Best cities to study in the US
Student cities in the US
New York
Columbia, NYU, Fordham, the CUNY system and dozens more in the world's business, finance and media capital.
Boston
America's college town: Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Northeastern and 50 more within a few miles.
Chicago
The University of Chicago, Northwestern, UIC and DePaul in a big city with lower costs than New York or California.
San Francisco Bay Area
Stanford, Berkeley and San Jose State at the centre of the world's technology industry, with the highest costs in the country to match.
Compare rents
| City | Room rent | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| New York | US$1,200 to US$2,200 for a room | 24-hour subway; a monthly pass is US$132. |
| Boston | US$1,000 to US$1,800 for a room | The T subway and buses with a semester pass. |
| Chicago | US$800 to US$1,400 for a room | The L trains and buses with a student Ventra pass. |
| San Francisco Bay Area | US$1,300 to US$2,200 for a room | BART, Caltrain and Muni. |
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
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Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Do I need GRE or GMAT for a US master's?
Fewer programmes require them every year. Many computer science, engineering and business master's are now test-optional. We keep a list of which of our partner programmes still ask.
How much does it really cost to study in the US?
Budget US$35,000 to US$70,000 a year all-in before aid at a private or out-of-state public university. With an assistantship or a strong merit award the real cost can be a third of that. The I-20 figure is the number the visa officer will check.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On campus, yes, up to 20 hours a week. Off campus only through CPT (during the degree) or OPT (after it), both authorised by your university. Unauthorised work risks your visa.