2025. 2. 20. 12:40ㆍStudy Abroad and Jobs
1. Tuition Fees in U.S. Universities
Tuition fees vary based on the type of institution (public vs. private), major, and degree level (undergraduate vs. graduate). Additionally, in-state and out-of-state (including international) students face different tuition costs. Over the past decade, tuition fees in the U.S. have increased by an average of 3-5% per year. This must be considered when estimating future expenses.
Tuition by Type of University
- Public Universities (State University): $26,000 - $42,000 per year (for out-of-state students)
- Private Universities: $42,000 - $62,000 per year
- Elite Universities (Ivy League, etc.): $52,000 - $85,000 per year
U.S. Annual Tuition Statistics (NCES)
Tuition Differences by Major
Some majors have significantly higher tuition costs, such as medicine, law, and business (MBA).
- Medical School: $60,000 - $100,000 per year
- Law School: $50,000 - $90,000 per year
- MBA Programs: $60,000 - $120,000 per year
Cost of Online Degree Programs
Online degree programs are increasingly available at lower costs. On average, online programs range from $15,000 - $30,000 per year, depending on the major and institution.
2. Cost of Living in the U.S.
Living costs depend on location and housing arrangements. Here’s a comparison of costs between dormitory living and renting off-campus.
U.S. Cost of Living & Average Rent by State
Living Costs by City
- New York: $2,500 - $4,500 per month (including rent, food, transportation)
- San Francisco: $2,800 - $5,000 per month
- Chicago: $1,800 - $3,500 per month
- Austin, Texas: $1,500 - $2,800 per month
- Atlanta: $1,500 - $2,500 per month
- Boston: $2,000 - $3,800 per month
International Student Cost of Living Calculator (Numbeo)
Visit Numbeo Cost of Living
Cost of Living
Or
www.numbeo.com
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing
- Dormitories: $800 - $2,000 per month
- Off-Campus Rent: $1,200 - $3,500 per month
- Additional Expenses: Food and transportation should also be factored in.
3. Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students
University-Specific Scholarships
- Harvard University: Need-based financial aid, up to $70,000 per year
- MIT: International students can apply for aid through FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Stanford University: Average aid of $50,000+ per year
- Yale University: 100% need-based financial aid available
- Princeton University: Full scholarships based on family income
FAFSA Official Website Fastweb - Find various scholarships
External Scholarships & Financial Support
- Fulbright Scholarship: U.S. government-funded scholarships for international students
- DAAD Scholarships: For STEM & humanities majors
- Google Scholarships: For computer science & IT students
- Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award: Scholarships for female students
- AAUW International Fellowships: Financial aid for female graduate students & researchers
4. Part-Time Jobs & Internships for International Students
Types of Part-Time Jobs Available
- Campus library, café, dorm assistant
- Online tutoring (English, math for Korean students)
- Research assistant positions
- IT & design freelance work
- Student assistant positions
OPT & CPT Internship Programs
Many students use OPT & CPT to gain work experience in the U.S. A student secured an internship at a Silicon Valley tech firm via CPT, later transitioning into full-time employment through OPT.
Visit Practical Training Information
5. Budgeting & Health Insurance for International Students
Best Budgeting Apps for Students
- Mint: Real-time expense tracking
- YNAB: Monthly budgeting and saving goals
- Splitwise: Expense splitting for roommates
- PocketGuard: Helps identify unnecessary spending
Health Insurance Options & Saving Tips
- University Health Insurance: Many universities offer student health insurance
- Private Insurance: Often more affordable than university plans
- Free or Low-Cost Health Services: University health centers & community clinics
6. Additional Resources & Useful Links
- College Board - SAT, AP exam & scholarship information
- NAFSA - Visa & study abroad resources
Visit College Board
College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools
www.collegeboard.org
7. Conclusion
Studying in the U.S. comes with various costs, but scholarships, budgeting, and part-time job opportunities can help reduce expenses.
Keeping up with the latest information is essential. For more details, visit my blog.
