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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in New York for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In New York that averages $23,620 a year in 2025-26, compared with $8,740 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (New York average) | $23,620 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in New York
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $29,512 | $34,564 | $44,679 |
| Public university | $43,132 | $48,184 | $58,299 |
| Private university | $64,512 | $69,564 | $79,679 |
Living costs in New York
Across New York's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,584 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $792 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $1,047 a month; prices in New York are 7.9% above the US average.
In total, expect about $1,839 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City area | $3,546 | $1,773 | $2,865 |
| Ithaca (Cornell) | $1,987 | $994 | $1,996 |
New York vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York ★ | $23,620 | $1,839 | $48,184 |
| Pennsylvania | $33,860 | $1,598 | $55,533 |
| New Jersey | $34,300 | $2,081 | $61,770 |
| Massachusetts | $35,530 | $2,165 | $64,013 |
| Connecticut | $36,530 | $2,095 | $64,169 |
| Vermont | $44,180 | $1,908 | $69,577 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in New York?
About $48,184 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $23,620, living about $22,064, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $69,564 and a community college about $34,564. That makes New York the 13th cheapest of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
Which New York city is cheapest for students?
Of the major university cities we track, Ithaca (Cornell) has the lowest typical rent ($1,987 a month for a whole home) and New York City area the highest ($3,546). Smaller college towns are often cheaper still.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
