
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
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.













































