Universities	Estimated Annual Fee
Undergraduate courses	8520-82845 USD/Year
Postgraduate courses	8052-76200 USD/Year
PhD	13200 USD/Year

Universities	Estimated Annual Fee
Brigham Young University	12608-15864 USD/Year
Arkansas State University	15928-16630 USD/Year
Brigham Young University	12608-15864 USD/Year
University of South Florida	15684-17324 USD/Year
University of Florida	28658-30134 USD/Year

Three intakes in the USA

Intakes	Timeline of the intake applications	Application open
January (Spring) intake	January-May	July-December
May (Summer) intake	May-September	January-March
September (Fall & Autumn)	September-December	November-May

Category	Average Costs per month
Accommodation	200-2000 USD/per month
Transportation	400-819 USD/per month
Food	150-180 USD/per month
Entertainment	80-100 USD/per month

 

USA most expensive cities by cost to live in as a student

Some US cities are pricier for students than others, like big places with lots to do. This can make it tough to live there on a student budget. 

But there are tricks to save money. Sharing an apartment with friends can cut your rent in half.  Many universities have special student housing that's cheaper, too.  Living outside the city center or staying in a hostel for a bit can also help you save while you find your perfect place.

However, few cities are expensive to live there as a student 

 

Furthermore, in addition to covering your rent, you'll also need to know about 

Typical expenses of utilities and other bills in USA

Some housing options might not include utilities in the rent.  Before you sign anything, be sure to check the contract carefully.  

Here's a breakdown of some common utilities you might encounter and their approximate costs:

Electricity

This can range from $50 to $100 depending on the size of your apartment and heating source. If your apartment uses electric heating, your total cost could be closer to $150 per month.

Heating 

Whether you have electric heating or another type of heating system, expect to pay around $50 to $100 per month.

Internet

Internet plans typically cost between $45 and $50 per month.

Phone subscription

Cellular phone plans can vary depending on usage, but a basic plan might cost around $50 monthly.

Water, Sewer, and Trash

These are often covered by the house owner, but if you're responsible for these utilities, expect to pay around $50 to $75 every three months.

What is the average cost of basic groceries in the USA?

Grocery shopping on a student budget in the USA is doable. The exact cost can vary depending on where you live and what you buy, Here are some popular grocery stores in the USA that are known for being budget-friendly for students:

 

 

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Cost of Student Visa Application to study in USA

The USA offers three main student visas, each like a unique key for different programs. Here's a quick rundown:

• F-1 Visa: This is the most popular for full-time international students at accredited colleges or universities.
• J Visa: Perfect for exchange programs, covering high school, university, and other cool learning experiences.
• M Visa: This one's for students pursuing things like culinary arts or cosmetology (think: non-academic or vocational training).

Now talk about its cost so, the visa application fee itself is pretty much affordable around $160. In addition, there's also a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, which helps track your student journey in the USA. For F and M visas, it's $350, while J visas are usually $220.

The visa process can be overwhelming, but there are some things people do not know about the process. So for this, you can also consider seeking guidance from education consultants like Times Consultants. They will answer your queries, streamline the process, and ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

 

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Cost of Health Insurance in the USA for International Students 

Health insurance is a shield to keep you healthy while you're there in the USA and students need to pay this health insurance with the tuition fees.

So for this, the costs can range from around $30 a month to more expensive plans (like $300+), depending on what you need. Most plans cover things like doctor visits, hospital stays if you get sick, and even medicine at a discount.

The price can also depend on how long you'll be studying and what kind of coverage you need. Also, an annual plan might cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, depending on those factors. 

However, many well-known insurance companies in the USA offer student health insurance plans, like Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Make sure you do your research and compare plans from different companies to find the best fit for your budget and coverage needs.

 

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Travel Costs

Traveling to and from the US can add to the overall cost, especially if you're flying from a different continent.

So basically studying in the USA can be expensive, no doubt about it! But don't worry, with a little planning and some clever money-saving tricks, you can totally make it work. Here are a few tips:

 

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How to make your US student experience more affordable 

So here some major tips to make your study in USA more affordable which is:

1. Stay in university students' apartment

Living in a university student apartment is a budget-friendly option. You'll be surrounded by other students, making it easy to make friends and feel like part of the campus community. Plus, these apartments often come with furniture and utilities (like water and electricity) included in the rent, saving you extra cash.  Be sure to research different apartment options offered by your university and apply early, as spots can fill up quickly.

2. Leverage for student discounts 

Being a student in the USA means unlocking a treasure of deals and savings. Think up to 50% off bus and train tickets, 20% off restaurants, and even movie tickets at a whopping 40% discount!  You can get a Student Advantage card for just $30 a year, which will give you access to these awesome perks at over 10,000 locations across the USA.  Plus, the card website unlocks even more exclusive student deals.

But there's more. Just by showing your student ID, you can get discounts on everything from textbooks and tech gadgets to food and fashion.  Being a student in the USA is pretty sweet, so don't forget to take these advantages.

3. Opt for used furniture, and textbooks

When older students move out, they often sell their furniture, textbooks, and clothes at super low prices. You can get practically everything you need for your room or apartment, from a comfy couch to the latest textbooks, you can get it all by just checking out online marketplaces or asking around campus for student sales.

4. Apply for a scholarship

Studying in the USA can be expensive, but here's a secret weapon many international students don't know about scholarships. These scholarships can help pay for your tuition and other costs.  

Here are a few scholarships to get you started but you can find out more through our Times course finder:

International Scholar Award 

This award could be your ticket to study free in the USA, no matter your field of study.

Transfer Global Wildcat Award 

If you’re a talented student who wants to study abroad in the USA, this scholarship might be your perfect match.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships reward students who rock their studies, regardless of their chosen field.

Still, it is essential to take guidance from our expert team to get more ideas about how to get a scholarship to study in the USA.

5. Work part-time 

Studying in the USA is awesome, but expenses are quite high. The good news is, many international students with F-1 visas (that's the student visa for international students) can legally work part-time to earn some extra money.

There are two main part-time job categories: on-campus and off-campus or you can also apply for paid internships to get experience. 

 

The government of the USA set some rules and regulations for international students for part-time jobs:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Imagine this as "learning by doing." During your studies, CPT allows you to take on internships, co-ops, or practical projects that directly relate to your academic program. 

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT lets you work in your field of study for up to a year after graduation. This is your chance to gain valuable real-world experience and impress potential employers.

• STEM OPT Extension (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): If your studies fall under science, technology, engineering, or math, you get a bonus. The STEM OPT Extension gives you an additional 24 months of work experience, which is a total of 3 years to build your professional portfolio in the USA.

Now let's explore which one is the best for you.

 

6.  Avoid non-essential expenses 

Being a student in the USA is cool, but extra spending can steal your cash. No worries, you can be a money-saving hero by avoiding non-essential expenses. Here's how:

• Travel in public transit

Buses and trains cost way less than cars, so you can explore the city at a cheap price.

• Cook at your home

Eating out all the time is expensive. Try making most of your meals at home. 

• Attend free events and activities

Fun doesn't have to cost money, you can go for walks, visit parks, find free events, or have gatherings with friends. 

 

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Conclusion

So there you have it! You've got the ultimate guide to navigate expenses to study in USA. As we all know, studying in the USA can be a life-changing experience, but with a little planning, it can be financially manageable too.

But if you are still unsure about your options, which one university is best for you to study in USA? Times consultant can be a valuable guide for international students. They offer free consultations to help you navigate the entire study abroad process, from choosing the perfect university and program to finding financial aid options.

Need help finding the perfect course fit? TCF advanced search tool is like navigating the search for the course that is best fit for you. TCF allows you to create a free account, shortlist your chosen courses, compare them easily, and apply for the one that best suits your needs.

Let us simplify your study abroad journey with our expert guidance and advance search tool, you can focus on the exciting adventure that awaits you in the USA. 

So let's start planning your dream to become a reality.