Cost of Studying & Living in the USA
Complete Guide
Discover tuition fees at U.S. universities, monthly living expenses for Indian students, and budgeting strategies.
Compare public vs private costs, accommodation options, and health insurance guidelines — all tailored for international students.
Tuition Fees in the USA – Public vs Private Universities
| Type of Institution | Annual Tuition Range (USD) | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities (In-State) | $10,000 – $20,000 | ₹8 – ₹16 Lakhs |
| Public Universities (Out-of-State) | $20,000 – $30,000 | ₹16 – ₹24 Lakhs |
| Private Universities | $30,000 – $55,000 | ₹24 – ₹45 Lakhs |
| Community Colleges (2-Year) | $3,000 – $8,000 | ₹2.5 – ₹6.5 Lakhs |
✅ Private universities are costlier but offer more scholarships
✅ Community colleges are ideal for budget-conscious UG students (2+2 route)
Application & Enrollment Fees
- Application Fee per university: $50–$120
- Standardized Test Fees:
- IELTS: ₹17,000
- TOEFL: ₹16,500
- GRE: ₹22,500
- GMAT: ₹22,000
- SEVIS Fee (Visa): $350
- DS-160 Visa Fee: $185
Living Expenses in the USA (Monthly Breakdown)
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | In INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Apartment) | $400 – $1,000 | ₹33K – ₹83K |
| Food & Groceries | $200 – $350 | ₹16K – ₹29K |
| Local Transport | $50 – $100 | ₹4K – ₹8K |
| Health Insurance | $80 – $150 | ₹6.5K – ₹12K |
| Utilities & Internet | $80 – $120 | ₹6.5K – ₹10K |
| Misc. (clothes, mobile, etc.) | $100 – $150 | ₹8K – ₹12K |
✅ Total Monthly Estimate: $900 – $1,800
✅ Annual Living Cost Estimate: $10,000 – $18,000 (₹8–₹15 Lakhs)
On-Campus vs Off-Campus Living
| Feature | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher | Variable |
| Meals | Often included | Self-managed |
| Flexibility | Lower | High |
| Social Life | Easy networking | Independent |
| Availability | Limited for PG students | Widely available |
✅ PG students often prefer off-campus housing
✅ UG students are encouraged to stay on-campus in 1st year
Health Insurance & Medical Expenses
- Mandatory for all students
- Coverage ranges from $1,000 – $2,500/year
- May be included in tuition (depends on university)
- Covers doctor visits, emergencies, hospitalization
✅ Indian insurance plans are not accepted — must take U.S. approved coverage
Additional Academic Costs
| Item | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | $500 – $1,200 |
| Lab/Tech Fees | $100 – $500 |
| Course Materials (Software, Prints) | $100 – $300 |
✅ Many universities offer e-libraries and used books to reduce costs
Travel & Relocation Expenses
- Flight Ticket (One-way): ₹70,000 – ₹1,20,000
- Luggage & shipping: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
- Airport Transfers & Set-up Costs: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
- Initial Settlement Cost (1st month): ₹1–₹1.5 Lakhs
✅ Always carry extra funds for emergencies
Cost Comparison: USA vs Other Countries
| Country | Average Annual Cost (Tuition + Living) |
|---|---|
| USA | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| UK | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Canada | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| Germany | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Australia | $35,000 – $55,000 |
✅ USA is high on cost but offers better ROI through OPT & global employability
How to Manage & Reduce Costs
- Apply for scholarships & assistantships
- Share off-campus housing with other students
- Cook at home, avoid eating out frequently
- Work part-time (on-campus) up to 20 hours/week
- Use student discounts on travel & entertainment
✅ Countrywide Visas assists with budget planning & visa fund proof
Testimonials & Success Stories
Our Client Have Trusted
Us for our work
We’re proud to have helped thousands achieve their dream of settling abroad. Our success stories, high approval rate, and transparent processes have built a solid community of happy clients
“I had a positive experience with the immigration services. Milan and Sahil Sharma (Case Manager) guided me through every step, clearly explaining documentation and providing timely updates. I'm grateful for their support and would recommend them to anyone needing immigration assistance.”
“Countrywide Visas delivered exactly what they promised! They helped me secure my Canadian work visa smoothly, with no complications. Their clear, step-by-step guidance and complete transparency made the entire process stress-free and easy to navigate. Truly a reliable and professional team.”
“I'm happy to share that my Australia PR visa was approved in just five months. Thanks to Pooja Ma'am for her outstanding support and guidance. I truly appreciate Countrywide Visas' professionalism and would gladly recommend their services to others.”
“Countrywide Visas delivers on its promise of reliable timelines, efficiently processing applications according to a set schedule. This consistency offers clients clarity, confidence, and peace of mind throughout the immigration process, making them a trusted partner in achieving visa-related goals.”
“What sets Countrywide Visas apart is their ability to find innovative solutions. They approach challenges creatively, ensuring each application is handled smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a seamless experience for clients aiming to achieve their immigration goals with confidence and ease.”
“Countrywide Visas restored my confidence when I needed it most. After experiencing fraud with another agency, I was cautious—but this team proved to be 100% genuine. They handled my documentation flawlessly and offered constant support. Truly a commendable and trustworthy service.”
“Countrywide Visas made the entire process feel effortless. They handled my documentation with professionalism and offered timely support. Having faced fraud before, I was skeptical—but this team changed everything. Today, I’m happily placed in a job that matches my skills and aspirations.”
Contact with Us
Talk to India’s Trusted Immigration Experts – We’re Just a Call Away
Need professional advice on your visa profile? Our experts are available to answer all your queries with zero consultation fees.
Success Stories
From Hope to Reality: Our Canada PR Journey
My wife and I just received our Canadian PR visas—such a surreal moment! Huge thanks to Countrywide Visas for their professional and transparent support throughout. The document checklist helped a lot. Highly recommend them to anyone planning to migrate abroad.My wife and I just received our Canadian PR visas—such a surreal moment! Huge thanks to Countrywide Visas for their professional and transparent support throughout. The document checklist helped a lot. Highly recommend them to anyone planning to migrate abroad.
Mr. Aditya
10 January 2018
Hurrey!! PR Visa Confirmation
I’m incredibly grateful to Countrywide Visas for their professional guidance throughout my Canadian PR journey. Their timely execution and dedicated support made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Big thanks to the case managers—I couldn’t have done it without you! Highly recommend Countrywide Visas to anyone pursuing immigration.
Ms. Tanu Sharma
20 December 2018
Dream Come True – I’m Moving to Canada!
Just received my passport—truly grateful to Countrywide Visas! Special thanks to my case manager, who guided me every step of the way, even when things got tricky with document submissions. Their expertise and support made all the difference. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable immigration services.
Abhishek
25 July 2018
Grateful for Exceptional Service and Support
Dear Countrywide Visas,I’m extremely grateful for your assistance in obtaining my Canadian PR visa. Every agent involved was highly cooperative, guiding me through each step, from document preparation to WES evaluation and medical submission. Thanks to your efforts, I received my invitation and visa in record time. Highly appreciate all your support.Regards,V.V.K.
Mr. Viswan Kalarikkal
10 October 2017
Thank You for Your Support and Guidance
Dear Mamta,I’m thrilled to share that I’ve successfully obtained my PR, and I owe it all to your guidance. Your expertise and Countrywide Visas’ professionalism made the entire process smooth and transparent. I truly appreciate your support and will gladly recommend your services to others.Kind Regards,Harsh Chandola
Mr. Harsh Chandola
10 January 2018
A Smooth Journey with Countrywide Visas
I began my journey with Countrywide Visas in November 2016, starting with the eligibility points calculation, which I successfully passed. The documentation process for Express Entry was tough due to my work schedule, but the Countrywide Visas team was patient and supportive. Special thanks to my case manager for the timely updates, which made the whole process easier. By October 2017, my visa was stamped, and I’m grateful for the continuous support and dedication from the team. Highly satisfied with the service!
Mr. Yashodhan
10 October 2018
Exceptional Support for My Canadian PR Journey
A huge thank you to Countrywide Visas for their invaluable support throughout my Canadian PR process. From the initial consultation to the final approval, my case manager was incredibly patient, thorough, and always ready to help. She made the entire process smooth with her expert guidance and timely reminders. I’m deeply grateful for the professional and seamless experience, and I will continue to recommend Countrywide Visas to others.
Mr. Nishant Kumar
17 January 2018
We're proud to work with our preferred partners
