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Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students (2025)

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cost of studying in USA for Indian students

Table of contents

Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: Tuition Fees
Course and Program-Wise Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students
Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: Living Expenses
Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: Additional Expenses
Scholarships to Decrease the Cost of Studying in USA
Conclusion
Several students aspire to pursue academics in the US. Who wouldn’t wish to be a part of the best colleges, experience something new, and explore global opportunities? Everyone does and so do you. But prior to setting off on the academic adventure, students like you often think: What is the cost of studying in USA for Indian students? Understanding education expenses is the key to thoughtfully planning your journey. From living costs to tuition charges, you need clarity about what lies in front of you financially.
This blog will break down and simplify the education cost in America for Indian students. Whether you are only curious or planning a budget for abroad studies, this comprehensive guide will give you clarity on the cost of studying in USA for Indian students. You will know what the expenses mean for your wallet. Ready to smartly chalk out an effective plan and maximise your experience of abroad education? Let’s begin!

Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are the most important expenses, ranging widely for Indian students based on whether they choose a public, private, or community university. Private colleges are more costly than public or community universities that offer several budget-friendly options. This is because higher education is mostly funded privately in the US, making study expenses in USA expensive. Despite being costlier, private colleges offer world-class facilities, faculty, and remarkable opportunities. Here is an overview of the tuition fees in different types of colleges:
Institution Type Average UG Tuition Fees Average PG Tuition Fees
Public Universities USD 15,000 (Rs. 12 lakhs) – USD 30,000 (INR 25L) annually USD 20,000 (Rs. 16 lakhs) – USD 35,000 (Rs. 29 lakhs) annually
Private Universities USD 30,000 (Rs. 25 lakhs) – USD 60,000 (Rs. 50 lakhs) annually USD 35,000 (Rs. 29 lakhs) – USD 65,000 (Rs. 54 lakhs) annually

Course and Program-Wise Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students

Courses like Computer Science, Business Administration, and Engineering are highly sought-after among Indian students. The field of your course also impacts the cost. For instance, law, business, science, and engineering courses have high tuition charges. In contrast, humanities, arts, or social science programs have low tuition fees. Understanding study expenses in USA for the above programs will let you make sound decisions about your studies and finances.

Here is an overview of the fees for some of the most popular courses:

Course Name University Name Course Fees
Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Rs. 26 lakhs (USD 31,000)
Business Administration (MBA) Harvard University Rs. 64 lakhs (USD 76.5K)
Engineering Stanford University Rs. 43 lakhs (USD 52,000)
Medicine (Pre-Med and Medical Studies) Johns Hopkins University Rs. 54 lakhs (USD 65,000)
Law Yale University Rs. 61.5 lakhs (USD 74,000)
The education expense also varies by program. Bachelor’s programs are more affordable and substantially lower in rural areas. Here is an overview of the program-wise cost of studying in America:
Program Name Yeary Cost Range
Bachelor’s Rs. 17 lakhs to Rs. 42 lakhs (USD 20,000 to 50,000)
Master’s Rs. 35 lakhs (USD 42,000)
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Rs. 1.4 crore to Rs. 3.3 crore Rs 1.4 crore to Rs. 3.3 crore (USD 1,64,000 to USD 3,88,000)
Medical (MD) Rs. 42 lakhs (USD 50,000)
Law (JD) Rs. 37 lakhs (USD 44,000)
Business (MBA) Rs. 51 lakhs to Rs. 67 lakhs (USD 60,000 to USD 80,000)

Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: Living Expenses

Living expenses are another significant factor to consider when going abroad for studies, which vary based on cities and lifestyle but planning for accommodation, groceries, travel, and health insurance is important. Besides considering the tuition charges and administrative fees, considering the living costs while estimating the cost of studying in America is important. So, how costly are the living expenses? Here’s a simplified breakdown of the living expenses:
  • Accommodation:
    • On-Campus Stay: USD 8,000 (Rs. 6 lakhs) – USD 12,000 (Rs. 10 lakhs) annually
    • On-Campus Stay: USD 8,000 (Rs. 6 lakhs) – USD 12,000 (Rs. 10 lakhs) annually
  • Food & Groceries: USD 200 (INR 16,000) – USD 400 (INR 33,000) per month
  • Travel: Pass for Public Vehicles: USD 70 (Rs 6000) – USD 120 (Rs. 10,000) monthly
  • Occasional Share Rides: USD 10 (Rs. 800) – USD 20 (Rs. 1000) per trip
  • Health Insurance: USD 500 (Rs. 42,000) – USD 2,000 (Rs. 2 lakh) annually
  • Utilities and Personal Expenses: $125 to $ 392 (Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 32,500)

Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students: Additional Expenses

Besides the tuition fees and living costs, miscellaneous expenses are worth considering when going abroad to pursue higher education. Consider these costs when you calculate the average cost of studying in the US.
The table below shows extra costs:
Extra Costs Cost Per Month and Year
Books, textbooks, and supplies Rs. 98,000 to Rs. 1,52,000 (USD 100 to USD 2000) annually
Visa Application Charges Rs.13,000 (USD 160)
Flight Expenses Rs.67,000 (USD 800) to Rs. 1 lakh (USD 1,500) round trip
Cultural, Sports, and Co-curriculars Activities Rs 670 to Rs 12,500 ($ 8 to $ 150) monthly

Scholarships to Decrease the Cost of Studying in USA

As an Indian student, you can access various scholarship opportunities based on your chosen college, course, program, and home country. Below is an overview of the different scholarships and the lumpsum award, which can help you decrease the cost of studying in US:
Scholarship Name Lumpsum Award
Rotary Foundation Global Grants USD 30.6k (Rs. 26 lakhs)
PEO International Peace Scholarship USD 12.5K (Rs. 10 lakhs)
Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities USD 10,000 (Rs. 8 lakhs) per year
Dell Scholars Program USD 20,000 (Rs. 16 L lakh)
AAUW International Fellowships USD 20,000 to USD 50,000 (Rs. 16 lakh to INR 41.5 lakh)

Conclusion

Studying in America in 2025 is a big investment, especially for Indian students, but this massive investment gives incredible returns in all spheres of life. From leading colleges and various courses to employment opportunities and work exposure, the country offers a holistic academic experience. While the cost of studying in USA for Indian students is high, many opportunities for scholarships, financial assistance, part-time employment, and cost-saving strategies make the US an affordable study destination for many students. Whether you apply to a private or public college, a world-class education, career prospects, and global exposure make this investment worthwhile.
Meticulous planning is important to manage education expenses. And that’s where Qck Loans supports your journey. Our education loans have a transparent process with no hidden fees. Contact us today to apply for a study loan. Also, our partner Career Gyan helps you with the visa process, admission procedure, exam preparation, study plans, etc., to make your journey seamless. Reach out to us and embark on your journey!

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