The USA is a dream destination for several international students; however, that dream can feel out of reach when it comes to costs. With high tuition fees and other costs, it’s easy to wonder whether a Bachelor’s degree is worth it in the USA. In this blog, we’ll break down the real cost of studying a bachelor’s program in the USA, from tuition, living expenses, to everything in between. So let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
- How Much Does It Cost to Study a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA?
- What Are the Major Expenses in a US Bachelor’s Program?
- Hidden Costs When Budgeting for a US Bachelor’s Degree
- Funding Options for Your Bachelor’s in the USA
- What Are the Steps to Estimate Your Total Cost of Education in the USA?
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Study a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA?
The total cost to study for a bachelor’s degree in the USA can vary based on the program, specialization, and university. Here’s a tabular breakdown of the expenses:
| Details | Expenses Per Year |
| Tuition Fees | Public: $25,000 – $40,000; Private: $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Rent | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Health Insurance | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Student Visa | $535 |
What Are the Major Expenses in a US Bachelor’s Program?
Apart from tuition fees and housing, which account for the majority of your expenses, there are several major costs to studying in the USA. Let’s dive deeper into each category:
Room & Board
International students usually prefer on-campus housing to get comfortable during their first year. Higher living costs can occur in big cities. It costs you around $10,000 – $16,000 per year.
Books & Supplies
Textbooks can be costly, sometimes $200 per book. STEM courses often have higher costs. As an international student, you can cut costs by buying second-hand books, renting, or using digital versions of books (if possible).
Food
Eating out can be expensive than cooking your own meals. As an international student, you may spend more on imported or specialty items. It would cost you around $3,000 – $7,200, depending on your food habits.
Personal Expenses
Clothing, entertainment, cell phone bills, laundry, social activities, personal hygiene, and other day-to-day costs are often overlooked while planning a study in the USA. Depending on your spending habits and needs, it would cost around $2,000 – $4,000 yearly.
Miscellaneous Costs
Other costs include air travel, visa fees, health insurance, application fees, graduation fees, and program fees. The total would be $1,000 – $2,000 per year (plus visa-related fees).
Hidden Costs When Budgeting for a US Bachelor’s Degree
With the obvious costs, you also need to understand the hidden fees to fully prepare to study abroad in the USA for a bachelor’s degree. Here are some of the top hidden costs you should know about when preparing a budget for your bachelor’s degree in the USA:
| Hidden Cost Category | Details |
| Visa & Immigration Fees | F-1 visa ($185), SEVIS fee ($350), interview travel, and courier fees |
| Travel Costs | Round-trip flights, luggage, airport transfers, travel insurance |
| Medical Costs | Doctor visits, medications, dental, and vision prescriptions |
| Housing Deposits & Setup | Security deposits, furniture, bedding, kitchen items, and temporary housing |
| Cultural Adjustment | Clothing for US weather, club fees, social events, and international calls |
| Banking Fees | Foreign transaction fees, wire transfer charges, and US bank account fees |
Funding Options for Your Bachelor’s in the USA
Let’s face it, you have made your budget for your bachelor’s in the USA, calculated your costs, but don’t know how to fund it. You have your personal savings and financial support from the family, yet it is not close to the amount you need for the USA. That’s where scholarships, grants, sponsorships, and education loans come in. Here’s what you can do:
University Scholarships
Several top US universities offer scholarships for international students. These scholarships can cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes more. You should start researching scholarships a year before you plan to apply.
External Scholarships and Grants
Various public & private organizations, the government, and foundations offer scholarships for international students in the USA. Examples include the Next Genius University Scholarships and private foundations like the PEO International Peace Scholarship.
Education Loans
Education loans are a great way to reduce financial burden. There are several education loan options available in study loan for international students in USA. However, it is important to research interest rates, grace period, repayment terms, and eligibility before applying for the loan. We, at Nomad Credit, offer US co-signer loan starting from 3.47%*. Here’s how our top experts assist you:
- Personalized loan matches based on your profile
- Interest rates starting as low as 3.47%, helping you save more
- Our experts assist you throughout your study abroad journey
- No hidden fees, making it simple for you
What Are the Steps to Estimate Your Total Cost of Education in the USA?
To estimate your total cost of education in the USA, here’s what you should do:
- Go to your preferred university’s website and check your program fees
- Take out an estimate of your living expenses, food, transportation, and more
- Estimate your books, supplies, course materials, and other supplies
- Calculate your health insurance cost as it is must for international students
- If you plan to travel during your studies (back to your home country to meet your family), include those costs in your budget as well
- Also include other costs such as personal expenses and entertainment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to do a Bachelor’s degree in the USA?
The cost of a Bachelor’s degree in the USA can range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the university (public or private).
How much does it cost for an Indian student to study in the USA?
The cost of studying in the USA for an Indian student can range from INR 60 lakhs to INR 1.2 crores per year. The cost can vary depending on the university, program, lifestyle, and other factors.
Is the USA expensive to study for a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, the USA is generally considered expensive to study for a Bachelor’s, especially if you are an international student. Tuition and living expenses can be high, but scholarships or an education loan can help.
What is the salary after pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the US?
The average starting salary for a bachelor’s degree holder in the US is around $55,000 – $80,000. Salaries vary depending on the field, and STEM graduates may earn more than non-STEM graduates.
What is the cheapest bachelor’s degree in the USA for international students?
The cheapest bachelor’s degree in the USA for international students is usually offered by public universities, with annual tuition fees ranging from $25,000 to $40,000.
