Why Choose to Study in USA?

The ambition to study in USA on a budget is thrilling yet daunting for many students worldwide. The US offers some of the world’s best universities, a rich culture, and wonderful opportunities to gain hands-on exposure even before you complete your studies. Besides academic and work-related benefits, the US education system also provides unmatched personal and professional advantages through its multicultural environment, flexible curriculum and reasonably strong internship opportunities within a competitive job market. However, living expenses can be high. The good news? You can surely pursue your education at a low cost, provided you make the right choice of city. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss how you can study in USA affordably, highlighting the most budget-friendly US cities for international students, cost estimates, advantages, and tips to save money.

Know your eligibility criteria for studying in the USA

What makes a city affordable?

What constitutes an “affordable” city for an international student? Affordability is not just about having low accommodation rental rates or affordability in terms of tuition fees, although these two constitute the biggest expenses. Affordability is also based on many other factors such as cost of living (food and daily needs), transportation costs, availability of part-time jobs, cost of Healthcare & Insurance, lifestyle & entertainment cost etc.

Here are some of the best budget-friendly cities studying where can give you a great education, and within your budget:

  1. HOUSTON, TEXAS

    Cost of Living (monthly): USD 1,200 – 2,000 (approx. INR 110,000 – 185,000)

    Average Annual Tuition Fee: USD 25,000 to 38,000 (approx. 23,00,000 – 35,00,000)

    Houston, Texas, stands out as a budget-friendly city for students, with manageable living costs and well-connected neighborhoods. Popular student areas, such as Midtown, Montrose, and Third Ward, are close to major universities, and offer affordable rental options. When it comes to accommodation, which is usually the biggest expense for students, one-bedroom apartments in the city will cost an average of USD 1,100 (approx. 1lac in INR) per month for a downtown apartment, and USD 900 (approx.. INR 83,000) outside downtown. Monthly utilities in Houston will run around USD 145 (INR 13,000), and the average grocery bill for one person will be about USD 280 (approx.. INR 26,000), while eating out at a low-priced restaurant would cost around USD 17 (INR 1550) per meal. These estimates are according to ‘Numbeo’, an online database that shows the cost of living, housing, and other expenses in cities worldwide, based on user-reported data.

    Very Important Tip: Most US states take an extra 5% to 8% of your income as State Tax. Texas is one of the few states with zero state income tax. This means when you do an internship or work after graduation, you keep a much larger portion of your salary compared to students in New York or California.

    Secondly, Texas has a special law that makes it one of the cheapest places in the US for Indian students. To explain, in the US, international students usually pay the highest fees (called ‘Out-of-State’). However, if you win a college scholarship of just USD 1,000 (less than 1 lac INR), Texas law allows you to pay the same fees as a local Texas resident (called ‘In-State’). So, this one small scholarship can drop your total fees by almost INR 12-15 lacs every single year! Since this is a state law, it is also applicable for other cities in Texas like San Antonio. University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is popular for its Tech-related Masters programs.

    Commuting in Houston is quite easy as biking and walking are comfortable means. Public transport is available at a reasonable cost. Passes of METRO buses and light rails may cost about USD 55 (INR 5000) per month.

    Some of the most popular universities in this area are:

    1. Rice University – very prestigious, especially for Engineering and Architecture courses

    2. University of Houston – one of the universities with the maximum India population

    For Indian students in Houston, the city feels very close to home, thanks to the Mahatma Gandhi District, popularly known as ‘Little India’. It has hundreds of Indian and Pakistani businesses. From authentic Masala Dosa and Chaat to groceries like flour, rice and Indian spices, grocery stores here stock everything, and it is all much cheaper than standard American supermarkets.

    This place is also a cultural lifeline. During Diwali and Holi, the streets come alive with massive festivals, Bollywood music, and thousands of fellow Indians.

    Wanted to know the estimated cost of studying in the USA?

  2. ATLANTA

    Cost of Living (monthly): USD 1200 – 1800 (approx. INR 110, 000 – 165,000)

    Average Annual Tuition Fee: USD 23,000 to 33,000 (INR 21,00,000 – 30,00,000)

    Although Atlanta gives a “big city” vibe, it is another wallet-friendly option for students seeking affordable housing and daily expenses. Here, students can expect to pay around USD 1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Sharing a roommate with another student can cost from USD 700-900 only. Most students choose areas like Home Park or Lindbergh, or opt for Student Housing complexes. Besides rent, monthly utilities (electricity, water, heating, and garbage), typically run around USD 160 (INR 15,000). For groceries, a single person can expect to spend approximately USD 300 (INR 27,000) per month, while dining out at an inexpensive restaurant cost about USD 18 (INR 1600) per meal.

    Commuting is also affordable, thanks to MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). This is like the DELHI METRO, only that MARTA is a network of trains as well as buses.

    Major universities are

    1. Georgia Institute of Technology – famous for Engineering, Computer Science, other Technology programs and Business

    2. Georgia State University (a Public State university, and hence a budget-friendly option) – popular for Business, Law, Public Health and the Arts

    These universities are located directly next to MARTA stations. Through the University Pass (UPASS) program, students can get a discounted monthly pass for about USD 61-68 (INR 5,730 – 6,390), which offers unlimited rides.

  3. PHILADELPHIA

    Cost of Living (monthly): USD 1,100 – 1900 (approx. INR 1,00,000 – 1,75,000)

    Average Annual Tuition Fee: USD 25,000 to 35,000 (INR 23,00,000 – 32,00,000)

    Although a studio apartment in Philadelphia is quite expensive, the city has the concept of ‘row houses’. In student-heavy areas like West Philadelphia or South Philly, you can find shared housing for as little as USD 650-850 (INR 61,100 – 79,900) per month. Monthly utilities average around USD 170 (INR 15,980), and groceries are roughly USD 300 (INR 28,200). For longer distances, students use SEPTA (the bus, subway, and trolley system). A monthly pass costs about USD 96 (INR 9,000).

    Popular universities are:

    1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) – famous for its Wharton Business School, the world’s top B-school)

    2. Drexel University – Famous for its Co-op program, which allows students to gain 6-18 months of paid work experience while studying.

    3. Temple University, a public research university – Famous for engineering, film & media and communications.

  4. PITTSBURGH

    Cost of Living (monthly): USD 1,100 – 2,000 (INR 1,00,000 – 1,85,000)

    Average Annual Tuition Fee: USD 25,000 – 38,000 (INR 23,00,000 – 35,00,000)

    Pittsburgh offers a unique mix of high-tech opportunities and a surprisingly low cost of living. While average rent can be as high as USD 1,300 (INR 1,22,200), most Indian students prefer living in neighborhoods like Oakland or Squirrel Hill, where you can find shared housing for as low as USD 600-800 (INR 56,400 – 75,200). A monthly pass for commuting usually costs USD 97 (approx. INR 9,000).

    Utilities average around USD 150 (INR 14,000). Groceries cost roughly USD 280 (INR 26,00) per month. Pittsburgh is very welcoming for Indian students. The S.V. Temple in Penn Hills is one of the oldest and most beautiful Hindu temples in the US, and serves as a major cultural hub. Additionally, the Squirrel Hill area has many Indian restaurants where you can get a filling lunch for under USD 15 (INR 1,400).

    Popular universities are: –

    1. University of Pittsburg – Flagship public research university, very popular for Medicine, Engineering & Technology, Humanities and Management programs

    2. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) – popular for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, other Engineering & technology programs, Business Management, and Arts & Design

  5. ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

    Cost of Living (monthly): USD 1,100-1,900 (approx. INR 1,00,000 – 1,75,00)

    Average Annual Tuition Fee: USD 22,000-35,000 (INR 20,25,000 – 32,00,000)

    This city has a cost of living nearly 30% lower than New York or Miami. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for around USD 850-1,100. A shared 2-bedroom apartment can drop costs to USD 600.

    It offers good work-life balance because St. Louis is famous for having world-class attractions that are completely free. Students can visit the St. Louis Zoo, the Science Center, and the Art Museum without spending a single dollar.

    The city uses the MetroLink (light rail) and MetroBus systems. Many universities, like Washington University in St. Louis, provide students with a U-Pass, allowing them to ride the entire transit system for free or at a heavily subsidized rate.

    Popular Universities are:

    1. Washington University in St. Louis (WashU): A world-renowned private research university, especially famous for Medicine and Social Work

    2. Saint Louis University (SLU): Known for Business, Aviation and Law programs

    3. University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL): A great public option with very competitive tuition rates for international students

Tips to Study in USA on a Budget

Even in affordable cities, smart financial planning is key. Here’s how you can save money:

  1. Choose shared accommodation. This will reduce your rent and utility bills, thereby making it much less expensive than if you lived alone.

  2. Apply for scholarships

  3. Work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during the semester and up to 40 hours a week during breaks

  4. Cooking your meals at home can save you several hundred dollars a month

  5. Use student discounts. Many businesses sell discounted products and services to students. Always have your student ID with you so that you can compare prices with non-students.

Speak to industry experts regarding study in the USA for Indian students.

Below are some FAQs about studying in the USA for international students.

FAQs

Yes, international students on an F-1 visa can work in on-campus jobs for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term, and up to 40 hours per week during official breaks/holidays. This will allow you to earn extra money to help cover rent, food, and other living expenses. You can also work in off-campus jobs (authorized like CPT/OPT).

  1. CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

CPT allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain off-campus work experience that is directly related to their major. It is usually part of the academic program (like internships or co-ops) and must be approved by your university’s International Student Office. You can work up to 20 hours/week during the academic semester. Full-time CPT (over 20 hours/week) is generally only allowed during summer and winter breaks.

  1. OPT (Optional Practical Training)

OPT is the most popular way for international students to gain professional work experience in the US after their degree. The standard OPT is for 12 months, at least for 20 hours a week. However, if you are pursuing a STEM degree, you can work in the US for a total of 36 months. Here are some STEM degree benefits and job opportunities in the USA.

Planning ahead, doing your homework, and being flexible will help you locate low-cost housing. If you’re a student, start by researching housing options offered by universities. Many universities often list or partner with landlords for low-cost and safe housing options. For off-campus housing options, use Zillow, Apartments.com and Craig's List as a baseline for comparison. Verify all listings to avoid being scammed, and also be sure to see the accommodation before you agree to anything. A great way to reduce costs is by sharing accommodation and utilities. The earlier you search, the less likely you are to be impacted by peak moving times and rental negotiation opportunities. Check on what utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.) are included in your lease to prevent unexpected costs

Yes, public universities are usually more affordable than private universities. While international students still pay higher tuition than in-state students (exception is Texas, as explained above), public universities often have lower overall fees. Top 10 most affordable universities in the USA for international students.

The biggest expense you can control is accommodation. Choosing shared housing instead of living alone can cut your rent by 30-50%. You can also save money by cooking at home, using public transportation, and buying used textbooks. On-campus housing is convenient and may include utilities, but it is often more expensive. Also, take a conscious decision on whether you would prefer to live on campus or off-campus. While on-campus accommodation may have utilities (electricity, water etc) included in the rent, and will also save you transportation cost, shared accommodation off-campus is usually cheaper, as you’ll be splitting rent & utilities with roommates.

Besides tuition fee, rental cost and cost of utilities etc (mentioned above), students may incur additional academic fees such as lab fees, technology fees, and course material costs, etc. Books alone can often cost hundreds of dollars per semester. Another hidden cost for international students is health insurance. This is a mandatory requirement, and rightly so because, if you need to see a doctor even for a small illness or a simple medical test, you can expect to shell out huge amount of money. Lastly, there are one-time expenses like visa application fees, flight tickets, security deposits for rental property & furniture (if you are living off-campus).