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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 North Carolina for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In North Carolina that averages $25,870 a year in 2025-26, compared with $7,540 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 (North Carolina average) | $25,870 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in North Carolina
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 | $27,818 | $32,459 | $41,839 |
| Public university | $43,688 | $48,329 | $57,709 |
| Private university | $62,818 | $67,459 | $76,839 |
Living costs in North Carolina
Across North Carolina's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,497 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $749 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $915 a month; prices in North Carolina are 5.7% below the US average.
In total, expect about $1,663 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | $1,669 | $835 | $1,787 |
| Durham & Chapel Hill | $1,640 | $820 | $1,767 |
North Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $26,700 | $1,578 | $48,141 |
| North Carolina ★ | $25,870 | $1,663 | $48,329 |
| Georgia | $28,070 | $1,665 | $50,545 |
| South Carolina | $36,750 | $1,674 | $59,343 |
| Virginia | $40,150 | $1,756 | $63,724 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in North Carolina?
About $48,329 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $25,870, living about $19,959, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $67,459 and a community college about $32,459. That makes North Carolina the 14th cheapest of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
Which North Carolina city is cheapest for students?
Of the major university cities we track, Durham & Chapel Hill has the lowest typical rent ($1,640 a month for a whole home) and Raleigh the highest ($1,669). 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.
