While talking with my friends about a bachelor’s degree cost in the USA, I figured most of them were only considering the tuition fees, and did not know much about other expenses that add up to the total cost of studying abroad.
Tuition fees are not the only expense that a student has to incur in order to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the USA. Adding to it is the cost of living, charges for admission form, entrance exam fees, mandatory health coverage, and other miscellaneous expenses that must be considered when working out a complete list of expenditures.
Read on to get comprehensive details on the different costs associated with pursuing an undergraduate degree in the USA.
Table of Contents
- How Much Does it Cost to Study Bachelors in USA
- Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in USA
- Cost of Studying Bachelors in USA: Top Universities
- Cost of Living in the USA
- Pre-Arrival Costs Before Studying Bachelors in USA
- Post-Arrival Costs of Studying Bachelor's in USA
- Tips on Financial Planning for Students
- Conclusion
How Much Does it Cost to Study Bachelors in USA
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in the United States can be very high. It can start from $15,000 for some specific short undergraduate courses and go up to $50,000 per year for a four-year undergraduate program. However, the average annual cost of study per student is around $38,270.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in USA
Here are the types of bachelor’s degrees offered in the USA for international students.
1. Bachelor of Arts (BA degree)
Students wishing to build a career in liberal arts, opt for this degree. The subjects commonly offered include English, Education, Communication, Philosophy, Psychology, Foreign Languages, etc.
2. Bachelor of Science (BS degree)
This is one of the most commonly opted degrees in science-related courses such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing, Business, etc.
3. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)
Students wanting to pursue visual or performing arts can choose from either of the domains – Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Film and Photography, Music, and Theater and Dance.
Cost of Studying Bachelors in USA: Top Universities
The United States is one of the most chosen study abroad destinations by international students. Various institutions offer a bachelor’s degree in the USA, including community colleges, universities, and liberal arts colleges.
The average cost of a bachelor's degree in the USA ranges from $15,000 to $50,000. However, the tuition fees are on the higher side at top universities. Here are some of the top-ranked colleges by QS World University Rankings 2025, along with tuition fees.
Name of the University | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $57,590 |
Stanford University | $57,693 |
Harvard University | $54,768 |
California Institute of Technology | $58,479 |
University of Chicago | $85,536 |
Source: Official University Website
Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living for an international student depends upon the location of the college and accommodation. Several unavoidable expenses when living in a different country include charges for accommodation, food, transport, utility bills, and others. Accommodation is the costliest, and students end up spending the most on it.
It is important to have some money aside for grocery shopping, utilities, emergencies, and social activities. Some of the necessary living expenses are as follows.
Factor | Average Annual Cost of Living |
Accommodation | $3,600 - $7,200 (on campus) $7,200 - $36,000 (off campus) |
Travel | $540 - $1,200 |
Food | $3,000 (on campus) $4,800 - $7,200 (off campus) |
Books and Material | $1,000 - $2,000 |
Health Insurance | $1,500 - $2,500 |
Utilities | $2160 |
Total | $13,540 – $25,000 (on campus) $18,940 – $52,800 (off campus) |
Pre-Arrival Costs Before Studying Bachelors in USA
1. English Examination Cost
TOEFL and IELTS are the two most common English language proficiency tests taken by non-native English speakers to be accepted into a US university. The cost of taking TOEFL in India is INR 16,900 and the cost of taking IELTS is INR 17,000.
2. Standardized Test Costs
A valid test score in a standardized admission test helps in securing admission, visa, and immigration services. Students will also have to take exams like the SAT to get admitted for a bachelor’s degree in the USA.
The registration charges they have to pay for taking the SAT test are $60 (around INR 5,000), plus a $43 (INR 3,592) regional fee. It is to be noted that beginning August 24, 2024, the SAT registration fee is $68 (INR 5,680) along with a regional fee of $43.
2. University Application Cost
The average application cost to apply for an undergraduate degree in the USA is around $50.
3. Visa Application Cost
A valid student visa (F1, M1, J1) is an official prerequisite to study in the USA. The application fee for a F-1 student visa is $185 for international students. However, the cost is subject to variation and changes.
Also Read:-
4. Airfare
The one-way cost of airfare ranges between $400 to $900, depending on time, airfare class, city, and airline. One can get the lowest fares by booking a few months before the date of the journey.
The cost of a bachelor’s degree in the USA depends on the type of program and university or school students are opting for. They can also get in touch with upGrad Abroad to explore several cost-saving options.
Post-Arrival Costs of Studying Bachelor's in USA
The post-arrival expenses for an undergraduate cost in the USA can be divided into two main parts: tuition fees and cost of living. Insurance and emergency funds are two other major expenses you may have to consider.
1. Tuition Fees
The average tuition fee for a bachelor's degree of four years for international students at public institutions was $41,920 for the 2023/24 academic year. Remember that the tuition fees can vary depending on various factors like chosen course, university, intake, etc.
2. Accommodation
It is one of the biggest expenses you will have to deal with while studying abroad. Make sure you weigh your accommodation costs on and off campus!
On-campus housing costs between $1078 and $2395 in the USA. In the case of off-campus housing, you have two options: apartments and homestays.
On average, off-campus housing costs $525 per month, excluding food, utilities, groceries, and transportation.
3. Cost of Living
The cost of living in the USA for students ranges between $13,540 and $52,800 per year. The cost can vary based on personal preferences and lifestyle.
4. Insurance
Take note of health insurance premiums or any out-of-pocket expenses for medical care. Usually, insurers charge anything from $1,500 to $2,500 annually.
5. Emergency funds
These include savings set aside for unforeseen expenses or emergencies. You should limit non-essential costs and open a savings account to build a financial cushion by directing a particular portion of your income. An ideal emergency fund comprises three to six times your monthly expenses.
Tips on Financial Planning for Students
The tips I have listed below can help you reduce the expenses related to the cost of an undergraduate degree in the USA.
1. Prepare a Budget
Make a budget by outlining your income and expenses. Take into account the cost of living, transportation, accommodation, tuition, and recreational activities.
2. Prioritize your Expenses
Set aside a significant amount of your budget for necessities such as groceries, rent, transportation, and textbooks. Spend less on luxuries, entertainment, and dining out. Living near your university can cut your travel costs.
3. Part-Time Work
International students in the USA are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Exploring jobs like library assistant, lab assistant, or campus dining services can help with your living expenses.
4. Student Discounts
Many stores, restaurants, and services offer student discounts. Always ask if one is available, and use your student ID to get discounts on software, books, and public transportation.
5. Home Cooking
Eating out frequently can be expensive and cause a hole in your pockets. Cooking at home saves money. You can try to plan meals and cook in batches.
6. Emergency Fund
Set a monthly savings target to build a corpus for an emergency fund that can be utilized at an urgent or unexpected crisis.
Conclusion
Now that you have a blueprint for a bachelor’s degree cost in the USA, you must prepare a budget from Day 1. Though the cost for international undergraduate students in the USA can be high, you can easily manage the costs with proper financial planning.
Also, remember the long-term financial benefits of your degree are undeniable. Your investment pays off with higher earnings, career growth, and job stability if you are focused on your studies.
FAQs
How much does a 4 year bachelor degree cost in the USA?
The total cost of studying for a four-year bachelor's degree in the USA varies based on multiple factors, including the course, university, and other living expenses. But on average it can cost from $80,000 to $200,000 (tuition and living expenses).
What are the most affordable cities in the USA for international students to live and study?
The top 10 affordable cities in the USA for international students per the QS 2024 report are:-
- San Diego, California
- Albany, New York
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Durham, North Carolina
- Dallas, Texas
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Houston, Texas
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Seattle, Washington
- Atlanta, Georgia
What scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of undergraduate education in the USA?
Many scholarships are available in the US to reduce the cost of undergraduate education for international students. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships, diversity scholarships, and specialized scholarships. Also, many universities in the US offer their own scholarships.
Some popular scholarships for pursuing your bachelor's in the US are the GenTex Scholarship 2024, Navigate Your Future Scholarship 2024, Rapid Formations Entrepreneur Scholarship Programme 2024, Global Citizen Scholarship 2024, and Dan L. Meisinger Sr. Memorial Learn To Fly Scholarship 2024.
What are the long-term financial benefits of earning a bachelor's degree in the USA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for bachelor's degree holders was $85,800 in 2023 compared to $45,040 for those with only a high school diploma. Hence, completing a bachelor's degree in the US can lead to more career opportunities, higher earnings, and financial stability. In the long run, these benefits would result in a more peaceful and prosperous life.
Is the cost of studying in the USA affordable for Indian students?
Compared to other countries, the cost of studying in the USA is a bit on the higher side. However, the government and universities offer different scholarships that students can avail.
Additionally, the Return on Investment (ROI) after pursuing a degree from the USA is considerably higher as the jobs in the country pay quite a good salary to its employees.
What is the duration of a bachelor’s in the USA?
In the USA, a full-time bachelor’s degree takes four academic years to complete, unlike the three years in India.
What is the average cost of a bachelor’s in the USA?
While the tuition fees differ across universities, the approximate cost of a bachelor’s degree in the USA generally hovers around $15,000 to $50,000. However, on average, the annual cost of study for an international student in the USA is around $38,270.
What is the expected salary after completing a bachelor’s degree in the USA?
After completing a bachelor’s degree in the USA, students can expect a starting salary of at least $68,000. However, the salary depends on the job field and specializations.
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