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Key Summary
- The USA remains popular for Indians due to globally ranked universities, flexible academics, and strong career outcomes.
- Tuition is not uniform; it depends on university type (public/private), residency (in-state/out-of-state), course level (UG/PG), and specialisation.
- UG programs are cheaper; PG and professional courses (MBA, MD, JD, Engineering) are significantly costlier.
Studying in the United States remains a top choice for international students, especially Indians, because of its globally ranked universities, flexible academic structure, and strong career outcomes. However, when it comes to tuition fees, the USA is also one of the most misunderstood study destinations. Many students assume that all American universities are “extremely expensive” without realising that fees in the USA vary dramatically based on course type, university category, state, and residency status. This guide on USA Fees 2025 breaks down course-wise, university-wise, and city-wise tuition fees in a clear and structured manner.
This Blog Includes:
- USA University Fee Structure in 2025–2026
- Average Fees by Course Category (USA 2025–2026)
- Undergraduate Fees in the USA Universities by Course
- Engineering & Technology Undergraduate Fees in the USA
- Computer Science & IT Undergraduate Fees in the USA
- Business & Management Undergraduate Fees in the USA
- Medicine & Health Sciences Undergraduate Fees in the USA (2025–2026)
- Science & Mathematics Undergraduate Fees in the USA
- Arts & Humanities Undergraduate Fees in the USA
- Design, Architecture & Creative Arts Undergraduate Fees in the USA
- Postgraduate Fees in the USA Universities by Course
- Engineering & Technology Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- Computer Science & IT Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- Business & Management Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- Medicine & Healthcare Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- Law Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- Education Postgraduate Fees in the USA
- University-wise Tuition Fees in the USA
- City-wise/State-wise Tuition Fees in the USA
- Top 10 Most Expensive Courses in the USA
- Top 10 Most Affordable Courses in the USA
- FAQs
USA University Fee Structure in 2025–2026
The university fee structure in the USA for the 2025–2026 academic year is not uniform. Unlike many countries that follow a centralised fee system, tuition fees in the United States are determined individually by universities and are heavily influenced by institution type, state policies, course level, and residency status. As a result, two students studying the same course at different universities can end up paying vastly different amounts.
| Student Category | Undergraduate (UG) Fees / Year | Postgraduate (PG) Fees / Year |
| Public Universities (In-State) | USD 8,000 – 15,000 | USD 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Public Universities (Out-of-State / International) | USD 25,000 – 40,000 | USD 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Private Universities | USD 35,000 – 65,000 | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Community Colleges (UG only) | USD 6,000 – 12,000 | Not applicable |
| Professional PG Programs (MBA, MD, JD) | – | USD 40,000 – 80,000+ |
Public vs Private Universities
US universities are broadly divided into public and private institutions:
- Public universities are funded partly by state governments. They offer lower tuition fees to in-state students (residents of that particular US state) and higher fees to out-of-state and international students.
- Private universities do not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state students. Their tuition fees are generally higher but often come with strong institutional scholarships and financial aid options, especially at top-ranked universities.
In-State vs Out-of-State Tuition
At public universities, tuition fees depend on residency status:
- In-state students pay subsidised tuition set by the state government.
- Out-of-state and international students pay non-resident tuition, which can be two to three times higher than in-state rates.
Undergraduate vs Postgraduate Fees
Tuition fees also vary by level of study:
- Undergraduate (UG) programs generally have lower annual tuition compared to professional and postgraduate programs.
- Postgraduate (PG) and professional programs such as MBA, MS, MD (Medicine), JD (Law), and Engineering usually cost significantly more due to specialised faculty, facilities, clinical training, or industry integration.
Credit-Based Fee System
Most US universities charge tuition per credit hour rather than a flat annual fee:
- Undergraduate students typically complete 30–36 credits per year.
- Master’s programs usually require 30–60 credits in total.
- Professional programs may have higher per-credit costs and additional mandatory fees.
This system means that the total tuition depends on course load, program duration, and credit requirements, making accurate budgeting essential.
Additional Mandatory Costs
Tuition fees do not cover all academic expenses. Students should also account for:
- University and student service fees
- Health insurance (mandatory for international students)
- Lab, technology, and course-specific fees
- Books, supplies, and academic materials
These additional costs can add USD 2,000–6,000 per year, depending on the university and course.
Average Fees by Course Category (USA 2025–2026)
Tuition fees in the USA vary significantly across academic disciplines. Courses that require advanced infrastructure, specialised faculty, clinical training, or industry integration generally have higher tuition costs than conventional degree programs. The table below shows the average undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fee ranges in the USA for 2025–2026, categorised by major fields of study.
| Course Category | Average UG Fees / Year | Average PG Fees / Year |
| Engineering & Technology | USD 25,000 – 45,000 | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Computer Science & IT | USD 28,000 – 48,000 | USD 32,000 – 60,000 |
| Business & Management | USD 30,000 – 50,000 | USD 35,000 – 70,000 |
| Medicine & Healthcare | USD 30,000 – 55,000 | USD 45,000 – 80,000+ |
| Law | USD 30,000 – 50,000 | USD 40,000 – 75,000 |
| Science & Mathematics | USD 22,000 – 42,000 | USD 25,000 – 50,000 |
| Arts & Humanities | USD 20,000 – 40,000 | USD 22,000 – 45,000 |
Undergraduate Course-wise Fees in the USA (2025–2026)
Undergraduate tuition fees in the USA differ by field of study, university type, and state. Courses that involve laboratories, technology infrastructure, or professional accreditation generally have higher tuition than theory-based programs. The table below outlines the average annual undergraduate tuition fee ranges in the USA for 2025–2026, across major course categories.
| Undergraduate Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical) | USD 28,000 – 45,000 |
| Computer Science & Information Technology | USD 30,000 – 48,000 |
| Business Administration (BBA, Management) | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Medicine & Health Sciences (Pre-Med, Nursing, Public Health) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Law (Pre-Law programs) | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Architecture & Design | USD 32,000 – 55,000 |
| Science & Mathematics | USD 25,000 – 42,000 |
| Arts & Humanities | USD 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Education & Social Sciences | USD 22,000 – 38,000 |
Postgraduate Course-wise Fees in the USA (2025–2026)
Postgraduate tuition fees in the USA vary widely depending on the type of degree, specialisation, and institution. Professional and industry-oriented programs generally have higher tuition than academic master’s degrees. The table below presents the average annual postgraduate tuition fee ranges in the USA for the 2025–2026 academic year, across major fields of study.
| Postgraduate Course | Average Fees / Year |
| MS/MSc (Engineering & Technology) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| MS/MSc (Computer Science & IT) | USD 32,000 – 60,000 |
| MBA (Business & Management) | USD 40,000 – 80,000+ |
| Medicine (MD) | USD 45,000 – 80,000+ |
| Law (JD / LLM) | USD 40,000 – 75,000 |
| Public Health (MPH) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Data Science & Analytics | USD 35,000 – 65,000 |
| Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (MA) | USD 22,000 – 45,000 |
| Education (MEd) | USD 25,000 – 45,000 |
Undergraduate Fees in the USA Universities by Course
In this section, we have provided a detailed description of undergraduate fees in the USA universities by course.
Engineering & Technology Undergraduate Fees in the USA
Engineering and technology programs in the USA are among the most sought-after undergraduate options. Due to laboratory work, technical infrastructure, and accreditation requirements, these courses generally have higher tuition fees compared to many other disciplines.
| Engineering Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Mechanical Engineering | USD 30,000 – 45,000 |
| Civil Engineering | USD 28,000 – 42,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | USD 30,000 – 46,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | USD 32,000 – 48,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | USD 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Biomedical Engineering | USD 32,000 – 48,000 |
Computer Science & IT Undergraduate Fees in the USA
Computer Science and IT courses attract high international demand due to strong job prospects and STEM benefits. Fees vary based on university ranking and specialisation, with top institutions charging premium tuition.
| Computer Science Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Computer Science (BS) | USD 30,000 – 48,000 |
| Information Technology | USD 28,000 – 45,000 |
| Software Engineering | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Data Science | USD 32,000 – 50,000 |
| Artificial Intelligence | USD 35,000 – 55,000 |
| Cybersecurity | USD 30,000 – 48,000 |
Business & Management Undergraduate Fees in the USA
Business programs in the USA emphasise practical exposure, internships, and leadership development. Tuition fees are influenced by business school reputation and industry integration.
| Business Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Business Administration (BBA) | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Management Studies | USD 28,000 – 48,000 |
| Finance | USD 32,000 – 52,000 |
| Marketing | USD 28,000 – 45,000 |
| Accounting | USD 25,000 – 42,000 |
| International Business | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
Medicine & Health Sciences Undergraduate Fees in the USA (2025–2026)
In the USA, medical education typically begins at the postgraduate level. Undergraduate health-related programs are commonly pursued as pre-med pathways or standalone health science degrees.
| Health Science Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Pre-Med / Health Sciences | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Nursing (BSN) | USD 28,000 – 45,000 |
| Public Health | USD 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Kinesiology | USD 24,000 – 38,000 |
| Nutrition & Dietetics | USD 22,000 – 36,000 |
Science & Mathematics Undergraduate Fees in the USA
Science and mathematics programs form the academic foundation for research, teaching, and professional careers. Fees are generally moderate but may increase for lab-intensive subjects.
| Science Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Physics | USD 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Chemistry | USD 26,000 – 42,000 |
| Biology | USD 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Mathematics | USD 22,000 – 38,000 |
| Environmental Science | USD 24,000 – 40,000 |
Arts & Humanities Undergraduate Fees in the USA
Arts and humanities programs are relatively more affordable compared to STEM and professional courses, making them attractive options for students seeking lower tuition costs.
| Arts & Humanities Course | Average Fees / Year |
| English Literature | USD 20,000 – 38,000 |
| History | USD 20,000 – 36,000 |
| Psychology | USD 22,000 – 40,000 |
| Sociology | USD 20,000 – 35,000 |
| Philosophy | USD 18,000 – 32,000 |
Design, Architecture & Creative Arts Undergraduate Fees in the USA
Creative and design-focused programs often involve studio work, materials, and specialised equipment, which increases overall tuition costs.
| Creative Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Architecture | USD 32,000 – 55,000 |
| Interior Design | USD 28,000 – 45,000 |
| Graphic Design | USD 25,000 – 42,000 |
| Fine Arts | USD 24,000 – 40,000 |
| Animation & Visual Effects | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
Also Read: ROI of Studying Abroad: Country-Wise & Course-Wise Comparison for PG Programs
Postgraduate Fees in the USA Universities by Course
In this section, we have provided a detailed description of postgraduate fees in the USA universities by course.
Engineering & Technology Postgraduate Fees in the USA
Postgraduate engineering programs in the USA focus on advanced technical skills, research, and industry applications. Tuition fees vary based on specialisation, university ranking, and program structure.
| Engineering PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| MS in Civil Engineering | USD 28,000 – 45,000 |
| MS in Electrical Engineering | USD 30,000 – 52,000 |
| MS in Chemical Engineering | USD 32,000 – 55,000 |
| MS in Industrial Engineering | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| MS in Biomedical Engineering | USD 32,000 – 55,000 |
Computer Science & IT Postgraduate Fees in the USA
Computer Science and IT postgraduate programs are among the most expensive and competitive due to high employability and STEM demand.
| Computer Science PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| MS in Computer Science | USD 32,000 – 60,000 |
| MS in Data Science | USD 35,000 – 65,000 |
| MS in Artificial Intelligence | USD 38,000 – 70,000 |
| MS in Cybersecurity | USD 32,000 – 58,000 |
| MS in Software Engineering | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| MS in Information Systems | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
Business & Management Postgraduate Fees in the USA
Business schools in the USA offer globally recognised postgraduate degrees, with tuition fees strongly influenced by institutional reputation and program duration.
| Business PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| MBA (General) | USD 40,000 – 80,000+ |
| MBA (Finance) | USD 45,000 – 85,000+ |
| MBA (Marketing) | USD 40,000 – 80,000 |
| MBA (Business Analytics) | USD 45,000 – 90,000+ |
| Master’s in Management (MiM) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| MS in Finance | USD 35,000 – 65,000 |
Medicine & Healthcare Postgraduate Fees in the USA
Medical and healthcare postgraduate programs involve extensive training, clinical exposure, and specialised infrastructure, making them the costliest programs in the USA.
| Medical PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | USD 45,000 – 80,000+ |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Master of Health Administration (MHA) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Nursing (MSN) | USD 28,000 – 50,000 |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | USD 35,000 – 65,000 |
Law Postgraduate Fees in the USA
Law programs in the USA are academically rigorous and professionally regulated. Tuition varies by law school ranking and program length.
| Law PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | USD 40,000 – 75,000 |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | USD 35,000 – 65,000 |
| LLM in Corporate Law | USD 38,000 – 70,000 |
| LLM in International Law | USD 35,000 – 65,000 |
Postgraduate programs in arts and social sciences are generally more affordable and are ideal for academic, research, and policy-oriented careers.
| Arts & Social Science PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| MA in Psychology | USD 25,000 – 45,000 |
| MA in Economics | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| MA in International Relations | USD 28,000 – 48,000 |
| MA in Sociology | USD 22,000 – 40,000 |
| MA in Political Science | USD 25,000 – 45,000 |
Education Postgraduate Fees in the USA
Education-focused postgraduate programs prepare students for leadership roles in teaching, administration, and academic research.
| Education PG Course | Average Fees / Year |
| Master of Education (MEd) | USD 25,000 – 45,000 |
| MA in Teaching | USD 22,000 – 40,000 |
| MS in Educational Leadership | USD 28,000 – 48,000 |
| Curriculum & Instruction | USD 25,000 – 45,000 |
University-wise Tuition Fees in the USA
Tuition fees at top universities in the USA are generally higher due to global rankings, advanced infrastructure, and strong academic reputation. The table below presents the approximate annual tuition fees for international students at leading US universities for the 2025–2026 academic year.
| University | Average Tuition Fees / Year |
| Harvard University | USD 58,000 – 61,000 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USD 63,000 – 65,000 |
| Stanford University | USD 65,000 – 68,000 |
| Princeton University | USD 62,000 – 65,000 |
| Yale University | USD 68,000 – 70,000 |
| Columbia University | USD 68,000 – 71,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | USD 62,000 – 64,000 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | USD 64,000 – 66,000 |
| University of Chicago | USD 70,000 – 72,000 |
| Cornell University | USD 70,000 – 72,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley (Out-of-State) | USD 52,000 – 56,000 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA – Out-of-State) | USD 51,000 – 55,000 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbour (Out-of-State) | USD 60,000 – 64,000 |
| Duke University | USD 68,000 – 71,000 |
| Johns Hopkins University | USD 65,000 – 68,000 |
Also Read: Top Countries to Settle Abroad for Students, Jobs & Lifestyle
City-wise/State-wise Tuition Fees in the USA
Tuition fees in the USA vary significantly by city and state, largely due to differences in public university funding, concentration of private institutions, and overall cost of education hubs. The table below shows the average annual tuition fee ranges for international students in major US study destinations for 2025–2026.
| City / State | Average Overall Tuition Fees / Year |
| New York (NY) | USD 45,000 – 75,000 |
| California (CA) | USD 40,000 – 70,000 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | USD 50,000 – 75,000 |
| Texas (TX) | USD 30,000 – 55,000 |
| Illinois (IL) | USD 35,000 – 60,000 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | USD 40,000 – 65,000 |
| Michigan (MI) | USD 35,000 – 60,000 |
| Florida (FL) | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Ohio (OH) | USD 28,000 – 48,000 |
| Arizona (AZ) | USD 30,000 – 50,000 |
Top 10 Most Expensive Courses in the USA
These programs typically require specialised training, professional accreditation, extended duration, or advanced infrastructure, which drives up the tuition fees.
| Course | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 45,000 – 80,000+ |
| MBA (Top Schools) | 50,000 – 90,000+ |
| Law (JD – Top Schools) | 45,000 – 75,000 |
| MS in Artificial Intelligence | 38,000 – 70,000 |
| MS in Data Science | 35,000 – 65,000 |
| MS in Computer Science | 32,000 – 60,000 |
| MS in Chemical / Biomedical Engineering | 32,000 – 55,000 |
| Architecture (UG) | 32,000 – 55,000 |
| MS in Finance / Business Analytics | 35,000 – 65,000 |
| Pharmacy / Health Professions | 30,000 – 60,000 |
Top 10 Most Affordable Courses in the USA
These programs are typically offered by more affordable public universities (especially in-state or regional campuses) and have lower tuition ranges compared to other majors.
| Course | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
| Associate Degrees at Community Colleges | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| Mathematics | 22,000 – 38,000 |
| Arts & Humanities | 20,000 – 40,000 |
| Sociology | 20,000 – 35,000 |
| English Literature | 20,000 – 38,000 |
| Psychology | 22,000 – 40,000 |
| Education (UG) | 22,000 – 38,000 |
| Environmental Science | 24,000 – 40,000 |
| Physics | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Chemistry | 26,000 – 42,000 |
Also Read: How to Get Jobs Abroad? Tips, Visas & Opportunities for Students
FAQs
Tuition fees in the USA vary widely depending on university type, residency, and course level:
Public Universities (In-State): USD 8,000 – 15,000 (UG), USD 10,000 – 20,000 (PG)
Public Universities (Out-of-State/International): USD 25,000 – 40,000 (UG), USD 20,000 – 35,000 (PG)
Private Universities: USD 35,000 – 65,000 (UG), USD 30,000 – 55,000 (PG)
Professional PG Programs (MBA, MD, JD): USD 40,000 – 80,000+ per year
Public universities are partially funded by state governments, offering lower fees for in-state students and higher fees for out-of-state or international students.
Private universities charge a single tuition rate for all students, usually higher than public universities, but often provide substantial scholarships or financial aid.
Tuition fees depend on state policies and the cost of living:
New York: USD 45,000 – 75,000
California: USD 40,000 – 70,000
Massachusetts: USD 50,000 – 75,000
Texas: USD 30,000 – 55,000
Florida: USD 30,000 – 50,000
Related Reads
Now that you have a clear picture of tuition fees, course-wise costs, and scholarship options in the USA for 2025–2026, you’re better prepared to plan your study and career journey. Still unsure which university, course, or city provides the best value for your investment? The experts at Leverage Edu can help you navigate the entire process, from budgeting and admissions to visa support, so you can confidently pursue your goals in the United States.
Call 1800 57 2000 today to get your free 30-minute counselling session and take the first step toward studying in the USA with clarity and confidence!
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