COMPLETE GUIDE BEFORE AND DURING THE STUDY PERIOD

How much does it really cost to study at college in the USA? What fees are added before departure, what do you pay on site, and how much does a sports scholarship in the USA actually cover?

In this guide, we go through all the costs of college in the USA, both before departure and during your studies, so that you get a clear and realistic picture of the finances.

COSTS BEFORE COLLEGE IN THE USA

In addition to the Elite Athlete Scholarships fee, there are some one-time costs before you go to college. These are related to testing, licensing, and government fees and are not included in the college scholarship itself.

Costs you pay before departure:
– English tests (Duolingo eller TOEFL)
– School application
– Visa fees
– Sports license (for NCAA/NAIA)
– Possible grade evaluation
– Deposit fee for school and accommodation

ENGLISH TEST

To be able to receive a sports scholarship, an English test is required.

SAT (No longer a requirement, but some schools may request it)
Cost: $115

Duolingo English Test: $70

TOEFL: $320

Approximately 95% of all US universities accept Duolingo, making it the most common and cost-effective option.

COSTS AFTER YOU CHOOSE COLLEGE

Once you have chosen which school you will attend, the following fees will apply:
– School application about $40 (varies)

Visa Fees (DS-160 & I-901): about $500
Any additional costs

Grade evaluation: $150–300 (required by some schools)

NCAA/NAIA Eligibility license: about $150

Deposit: $200–500
This amount will later be deducted from your semester fee.

SUMMARY: COSTS BEFORE COLLEGE

Basic costs (all students):
SAT: $115
Duolingo: $70
School application: about $40
Visa fees: approximately $500
Total: about $700

Possible additions:
Eligibility license: about $150
Grade evaluation: $150–300

These are one-time costs, not annual fees.

DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP COVER COSTS BEFORE DEPARTURE?

No. A sports scholarship does not cover::
– Tests
– Visa
– School applications
– Flight tickets
*Flights are almost always paid by the student, even with a full scholarship.

CAN I USE GOVERNMENT AID BEFORE COLLEGE?

No. This is usually paid out approximately three weeks before the start of the semester, which means that all costs before departure must be financed privately.

COSTS OF COLLEGE IN THE USA

All universities in the US present their costs as a total annual cost, divided into several parts. Ex. Florida Atlantic University
Tuition: $31 000
Books: $500
Room and Board: $9 500
Fees: $1 000
Total cost: $42,000 per year

WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT COSTS MEAN?

Tuition:
Tuition fees, the largest cost. All students pay this regardless of their accommodation.

Books:
An estimated cost for course literature. This amount is often excessive and can be greatly reduced by:
– Loan books
– Buy used books
– Using digital material

Room and Board:
Cost of accommodation and food on campus. Usually mandatory in the first year, later years you can rent an apartment off campus. The first year is almost always the most expensive.

Fees:
Administrative fees such as:
– Registration
– Access card
– IT systems
– Campus service
These are always mandatory.

WHAT DOES A SCHOLARSHIP COVER IN THE USA?

Most scholarships cover costs in the following order:
– Tuition
– Fees
– Room and board
– Books

Exempel
Total cost: $42,000
Scholarship: 75% ($31,500)
Remaining to pay:
Room and board + fees = about $10,500

WHAT IS ALWAYS INCLUDED FOR ATHLETES?

– All away trips and matches
– Training and match gear
– Access to gym and facilities

At some schools it also includes:
- Shoes
– Other gear
– Bags, Water bottles, etc
This is always made clear by the coach before you sign.

OTHER LIVING COSTS

Once the school fees are paid, you have:
- Accommodation
- Food
– Studies
paid for the entire semester.

Your only private costs are:
– Course literature
– Leisure activities
– Personal expenses

HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY THE COLLEGE FEES?

The school sends an invoice before each semester.

Example:
Fall semester: $5,250 paid in August
Spring semester: $5,250 paid in January

You always pay in advance. If you choose to cancel your studies:
– You do not pay future installments
– Money already paid will not be refunded.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COLLEGE COSTS IN THE USA?

How much does college cost in the US per year?
Usually between $25 000 – $60 000, depending on school and level.

Can Government aid cover college costs?
Depends on each country. But in Nordics, Yes, can be used for both tuition and living expenses.

Is college more expensive than European university?
Yes, but with a scholarship and Gov. aid the cost is often comparable, if not cheaper.

Is the first year the most expensive?
Yes. Due to campus housing, the first year is almost always the most expensive.

SUMMARY: COLLEGE COSTS IN THE USA

The costs of college in the United States are broken down into:
– One-off costs before departure
– Annual school fees
– Personal living expenses

With the right scholarship, good planning, and Gov. aid, college in the US can be both financially feasible and long-term profitable. Want to know exactly what your cost would be?

Elite Athlete Scholarships helps you calculate your financial expectations!