USA Money

Services for Students
Studying in the USA

Tuition costs for international students in the USA vary enormously between institutions. They can range from $2,000 to $28,000 per year. State or public universities are generally less expensive than private institutions. However, some private institutions may be able to offer scholarships that state schools cannot. Community or 2-year colleges are usually less expensive than colleges and universities offering bachelors and graduate degrees. Contact the institutions you are interested in applying to for details of their course costs.

When choosing a college or university, you will need to be aware of the cost of living (accommodation, food, etc) in the surrounding area. This can vary greatly between different parts of the USA and also between different cities within the same state. Generally, living in a city or urban area will cost more than living in a smaller town or rural area.

You can get a general idea of expenses by looking on university websites and at their catalogs or application information. You will then be able to work out a budget for your stay in the USA. As an international student in the USA a very important factor in your budget will be health insurance, which can cost upwards of $1,000 a year.

Being able to finance your studies is one of the most important considerations to take into account when applying to study in the USA. You will need to prove to the university, to the consular officer and possibly to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses as well as the university tuition and fees.

As an international student, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the university or college to which you are applying, such as:

Scholarships
Loans
Grants
Teaching assistantships
Research assistantships
Reduced tuition fees

For more information, and to and locate schools that offer financial assistance, please click here www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid

In other instances, you may be eligible for support from a private trust, a private company, or your home government.

Financial Aid Officer Online
www.financialaidofficer.com/scholarship_search

International Scholarships www.InternationalScholarships.com

International Education Financial Aid www.IEFA.org

Banking

As an international student, you may be eligible to open a checking account with a bank in the US. Each bank has different banking practices, and the types of checking accounts available vary from bank to bank as do the fees they charge.

You can do some research before you get to the US to help you choose a bank account. When you arrive in the US you will then be able to visit the local branch of the bank you have chosen.

You will most likely need some form of identification to open a checking account. The bank representative may ask you for your Social Security Number. If you do not have one, fill out an IRS Form W-8, which the bank can supply.

For a list of US banks by state, please click here www.qualisteam.com/Banks/North_America/USA/