Higher education in the USA: tuition fees and total annual expenses for students

American universities remain a symbol of prestige, but tuition fees there often reach tens of thousands of dollars a year. Nevertheless, Ukrainian students today have more opportunities to receive scholarships and financial support to study in the United States. Find out more about the prices of public and private universities in the United States, as well as what general living expenses international students can expect

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The United States is traditionally considered one of the most expensive countries in the world for higher education. Studying at prestigious universities can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, which is often a serious challenge for international students. However, a degree from an American university remains a symbol of quality and high career opportunities in any country. For many, it is an investment that pays off in the future.

In our previous article, we discussed the specifics of obtaining medical insurance for studying abroad.

How much does it cost to study in the United States?

The cost of studying in the United States can vary significantly depending on the type of university, its ranking, and location. The most affordable for foreigners are usually public universities, where the average tuition is between $20,000 and $35,000 per year, or approximately $10,000 to $17,500 per semester. At private higher education institutions, these amounts increase from $30,000 to over $50,000 per year, which corresponds to $15,000–25,000 per semester.

When it comes to world-class universities such as Harvard, Yale or Stanford, the annual cost of tuition can reach $60,000–65,000. For comparison, leading public universities such as the University of California, Berkeley or the University of Michigan cost approximately $45,000–50,000 per year.

Despite the high prices, there are more budget-friendly options in the United States. Universities in Texas, Florida, Ohio, or Indiana often offer international students lower tuition fees: from $15,000 to $25,000 per year. Thus, prospective students can choose the best option according to their budget without sacrificing the quality of education or the opportunity to obtain a prestigious American diploma.

Tuition fees at top US universities

Let's look at the approximate annual tuition fees at popular universities:

- Harvard University (private, Massachusetts) - $65,000

- Stanford University (private, California) - $60,000

- Yale University (private, Connecticut) - $65,000

- University of California, Berkeley (public, California) - $45,000

- University of Michigan (public, Michigan) - $50,000

- Columbia University (private, New York) - $60,000

- Princeton University (private, New Jersey) - $65,000

- University of California, Los Angeles (public, California) - $48,000

- Ohio State University (public, Ohio) - $30,000

- University of Florida (public, Florida) - $25,000