Finances

A U.S. education is expensive for most international students. However, there are many options -- such as scholarships, loans, grants, and assistantships - available to help minimize expenses. Expenses can be divided into two major categories: tuition and fees, and living expenses. Tuition and Fees Tuition is the cost of instruction, while fees are charges for services such as the library, student activities, or the health center. International students are required to pay both tuition and fees. Some universities may also charge international students an additional mandatory health insurance fee. Please refer to the Campus Life section of this guide for more information about student health insurance and available options. Tuition varies from university to university. The amount charged by a particular college depends on the type of school. Tuition and fees are generally higher for private universities than for state universities. Community, technical, and vocational colleges charge the lowest fees of all. State universities charge out-of-state residents higher tuition than in-state residents. International students studying at state schools will have to pay the out of state tuition (which is higher rate than the in state tuition). Most of the university charges students by credit hours and to be a full-time student there may be a minimum requirement of 8-12 credit hours. Some universities charge full-time tuition instead of by number of credit hours, allowing students to pay the same amount regardless of how many classes they are taking.