One year, by type of college
In 2026-27, one year at a selective US college costs about US$88,000 to US$100,000 before aid, from US$88,394 at Michigan for an out-of-state student in the first two years to up to US$100,134 at Harvard, with health insurance usually billed on top.
| College | Type | Tuition and fees | Housing and food | Estimated total for the year | Health insurance, billed separately |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard | Private research university | US$68,442 | US$23,192 | US$95,134 to US$100,134 | US$4,954 |
| Amherst College | Liberal arts college | US$76,040 | US$20,320 | US$98,160, plus one round trip | US$3,627 |
| University of Michigan (LSA, out-of-state) | Public university | US$67,096 | US$17,220 | US$88,394 up to 54 credits (about two years), US$93,096 after | US$308.72 a month on the university's plan for international students (2026-27) |
The totals add what the college bills and the costs it only estimates, such as books, personal costs and transport. Harvard bills US$91,634 but estimates the full year at up to US$100,134. Be careful with sites that show only the billed part.
Public does not mean cheap for you. At Michigan, out-of-state students pay almost as much as at a private college. Michigan's table does not mention international students, so confirm the figure with the college.
What applying costs
Applying adds its own fees in 2026-27: US$75 to US$95 per college, US$111 for the SAT outside the US and US$25 for the first CSS Profile. For 10 colleges, one SAT, one TOEFL and the CSS Profile, expect about US$1,375.
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | US$75 to US$95 per college | Michigan US$75, Harvard US$95. Fee waivers for international students vary by college |
| SAT outside the US | US$111 | US$68 plus a US$43 international fee. Some centers in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan add a US$24 center fee |
| ACT outside the US | US$188.50 | US$198.50 with Science, US$213.50 with Writing |
| TOEFL iBT | Depends on the country | From the ETS fee table: US$245 in Brazil and Chile, US$255 in Mexico, US$270 in the US, US$308 in Portugal |
| CSS Profile (aid application) | US$25 for the first college | Plus US$16 for each additional college |
| Extra score reports | US$15 to US$29 per college | SAT US$15, ACT US$20, TOEFL US$29. The SAT sends 4 free if you order them within 9 days of the test; the ACT sends 4 free if you pick the colleges when you register |
Example: 10 colleges with an average fee of US$85, one SAT, one TOEFL at US$245 and the CSS Profile for all 10 add up to about US$1,375, before extra score reports.
The student visa
The F-1 visa has two US government fees today, and a 2025 law created a third. The visa application fee (MRV) is US$185 and is not refunded if the visa is refused. The SEVIS I-901 fee is US$350. The Visa Integrity Fee is US$250 or more (adjusted for inflation) and would be paid when an approved visa is issued. As of September 2026 it is not on the official fee tables, and the government has not said how it will collect it. That is US$535 today, or US$785 or more if it starts being collected. Some nationalities also pay a reciprocity (visa issuance) fee; Brazilians do not.
Before issuing your I-20, the college needs proof that you can pay the first year. The I-20 guide explains what counts.
How aid changes the bill
The richest colleges work out what your family can pay and cover the rest with grants. Some admit international students without looking at their finances (need-blind). Others look (need-aware), so asking for aid can weigh on the decision.
| College | Looks at an international student's finances when admitting? | Meets 100% of need? |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard | No | Yes |
| MIT | No | Yes |
| Yale | No | Yes, including two round trips a year |
| Stanford | Yes | Yes, for students who asked for aid when applying |
The need-blind colleges guide has the full verified list. Aid deadlines differ from admission deadlines: at Harvard, the CSS Profile is due 1 November for early applicants and 1 February for regular applicants.
Who pays
Across all international students in the US in 2024/25, 51.5% relied mainly on personal or family funds. For 19.3%, the US college was the main source, and for 1.7% a foreign government or university.