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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 Pennsylvania for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Pennsylvania that averages $33,860 a year in 2025-26, compared with $16,950 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 (Pennsylvania average) | $33,860 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Pennsylvania
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 | $27,365 | $31,673 | $40,194 |
| Public university | $51,225 | $55,533 | $64,054 |
| Private university | $62,365 | $66,673 | $75,194 |
Living costs in Pennsylvania
Across Pennsylvania's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,302 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $651 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $947 a month; prices in Pennsylvania are 2.4% below the US average.
In total, expect about $1,598 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia area | $1,903 | $952 | $1,947 |
| Pittsburgh | $1,467 | $734 | $1,652 |
| State College (Penn State) | $1,947 | $974 | $1,912 |
Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $26,550 | $1,440 | $46,332 |
| New York | $23,620 | $1,839 | $48,184 |
| Ohio | $32,520 | $1,498 | $52,992 |
| Maryland | $27,910 | $1,903 | $53,246 |
| Pennsylvania ★ | $33,860 | $1,598 | $55,533 |
| New Jersey | $34,300 | $2,081 | $61,770 |
| Delaware | $39,340 | $1,899 | $64,623 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Pennsylvania?
About $55,533 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $33,860, living about $19,173, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $66,673 and a community college about $31,673. That makes Pennsylvania the 20th most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
Which Pennsylvania city is cheapest for students?
Of the major university cities we track, Pittsburgh has the lowest typical rent ($1,467 a month for a whole home) and State College (Penn State) the highest ($1,947). 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.
