: Approximately $160 to $265.

4. Flight Tickets

Airfare: Costs can vary widely, typically ranging from INR 32,000 to INR 1,08,000 (approximately $400 to $1,300) depending on the airline and booking time.

5. Counseling Fees (if applicable)

Many students opt for counseling services to help with university selection, costing around INR 28,000 (approximately $340).

Post-arrival Costs

Post-arrival expenses are ongoing costs once you arrive in the USA. These include:

1. Tuition Fees

• Undergraduate Programs: Ranges from $8,000 to $40,000 per year.
• Master’s Programs: Ranges from $10,000 to $60,000 per year.

2. Health Insurance

Estimated to be between $500 and $2,000 per year, depending on the coverage.

3. Cost of Living

• Monthly Living Expenses: Typically range from $1,600 to $5,400 depending on the city.
• Annual Living Expenses: Estimated between $20,000 and $22,000.

4. Miscellaneous Expenses

This includes transportation, groceries, entertainment, and personal expenses, averaging around $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

Indian students should prepare for a significant financial commitment when studying in the USA. Pre-arrival costs can range from approximately $1,000 to $3,000, while post-arrival expenses can vary widely based on lifestyle choices and the city of residence, typically ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Proper financial planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition and successful academic journey in the USA.

Internships that Indian Students can pursue in USA

Indian students seeking internships in the USA have a variety of options across different fields and industries. 

Indian students can now track internship opportunities at US companies through a dedicated platform launched by the Consulate General of India in New York.

Types of Internships offered:

• Fashion Week Internship: This internship allows students to work within the fashion industry in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. It is accessible with minimal certification requirements, focusing on matching students with suitable placements.
• Snowboard Training Internship: This unique internship combines work with adventure, providing training in snowboarding while offering insights into the sport’s professional aspects.
• Spirit Cultural Exchange Internship: This program facilitates cultural exchange through internships in various fields, promoting cross-cultural experiences for participants.
• Harvard Stem Cell Institute Internship: Aimed at undergraduates interested in stem cell biology, this program offers research opportunities at Harvard’s affiliated hospitals and centers, including seminars and presentations.
• JP Morgan Chase Internal Audit Summer Analyst Program: This program provides interns with training and experience in auditing across various banking sectors, with potential full-time job offers for outstanding performers.

Booming Sectors for Internships:

Students can explore and apply for the following sectors for internships:

• Information Technology (IT)
• Investment banking
• Automotive
• Finance
• Pharmaceuticals
• Non-profit organizations
• Law firms
• Advisory firms
• Payment-technology
• Technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Aviation
• Banking
• Public services
• Online service providers
• Hotel sector
• Multinational corporations
• Government agencies
• Healthcare
• Science & technology
• Software firms

Guidelines for applying to internships:

1. Click on the portal.
2. Decide which category you wish to look into for internships.
3. The category will take you to businesses that provide internships.
4. Select the company you want to apply to by clicking “apply here.”
5. Enter your information, including your name, phone number, email address, course name, university, and start year of the course.
6. Press the “Apply” button.
7. CGI will send you a confirmation email as soon as your application is submitted.
8. Click the link, look over the internships the company of your choice is offering, and submit an application.

Top Companies offering Internships at Consulate General of India New York:

1. Goldman Sachs
2. Amazon
3. Tesla
4. NVIDIA
5. Stripe
6. Google
7. TCS
8. Gavs Technology

Jobs in US for International Students

Who would turn down the chance to work in the US? You are probably already aware of the many career opportunities and high standard of living that the nation provides if you have previously studied there. International students in the USA have several options for finding jobs, both during their studies and after graduation.

Part-time Jobs

In order to finance their education and obtain useful work experience, a large number of students in the US look for part-time jobs. Retail associates, food service employees, tutors, administrative assistants, customer service representatives, and research assistants are among the popular part-time jobs for students. The best paying part-time jobs in the USA pays students with an average of 10 USD to 15 USD per hour. The minimum wage for a part-time job in the USA is USD 7.25 per hour. You can get paid per hour or make a weekly salary based on how much work you complete each week.

1. Retail Associate
2. Administrative Assistant
3. Freelance Writer/Content Creator
4. Barista
5. Lifeguard
6. Delivery Driver
7. Fitness Instructor
8. Library Assistant
9. Babysitter/Nanny
10. Event Staff
11. Campus Tour Guide
12. Food Service Worker
13. Tutor
14. Customer Service Representative
15. Retail Sales Associate

Jobs in USA after MS

International students who earn their Master’s in Science degree in the US are frequently able to choose from a wide range of employment options. Those with an MS degree are sought-after candidates on the US job market because employers value advanced degrees and global perspectives. Businesses in fields like research, technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance frequently look for people with specialized knowledge and abilities obtained through MS programs.

Computer science: Popular roles include software engineers, data scientists, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity experts. Average salaries range from $85,000 to $120,000.

Finance: Roles like accountants, financial analysts, and actuaries offer competitive wages and clear paths for career growth.

Management: Jobs in project management, human resources, and business development have an average salary of around $77,000.

Data science: Data scientists, statistical analysts, and operations research analysts are in high demand with an average salary of $77,790.

STEM fields: Opportunities exist for statisticians, chemists, research scientists, and biologists with an average salary of $72,201.

Jobs in USA after Arts

• Graphics Designer 

The ability to create designs for any type of media is a skill shared by graphic designers. They create designs for logos, images, banners, brochures, illustrations, and other materials based on the needs of the client. Their proficiency in using computer software and their ability to draw artistically by hand are prerequisites. 

Average Salary: $54,599 per annum

• Freelance Writer

An independent contractor who markets their writing services is known as a freelance writer. When creating content for blogs, newspapers, social media, advertisements, websites, etc., they conduct their own research. 

Average Salary: $50,234 per annum

• Commercial Designer

Industrial designers, sometimes referred to as commercial designers, combine engineering and art to design and create products. They employ their imagination to create aesthetically pleasing items that their customers can utilize on a daily basis.

Average Salary: $68,037 per annum 

• Film/Video Editor

You must be exceptionally skilled at establishing the proper aesthetics in a video to work as a film or video editor. Videos can have any color theme and can be shot from any angle. Making sure the video tells a compelling story is the responsibility of the video editor. The duration of the video must be shortened, color schemes must be altered, contrast and brightness must be adjusted, and the client’s vision must be reflected in the final product. 

Average Salary: $48,935 per annum

• Production Artist

A production artist is a person who works with the art director to execute the piece and assists with media design. Additionally, they guarantee that the artwork is technically prepared for publication.

Average Salary: $44,874 per annum

Jobs in USA after MBA

• Management Consultant

One position on this list that should come as no surprise is management consultant. MBA graduates have enormous earning potential in this role. Each year, thousands of MBA graduates are employed by the Big Three consulting firms: McKinsey, Bain & Company, and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). 

MBA consultants typically start off with an MBA salary of about $190,000, and there is always room for growth. An MBA working as a senior partner at a company like BCG after ten years should make between $500,000 and $700,000. 

• Finance Manager

In addition to closely monitoring the balance sheet, a finance manager’s duties include providing advice on financial strategy and streamlining decision-making procedures to guarantee the company’s financial success. 

To manage budgets, assign resources efficiently, and guarantee the company’s financial stability, you’ll need to have a thorough understanding of finance. 

One of the top three industries that MBA graduates work in is finance, where many go on to become finance managers in their own right or for companies in other industries. 

In the US, the median yearly salary for a finance manager is approximately $187,000; however, actual earnings will differ significantly between organizations.

• Marketing Manager

Organizing and overseeing marketing campaigns to increase consumer awareness of a company’s goods and services is the responsibility of marketing managers. 

One of the major US tech companies is offering a high salary for this role. For instance, marketing positions at Amazon offer MBA candidates high compensation. An average annual salary for a marketing manager at the company is over $175,000. 

• Private Equity Associate

The biggest names in finance, including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and BlackRock, hire private equity associates directly out of business school, typically from the most esteemed universities like Stanford and Harvard. 

To locate possible investment opportunities, help with investments, conduct client due diligence, and see deals through to completion, you’ll need the necessary knowledge and abilities. 

According to Glassdoor, private equity associates at Goldman Sachs, The Blackstone Group, and Bain Capital can expect to make an average salary of $183,000, $226,000, and $182,000, respectively. 

• Senior Project Manager

If there’s one thing an MBA can teach you, it’s how to lead and manage teams on various projects. One of the most important aspects of your MBA education is working on real-time consulting projects in diverse teams. 

Numerous MBA graduates work as senior project managers in a variety of sectors, including consumer goods and technology. According to Glassdoor, the average salary in the US is approximately $159,000. However, senior project managers at prestigious companies like Wells Fargo have the potential to earn significantly more than $164,000. 

Summary

The blog provides an overview of the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs. It breaks down expenses for undergraduate and graduate programs at public and private universities, specialized programs, and cost-of-living variations across cities. Pre-arrival costs like application fees, visa expenses, and entrance exams are also discussed. Overall, students should expect to spend between $25,000 and $55,000 annually for education and living.

FAQ’s

1. What is the average cost of tuition for Indian students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the United States?

For Indian students enrolled in undergraduate programs in the USA, the average tuition cost is about 45,000,000 INR.

2. Which American universities are the most reasonably priced for Indian students?

Among the reasonably priced US universities for Indian students are Arizona State University, California State University, University of Texas, and Brigham Young University.

3. Are American colleges pricey for Indian students?

Indeed, studying in the USA is costly for Indian students because the dollar consistently appreciates against the rupee. Additionally, Indian applicants can expect a very high standard of living in the USA. US universities typically have relatively high tuition costs and few funding and scholarship opportunities. Because of all these reasons, the US is among the most expensive countries for Indian applicants to study in.