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cost of study in us
Y Sindhura
Y Sindhura

With 8 years of experience in the overseas division, Sindhura is a specialist in Canada, Australia, UK and Germany visa process.

What is the cost of studying in the US for Indian students?

Thousands of students arrive in the US from India each year to study in some of the best Universities in the United States. While the country remains the top choice for study abroad, the costs for studying in USA for Indian students can appear to be quite daunting.

What makes the matter worse for some is that they are not prepared for the (actual) expenses, resulting in their focus eventually shifting towards work in US to cover the cost. This blog talks about the cost for Indian students, course fees, top Universities in the USA, etc. Keep reading.

How much does it cost for an Indian student to study in USA?

There are many costs involved for an Indian to study overseas in the US as an international student. Generally, the costs will be - 

Overall cost of studying in the US for Indian students

Expenses For

Courses & Applications

Cost

1. Language and entrance examinations

GRE: Graduate Record Examinations

INR 16,000 approx.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

INR 14,450 approx.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

INR 14,700

GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test

INR 20,000 approx.

SAT

INR 9,000 approx.

[Registration fee USD 55 + Regional fee USD 49]

2. University application fee

-

INR 2,600 to INR 6,000 approx.

3. US Student Visa

Visa application fee

INR 12,200 approx.

[USD 160 for Form DS 160]

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee

INR 26,600 approx.

[USD 350]

4. Tuition fees

B Tech

INR 25 lakhs (in a year)*

MBA

INR 27 lakhs (in a year)*

BBA

INR 20 lakhs (in a year)*

Master of Science (MS)

INR 22 lakhs (in a year)*

Medicine

INR 40 lakhs (in a year)*

Law

From INR 16 lakhs in a year

5. Living expenses

-

USD 7,60,500 (in a year)

* an Average

What is the tuition fee in US universities in 2024?

Generally, government-funded institutions have a much lower tuition fee when compared to private institutions.

Course-wise Highest and Lowest Tuition Fee in US in 2024

Course

Type of University

Highest Annual Tuition Fee 

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Lowest Annual Tuition Fee 

4-years or above




Public

INR 17,96,909

INR 6,40,000

INR 36,504

Private, not-for-profit

INR 46,98,977

INR 21,74,801 

INR 1,71,112

Private, for profit

INR 31,86,495

INR 12,71,784 

INR 2,98,116

2-year





Public

INR 9,13,056

INR 2,85,948

INR 70,878

Private, not-for-profit

INR 40,91,794

INR 11,55,579

INR 2,56,288

Private, for profit

INR 25,52,314

INR 11,36,795

INR 5,06,493

Less than 2 years

Public

INR 14,26,317

INR 6,78,366

INR 1,76,892

Private, not-for-profit

INR 16,27,470

INR 12,80,834

INR 8,11,833

Private, for profit

INR 23,04,315

INR 11,49,647

INR 4,86,491

Source: US Department of Education

What are the living expenses for study abroad in the US?

The yearly living expenses include - 

  • Books and study materials: From INR 68,445.
  • Accommodation: From INR 3,80,250. 
  • Room, if living off-campus: Around INR 38,025 in a month. 
  • Food: Variable 
  • Traveling within the US: Up to INR 53,235.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing: Variable. 
  • Entertainment expenses: Variable.

The costs that you will end up paying will depend on many factors, such as - if you find on-campus boarding, location of university, and the US state that you will be studying in.

Are there scholarships available for study abroad in the US?

While the costs for studying in the US might appear to be quite high, many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. The best US scholarships for Indians include, among others - 

Can I get an education loan for US study abroad?

Yes. You can get education loans to fund your study abroad in the US. Loans without collateral or security are also available. Students applying from India can claim tax benefit under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act that provides tax deductions on educational loans.

Other FAQs

Which country has the largest number of international students?

The US has the largest number of international students.

How many students from India study abroad in US?

According to Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, there were 167,582 International students from India in the US in 2020/2021.

Why study abroad in the US?

 Top 3 reasons for study abroad in the US are -

  1. Academic excellence: High academic standards and cutting edge technology make the US synonymous with quality education. QS World University Rankings 2024 features nine US universities in the Top 20 global universities in 2024.
  2. Uniqueness of the curriculum: The US follows a flexible education system. An international student can select from many different study courses available.
  3. Support for international students: Workshops and orientation programs are held on a regular basis.

What are the top universities in the US in 2024?

As per the QS World University Rankings, the Top 20 US universities in 2024 are -

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  2. Stanford University
  3. Harvard University
  4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
  5. University of Chicago
  6. University of Pennsylvania
  7. Yale University
  8. Columbia University
  9. Princeton University
  10. Cornell University
  11. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
  12. Johns Hopkins University
  13. Northwestern University
  14. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
  15. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  16. New York University (NYU)
  17. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
  18. Duke University
  19. Carnegie Mellon University
  20.  Brown University

Is it worth studying in US for Indian students?

Yes. It is definitely worth studying in US for Indian students. The US remains the top study abroad destinations for MBA and STEM students.

How much bank balance for US student visa?

Depends upon the course applying for as well as the US university that you will be attending. The financial requirements will be clearly mentioned in your Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. 

What is the age limit to apply for US student visa?

There is no upper age limit for study abroad in the USA. You must have been accepted by a US university as an international student before you can apply for US student visa.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). For you to be able to apply for a US student visa, you must first secure admission into a SEVP-approved US school. SEVP is the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of America.

I want to study in US. Which visa do I apply to?

‘F’ category US visa is to attend a university or college in the US as an international academic student. Vocational education will need a ‘M’ visa instead.

How to apply for US study visa?

STEP 1: Secure admission in a SEVP-approved school, pay SEVIS I-90 fees.

STEP 2: Fill up Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. To be given to you by your US university. 

STEP 3: Apply for US study visa, by filling up Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.

STEP 4: Give your biometrics at the Visa Application Center (VAC).

STEP 5: Appear for the US student visa interview.

What are the Top 5 reasons to study abroad?

In addition to being exposed to top-notch education, you can also increase your future global employability quotient in the process. The Top 5 reasons for study abroad are –

  1. The experience: Studying abroad can expose you to a completely new way of teaching. As you learn differently, your mind adjusts and adapts to a new teaching environment.
  2. Understanding of diverse cultures: As an international student you come into close contact with many other students from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds.
  3. Thinking globally: You gain a global perspective as you study abroad.
  4. Add weight to your CV: Generally, international employers tend to prioritize applicants that have lived globally, showing that they possess a high level of adaptability and the ability to deal with people from different cultures. 
  5. Route to permanent residency: Many countries let you stay back for a certain time in the country after completing your education. You can utilize your stay to work or look for work. The post-study work experience gained by you might make you eligible for various immigration streams. 

How can I know my cost of study abroad in US?

Each of the US universities are required to include a fees and financial aid calculator on their website. Log on to the US Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency Center.

How much will a Bachelor’s degree cost in the US?

On an average, studying at the undergraduate level in the US will cost you anywhere from INR 15,21,000 to INR 30,42,000 annually. 

What is the cost of Master of Science (MS) in the US?

Pursuing Master of Science (MS) in a US university will cost you from INR 17,00,000 to INR 34,22,250 in a year.

Topics: Study, Study-in-USA

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