Tuition [Top]

You will likely have to pay other fees. For example, most schools require all students to pay a "student activities fee" to support clubs and sports. You probably will pay extra fees if you use a special science laboratory, fine arts studio, or athletic facilities.

Students pay for tuition, and usually also for room and board and other fees, in one sum. This transaction usually takes place at the beginning of a term. You will need to have this amount available in a U.S. checking account to insure a safe means of payment. Never carry large amounts of cash.

 Books and Supplies [Top]

Computer facilities may or may not be easily available to you at any given university. This is a question worth investigating when you choose your school. At a few universities, each student must buy a personal computer. Usually these computers are available at special discount prices.

 Room and Board [Top]

At least during the first year in the U.S.A., foreign students usually live in residence halls or dormitories, often with one or more roommates. But at some colleges, universities, and English language institutes, particularly in big cities, students often can live more economically if they find their own apartments off campus. If you plan to rent an apartment, you should have enough money to pay at least one month's rent in advance plus a "security deposit" of at least another month's rent.

 Personal Expenses [Top]

Some schools provide laundry and dry cleaning service with regular deliveries to residence halls. You usually can find a self-service laundromat (coin-operated washers and dryers) in your residence hall or near the campus.

 Travel, Transportation, housing [Top]

Other expenses include air ticket from India to U.S., daily transportation cost if you are living off campus. Many residence halls close during academic vacations. Students who cannot return home during these periods must find other arrangements for living and eating. These extra costs are not included in room and board contracts. Ask the housing office or contact ISA of the institutions about the same.

If you are planning to travel during summer break or take up some courses during summer, that will be additional expense.

Food [Top]

If you have access to a kitchen, you may want to do your own cooking (Cooking is not allowed in most residence halls.) Shopping for food in supermarkets is convenient, and a month's food bill would run between $100-$150 per month.

Clothing [Top]

Incidental Expenses [Top]

Incidental expenses such as laundry, postage and entertainment like travelling to other cities, going to movies etc.