Embarking on an educational journey to the USA is a life-changing opportunity for many Nepali students, but it requires meticulous financial planning. The cost of studying in the USA is a significant investment that extends far beyond just tuition fees. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the expenses you should anticipate for 2025-26, from academic costs to day-to-day living, and provides essential tips to help you budget effectively.
For 2025, the estimated annual cost for an international student in the USA ranges from approximately US $32,000 to US $65,000 for tuition and living expenses, which translates to roughly NPR 42,00,000 to NPR 85,00,000. This figure can vary dramatically based on your chosen university, programme, and location.
Tuition is undoubtedly the largest component of your study cost. It is determined by the type of institution and the specific programme you choose.
Your field of study also plays a crucial role in determining tuition fees. Programmes that require specialised facilities or equipment, such as medicine and engineering, are typically more expensive.
Programme Level |
Average Annual Tuition (USD) |
Undergraduate |
$25,000 - $45,000 |
Postgraduate |
$25,000 - $55,000 |
MBA |
$40,000 - $80,000+ |
Medical/Law |
$50,000 - $80,000+ |
Source: U.S. College Board, Official University Websites (2025)
Choosing a university in the USA requires a deep dive into more than just rankings. This section provides a detailed look at the financial aspects and popular programmes across top universities in USA. All figures are based on 2025 data.
University |
Popular Programmes |
Cost of Study |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Mathematics |
UG: US $66,000 PG: US $58,000 Living: US $23,000 |
Harvard University |
Law, Business, Medicine, Public Policy, Humanities |
UG: US $59,000 PG: US $40,000 to US $80,000+ Living: US $25,000 |
Stanford University |
Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Biosciences |
UG: US $60,000 PG: US $60,000 Living: US $20,000 |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Engineering, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematics. |
UG: US $64,000 PG: US $64,000 Living: US $20,000 |
University of Chicago |
Economics, Social Sciences, Law, Public Policy. |
UG: US $66,000 PG: US $80,000 Living: US $25,000 |
Princeton University |
Social Sciences, Engineering, Public and International Affairs. |
UG: US $62,000 PG: Varies by programme Living: US $22,000 |
Yale University |
Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Drama. |
UG: US $65,000 PG: Varies Living: US $23,000 |
University of Pennsylvania |
Business (Wharton School), Nursing, Engineering, Law |
UG: US $66,000 PG: US $40,000 to over US $80,000 Living: US $25,000 |
Columbia University |
Law, Journalism, Business, International Relations |
UG: US $67,000 PG: US $40,000 to US $70,000+ Living: US $25,000 |
University of California, Berkeley |
Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Law. |
UG: US $48,000 PG: US $30,000 − US $50,000 Living: US $20,000 |
Johns Hopkins University |
Medicine, Public Health, Engineering, International Relations. |
UG: US $66,670 PG: US $66,670 Living: US $25,000 |
University of Arizona |
Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, Optics. |
UG: US $39,000 PG: US $26,000 − US $46,000 Living: US $16,000 |
University of Colorado Denver |
Business, Engineering, Health Administration. |
UG: US $24,000−US $34,000 PG: US $19,000−US $63,000 Living: US $18,000 |
University of Alabama |
Commerce and Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science. |
UG: US $25,000 − US $29,000 PG: US $24,000 − US $34,000 Living: US $12,000 |
Iowa State University |
Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine. |
UG: US $32,000 PG: US $32,000 Living: US $10,000 |
Note: The cost of studying across top universities in USA has been provided for reference purposes. Students are requested to check the official university websites or get in touch with our AECC Counsellors during the admission process for the updated USA fee structure.
Your cost of living will significantly influence your budget. It varies depending on your location, with major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston being much more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas.
Expense Type |
Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
Estimated Annual Cost (NPR) |
Accommodation |
On-campus: US $10,000 - US $15,000 Off-campus: US $8,000 - US $12,000 |
NPR 13,00,000 - NPR 19,50,000 NPR 10,40,000 - NPR 15,60,000 |
Food & Groceries |
US $3,600 - US $6,000 |
NPR 4,68,000 - NPR 7,80,000 |
Health Insurance |
US $700 - US $2,000 |
NPR 91,000 - NPR 2,60,000 |
Utilities |
US $2,000 - US $3,000 |
NPR 2,60,000 - NPR 3,90,000 |
Books & Supplies |
US $1,000 - US $2,000 |
NPR 1,30,000 - NPR 2,60,000 |
Personal Expenses |
US $1,500 - US $3,000 |
NPR 1,95,000 - NPR 3,90,000 |
Total Annual Cost |
US $18,800 - US $30,000 |
NPR 24,44,000 - NPR 39,00,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of State, U.S. College Board (2025)
Accommodation: On-campus housing often includes a meal plan, while off-campus rentals (in a shared apartment) can be cheaper but require you to budget for food and utilities separately.
Health Insurance: This is a mandatory and essential expense for all international students. Most universities offer a plan, and you will be automatically enrolled unless you provide proof of comparable coverage.
Don't overlook the upfront fees you must pay before you even set foot in the USA.
SEVIS Fee: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is US$350 for F-1 visa applicants. This must be paid before your visa interview.
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): This non-refundable fee is currently US$185.
Travel Costs: Airfare from Nepal to the USA can vary widely based on the time of year and airline, but you should budget for this well in advance.
Application Fees: Most universities charge a non-refundable application fee, typically ranging from US $50 to US $100 per application.
While the costs may seem high, various financial aid options can make studying in the USA much more accessible. Nepali students should actively seek out scholarships and grants to reduce their financial burden.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships exclusively for international students. These can range from partial tuition waivers to full scholarships.
External Scholarships: Prestigious scholarships like the Fulbright Foreign Student Programme and those from organisations such as the Aga Khan Foundation and the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program provide substantial financial support.
On-Campus Employment: Students with an F-1 visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. This can help cover living expenses and provide valuable work experience.
Choose Wisely: Consider enrolling in a public university or a community college, as they often have lower tuition fees.
Apply for Scholarships: Research and apply for every scholarship you are eligible for, as this can drastically reduce your overall expenses.
Budget Meticulously: Create a detailed monthly budget for all your expenses and track your spending to avoid overspending.
Consider Part-Time Work: Take advantage of on-campus job opportunities to earn money while studying.
Save on Textbooks: Look for used books, rent them, or use digital versions to cut down on costs.
Pursuing a higher education in the USA offers Nepali students a wealth of academic and cultural experiences. However, it is essential to recognise and prepare for the associated financial commitments. By understanding the breakdown of costs, exploring financial aid opportunities, and planning your budget, you can make your dream of an American education a manageable reality.
Planning to study in the USA? Get a detailed breakdown of tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarship opportunities with expert guidance from AECC Nepal. Let us help you make informed decisions for a smooth study abroad journey.
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your first year of tuition and living expenses. This is detailed on your Form I-20 and can often be a significant amount. You must provide clear and verifiable bank statements or sponsor letters.
Yes, while international students are not eligible for federal US loans, some private lenders and loan providers specifically cater to international students. Many of these loans may require a US-based co-signer.
No, the general cost of attendance provided by a university does not include travel insurance. While your university provides a mandatory health insurance plan for your time on campus, you should purchase a separate travel insurance policy to cover your journey to the USA and any unforeseen events during travel.
Textbooks and supplies can be a hidden expense. On average, students should budget approximately US $1,000 to US $2,000 per year for books and course materials.
Yes, upfront fees include visa application costs, SEVIS fees, and possibly tuition deposits. Additionally, airfare depends on the season and airline.
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