One of the most popular destinations for international students in the world, the USA is home to elite and globally recognized universities. According to Open Doors 2025, US colleges and universities hosted 1,177,766 international students in the 2024/25 academic year.
However, the cost of higher education in the US, especially at elite private universities, is high. At some institutions, the total annual cost of attendance before financial aid can approach or exceed $100,000 when tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and transportation are included. In addition to tuition, students need to budget for accommodation, transportation, food, health insurance, personal expenses, and other costs. Before planning your studies in the US, you should be aware of the expenses you may incur before and during your studies. Here is a rundown of expenses every international student should know.
Cost of Studying in the United States
As mentioned above, the cost of studying in the US can be high. Costs vary widely by state, institution, degree level, and financial aid. For 2025–2026, the College Board reported average published tuition and fees of $31,880 for out-of-state students at public four-year colleges and $45,000 at private nonprofit four-year colleges. Living expenses, books, transportation, health insurance, and personal costs are additional.
Here are some examples of tuition fees for international students in the USA. Graduate tuition often varies by program, so program-specific examples are shown where a single standard annual tuition is not published.
| US INSTITUTION | UNDERGRADUATE TUITION (2026–2027) | GRADUATE TUITION (2026–2027) |
|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 66,720 USD | 66,720 USD for standard full-time graduate tuition |
| University of Portland | 61,000 USD | Varies by program; many listed graduate rates range from 800 to 1,700 USD per credit |
| University of Chicago | 75,960 USD | Varies by program; for example, the Crown School full-time A.M. program is 54,873 USD per year |
| Harvard University | 62,226 USD | 59,048 USD for Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences full tuition |
| University of San Francisco | 63,880 USD | Varies by program; many graduate programs are charged at about 1,700 to 1,800 USD per unit |
To reduce overall academic costs, international students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Availability, award amounts, and eligibility can change, so students should confirm details on the official university pages before applying. Here are some scholarships and financial aid options offered by US institutions:
Cost of Living in the United States
1. Atlanta
One of the largest cities in the southern US, Atlanta has many museums and cultural centers. It can be a good option for international students looking for a relatively more affordable major US city. According to June 2026 cost-of-living data, a single person’s estimated monthly costs in Atlanta are about $1,334 before rent. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,976 per month in the city center and about $1,456 per month outside the city center. Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average about $185 per month, while internet service averages about $86 per month. Childcare, which is a consideration for some students, can be expensive, with full-day private preschool averaging about $1,844 per month per child.
2. New York
Another city that is popular among international learners is New York City. The city is known for tourist attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and Broadway. Although it is a popular study destination, students who want to study here should be aware of the high cost of living.
Rent in New York is among the highest in the country. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $4,285 per month in the city center and about $2,780 per month outside the city center. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are about $1,683 before rent. Food and eating out can also be costly. For example, an inexpensive restaurant meal averages about $25, and a regular cappuccino averages about $5.93. A monthly public transportation pass averages about $140.
3. Washington D.C.
The capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is a hub of politics, government, and business. Because of this, living costs can be high. Rent in Washington, D.C., is expensive, especially for international students. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $2,607 per month in the city center and about $2,120 per month outside the city center. Basic utility bills average about $211 per month, and internet service averages about $72 per month. Public transportation can also add to the monthly budget, with a regular monthly pass averaging about $120.
4. Portland
Portland, Oregon, is regarded by many as one of the coolest cities in the US. With a thriving and eclectic music scene, it has become a popular choice for students who want a creative city atmosphere. It is also a good base for exploring the outdoors, with day-trip access to places such as Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
While rent may not be as high as in New York City or Washington, D.C., students should still budget carefully. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $2,082 per month in the city center and about $1,633 per month outside the city center. Internet service averages about $74 per month, while basic utilities average about $309 per month. A regular monthly public transportation pass averages about $100.
5. Austin
Austin is one of the United States’ important technology hubs. Some also compare the city to Portland because of its distinctive local culture. For international students, Austin can be an exciting city to live in.
Living in Austin can be relatively more affordable than living in New York City or Washington, D.C., but costs have risen in recent years. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,927 per month in the city center and about $1,328 per month outside the city center. Transportation is still comparatively affordable, with a monthly public transportation pass averaging about $41.25. Basic utilities average about $213 per month, while internet service averages about $68 per month. Students can also find relatively affordable food options, although an inexpensive restaurant meal averages about $20.
Overall, while there are many fantastic universities in the United States to study at, the costs associated with studying and living at these universities can be a major barrier for many international students. When planning your studies in the US, aside from looking for universities, it is also important to understand the study and living costs where the school is located and whether you can afford them.
We hope this article gives you insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with studying in the USA. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
