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The US universities offer unparalleled academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and global career opportunities. The US offers a unique blend of academic rigour and cultural diversity. However, pursuing a course in the US requires careful financial planning. Let’s better understand the holistic study cost in the USA to help you make informed decisions.
Key highlights:
- Key Facts to Know Before Studying in the USA for Indian Students
- Overview of the Study Cost in the USA
- Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students
Key Facts to Know Before Studying in the USA for Indian Students
| Number of International Students in the US (academic year: 2023-2024) | ~1.1 million+ |
| Number of Indian Students Pursuing Higher Education in the US (academic year: 2023-2024) | ~3,31,600 |
| Number of Indian Students Participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme in 2024 | ~97,500 |
Also Read: Study in USA for Indian Students - Everything to Know
Overview of the Study Cost in the USA
Cost of Studying in the US – Tuition
If you want to study abroad, you must bear in mind that tuition fees form a significant portion of the overall cost. The fees to study in the USA can vary depending on the university and your course.
Let’s understand the cost of education at the following top 4 universities. The best universities, as per the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings are:
- QS category: QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities (US-specific)
- THE category: World University Rankings 2025 (US-specific)
| Sr. No. | Universities | QS Rankings | THE Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 3 | 4 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 4 | 5 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The annual cost of studying in the US for an undergraduate 4-year course at MIT could cost anything between ~INR 50.35 lakhs and ~INR 52.25 lakhs. On the other hand, the annual tuition for a postgraduate course can range between ~INR 35.39 lakhs and ~INR 1.08 crores.
Stanford University
The annual tuition for an undergraduate course at Stanford University ranges between ~INR 52.66 lakhs and ~INR 54.88 lakhs. For postgraduate courses, the annual tuition fees can range between ~INR 25.04 lakhs and ~INR 1.21 crores.
Harvard University
Pursuing your undergraduate education at Harvard University could cost between ~INR 49.78 lakhs and ~INR 51.97 lakhs annually. A postgraduate course at Harvard could cost between ~INR 16.76 lakhs and ~INR 64.97 lakhs per year.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
The annual tuition for an undergraduate course at Caltech usually costs between ~INR 51.25 lakhs and ~INR 53.43 lakhs. Postgraduate courses are within a similar range, with annual tuition starting at ~INR 44.25 lakhs and going up to ~INR 53.43 lakhs.
Accommodation and Living Expenses
Housing and daily living costs also add up quickly. Students can choose from dormitories, homestays, or shared apartments. The amount you pay may or may not cover the cost of utilities. Additionally, you must consider the cost of meals and transportation per month.
Depending on the type of housing arrangements, the accommodation costs can range between ~INR 8,48,000 and ~INR 9,60,990 per year. Food expenses can be around ~INR 21,000 to ~INR 52,000 per month.
Also Read: USA Student Visa: A Brief Guide for Study Abroad Students
Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students - Factors to Keep in Mind
The cost of studying in the US will vary greatly depending on where you choose to study. Pursuing an IT degree at a top-ranked institute such as Harvard or MIT will likely be more expensive than pursuing the course at lesser-known universities. The cost of living in your chosen city will also impact your total cost of study in the US. As an Indian student, evaluating the cost of doing an MS in the USA can seem overwhelming.
The total cost of an MS in the USA for Indian students will include your tuition, accommodation, the cost of travelling to your hometown, the purchase of books and other study materials, and the cost of laboratory admissions, if any. You should check your preferred university’s website to understand the holistic cost of study in the US based on your course and accommodation preferences.
Pursuing your higher education in the US can be expensive. However, you can rely on an education loan. At Avanse Financial Services, we provide education financing solutions that cover the holistic cost of education including tuition fees, travelling expenses, accommodation costs, living costs, the cost of learning devices and other education-related expenses. If you have any queries about an education loan, education loan interest rate, or your academic journey, please feel free to connect with us.
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