Tuition (per year, approximate)
| Type of school | Typical range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Community college | 8,000 – 16,000 |
| Public university (international rate) | 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Private university | 30,000 – 65,000+ |
International students usually pay the out-of-state rate at public universities. Many master’s and PhD students in science and engineering receive an assistantship that covers part or all of the tuition.
Living costs
- Housing and food: US$9,000–US$20,000 a year, depending on the city and whether you live on campus.
- Health insurance: US$1,000–US$3,000 a year; many universities have a mandatory plan.
- Books and supplies: US$600–US$1,500.
- Travel and personal costs: flights home, winter clothes, phone and internet.
Funds for the I-20 and visa
The I-20 lists the university’s own estimate of one year’s costs, and you must show you can pay it. The interview officer also asks how you will pay for the following years. Use our funds calculator and the exchange-rate page to plan in rupees.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Start at a community college and transfer to a university in the third year.
- Look for universities that give automatic merit scholarships.
- For master’s and PhD courses, ask departments about teaching and research assistantships.
Check before you rely on it. Costs are set by each school, and the I-20 estimate is the figure the visa officer uses. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on EducationUSA or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.
Talk to WIEC about the USA
Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.
Last updated 29 Oct 2026