Cost to study in the USA from India: tuition, living & funding
Tuition and living costs in rupees, scholarships and assistantships, and how to fund a 2-year master's without surprises.
A 2-year master's in the USA typically costs ₹42–105 lakh in total for an Indian student: tuition of ₹15–33 lakh a year at public universities (₹29–48 lakh at private ones), plus living costs of ₹10–23 lakh a year depending on the city. Scholarships, assistantships and education loans can cover much of this. Compare universities on our USA page.
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How much does it cost to study in the USA?
| Expense | Per year (USD) | Per year (INR approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition: public university | $18,000–$40,000 | ₹15–33 lakh |
| Tuition: private university | $35,000–$58,000 | ₹29–48 lakh |
| Living: moderate city | $12,000–$18,000 | ₹10–15 lakh |
| Living: NYC, SF, Boston | $18,000–$28,000 | ₹15–23 lakh |
| Health insurance | $1,500–$3,000 | ₹1.2–2.5 lakh |
| Books and supplies | $800–$1,500 | ₹0.7–1.2 lakh |
Indicative 2026–27 ranges.
How much do popular US universities cost?
| University | Location | Approx. tuition per year |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Dallas | Texas | $38,000 |
| Arizona State University | Arizona | $32,000 |
| Northeastern University | Massachusetts | $42,000 |
| University of Southern California | California | $45,000 |
| SUNY Buffalo | New York | $28,000 |
| University of Central Florida | Florida | $24,000 |
Approximate graduate tuition; check each programme's cost of attendance on its website.
How can I reduce the cost?
Merit scholarships
Commonly $5,000–$30,000 a year for strong GPAs and test scores.
Assistantships
TA, RA or GA roles can cover tuition and pay a stipend.
Education loans
Collateral-free up to about ₹50 lakh, secured beyond. Loan guide.
On-campus work
Up to 20 hours a week during term, a useful contribution to living costs.
What is included in the cost of attendance, and why does the I-20 matter?
Every US university publishes a cost of attendance for each programme: tuition and fees, living costs, health insurance, books and travel. The university turns that into the figure printed on your Form I-20, the document you need to book your F-1 visa interview. Plan to show liquid funds or a sanctioned education loan that cover at least the first year on that I-20, and have a clear plan for the following years.
- Compare programmes on their published cost of attendance, not on tuition alone.
- Living costs vary far more by city than tuition does, so a lower-fee programme in an expensive city can cost more overall.
- Health insurance is usually compulsory and is often billed by the university.
What changed in 2026 that affects your plan?
Two US government actions in 2026 matter for anyone planning an F-1 stay. One is in force, and one is only a proposal:
| Change | Status | What it means for students |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed period of admission for F-1 students | Final rule, effective 15 Sept 2026 | F-1 students are admitted for the length of the programme on the I-20, up to 4 years, plus 30 days to arrive and 30 days to leave. Longer programmes, new programmes, OPT and STEM OPT need an extension of stay from USCIS or a fresh admission. |
| Fees tied to OPT | Proposed rule published 8 Oct 2026; not final | DHS proposed charging $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for later OPT per F-1 student recommended. Comments were open until 9 Nov 2026 and DHS may revise the rule, so watch for the final text before assuming anything. |
Students admitted before 15 Sept 2026 are covered by transition rules. Always check the official pages linked below. See our full explainer on the 2026 F-1 changes.
Neither item changes the cost tables on this page today, but both show why you should budget conservatively and confirm rules the week you apply.
How does OPT help me earn the money back?
F-1 students can get up to 12 months of post-completion OPT at each education level. Students with a qualifying STEM degree can add a 24-month STEM OPT extension, which requires an employer enrolled in E-Verify and a signed training plan (Form I-983). A student can use the STEM extension only once per qualifying degree, and the maximum unemployment allowed during the 24 months is 150 days. That is where the “up to 3 years” figure comes from, and it applies to STEM degrees only. Compare it with other countries in our post-study work visa comparison.
When should I start for Fall 2027?
- July–September 2026Profile assessment, shortlist and English test or GRE.
- October 2026–February 2027Applications and scholarship essays.
- February–April 2027Offers, I-20 and loan sanction.
- May–July 2027F-1 visa interview and pre-departure. Prepare for the interview.
Official sources
Cost ranges above are indicative planning figures; confirm each programme's published cost of attendance. Rules and fees change, so confirm current figures on the official sites before you apply or pay.
- US Department of State: student visa
- Study in the States (DHS): F-1 Optional Practical Training
- Study in the States (DHS): STEM OPT extension overview
- DHS: final rule on a fixed period of admission (effective 15 Sept 2026)
- DHS: proposed rule on OPT fees (8 Oct 2026)
- Federal Register: Optional Practical Training Fees
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an MS in the USA cost in rupees?
A 2-year MS usually costs ₹42–105 lakh in total, depending on the university and city. Public universities in lower-cost cities are at the bottom of that range.
What is the cheapest way to study in the USA?
Choose public universities in lower-cost states, apply early for merit scholarships, and target departments that offer assistantships.
How much bank balance is needed for the F-1 visa?
Enough liquid funds or a sanctioned loan to cover the first-year cost of attendance printed on your I-20, with a clear plan for later years.
Can I work part-time to pay my fees?
Only on campus, up to 20 hours a week during term. It helps with living costs but should not be counted as your main funding.
What is the new fixed period of admission for F-1 students?
A final rule effective 15 September 2026 admits F-1 students for the programme length on their I-20, up to 4 years, plus 30 days to arrive and 30 days to depart. Extensions, new programmes and OPT may need an extension of stay from USCIS.
Is OPT going to cost $70,000 per student?
No. DHS published a proposed rule on 8 October 2026 that would charge $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for later OPT per F-1 student recommended. It is only a proposal, DHS may revise it after comments, and it is not in effect.
How long can I work after an MS in the USA?
F-1 students can get 12 months of OPT, plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM degrees, so up to 36 months in total for STEM graduates.
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