Cost of Studying in United States for Pakistani Students 2025

Studying in the United States is a dream for many Pakistani students — a dream that comes with significant planning and financial preparation. While the U.S. offers world-class education and global exposure, it is also among the more expensive study destinations. Understanding the cost of studying in the USA helps students plan wisely, apply for scholarships, and manage expenses effectively.

This article breaks down the average tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, travel, and other costs Pakistani students should expect when pursuing higher education in America.

Tuition Fees in U.S. Universities

Tuition fees in the United States vary greatly depending on the type of institution, program level, and course of study. Public universities (state-funded) are generally more affordable than private institutions.

Type of Institution	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Approximate Cost in PKR
Community Colleges	$6,000 – $10,000	PKR 1.7 – 2.8 million
Public Universities	$20,000 – $30,000	PKR 5.7 – 8.5 million
Private Universities	$30,000 – $50,000	PKR 8.5 – 14.2 million
Top Universities (Ivy League)	$50,000 – $75,000	PKR 14.2 – 21.3 million

Fields such as Engineering, Medicine, and Business tend to have higher tuition fees, while Humanities and Social Sciences are generally more affordable.

Living Expenses for Pakistani Students

The cost of living in the United States depends on your lifestyle and the city you live in. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco are more expensive compared to smaller cities and suburban areas.

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (USD)	Average Annual Cost (USD)
Accommodation (Shared Apartment)	$600 – $1,200	$7,000 – $14,000
Food & Groceries	$250 – $400	$3,000 – $4,800
Transportation	$80 – $150	$960 – $1,800
Health Insurance	$80 – $150	$960 – $1,800
Utilities & Internet	$100 – $200	$1,200 – $2,400
Personal Expenses	$100 – $200	$1,200 – $2,400
Total Estimated Annual Living Cost	—	$14,000 – $25,000

On average, Pakistani students should budget between $35,000 – $55,000 per year (including tuition and living expenses).

Health Insurance and Medical Costs

Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in the USA. The cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,800 per year depending on coverage. Many universities include health insurance fees in tuition bills, while others allow students to choose a private plan.

Without insurance, medical treatment in the U.S. can be very expensive — for instance, a hospital visit may cost over $1,000 — so maintaining health coverage is essential.

Application, Visa, and Travel Costs

Pakistani students should also consider the additional costs related to visa processing and travel before departure.

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (USD)
University Application Fees	$50 – $120 per university
SEVIS Fee (I-901)	$350
F-1 Visa Application Fee	$185
Flight from Pakistan to USA	$900 – $1,500 (one-way)
Pre-Departure Costs (Documents, Medical Tests)	$100 – $200

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Pakistani Students

The good news is that numerous scholarships and assistantships are available for Pakistani students in the USA. Many universities provide merit-based, need-based, or research-based funding that can significantly reduce expenses.

Popular scholarships include:

Fulbright Scholarship (Fully Funded)
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Global UGRAD Exchange Program
University-specific Scholarships (Harvard, Boston University, Purdue University, etc.)

Students are encouraged to check each university’s international student office for available funding options.

Conclusion

The cost of studying in the USA can be high, but the return on investment is immense. Pakistani students who graduate from U.S. universities often enjoy excellent career prospects, global recognition, and personal development opportunities.

By securing scholarships, choosing the right city, and managing expenses wisely, students can make their American education both affordable and rewarding. The United States remains one of the most valuable study destinations for Pakistani students aiming for a bright global future.