Pursuing higher studies in the United States of America can be an investment, with the total cost of studying in USA for Indian students potentially ranging from $37,000 to $68,000 (approximately INR 30-55L), including tuition and living expenses. For students, this includes tuition fees from around $20,000 for public universities to over $55,000 for private ones, plus living expenses, health insurance and visa costs. Read the blog to get a full breakdown of costs and tips for managing them effectively.
Table of Contents
1. How Much does It Cost to Study in the USA in Indian Rupees?
2. What is Cost of Studying MS in USA for Indian Students?
3. When Should Indian Students Start Applying for Scholarships in the USA?
4. Can I Pay My Tuition Fees in Instalments?
5. What Is the Average Monthly Expense for Food and Transport in the USA?
6. Is Studying in the USA Cheaper than in Canada or the UK?
7. How Can I Save on Currency Exchange While Paying Fees From India?
Students should note that tuition fees to study in USA constitute the largest portion of the expenses, but living costs, health insurance and other personal expenses add up significantly. To fully understand your potential expenditure, read the detailed sections below, which break down the average annual costs for UG and PG programs.
The average UG annual cost of studying in USA for Indian students generally falls between 28 lakh and 60 lakh INR. Public universities are generally more affordable than private institutions, which can have significantly higher fees.
| Cost Component | Average Annual Cost (USD) | Average Annual Cost (INR) (Approx) |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,000 - $45,000 | 16.5L - 37L |
| Room and Board (Living Expenses) | $10,000 - $15,000 | 8.2L - 12.3L |
| Books and Supplies | $600 - $1,100 | 50,000 - 93,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,000 - $3,000+ | 1.6L - 2.5L + |
| Health Insurance | $1,000 - $2,000 | 82,000 - 1.64L |
| Total Average | $33,600 - $66,100 | 27.17L - 53.84L |
For postgraduate programs (such as MS or MBA), the studying cost in USA for Indians can be slightly higher, especially for professional degrees in fields like business or engineering. The total annual cost for Indian students can range from INR 32 lakh to over 70 lakh annually.
| Cost Component | Average Annual Cost (USD) | Average Annual Cost (INR) (Approx) |
| Tuition and Fees | $25,000 - $60,000+ | 20.5L - 50L+ |
| Room and Board (Living Expenses) | $12,000 - $20,000+ | 10 L- 16.5 L |
| Books and Supplies | $600 - $1,100 | 50,000 - 93,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,000 - $4,000+ | 1.6 L - 3.3 L+ |
| Health Insurance | $1,000 - $2,000 | 82,000 - 1.64 L |
| Total Average | $40,600 - $87,100+ | 33.42 L- 71.97 L+ |
Note: The INR values are approximate and subject to change based on the prevailing exchange rate.
Studying in the USA involves a significant commitment, and the studying cost in USA for Indians varies dramatically between public and private universities. Normally, public school fees in USA are a more budget-friendly option, especially for out-of-state students. Private universities typically have higher tuition fees due to their dependent funding and smaller class sizes.
This difference in cost is a crucial factor for Indian students to consider when planning their budget for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Take a look below to understand their average tuition fees in USA individually:
Public universities in the USA are funded by state governments, which enables them to offer more affordable tuition rates within the US education system. However, international students typically face higher out-of-state tuition fees because they have not contributed to the state's tax revenue.
| Degree Level | Average Cost of Studying (INR) per year |
| Undergraduate (UG) | 20 Lakhs – 35 Lakhs |
| Postgraduate (PG) | 18 Lakhs – 30 Lakhs |
Private colleges depend more on tuition and donations to keep the lights on. The cost of education in USA is usually higher than in public uni, often over $40,000 a year. But keep in mind that private schools often give out a lot of financial aid based on need or academic performance, which can bring down what students actually pay.
| Degree Level | Average Cost of Studying (INR) per year |
| Undergraduate (UG) | 30 Lakhs – 50 Lakhs+ |
| Postgraduate (PG) | 25 Lakhs – 45 Lakhs+ |
Beyond tuition, students should budget for the cost of living in USA for Indian students, which varies by location and lifestyle. Securing a US education loan is a common funding method, and mandatory costs include health insurance, an America study visa cost, and the SEVIS fee. Look below to know about the other expenses in detail:
The living cost in USA for Indians includes expenses for housing, food, utilities and transportation. Costs can vary significantly based on your location (for example, major cities vs small towns) and lifestyle choices, such as on-campus vs off-campus living.
If you need financing, you can apply for a student loan. Ensure you understand the application process, eligibility, interest rate and repayment terms from lenders like Credilla Education Loan.
Read: Education Loan in USA for Indian Students
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the USA. Costs range from approximately $500 to $2,500 annually, depending on the plan’s coverage and your institution's needs.
To apply for a student visa in the USA, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee (around $185) and an SEVIS (Student and Exchange Information System) fee (approximately $350). You will also need your Form I-20 to apply for the visa.
Summing up, paying for USA college fees? It's a big deal, but doable if you plan things out. Getting a degree here, whether it's from a state college or a top universities in USA, will cost quite a bit, but you can handle it with scholarships and smart spending.
To get a more accurate picture of your finances and explore personalised scholarship options, contact our study abroad consultants for expert guidance. Start planning your USA academic journey today and make your dream come true.
The cost of studying in USA for Indian students varies; by a rough estimate, for one year, it is INR 20 to 64 Lakhs, including tuition and living expenses.
The total annual cost of studying in USA for Indian students ranges from approx $30,000 to $120,000 (24 to 96 lakhs INR), depending on the university and specialisation.
Indian students should start applying for scholarships for USA study at least 12 to 18 months before their intended enrollment, typically starting with research in the summer after their junior year of high school or the beginning of their final year. This early start allows time for standardised testing, university research and submitting applications to universities and external organisations before the deadline.
Yes, you can pay tuition fees in instalments in the USA, but it is not standard practice for all universities and depends on the specific institution's policies.
The average monthly living cost in USA for Indians regarding food and transportation is approximately 15,800 to 49,800 INR (approximately $190 to $600 USD), with food costing around 12,500 to 41,700 INR ($150 to $500) and transport costing approximately 3,300 to 8,300 INR ($40 to $100). These costs can differ depending on location and lifestyle, with more expensive cities or frequent travel increasing the total.
No, studying in the USA is generally no cheaper than in Canada or the UK, which typically have lower tuition fees and living costs. The USA is known for having higher overall costs, especially at private universities. While specific costs vary depending on the university and location, Canada is often considered a more affordable option than the USA and sometimes the UK.
To save on currency exchange fees when paying from India, avoid airport exchanges, compare rates from online Forex platforms and use a Forex card. For transactions while overseas, always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fees and consider a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for Indians.
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