Cost of Studying in USA in 2026: Tuition Fees, Living Expenses & Budget Guide
Complete Financial Planning Guide for International Students in the United States
Feb 14, 2026
Is the USA Expensive for International Students?
The United States offers world-class education, but it is also one of the more expensive study destinations.
Students must plan for:
Tuition fees
Living expenses
Health insurance
Visa-related financial proof
Books and personal expenses
Proper budgeting is essential before starting your academic journey.
Tuition Fees in the USA
Tuition varies widely depending on institution type.
Public Universities (Out-of-State Tuition)
USD 15,000 – 35,000 per year
Private Universities
USD 30,000 – 60,000+ per year
Specialized programs such as MBA, medical, or law degrees may cost more.
Additional Academic Costs
Students should also budget for:
Books and supplies: USD 1,000 – 2,000 per year
Health insurance: USD 1,000 – 3,000 per year
Student activity fees (varies by university)
Cost of Living in the USA
Estimated monthly living expenses:
USD 800 – 2,000
Living costs depend heavily on city and state.
Higher-Cost Cities
New York
San Francisco
Boston
Los Angeles
More Affordable Cities
Midwest and Southern states
Smaller college towns
Accommodation Costs
Housing is usually the largest expense.
Estimated monthly rent:
On-campus housing: USD 800 – 1,500
Shared apartment: USD 600 – 1,200
Private studio: USD 1,200 – 2,500+
Costs vary significantly by location.
Food & Transportation
Monthly food expenses:
USD 250 – 500
Transportation:
USD 50 – 150 per month depending on city
Students in large cities may rely on public transportation.
Financial Proof Requirement
To obtain an F-1 visa, students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
Tuition fees
Living expenses for at least one academic year
Financial proof may include:
Bank statements
Sponsor documents
Education loan sanction letters
Scholarship confirmation
The required amount is specified on the university’s I-20 form.
Can Students Work to Support Expenses?
F-1 students may:
Work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during term
Work full-time during official breaks
Average hourly wages:
USD 10 – 18 per hour (varies by state and role)
However, part-time work cannot replace financial proof requirements for visa approval.
Estimated Annual Budget Example
Public university tuition: USD 25,000
Living expenses: USD 15,000
Insurance & miscellaneous: USD 3,000
Estimated total: USD 43,000 per year
Costs may be higher at private universities.
Final Thoughts
The USA offers globally recognized education but requires careful financial planning.
While tuition and living expenses can be high, scholarships, assistantships, and structured budgeting can make studying in the USA manageable in 2026.