The Cost of University Study in America: Tuition and Living Costs
If you dream of studying in America, start by understanding what it costs, from tuition to living expenses. There is plenty of information online, but it is hard to find one article that covers everything you need to know from start to finish.
Don't worry. After reading this article from Almorad Education, you will know what studying in America involves. For a broader look at studying there, see our complete guide to studying in the USA.
Studying in America by the Numbers
Every year, a large number of international students travel to the United States for university study. Some then build their careers in America or in other countries, and some return home. According to US Department of State statistics, about 437,000 F-1 student visas were issued in fiscal year 2022, and the Open Doors report counted more than 1.17 million international students in US higher education in 2024/25.
As is well known, many of the world's best universities are in the United States, such as Harvard, MIT, Yale, Cornell and the California state universities, along with other leading institutions in research and teaching. For many young people in the Arab world, joining one of them, even an average one, is a dream.
But living costs and tuition in America are high, so many students seek scholarships from their governments, or look for full or partial scholarships from American universities or charitable organizations.
It should be noted that winning a good scholarship is extremely difficult and takes a lot of luck. At Almorad Education we focus on helping students who study in America at their own expense, or who can find someone to support them financially. The same applies to countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada.
Why University Study in America Costs So Much
There are several reasons for the high cost, including the shrinking share of government funding for higher education. California is a well-known example: Ronald Reagan, then governor, called in the late 1960s for students to pay fees to attend the University of California, and the Board of Regents approved "educational fees" in 1967, ending free public education there (UCLA Magazine report).
Tuition then kept rising over the following decades, and US public universities came to rely on tuition instead of state funding, as a History of Education Quarterly study discusses.
How to Choose a University Before Counting Costs
The United States has a very large number of universities and colleges. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were about 3,900 degree-granting institutions in 2020-21. The number can be overwhelming, but you can narrow your options with a screening strategy.
For example, if you are from Saudi Arabia, make sure the university and major you choose are recognized by the Ministry of Education. If you are applying to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, check the program's official university lists for the year you apply. The same strategy works for students from other GCC and Arab countries.
Almorad Education can provide educational consultations to help you choose the most suitable institutes and universities in America for your requirements. We can also guide you to the English-language institutes in America that we have worked with and trust most.
Higher education in America remains expensive compared with your home country or with other countries that offer the same high-quality opportunities, such as some European countries, Malaysia and India. Cost varies by institution type (private or public), degree level (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) and the length of the program.
Annual Tuition at American Universities
Tuition at Public Universities
US public universities charge in-state students far less than out-of-state students, and international students usually pay out-of-state rates. According to College Board averages, the average published tuition for 2025-26 at public four-year colleges is $11,950 for in-state students and $31,880 for out-of-state students.
These are undergraduate (bachelor's) averages. Graduate tuition varies widely from one program to another, so check the cost page of the program itself.
Tuition at Private Universities
Compared with public universities, tuition is much higher at private nonprofit universities, where the average published tuition is $45,000 for 2025-26 according to the College Board. However, many of them offer competitive scholarships (see our Common App guide).
Private universities usually charge international students the same published tuition as everyone else. A particular university's tuition may be much higher or lower than the average, so always check each university's official figures.
Comparison of Average Tuition
| University type | Average published tuition, 2025-26 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Public (in-state) | $11,950 | For residents of the same state |
| Public (out-of-state) | $31,880 | Usually paid by international students |
| Private nonprofit | $45,000 | Many offer competitive scholarships |
Source: College Board, undergraduate (bachelor's) averages.
Monthly Living Costs in America
Besides tuition, the cost of living in America includes rent, food, transportation, textbooks, weather-appropriate clothing, internet and mobile bills, and entertainment. Costs depend heavily on the student's choices, which means we can estimate the cost of study for international students quite well based on the state, city and university they choose.
Housing can be the "straw that breaks the camel's back", as the saying goes, which is especially clear in big cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. You can choose a rented apartment, a home with an American family, or a place shared with people you may meet online, and you may find cheaper options in rural areas or suburbs.
College Board Living Cost Averages
For comparison, the College Board's 2025-26 report states that average annual housing and food costs $13,900 at public four-year colleges and $15,920 at private nonprofit colleges, plus roughly $1,000 to $1,600 each for books, transportation and other expenses.
| Item | Average | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Housing and food (public four-year colleges) | $13,900 per year | College Board |
| Housing and food (private nonprofit colleges) | $15,920 per year | College Board |
| Books, transportation and other expenses | About $1,000 to $1,600 each | College Board |
| Living costs excluding tuition | Roughly $18,000 to $19,700 per year | Calculated from College Board averages |
| National monthly average | About $1,500 to $1,650 | Calculated from College Board averages |
Almorad Estimates for International Students
Our own estimate for an international student ranges from $15,000 to $24,000 per year (about $1,250 to $2,000 per month, or roughly SAR 4,700 to 7,500). It is based on the experience of Almorad students who studied and lived for more than six years in different US states. Always check the official cost-of-attendance page of the university you choose.
The average cost of living in the United States may be about $2,000 per month, give or take, covering housing, meals, transportation, textbooks, seasonal clothing and entertainment. Below is a rough look at the average monthly cost of each item. These are Almorad estimates, not official statistics.
| Item | Monthly cost (Almorad estimate) |
|---|---|
| Books and study supplies | $75 to $200 |
| Transportation | $200 to $500 |
| Rent | $700 to $1,700 |
| Electricity and water | $150 to $175 |
| Food | $400 to $900 |
| Mobile and data plan | About $50 |
| Home internet | $45 to $50 |
| Health insurance | $60 to $100 |
| Monthly shopping | About $50 |
| Monthly total | $1,730 to $3,725 |
Without a doubt, living costs are higher in urban areas such as New York, Boston and San Francisco than in states such as Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Beyond the costs listed above, there may be extra costs depending on local conditions and the student's preferences.
These are only approximate figures, and your own experience and circumstances may make your total monthly spending lower or higher. It is also important to note that many universities provide on-campus housing for first-year undergraduates (and some require it, depending on the university), and many require international students to have health insurance, so check your university's policy.
Why Consult Almorad Before Studying in America
Living and studying in the United States is an exceptional experience, and we at Almorad Education know this well because we were students in America ourselves. We aim to shorten the road for students and pass on our experience, because we know that choosing where to study and live carelessly affects the experience and the total cost for international students.
As you know, the United States is consistently ranked among the best places to study abroad, and now that you know what studying in America costs, it will be easier to plan all your expenses. An experienced Almorad consultant can help simplify your study-abroad journey, and not only for the United States. We can guide you with more information. All you have to do is contact us now!
Official Sources
- College Board: Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025 — average tuition and living costs
- Open Doors 2025: International Students — number of international students in America
- US Department of State: Nonimmigrant Visa Statistics FY2022 — F-1 visa statistics
- NCES: Fast Facts, Educational institutions — number of higher education institutions
- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program: official website — the program's approved university lists
