The United States of America is the top study destination in the world right now. Due to its high academic standard, students from across the world flock to it in large numbers to pursue their higher education and get internationally recognized degrees.

US University Fees for International Students

It differs from college to college, based on which type of colleges in USA you want to study in. Although the average fees that one has to pay without any financial assistance are quite high, there are a large number of sources of funding available, making studying in American universities affordable.

Tuition Fees at Public Universities

As mentioned, the university fees are different for different universities and depend on the courses students choose to pursue. On average, however, college tuition fees vary from USD 5000 to 50000 per year, and this could go up for certain courses like MBA, Medical, Law, etc. The average tuition fee for two-year courses in public universities is USD 3520, while for four-year courses it is USD 9650 (in-state), and USD 24930 (out-of-state).

 

Tuition Fees at Other Types of Institutions

The average college tuition fees depend on the kind of institution (public or private), and the course one pursues. As we have already mentioned, even for public universities, the average can go up in a steep manner if the course’s duration doubles. For example, private non-profit universities can charge USD 33480 for a four-year course.

Cost of Undergraduate Degree in the USA for International Students

The cost of undergraduate students on average for international students is USD $26290 for four-year institutions. A large number of international students opt for studying in the USA for their undergraduate studies right after their 12th, for the courses like MSc, MS and BA in USA. The course fees will of course change with the programs one chooses and institutions they apply to. There are also two-year and three-year private/public colleges and universities in USA for international students and the fees will change accordingly.

 

Cost of Masters Degree in USA for International Students

The average tuition fee for a Master’s Degree in the USA can cost anywhere between USD $20,000-$35,000 depending on the course and universities. Business courses, such as MBA In USA and a Medical in USA can be more expensive than this. Talking about Masters in USA, a large number of international students opt for STEM courses that comprise courses in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These courses also offer Optional Practical Training and up to 2 years of Stay Back.

PhD in USA Fees vary from $28,000 to $40,000 depending on the course and the institution.

Affordable Universities in the USA

The Most Affordable Universities in the USA are the University of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin, Iowa State University and the University of Utah. Some other universities and the average tuition fees they charge are as follows:

Affordable University Average Tuition Fees
University of Texas at Dallas 13000 USD/year
University of Texas at Arlington 9000  USD/year
Texas A&M University 9000  USD/year
Arizona State University 13000  USD/year
Illinois University of Technology 31000  USD/year

Tuition Fees at Top-Ranked Universities
For anyone who wants to study abroad, especially in the United States, it becomes important to know which of the top universities in the USA that offer their courses and programmes at affordable costs. Here is a list of such universities in America:

Top-Ranked University Average Tuition Fees
University of Florida 12000 USD/year
Missouri University of Science and Technology 12000  USD/year
Washington State University 13000  USD/year
University of Wisconsin-Madison 13000  USD/year
North Carolina State University 10000  USD/year

Scholarships in the USA

Scholarships are a very important aspect of a student’s plan to study in USA. For Bangladeshi students, especially, the fees that most American universities charge may not be affordable. So here is a list of the scholarships in USA, Bangladeshi students can avail of for both graduate and undergraduate courses in USA. A scholarship for MS in USA is one of the most sought-after by students:

  • The Fulbright Nehru Master’s Fellowship
  • ETS TOEFL Scholarship
  • Tata Scholarships for Cornell University
  • American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
  • Inleak’s Scholarships to Study Abroad
  • Inleak’s Research Travel Grants, and
  • Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships

International Students Loan USA

An International Students loan is a realistic way to fund your expenses for the time when you are going to study abroad. If you are exhausted with your scholarship and financial aid, and the family funds, and there is still a gap of funds that are needed to be proved, an international Students Loan is the way to go. It will not only help you bridge the gap but will give you the luxury of extended payments and low-interest rates.

Education loan Benefits

International Students loans are a great way to fund your education abroad. Because they are designed for students, they are very flexible when it comes to repayment of the loan. The amounts are high enough to pay for your programs, but the repayment is done over an extended period of time. The interest rates are also low compared to other types of loans. There are also convenient options like repayment after graduation. Keep in mind that most of the time, international students loan for the USA are provided by private organisations.

 Visa Fees for Student

There are two fees related to an F1 student visa for the USA

  • SEVIS fee which  currently costs $350
  • Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is cost $160

Cost of living in the USA

The living cost in USA for international students actually depends on the location the

student decides to stay in. For example, in states like Washington, California, and in the areas around New York, the living costs may be quite high. In general, for students from countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, the living cost may be in the range of 6000 to 20000 dollars a year. This is based on the assumption that students would reside in shared apartments, live outside the campus, and live in a modest manner.

Accommodation in the USA

There are three kinds of accommodation options available for international students- on-campus accommodation, off-campus accommodation and host family accommodation. In the first case, the student lives on the university’s campus, in a student room or student apartment. This arrangement is an expensive proposition but helps in becoming familiar with the university and the students really fast. In off-campus accommodation, one hires a private or shared apartment outside the campus. This costs less. Finally, living with a family can be more expensive than off-campus accommodation, but helps in becoming familiar with the American culture.

Food Costs in the USA

Students are not supposed to live in luxurious manners. America offers all kinds of options to people. Students have the option of having meals in inexpensive restaurants for just thirteen dollars. A three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant costs fifty dollars. McDonald’s combo meals cost just seven dollars. Domestic beer costs four dollars and imported five.


Transportation in the USA

Usually, students live either on campus or just outside it. Therefore, transportation is not a big issue. They avail of the public transport system, which comprises buses, cabs and trains. Also, there are vehicle rental facilities available. Students often use carpools to move from one place to another.


Extra Costs and Savings in the USA

America is full of options and temptations that may incur extra costs. So one needs to be careful. In addition, health insurance is an extra cost. Also, there are the costs related to buying books, stationeries, etc. One can save on food costs by dining in inexpensive restaurants. One may use pool cars for travelling, and the libraries to borrow all books.

So whether one wants to become a graduate of an American university, or pursue a Masters or any other post-graduate programme, one can be absolutely sure of getting a top-quality education, and in English.

Cost of Studying in the USA for Bangladeshi Students:

USA is on the more expensive side of English-speaking countries along with Australia when it comes to calculating the cost of studying in USA for international students. The cost of studying in USA for bachelor’s Students is USD 22000 considering the tuition fees. Keep in mind that these are average tuition fees and the actual tuition fees can be much higher or lower for the course. The average Living cost for a year in the USA is around USD12000.

Student Visa USA Cost

There are two types of fees associated with US student Visa:

  1. SEVIS Fee
  2. Visa Application fees

SEVIS stands for Students and Exchange Visitors Information System. It manages international students and exchanges visitors coming to USA under F, M and J visas.

Visa Application Fees include MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fees.


USA Visa Fees

  1. Sevis Fees (Paid in Dollars in Applicable Exchange rate)

    Visa Type Amount
    F1 $200
    J1 $180
    M1 $200
    Mode of Payment Credit Card / Demand Draft / Money Order
  2. Visa Application Fees – MRV (BDT in Applicable Exchange Rate)

    Visa Type Amount
    F1 $160
    J1 $160
    M1 $160
    Mode of Payment NEFT / IMPS / By Cash at designated Banks

Student visa in USA requirements

A student visa for USA requires you to submit more documents when compared with the documents of a  tourist visa. International students need the necessary documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. Make sure you refer to this checklist before starting the process. Listed below are the documents you will be in need of:

Documents Required for US Visa

You will require these basic necessary documents when you apply for Visa:

  • A valid passport
  • A Non-Immigrant US Visa F1 Student Visa Application Form (DS 160)
  • The Application fee payment receipt
  • A passport photo
  • A certificate of eligibility for Non-immigrant student status (Form I 20 for student visa)
  • Academic records (Transcripts and Certificate / Degrees)
  • Test scores of GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS etc.
  • Proof of intent to depart from the United States after the course is over.
  • Proof of financial stability

Financial statement

Along with other documents mentioned above, you are expected to show enough monetary fund proof showing you can cover all the academic, living and other expenses for one year in USA. For that, you will be asked for (Parent or Guardian where applicable):

  • Tax returns / Acknowledgement for the past two years
  • Bank statements of the past 2 years and/or fixed deposit / any form of money held in a scheduled financial intuitions
  • Relationship proof of parent/guardian. (Sponsor)
  • Business documents (Depending on the nature of the business)
  • Pay Slips and Employment Letters if applicable
  • Aset and Liability Statements from a CA farm
  • Proof of any received scholarship. (if any)

Dependents Visa USA

Spouses and children under the age of 21 are defined as Dependents. They are granted F2 Visa, J2 and M2 Visas.

  • A spouse with F2 and M2 status cannot enrol in full-time academic study but can enrol at vocational studies to pursue hobbies and interests.
  • They are not allowed to get involved in any type of employment during their stay.

With J2 Visa, you can apply to the Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services for Employment Authorisation Document. The money earned cannot be used to support the J1 Visa holder.

 

F1 Visa Processing Time:

The processing time for F1 Student Visa for USA usually depends on the university are applying. The usual F1 visa processing time is four to six weeks from the application. However, some institutions can take months to process your F1 visa. After the DS-160 application, the consulate takes about two months to get back to the students with an interview appointment. Therefore, for the ones applying for Student Visa in USA, it is handy to have ample time for the visa, so you do not miss the beginning of the semester and reach late in the country itself.

What to do if your student visa for the USA is postponed or not approved?

If your process gets postponed you can do nothing but just wait a little longer for the result. It may be rejected but still, there is a chance to get approval for the student visa. Waiting for further response or action, or contacting the concerned person, will be your next step.

If your visa application gets a negative reaction, means if it gets rejected, you don’t need to worry. Tough, you cannot appeal but you can reapply for it. But make sure that you ask the officer for the exact reason behind the rejection. If you can correct the problem, you can start over and submit a new application by paying the visa processing fees again and scheduling another appointment. Also, ask for the rules on reapplying.
US Embassy in BANGLADESH

Madani Avenue,
Baridhara, Dhaka -1212,
Bangladesh
Tel: (880) (2) 5566-2000

You can get in touch with us, or your nearest American Visa Embassy if you need any information or assistance. Hope this US Visa Guide has cleared the doubts and questions you had regarding how to get a study visa for USA or  about US Visa Process.