Breakdown the Costs
“How Much Does it Cost to Study in the US?” written by Laura Bridgestock was an article that I felt needed to be included in this blog. The cost of United States college tuition has increased immensely over the past years, but by how much exactly? The cost of attending a US college has become daunting but it remains the most popular destination for international students.
HSBC did a report in 2018 about the value of education, the US ranked among the top choices for international parents who were considering sending their students abroad. In cases like these, popularity seems to go hand in hand with cost value. Colleges in the US for non resident students average out at the course of their degree costing just under 1000,000 US dollars. This number may seem outrageously high but yet it is the reality, but not for all United States colleges. The US has a system of different tiered levels of education. Top tier universities in the US, usually private non-profit universities, considering tuition, fees, and cost of living, the cost of attending per year adds up to around 66,000 US dollars. A student attending such a college would face a degree worth $264,000, that is if they graduate on time in 4 quick years. Those looking for a lower tuition would consider public universities. The cost of public universities in the US is split two ways, based on residency. For those who live in the state, they get tuition at a discounted rate and those out of state pay to attend and receive identical education for a higher price. “According to College Board, published tuition fees for 2018/19 at state colleges are an average of US$10,230 for state residents, and $26,290 for everyone else. This compares to an average of $35,830 at private non-profit colleges. The cheapest options of all, however, are public-sector two-year colleges – also known as community, technical or city colleges – where average fees for 2018/19 are just $3,660.” Two year colleges are a proficient way to begin your college level education at a lower price and only pay for the second two years at a larger, more expensive, four year university. Bachelor degrees are unattainable at two-year colleges but the credits received from the college are transferable and set you up to finish your education at a four year university.
In recent years, students have been able to calculate the cost of individual universities and get a more accurate representation on if the price of the college is reasonable for their personal situation. In fact, all US universities are legally required to have a net price calculator available for the public on their websites. These calculators give students a more accurate view of the bill they will be facing based on their individual circumstances such as choice of major and family income relief. Sources like this are very proficient ways to give students a better idea about their future and what possibilities they have.
Bridgestock, Laura. “How Much Does It Cost to Study in the US?” Top Universities, 7 June 2019, www.topuniversities.com/student-info/student-finance/how-much-does-it-cost-study-us.
