What are the Costs to Study in the USA?

Costs to study in the USA greatly vary by university and depend on several factors, including whether the school is public or private.

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by Lars Blenckers

Published August 3, 2026

Costs to study in the USA greatly vary by university and depend on several factors, including whether the school is public or private.

Cost of Attendance

The total cost, known as "cost of attendance," includes:

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meal plan
  • Books
  • Insurance and other expenses

Costs at a private university like Syracuse University are about $85,000 per year, while at a public university like Ohio State University, they are around $57,000 per year.

Scholarships

Many students receive scholarships, such as sports or academic scholarships, significantly reducing costs.

Junior College as an Alternative

Junior Colleges offer cheaper options, typically costing between $15,000 and $20,000 per year (excluding scholarships).

Read our extensive article about the costs of studying in America here.

Would you like to know whether you are eligible for a scholarship to reduce the costs of studying in America?

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Lars Blenckers
Founder of +31 Sports
Lars helps student-athletes find the right college opportunitues and turn their sports dreams in to reality.