What is the total cost of studying in the US for one year?

The total cost of studying in the US for one year varies greatly, from $25,000 for Community Colleges to over $80,000 for prestigious Private Universities. The average for an international student at a public university is around $40,000 - $55,000/year (approximately 1 billion - 1.37 billion VND), including tuition and living expenses.

Is US tuition expensive?

Tuition fees in the US are among the highest in the world. Tuition for international students at public universities ranges from $25,000 - $45,000/year, while private universities can range from $40,000 - $65,000+/year. However, private universities often offer more valuable scholarships.

How can I reduce the cost of studying in the US?

There are many ways to reduce costs, including: seeking scholarships (merit-based or need-based), starting with a 2-year Community College pathway and transferring to a University, choosing to study in states with lower living costs, and working part-time on campus as permitted by the F1 visa.

Total Cost of Studying in the USA: How Much Money Do You Really Need?

15/09/2025 adminSiec

Studying in the US is a dream for millions of students worldwide, but it comes with a big question: “What is the total cost of studying in the US?”. Clearly understanding and meticulously planning your finances is not only a mandatory requirement for a successful F1 visa application but also a solid foundation for you to study and fully experience one of the world’s leading educational powers.

This in-depth guide will provide a comprehensive overview, analyzing each cost item in detail, comparing options, and offering tips to help you and your family create a smart and effective financial plan for the 2025 academic year.

International students calculating US study costs with a calculator and notebook to plan their finances — Detailed planning helps you better control your budget and overall cost of studying in the US.

Table of Contents

Overview of Annual Cost of Studying in the US (Estimated)

The cost of studying in the US varies significantly depending on the type of institution, academic level, and location. Here is an estimated table of total annual costs (including tuition and living expenses) for a general overview:

Institution Type	Estimated Total Cost (USD/Year)	VND Equivalent (Exchange Rate 25,000)
Community College	$25,000 – $35,000	~ 625 – 875 million VND
Public University	$40,000 – $55,000	~ 1 billion – 1.37 billion VND
Private University	$60,000 – $80,000+	~ 1.5 billion – 2 billion+ VND

Detailed Analysis of US Study Costs

The total cost of studying in the US is composed of four main categories: Tuition & Fees, Living Expenses, Insurance, and other miscellaneous fees.

1. Tuition & Fees – The Largest Expense

Community Colleges (2 years): $9,000 – $15,000/year.
Public Universities (4 years): $25,000 – $45,000/year for international students.
Private Universities (4 years): $40,000 – $65,000+/year.

2. Living Expenses

Living expenses in the US vary significantly depending on the city and your lifestyle. The average is approximately **$12,000 – $18,000/year**.

Category	Estimated Cost (USD/Month)
Accommodation	$600 – $1,500+
Food	$300 – $500
Transportation	$50 – $150
Utilities & Personal	$200 – $400

3. Health Insurance

This is a **100% mandatory** expense. Most universities require students to purchase their school’s insurance plan, with costs ranging from **$2,000 – $4,000/year**.

4. Other Pre-Departure Costs

SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350 (mandatory). You can pay directly on the US government website.
F1 Visa Application Fee: $185 (subject to change).
One-way Airfare: $800 – $1,500.

Financial Proof Requirements for US Student Visa

This is an indispensable step that directly impacts your visa application outcome. To obtain an I-20 form from your school and pass the visa interview, you must demonstrate that your family has sufficient financial capability to cover all costs of studying in the US for at least the first academic year.

Amount to Prove: Must be greater than or equal to the total cost (tuition + living expenses) estimated by the school in the I-20 form.
Valid Documents: Savings passbooks, bank statements, documents proving the sponsor’s income (salary, business, rental income, etc.), documents of valuable asset ownership.

Preparing a strong and transparent financial application is extremely important. To understand more, you can refer to our guide on proving financial capability for US study abroad.

How to Reduce the Cost of Studying in the US?

Although the numbers may seem large, there are many smart ways to alleviate the financial burden:

1. Seek Scholarships: This is the most effective method. Actively search for various US study abroad scholarships.
2. 2+2 Pathway (Community College + University): Helps save tens of thousands of USD in tuition fees.
3. Choose the Right School and State: Schools in Midwestern or Southern states often have lower costs.
4. Part-time Job: F1 visa students are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week on campus.

Conclusion

Studying in the US is a significant financial investment, but the value it brings in terms of knowledge and career opportunities is priceless. By clearly understanding the **costs of studying in the US** and creating a detailed plan, you can absolutely realize your dream. View this as a strategic investment for your future and prepare thoroughly to make this journey as complete and successful as possible.