How much does it cost to study in United States in 2025?

Undergraduate programs cost between USD 20,000 - 45,000 per year, master's programs range from USD 20,000 - 50,000, and living costs average USD 10,000 -25,000 annually.

Study in the United States

(2026 Guide)

The United States remains a top global destination for international students, world-class universities, diverse study options, and extensive research opportunities. This guide presents up-to-date, practical insights on tuition, living costs, visas (F-1/M-1), work options and scholarships, so you can plan your study path with confidence.

Key fact line: With over 1.5 million international students enrolled in 2024, the U.S. continues to lead globally in international education.

The Student Experience

Why choose the United States?

The U.S. offers an unparalleled mix of educational excellence, research innovation and campus life. From large research universities to liberal arts colleges, you’ll find study styles to suit your goals. With over 1.5 million international students in 2024 alone, the U.S. remains a global hub for higher education.

Academic prestige and global recognition of U.S. degrees
Wide diversity of programs, majors and campus types
Student-friendly cities and strong student support infrastructure
Research opportunities, internships and global alumni networks

World-class universities

The World University Rankings 2026 places 27 U.S. universities in the top 100, with MIT, Stanford, and Harvard dominating the top 5. The US excels in research, technology, and entrepreneurial education, making it a hub for future leaders.

Cultural & professional opportunities

From the fast-paced energy of New York City to the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, the U.S. provides an exciting backdrop for student life. Students can explore:

Internships with top global companies (Google, Apple, Tesla, etc.)
Cultural diversity in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Boston
Travel experiences, from the Grand Canyon to Broadway shows

Outstanding student benefits

Optional Practical Training (OPT): Graduates in STEM fields can work for up to 3 years post-graduation.
On-campus jobs & internships help students gain work experience while studying.
Scholarships & financial aid opportunities at many universities.
Strong alumni networks that open doors to global career opportunities.

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Cost of studying in United States for international students

Costs vary widely by program and city. Below are typical annual ranges (tuition + living).

Program Type	Annual Cost
Undergraduate Degrees	USD 20,000 - 45,000
Master's Programs	USD 20,000 - 50,000
Vocational/College (Diploma/Cert)	USD 6,000 - 20,000
Living Expenses (Annual)	USD 10,000 - 25,000

Living expenses vary by city: Students in Tier-1 metro areas may see living costs of USD 30,000– 45,000 per year depending on accommodation and lifestyle.

🎓 Estimate Your Annual Budget

Select Program Type Estimated Living Cost

For more details, explore our resources: Cost Calculator, Student Visa Guide, and Scholarships.

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Study and work in United States

Pathways to skills and employment

💼 Work Whilst Studying

International students on an F-1 visa may work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during the academic term (some variation may apply).

These work opportunities enable students to gain American work experience, develop professional networks, and potentially qualify for skilled migration programs.

📍 Study Locations

Boston (academia)
San Francisco/Silicon Valley (tech)
Vancouver (film/tech)
New York (finance/arts)
Austin (growth/entrepreneurship
Atlanta (industry + affordability)

Each study destination combines modern urban amenities with easy access to American's stunning beaches, national parks, and unique wildlife, offering an enviable study-life balance.

🎯Post-graduation work:

Ranked in top 50 globally

17,000 students

100+ nationalities

Economics, Business, Statistics, Social Sciences

Explore more

Explore All Top Universities in the USA

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Scholarships for International Students in United States

Numerous U.S. universities and external bodies offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. Awards range from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships. Explore by level, field and institution.

U.S. Scholarships 2026 Guide→

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Frequently Asked Questions – Study in United States

Have questions? Let us help you

Studying abroad can be intimidating and is a life-changing decision. Below are the frequently asked questions by our students. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us!

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+ Why choose the United States for higher education in 2025?

The United States remains the world's top study destination with:

27 universities in QS Top 100 (2025), including MIT (#1), Stanford (#3), and Harvard (#4)
Flexible education system with options to change majors and customize degrees
Cutting-edge research opportunities with $80+ billion annual research expenditure
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allowing 1-3 years of post-study work
Diverse campus life with students from all 50 states and 200+ countries
Strong industry connections with Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and global corporations
Liberal Arts education model fostering well-rounded graduates

+ What are the F-1 student visa requirements for 2025?

Key requirements for an F-1 visa:

Form I-20 from SEVP-certified institution
Proof of financial support covering 1st year tuition + living expenses
Nonimmigrant intent demonstrating ties to home country
English proficiency (TOEFL 80+/IELTS 6.5+ for most universities)
SEVIS fee payment ($350 for F-1 visa)
Visa interview at US Embassy/Consulate

Additional documents: Valid passport, academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and visa application fee ($185). Processing time: 2-8 weeks.

+ What are the 2025 tuition fees for international students?

Annual tuition fees (USD) for 2025:

Institution Type	Range	Average
Private Universities	$35,000 - $65,000	$45,000
Public Universities (Out-of-state)	$25,000 - $50,000	$35,000
Community Colleges	$8,000 - $20,000	$15,000
MBA Programs	$50,000 - $120,000	$75,000
STEM Programs	$30,000 - $70,000	$45,000

Note: Ivy League universities cost $60,000-$85,000/year including living expenses.

+ What are the living costs in US cities (2025)?

Monthly living cost estimates (USD):

City	Accommodation	Food	Transport	Total
New York	$1,500-$3,000	$500-$800	$120-$150	$2,500-$4,500
Los Angeles	$1,200-$2,500	$450-$700	$100-$130	$2,000-$3,800
Chicago	$900-$1,800	$400-$600	$100-$120	$1,600-$2,800
Boston	$1,300-$2,500	$500-$750	$90-$120	$2,100-$3,700
Austin	$800-$1,500	$350-$550	$70-$100	$1,400-$2,400

College towns are typically 20-40% cheaper than major cities. Health insurance averages $1,500-$3,000/year.

+ What are the work rights for international students?

Current work regulations (2025):

On-campus: Up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks
CPT: Curricular Practical Training for internships (requires authorization)
OPT: 12 months post-completion (STEM extensions up to 24 additional months)
Off-campus: Severe economic hardship authorization possible after 1 year
Minimum wage: Federal $7.25/hour (state wages often higher: CA $16, NY $15)

Popular student jobs include research assistant ($15-$25/hr), campus jobs ($10-$18/hr), and internships ($18-$35/hr in tech).

+ What scholarships are available for international students?

Major scholarship opportunities:

Fulbright Program (fully funded by US government)
University merit scholarships:
- Yale International Scholarships (need-based)
- Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars (full funding)
- University of Chicago Odyssey Scholarships
Private scholarships:
- AAUW International Fellowships ($18,000-$30,000)
- Rotary Peace Fellowships (full tuition + living)
EduBridge Global Excellence Awards (up to $15,000 for select programs)

Most deadlines are 9-12 months before program start. Early preparation is essential.

+ How do I apply through EduBridge Global?

Our 9-step US application process:

Profile evaluation: Assess academic background and goals
Standardized tests: TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/GRE/GMAT preparation guidance
University selection: Match with 5-8 target schools (reach/target/safety)
Document preparation: SOPs, essays, recommendation letters, portfolios
Application submission: Common App, Coalition App, or direct applications
Interview preparation: For selective universities
Offer management: Compare financial packages and aid
Visa guidance: Complete F-1 visa documentation
Pre-departure services: Orientation, housing, banking setup

Key deadlines for 2025 intakes:

Early Decision/Early Action: November 2024
Regular Decision: January-February 2025
Rolling Admissions: Varies (apply early)

+ What accommodation options are available?

2025 accommodation options (annual costs in USD):

Type	Cost	Pros	Cons
University Dorms	$8,000-$15,000	Convenient, social	Shared facilities
Off-campus Shared	$6,000-$12,000	More independence	Additional commute
Homestay	$9,000-$18,000	Cultural immersion	Less privacy
Private Apartment	$12,000-$30,000+	Complete privacy	Higher cost

Most universities require freshmen to live on campus. Graduate housing varies by institution.

+ How does health insurance work for international students?

US health insurance requirements:

Mandatory at most universities (either school plan or comparable private insurance)
Average cost: $1,500-$3,000/year through university plans
Covers: Doctor visits (after deductible), emergency care, some prescriptions
Excludes: Dental, vision, pre-existing conditions (varies by plan)
University health centers: Basic care often included in fees

We help students compare insurance options and select appropriate coverage.

+ What is student life like in the US?

American campus life features:

Vibrant Greek life (fraternities/sororities) at many schools
NCAA sports culture with school spirit events
400+ student clubs and organizations per campus
Career fairs and networking events with top employers
On-campus concerts, lectures, and cultural events
Comprehensive student support services
Dining halls with diverse food options

Universities host orientation weeks, homecoming events, and career preparation programs.

+ What are the work visa options after graduation?

Post-study work options:

OPT: 12 months (36 months for STEM) of work authorization
H-1B Visa: Employer-sponsored (annual lottery with 20-30% selection rate)
O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability
L-1 Visa: For transfers within multinational companies
EB-2/EB-3: Employment-based green card (long process)

Key considerations:

OPT applications must be filed before program completion
H-1B requires bachelor's degree or higher
STEM graduates have three attempts at H-1B lottery
Many students transition from OPT to H-1B status

Need help navigating your study options?

EduBridge Global is a free, independent resource built to help students make confident decisions about studying abroad. Still have questions? We share tailored advice and practical resources to help students confidently explore study options in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA

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Study in the United States

(2026 Guide)

The Student Experience

World-class universities

Cultural & professional opportunities

Outstanding student benefits

Cost of studying in United States for international students

🎓 Estimate Your Annual Budget

Study and work in United States

💼 Work Whilst Studying

📍 Study Locations

🎯Post-graduation work:

Top Universities in the United States

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Princeton University

Harvard University

Stanford University

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

Yale University

University of Chicago

Scholarships for International Students in United States

Frequently Asked Questions – Study in United States

Have questions? Let us help you

Need help navigating your study options?