How much does it cost to study in the USA?

It costs about $20,000 all-inclusive to study English in the USA for a year. Surprisingly, study abroad programs actually come out cheaper than enrolling directly in an American university. The USA is one of the few countries where that’s true, due to the high cost of higher education in the country.

When you’re checking prices to study abroad in the USA, you’ll see that the program costs are well below that $20,000 number, but when you add in your flights, insurance, meals, pocket money, trips within the USA, your visa… you’ll end up with a total budget for the year between $18,000 and $23,000.

Semester study abroad programs in the USA are less expensive, but they’re nowhere near half the price. Many costs are fixed (flights, application fees, visa, etc.) A semester in the USA will usually come out at $14,000 to $16,000 in total. At that price, a year-long program is better value.

The higher education system in the United States is one of the most expensive in the world. Last year, the average cost to study at a public university in the USA was $24,000 and at a private university, $32,000. The first degree you can earn at an American university (Bachelor’s Degree) takes 4 years, so the average total cost to complete your undergraduate studies in the USA based on last year’s prices would be between $96,000 and $128,000. No wonder so many American students have debts to repay!

Short-term study abroad is a fine option too if the budget for a longer-term program is out of your reach. You can find English courses in the USA for about $600 a week including accommodation and some meals. With flights and extras, you can study in the USA for one month on a budget of about $3500.

Note: Prices accurate as of October, 2019.