University Tuition fees in the United States
How much does it cost to study and live in the United States? If you are interested in studying in the United States, the most important thing to consider as a foreigner is how much it costs to study and live in the United States. The United States is one of the world’s most popular destinations for higher education. Of course, it is also one of the most expensive options for studying, but still many people choose this country. Although the initial pricing may cause a sharp intake of breath, it is worth exploring all avenues of funding and financial aid from the beginning.
Generally, tuition fees range from $5,000 to $50,000 per year. According to statistics the average annual tuition fee at American universities, which includes tuition, was estimated at about 33 thousand US dollars in 2016. Most undergraduate degrees last four years, so, on average, students will graduate by paying $132,860.
While some countries differentiate pricing for home, EU and international students, American universities differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. In 2016 a typical four-year public college charged in-state students about $ 9,650 for one academic year while out-of-state students were charged $ 24,930 in the same academic year and the same public college. There are private nonprofit colleges that charge students an average of $ 33,480 a year.
Tuition fees in the United States for international students are presented in the table below.
| American universities | Tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree | Tuition fees for a Master’s degree | Tuition for business management courses |
| Private University | $32,000 | $35,000 | $60,000 |
| Public university | $24,000 | $30,000 | $48,000 |
| College or pre-university courses | $ 200 per course | $ 250 per course | — |
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Accommodation costs in the United States
University towns in the Midwest region of the US have lower living costs, whereas the East and North East are more expensive. The average cost of living in an apartment usually starts at US $ 500 a month. This apartment has one bedroom and has enough space for students, and is located in rural areas. As living conditions and living standards in the United States rise, living expenses will also rise. The same apartments can cost up to $ 3,500 a month. The most important thing that affects the renting prices of houses/apartments is the area and facilities of that houses/apartments as well as its location, whether it is located in an urban or rural area.
Some students find these prices high and intend to reduce their living expenses to some extent. For example, by accommodating in student dormitories. Student dormitories are usually located on campus and two or three people live in the same room together. Students may share bathrooms, toilets and showers.
On-campus dormitory rooms in the US typically cost between $ 5,304 to $ 8,161 per year for international students, including all utilities and housing-related costs. The lowest prices will be found at the two-year public colleges, and the highest at the private non-profit four-year institutions. There are specific calculators for totting up accommodation and tuition fee estimations on each university website
Income in the United States for students
Living expenses and tuition fees in the United States can be expensive for international students as well as American students. Generally, there are two positive points when you work while studying, the first one is that you can manage your living expenses and the second one is that it provides you applicable work experience. This work experience is completely acceptable and valid. Many international students are wondering if it is possible to work while studying in the United States. The short answer is yes; International students can work in the United States while studying in the USA, but there are restrictions.
International students who have an F-1 and M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Foreign students who have this type of visa are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year in the United States. Jobs such as working in a library, student education center or cafeteria are considered on-campus jobs.
Students can gain employment off-campus after completing their first academic year through programs specifically for international students seeking employment such as Optional Practical Training (OPT), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension, and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Optional practical training is a type of study program that allows international students in the United States to work temporarily for a maximum of one year. This program can be completed both before or after completing your studies, but it is important to note that you are only allowed to work for 12 months in the entire course, including before graduation and after graduation. International students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can extend this course to 24 months.
While studying in the United States, you will be allowed to work as a student with with some minimal restrictions. Most colleges and universities can assist international students with finding employment on-campus and off-campus. The average amount of salary of a student studying in the United States who works part-time as an unskilled worker is $ 7.77 per hour. This research is based on the amount of salaries/incomes of 650 job position that was collected anonymously through student staff, users, and by providing information on past and present workers over the past 36 months.
Cost of living in different US cities
Life in US cities is very different. If you want to live a fun life, Western cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco are suitable for you. If you want to live a rich life, cities like Washington and New York are suitable for you. In this section we will compare different citifies in the United State. Here you can get enough information about cost of living and studying in the US and estimate these costs.
Living expenses in New York
In order to live comfortably in New York City, you have to spend $ 1,500 more than in Washington. Consumer prices in New York are 18.55% higher than in Washington, DC. Renting prices in New York are 31.62 percent more than in Washington, DC. Restaurant prices in New York are 29.85% higher than in Washington, DC. Food prices in New York are 19.61 percent higher than in Washington, DC. Local purchasing power in New York is 16.14% lower than in Washington, DC.
The average annual tuition fee for a college in New York State for the current academic year was $ 19,306. It costs $ 4,899 more than the US average and is the sixth most expensive city in the world to study in.
Living expenses in San Francisco
Generally, the cost of living in big cities in the United States which are tourist attractions such as California are lower, but the costs of hotels, restaurants, and meals are more than in the capital of this country. The cost of living for one person in San Francisco is about $ 1,200. Of course, this depends on the type of life and lifestyle of individuals. But the bottom line is that the cost of living in San Francisco is 8 percent lower than in New York. Of course, San Francisco is city in the state of California, but it still costs 8% less to live in compared to New York.
Living expenses in Boston
Boston is generally an education-oriented city. This city is located in the state of Massachusetts. Therefore, New York which is a large and industrial city with international offices and companies, is definitely not recommended to foreign students. So Boston could be a better option compared to New York. You can compare the cost of living in Boston with New York by looking at the table below.
| The difference with New York | Cost-of-living index |
| 13% less | Total cost |
| 4.5% less | Food |
| 11.5% less | Renting price |
| 24% less | Welfare costs |
| 27% less | Transportation |
| 25% less | Health services such as medical services and hospital |
How Much does a Student Visa Cost?
Another cost for migrating to the United States is the cost of a student visa. When it comes to studying and living in the United States, you need to know how much it costs to get a US student visa. The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190. These visas include work visas and religious worker visas and etc… Since a student visa is a Type F visa and is among nonimmigrant visas, you need to pay $ 190 in order to apply for it. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is not approved, the visa issuance fee and visa application fee are non-refundable.
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