EN 
VI Studying in the US has always been the dream of many Vietnamese students thanks to its advanced education and world-class quality. However, the question How much money do you need to study in the US?? is always the top concern of parents and students.
This article ETEST English for Study Abroad will help you understand everything about cost of studying in usa, from tuition fees, living expenses to other expenses so you have an overview and best prepare for your study abroad journey.
How much money do you need to study in the US?
The cost of studying abroad in the US ranges from about 30,000 to 90,000 USD per year (equivalent to 700 million to 2.2 billion VND).This number is not fixed, depending on many factors such as the study program, scholarship level, living expenses and location of the student.
Costs to pay when studying abroad in the US
To realize your dream of studying in the US, you need to have a reasonable financial plan and understand the necessary expenses. Before calculating the total cost of studying in the US, you need to pay for visa fees and application documents. This fee ranges from 16,290,000 to 18,000,000 VND, including visa fees, visa, application documents and SEVIS fees.
In the next part, ETEST Study Abroad English will provide you with detailed information about the cost of studying in the US from application to admission, including:
US student visa costs
The cost of applying for a non-immigrant visa, including a student visa, is $160 (about VND 3,800,000). This amount, once paid to the US embassy, is non-refundable and non-transferable. This is a fixed cost that any student must pay during the process of applying to study in the US.
Visa fees payable
The cost of an F visa for students studying abroad is also 160 USD (about 3,800,000 VND).
Application fee for studying abroad
The average application fee ranges from $30 to $100, although some schools waive the application fee. Check with each school for specific policies.
SEVIS Cost
The SEVIS fee for students with an I-20 form is $350 (about 8 million VND). This SEVIS fee is valid from the time the I-20 form is received until graduation or the end of the study program.
Cost of air travel
The price of a one-way flight ticket to the US for one person ranges from 650 USD to 1000 USD (about 15 to 23 million VND). To save money, you should book tickets 2 to 3 months in advance, avoid booking too early to avoid having to postpone or cancel your ticket.
If you book early, you should buy additional insurance to facilitate sudden changes or cancellations.
Insurance costs
Insurance costs are also an expense you should prepare when studying abroad in the US. There are many levels of insurance for international students, from mid-range to high-end, averaging around $2,000 per year.
This coverage is quite reasonable and economical, especially when compared to uninsured medical expenses in the US, which can cost much more than the annual cost of insurance.
Tuition costs at schools
How much does it cost to study in the US? Depending on the level of study, program, and type of school you choose, tuition costs can vary significantly. Generally, public schools in the US have lower tuition fees than private schools.
Below is the tuition fee table according to the study program you can refer to:
| Curriculum | Tuition (USD/ 1 year) | Study time |
| High school | 20,000 – 50,000 USD/year | 4 years |
| Community College | 9,000 – 12,000 USD/year | 2 years |
| Bachelor | 17,000 – 50,000 USD/year | 4 years |
| Master | 12,000 – 50,000 USD/year | 1-2 years |
In general, for a four-year bachelor's degree, tuition can range from $48,000 to $200,000 for the entire course. You also have to factor in the cost of materials and books, which can cost anywhere from $1,240 to $1,460 per year.
According to the College Board 2018-2019 report, a 2-year program at a Community College has an average tuition fee of about 26,290 USD per year (equivalent to 615 million VND).
This tuition fee is much lower than a 4-year bachelor's degree, so it can be a reasonable choice to reduce the cost of studying abroad. Moreover, you can also look for scholarships to reduce the financial burden of your studies.
Housing costs
You can choose one of the following 3 popular types of accommodation: dormitory, homestay, shared accommodation. Details of prices for these 3 types of accommodation are in the following table:
| Housing type | Average cost |
| Dormitory (including accommodation) | 12,000 – 20,000 USD/year |
| Homestay | 10,000 – 20,000 USD/year |
| Shared house (Shared house) | 400 – 1,000 USD/month |
Living expenses and food
The average cost of food for an international student in the US usually ranges from 300 to 500 USD per month (equivalent to 7 to 12 million VND). Many students choose to eat at fast food restaurant chains because of their convenience and affordable prices.
However, shopping for groceries and cooking at home is also an option worth considering. Not only does it help you save a significant amount of money compared to eating out, cooking at home also ensures hygiene and adequate nutrition. You can easily manage your food costs and have a healthier diet when studying abroad in the US.
Cost of moving
The average monthly cost of transportation for international students is around 90 - 130 USD.
| Vehicle | Expense |
| Bus | 90 USD/month |
| Trains and subways | 90 – 130 USD/month |
| Taxi | 3 – 5 USD/km (additional tip for driver 10%) |
| Private Car Rental | 50 USD/day |
Some other entertainment expenses
In addition, you also need to set aside some money for other living expenses such as entertainment, shopping, electricity, internet, etc.
| Living expenses | Average cost |
| Internet, dictionary, phone | 20 USD/month |
| Shopping | 100 USD/month |
| Entertainment | 50 – 100 USD/month |
In addition to the above expenses, you should also budget for an emergency fund to deal with unforeseen situations such as illness, loss of belongings, etc. Creating a detailed financial plan will help you effectively manage your expenses and avoid falling into financial difficulties while studying abroad.
Some tips to help save money when studying abroad in the US
Next part ETEST English for Study Abroad will share some useful tips to help you save money effectively, from choosing a school to managing daily expenses.
Support tuition costs with scholarships
Applying for a scholarship is one of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of studying in the US. To increase your chances of success, you need to focus on three main factors: English proficiency, academic grades, and extracurricular activities in Vietnam.
In addition to building an impressive portfolio, you should choose a school that matches your abilities. This makes it easier for you to demonstrate your goals and future direction convincingly when applying and interviewing.
You can refer to the article: What do you need to apply for a scholarship to study in the US? What is the hunting strategy?
Save money on food by cooking at home
Instead of eating out at expensive and unhygienic fast food restaurants, you can go grocery shopping and cook at home. If you cook three meals a day, your monthly food expenses can be as low as $200. This not only saves you money but also ensures that the food is tasty and hygienic.
Buy used and discounted school supplies
Instead of buying new books each school year and then selling them at a low price, consider buying used books or borrowing them from the library. This can save you a significant amount of money each year on textbooks.
Do extra work to help pay for expenses
In addition to studying, you can take advantage of your free time to do part-time work. This will not only help you earn extra income but also improve your communication and soft skills. According to regulations, international students with F1 visas are only allowed to work on campus. If you want to work off-campus, you need permission from a school-appointed employee and comply with the regulations of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Choose the right school
Among the many universities in the US, choosing a school that suits your ability and family's financial situation is extremely important. If you are still wondering which school to choose, don't worry, ETEST Study Abroad English is always ready to accompany you in the process of searching and submitting your application, helping you choose the school that is optimal in terms of cost and quality of education.
If you are still wondering “How much money do you need to study in the US?” and related issues, please contact us promptly. ETEST English for Study Abroad today for a free consultation.
If you are looking for a scholarship route to study abroad at high school level and a list of suitable schools, let ETEST accompany you in the Scholarship Essay Writing Strategy today at: https://etest.edu.vn/khoa-hoc/chuong-trinh-amp/
See more useful information about Studying in the US:
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