Studying in the United States costs very different amounts depending on the school. Public universities charge lower tuition to in-state residents and higher tuition to out-of-state and international students. Private universities charge one rate for everyone, and that rate is usually the highest.
Tuition is only the start. Budget for housing, food, books, transport, and health insurance, which most universities require international students to carry. Living costs swing widely: a small college town can cost far less per month than New York or San Francisco.
Financial aid changes the picture. Most US undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, and many private universities meet a large share of demonstrated need. At MIT, for example, about 57 percent of undergraduates received need-based financial aid in 2024-25, with an average need-based scholarship above 62,000 dollars.
International students should also budget for visa costs. You will pay a SEVIS fee when your record is created and a visa application fee at the embassy, plus travel and document costs. Check current fees on official US government sites, since they change.
Start with affordable universities for international students to compare options, review international student admission requirements, and use financial aid guidance to plan applications.
