Studying in the United States as an international student: costs, visa and work rules (2026)
In the United States, tuition at a public university is $25k to $40k for a master’s and $31,880 / yr for a bachelor’s. You must prove you can pay the full first-year cost for the student visa, you can work 20 h / wk while studying, and you can stay 12 months after graduating.
✓ Last checked against official sources: 14 Oct 2026. Every figure links to the government body or university that sets it. No school pays to appear here.
Costs
| Item | Master’s (2 years) | Bachelor’s (4 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, public university | $25k to $40kEst., public out-of-state | $31,880 / yrAverage public, out-of-state, 2025–26 |
| Tuition, private or top-ranked | $40k to $60k+Est., private | $45,000 / yrAverage private nonprofit, 2025–26 |
| Money to show for the visa | Full first-year costAs shown on your I-20 | |
| Health insurance | About $1,500 a year (estimate) | |
| Visa and permit fees | About $500, once (estimate) | |
| Total* | ≈ $93,500 | ≈ $214,000 |
*Diplonaut estimate at a public university: the lower tuition figure + the money you must show for the visa (a floor for living costs, not a budget) + health insurance, for the whole degree, plus visa fees once. Tuition ranges are estimates: each university publishes its own fees. Visa and SEVIS fee amounts: official State Department and DHS fee pages still to be linked. Tuition ranges are estimates.
Visa and entry
| Your passport | What you need |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss | F-1 visa interview before travel ($185 fee plus $350 SEVIS) |
| Nigeria | New student visas suspended for Nigerian nationals since 1 January 2026 (presidential proclamation) |
| Iran | Entry suspended for Iranian nationals, including students (presidential proclamation) |
| Canada | No visa stamp needed: bring your I-20 and pay the $350 SEVIS fee |
| Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, South Koreaand some other passports | F-1 visa interview before travel ($185 fee plus $350 SEVIS) |
| Most other countries | F-1 visa interview before travel |
Work rights
- While studying: 20 h / wk (On campus only).
- After graduating: 12 months (OPT; up to 36 for STEM).
Will my degree from the United States be recognized?
Look for accreditation by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or by CHEA. Be wary of schools accredited by agencies that appear on neither list.
Check an institution: US Department of Education accreditation database · CHEA directory
For a bachelor’s: Your school sets the funds to show on your I-20, usually the full first-year cost.
By field of study
- No field yet (undecided): At many universities you can start without a major and declare one by the end of year 2 (for example Stanford). Changing major at the same degree level only needs your international student adviser to update your SEVIS record.
- Medicine or dentistry: Medicine (MD) is a graduate degree, after a bachelor’s and the MCAT. In 2025, 43 US medical schools accepted applications from international students; federal aid isn’t available, and some schools ask for proof of funds for all 4 years.
- Law: Law (JD) is a graduate degree, taken after a bachelor’s.
- Art, design or music: Music, theatre and dance schools judge an audition as well as grades (for example the University of Michigan).
Recent official changes for United States
- No rule change for United States has been tracked in the last months. See all changes by country.
Compare United States
See the United States next to the other destinations, adjusted to your passport, degree level and field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study in the United States?
Tuition at a public university is $25k to $40k a year for a master’s and $31,880 / yr for a bachelor’s. With the money you must show for the visa and health insurance, a 2-year master’s comes to about $93,500 in total (Diplonaut estimate).
How much money do I need to show for a student visa in the United States?
Full first-year cost (As shown on your I-20).
Can I work while studying in the United States?
Yes: 20 h / wk (On campus only).
Can I stay in the United States after graduating?
12 months (OPT; up to 36 for STEM).
Other destinations
Official sources
- Federal Register: duration of status final rule (91 FR 44976)
- DHS Study in the States: rule FAQ
- College Board: Trends in College Pricing 2025
- USCIS: Optional Practical Training
- US Department of Education accreditation database
- CHEA directory
- Stanford: choosing a major by the end of sophomore year
- Study in the States: changing majors
- AAMC: applying to medical school as an international applicant
- University of Michigan SMTD: undergraduate admissions
Information, not legal or immigration advice.