The actual cost of studying abroad at the United States is not only students’ concern, but also parents’. Therefore, this article aims to provide some basic information regarding the question above, addressing the present concern for better decision making.
Like anywhere else around the globe, the price of studying at the U.S. varies wildly depending on the university and its location. However, the average annual cost can be classified into 4 categories as below:
| Category | Tuition Fee | Cost of Living | Total (in USD) | Total (in VND) |
| High School | 15.000 – 20.000 | 9.000 | 24.000 – 29.000 | 560-700 million |
| College | 10.000 | 9.000 | 19.000 | 450 million |
| Undergraduate (i.e. Bachelor’s Degrees) |
16.000 – 24.000 | 10.000 – 13.000 | 26.000 – 37.000 | 600-900 million |
| Postgraduate (i.e. Master’s Degrees) | 19.000 – 22.000 | 13.000 – 15.000 | 32.000 – 37.000 | 750-900 million |
In addition, there will be an inevitable visa cost and the visa-related costs (for Vietnamese):
| Type | Fee Payment Location | Fee |
| Enrollment fee | The School |
Depends entirely on the school. Some do not charge |
| Visa application fee | The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City |
160 USD |
| SEVIS fee | The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 200 USD |
Americans usually teach the younger generations to “dream bigger”. Therefore, in such developed country, students are encouraged to seek freedom and independent living. A majority of students work part-time to help fund their studies. Supporting this lifestyle, a US visa also allows international students to work part-time on-campus up to 20 hours/week while school is in session, with an average salary earned from part-time job ranging from 12 to 25 USD/hour.
If international students would like to get a job in the U.S. that is or related to their major and is off-campus, they will need to register for an internship program or Optional Practical Training (OPT) – either Pre-completion OPT or Post-completion OPT.
Education is the greatest investment and is the most powerful of all. If students sincerely wish to study abroad for personal growth and academic enrichment, then it is worth a try, for a brighter future.
English translation by ĐH
