The United States of America is the top study destination of the world right now. Due to its high academic standard, students from across the world flock to it in large numbers to pursue their higher education and get internationally recognized degrees.
US University Fees for International Students
It differs from college to college, based on which type of colleges in USA you want to study in. Although the average fees that one has to pay without any financial assistance is quite high, there are a large number of sources of funding available, making studying in the American universities affordable.
Tuition Fees at Public Universities
As mentioned, the university fees are different for different universities and depend on the courses students choose to pursue. On average, however, the college tuition fees vary from USD 5000 to 50000 per year, and this could go up for certain courses like MBA, Medical, Law, etc. The average tuition fees for two-year courses in public universities is USD 3520, while for four-year courses it is USD 9650 (in-state), and USD 24930 (out of state).
Tuition Fees at Other Type of Institutions
The average college tuition fees depend on the kind of institution (public or private), and the course one pursues. As we have already mentioned, even for public universities, the average can go up in a steep manner if the course’s duration doubles. For example, private non-profit universities can charge USD 33480 for a four-year course.
Cost of Undergraduate Degree in USA for International Students
Cost of undergraduate students on average for international students is USD $26290 for the four-year institutions. A large number of international students opt for studying in the USA for their undergraduate studies right after their 12th, for the courses like MSc, MS and BA in USA. The course fees will of course change with the programs one chooses and institutions they apply to. There are also two-year and three-year private/public colleges and universities in USA for international students and the fees will change accordingly.
Cost of Masters Degree in USA for International Students
The average tuition fees for a Masters Degree in the USA can cost anywhere between USD $20,000-$35,000 depending on the course and universities. The business courses, such as MBA in USA and medical in USA can be more expensive than this. Talking about Masters in USA, a large number of international students opt for STEM courses that comprise courses in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These courses also offer Optional Practical Training and upto 2 years of Stay Back.
PhD in USA Fees vary from $28,000 to $40,000 depending on the course and the institution.
Affordable Universities in the USA
The most affordable universities in USA are the University of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin, Iowa State University and the University of Utah. Some other universities and the average tuition fees they charge are as follows:
| Affordable University | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Texas at Dallas | 13000 USD/year |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 9000 USD/year |
| Texas A&M University | 9000 USD/year |
| Arizona State University | 13000 USD/year |
| Illinois University of Technology | 31000 USD/year |
Tuition Fees at Top Ranked Universities
For anyone who wants to study abroad, especially in the United States, it becomes important to know which are the top universities in USA that offer their courses and programmes at affordable costs. Here is a list of such universities in America:
| Top-Ranked University | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Florida | 12000 USD/year |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | 12000 USD/year |
| Washington State University | 13000 USD/year |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 13000 USD/year |
| North Carolina State University | 10000 USD/year |
Scholarships in USA
Scholarships are a very important aspect of a student’s plan to Study in USA. For Pakistani students, especially, the fees that most American universities charge may not be affordable. So here is a list of the scholarships in USA, Pakistani students can avail for both graduate and undergraduate courses in USA. A scholarship for MS in USA is one of the most sought after by the students:
- The Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- ETS TOEFL Scholarship
- Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
- Inlaks Scholarships to Study Abroad
- Inlaks Research Travel Grants, and
- Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships
International Students Loan USA
International Students loan is a realistic way to fund your expenses for the time when you are going to study abroad. If you are exhausted with your scholarship and financial aid, and the family funds, and there is still the gap of funds that are needed to be proved, an international Students Loan is the way to go. It will not only help you bridge the gap, but will give you the luxury of extended payments and low interest rates.
Education loan Benefits
International Students loans are a great way to fund your education abroad. Because they are designed for the students, they are very flexible when it comes to repayment of the loan. The amounts are high enough to pay for your programs, but the repayment is done over an extended period of time. The interest rates are also low compared to other types of loans. There are also convenient options like repayment after graduation. Keep in mind that most of the time, international students loan for USA are provided by private organisations.
Cost of Student Visa
There are two fees related to F1 student visa for the USA
- SEVIS fee which currently cost $350
- Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is cost $160
Cost of living in USA
The living cost in usa for international students actually depends on the location the student decides to stay in. For example, in states like Washington, California, and in the areas around New York, the living costs may be quite high. In general, for students from countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and India, the living cost may be in the range of 6000 to 20000 dollars a year. This is based on the assumption that students would reside in shared apartments, live outside campus, and live in a modest manner.
Accommodation in USA
There are three kinds of accommodation options available for international students- on campus accommodation, off campus accommodation and host family accommodation. In the first case, the student lives on the university’s campus, in a student room or student apartment. This arrangement is an expensive proposition, but helps in becoming familiar with the university and the students really fast. In off campus accommodation, one hires a private or shared apartment outside the campus. This costs lesse. Finally, living with a family can be more expensive than off campus accommodation, but helps in becoming familiar with the American culture.
Food Costs in USA
Students are not supposed to live in luxurious manners. America offers all kinds of options to people. Students have the option of having meals in inexpensive restaurants for just thirteen dollars. A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs fifty dollars. McDonald’s combo meals cost just seven dollars. Domestic beer costs four dollars, and imported five.
Transportation in USA
Usually, students live either on campus, or just outside it. Therefore, transportation is not a big issue. They avail the public transport system, which comprises of buses, cabs and trains. Also, there are vehicle rental facilities available. Students often use the carpools to move from one place to another.
Extra Costs and Savings in USA
America is full of options and temptations that may incur extra costs. So one needs to be careful. In addition, health insurance is an extra cost. Also, there are the costs related to buying books, stationeries, etc. One can save on the food costs by dining in inexpensive restaurants. One may use pool cars for travelling, and the libraries to borrow all books.
So whether one wants to become a graduate from an American university, or pursue a Masters or any other post-graduate programme, one can be absolutely sure of getta ing top quality education, and in English.
