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The main types of costs involved in studying in the United
States are tuition and fees, plus living costs. These vary
widely, which gives you some control over the costs involved
in your education. All U.S. colleges publish information on
the costs for their institution and area. Consider the points
outlined below in calculating your costs.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is the cost of instruction, while fees are charged
for services such as the library, student activities, or the
health center. International students are required to pay
both tuition and fees. Some universities may also charge international
students an additional mandatory health insurance fee.
Although the range of tuition and fees may vary greatly from
school to school, there is no correlation between the level
of tuition and fees and the quality of an institution. The
amount charged by a particular college depends on many factors,
the most significant of which is what type of school it is.
Tuition and fees are generally higher for private universities
than for state universities. Community, technical, and vocational
colleges charge the lowest fees of all. State universities
charge out-of-state residents higher tuition than state residents.
In almost all instances, international students studying at
state schools will have to pay this higher rate throughout
their study program since they do not qualify for residents'
rates. It should be remembered, too, that not all universities
charging the lowest tuition and fees also have the lowest
living costs; you should examine both factors to get a more
accurate estimate of your annual expenses.
Since tuition and fees vary from school to school and rise
by an average of 5 percent each year, it is best to consult
current college catalogs, Web sites, or reference materials
available at U.S. educational information and advising centers
for the latest figures. Be sure to confirm current costs with
the institution at the time you apply.
Living Costs
Living costs vary widely and depend on individual lifestyles.
If you are bringing family members with you to the United
States, this will, of course, increase your monthly expenses.
Living expenses are highest in the large cities, in California,
and in the Northeast. Costs can be much lower in the South,
the Midwest, and other areas. University catalogs and Web
sites are a good source of information on current living costs.
Within the total living costs they quote, you will usually
find an approximate breakdown of costs for items such as room,
board, books, medical insurance, and personal expenses. Your
U.S. educational information or advising center may also have
information on the latest monthly living expenses by city
or institution.
Your basic living expenses will include food and housing,
of course, but don't forget to allow for the following:
Books and Supplies: Colleges estimate the cost for
books and supplies for the academic year. Students studying
in the United States must buy their textbooks, and book costs
can be quite expensive. Most institutions have on-campus bookstores.
Many of these stores allow you to purchase used books at a
lesser cost, or to sell back your books at the end of a semester
at partial value. If you are planning to study in a field
that requires special supplies, such as engineering, art,
or architecture, your expenses are likely to be greater than
the average.
Transportation: The living costs quoted by most universities
do not include trips between the United States and your home
country. Be sure that your annual budget includes expenses
for return travel between your home country and your college.
If you plan to live off-campus and commute to college, you
should add in your commuting expenses. Commuter colleges will
provide an estimate of those expenses in their living costs.
Other Personal Expenses: Personal expenses include
items such as the cost of basic goods, clothing, and services.
Health insurance is required. If you have dependents —
a spouse and/or children — or if you have special medical
needs, substantial additional funds will be needed to meet
your living expenses.
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