Education in the United States may seem expensive, but you have  probably already realized that it offers excellent value for the money invested. We look in more detail at the costs involved in U.S. graduate study and ways in which you might cover your expenses, including financial aid from universities and other sources.

Planning Ahead  

It is a myth that international students can easily get the money they need for study after they have been admitted to a college or university in the United States. In fact, such an assumption can lead to hardship and disappointment. 

Most institutions have committed all their scholarship and loan funds long before the academic year begins. Also, as part of the application for a student visa, you must be able to show proof to both the graduate school admissions office and to your local U.S. embassy or consulate that you have sufficient funds to meet the total annual expenses. If you plan to bring a spouse and/or children with you to the United States, you will also need to prove in advance that you have funds to support your family.

The best time to arrange U.S.-based financial assistance is before you leave home. Deadlines for scholarship and grant programs can be as early as one-and-a-half years before departure. Universities often require students to complete a financial statement, specifying how they intend to cover their expenses, as part of the application process.

Calculating Your Expenses

The main types of costs involved in study in the United States are tuition and fees, plus living costs. Consider the points outlined below in calculating your costs.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition is the cost of instruction, while fees are charged for services such as the library, student activities, or the health center. International graduate students are required to pay both tuition and fees, unless covered by financial assistance. Some universities also charge international students mandatory health insurance fees.

Although the range of tuition and fees may vary greatly from school to school, there is no correlation between the level of tuition and fees and the quality of an institution.

Living Costs: 

Living costs vary widely and depend on individual lifestyles. If you are bringing family members with you to the United States, this will, of course, increase your monthly expenses.  

Living expenses are highest in the large cities, in California, and in the Northeast. Costs can be much lower in the South, the Midwest, and other areas. University catalogs and Web sites are good sources of information on current living costs. Within the total living costs they quote, you will usually find an approximate breakdown of costs for items such as room, board, books, medical insurance, and personal expenses.