Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students

The United States remains the top-choice destination for international students aspiring to study abroad. Over the years, the country has consistently delivered high-quality education, producing skilled professionals such as Engineers, Doctors, and Scientists. This tradition of excellence persists even today, thus increasing the number of students who aspire to study in the USA.
Nevertheless, the cost of studying in the USA poses a significant concern for Indian students and their parents. What are the study expenses in the USA? How much is the average tuition fees in the USA? Do you know that there are work-study programs in the USA? If you're seeking answers to these inquiries and more, look no further.
Contrary to conventional beliefs, the cost of studying in the USA is not very high. There are several ways in which you can manage your expenses, save money and get financial aid. You will get coverage on the textbook and supplies costs and even tuition fees. You can read the blog further to get detailed information on cost-saving tips for international students in the USA, student loans and repayment options, cost-effective study options in the USA and much more.
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It would be helpful for you to get information about the annual tuition fees in the USA. As such, we have tabulated the same below. You can take reference from it when you plan your journey to study in the USA. It is always advisable to refer to the official website of the universities to get updated information on the USA university fees.
Name of University |
QS Ranking 2024 |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD) |
MIT |
1 |
USD 57,000 - USD 80,000 |
Harvard University |
4 |
USD 61,000 - USD 81,000 |
Stanford University |
5 |
USD 33,000 - USD 72,000 |
University of California, Berkeley |
10 |
USD 64,000 - USD 76,000 |
University of Chicago |
11 |
USD 42,000 - USD 77,000 |
University of Pennsylvania |
12 |
USD 29,000 - USD 84,000 |
Cornell University |
13 |
USD 29,000 - USD 76,000 |
California Institute of Technology |
15 |
USD 56,000 - USD 58,000 |
Yale University |
16 |
USD 45,000 - USD 74,000 |
Princeton University |
17 |
USD 54,000 - USD 57,000 |
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The total cost of studying in the USA is dependent on various factors. It includes tuition costs, student health insurance costs, etc., among others. We have tabulated the program-wise tuition fees in the USA so that you will get an idea of how much to spend on tuition fees for your study program.
Study Program |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in INR) |
UG |
INR 66,000 - INR 33,00,000 |
PG |
INR 8,00,000 - INR 49,00,000 |
PhD |
INR 23,00,000 - INR 47,00,000 |
MBA |
INR 41,00,000 - INR 49,00,000 |
Diploma |
INR 41,000 - INR 16,00,000 |
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While certain community institutions present a two-year Undergraduate (UG) program as an alternative, the majority of international students show a preference for the traditional four-year UG courses over the condensed two-year options. These two-year programs primarily focus on skill-based learning, emphasising hands-on practical experience—similar to diploma programs in India.
This two-year degree can serve as a stepping stone, providing credits for entry into full-time UG programs at universities. The application process for US universities should ideally commence 6 to 12 months prior to the start of the intended course. The typical cost of pursuing a Bachelor's degree in the USA falls within the range of USD 20,000 to USD 40,000. Presented below are the average expenses for students in the USA.
Courses |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD) |
Engineering |
USD 15,164 - USD 51,196 |
Arts |
USD 32,712 - USD 39,672 |
Medicine |
USD 39,150 - USD 64,494 |
Nursing |
USD 17,211 - USD 55,540 |
Dentistry |
USD 11,442 - USD 77,612 |
Law |
USD 25,945 - USD 68,112 |
Associate Courses |
USD 7627 - USD 35,819 |
The United States boasts the highest-ranked universities and colleges globally, providing exceptional educational and research facilities. With over 1700 universities, the USA offers a diverse array of Postgraduate courses tailored to suit every student's passions and pursuits.
The US government has introduced numerous scholarship programs and other financial aid to students from around the world. For Indian students pursuing Postgraduate studies in the USA, the average annual tuition fees typically fall within the range of USD 20,000 to USD 45,000. A comprehensive breakdown of the average costs is provided below.
Courses |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD) |
Engineering |
USD 13,100 - USD 56,304 |
Arts |
USD 18,272 - USD 93,358 |
MBA |
USD 50,000 - USD 60,000 |
Healthcare |
USD 12,750 - USD 19,620 |
Nursing |
USD 11,442 - USD 84,700 |
Law |
USD 16,344 - USD 65,509 |
Pursuing a Doctoral degree in the USA is highly esteemed across the world. The country boasts a multitude of universities that provide Doctoral programs across various fields of study. The cost of undertaking studies in the USA for Indian students pursuing a Doctoral degree typically varies between USD 28,000 and USD 57,000. The table below outlines the average expenses associated with pursuing PhD in the USA.
Courses |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD) |
Electrical Engineering |
USD 31,137 |
Biochemistry |
USD 58,450 |
Marketing |
USD 43,640 |
Chemistry |
USD 54,048 |
Computer Science |
USD 17,806 |
Psychology |
USD 47,032 |
Economics |
USD 78,834 |
If you are looking for a short-term course in the USA, Diploma courses will be a viable choice. These courses typically offer shorter durations and more affordable costs. Diploma programs span various fields of study, providing options to suit diverse interests. The average expense for a Diploma course in the USA varies between USD 500 and USD 2000. Below is a table showcasing several popular Diploma programs along with their average tuition fees in the USA.
Courses |
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD) |
Business Analytics |
USD 37,388 |
Supply Chain Management |
USD 39,374 |
Biomedical Sciences |
USD 29,681 |
Applied Statistics |
USD 22,529 |
Supply Chain and Logistics Management |
USD 36,464 |
Biotechnology and Bioprocessing |
USD 27,178 |
Biomedical Art |
USD 9248 |
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The cost of studying in the USA depends on various factors, including the cost of health insurance, entrance tests, student visas, pre and post-arrival costs, and tuition fees in the USA. The cost of accommodation accounts for a major share of expenses in the USA, with transportation, utilities and other expenses following. All these have a major role to play in international student expenses. There can also be differences in the cost of living depending on the city in which you live. The table below will help you get a vague idea.
Type of Expense |
Average Amount (in USD) |
Cost of living |
USD 10,000 - USD 20,000 |
Student visa |
USD 160 |
Health insurance |
USD 500 - USD 1000 |
Application fee |
USD 65 - USD 85 |
Entrance tests |
USD 20 - USD 320 |
Airfare |
USD 390 - USD 1300 |
Though these expenses may seem scary, you need not worry as there are several student discounts in the USA that you may be eligible for. You can apply for scholarships for international students in the USA, which may be funded by universities, the government and other private institutions. You can read our blogs to get detailed information on these scholarships, bursaries, fellowships and other financial aid.
We hope to have covered all the details regarding the cost of studying in the USA for Indian students. If you have any questions or queries, you can contact AECC.
Our experts can guide you through every step of your decision-making to enhance the possibilities of choosing the right stream to achieve your admissions at your favourite university. You can explore Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in the USA in our blog section, which gives you a clearer understanding of how and what to choose. Do not hesitate to contact us for FREE assistance!
The USA is one of the best countries to study abroad as it is home to several top-ranked universities that offer courses in all streams of study. You will also find a good job market, which can, in turn, help you have a better standard of living.
Boston, popularly known as the "student capital of the United States", is supposed to have the most international students.
MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, The University of California Berkeley, etc., are some of the top universities in the USA.
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