University fees in the United States represent a significant financial challenge, with budgets that can reach or exceed $50,000 per year. But it’s important to know that these costs include much more than tuition alone: they also include housing, dining, and various services offered on campus (access to facilities and infrastructure, social life, etc.). This integrated model, specific to the American system, aims to offer students a comprehensive framework.
Thanks to the scholarships available through the PIE Campus program, these costs— because they ‘ve been roughly halved! —become much more affordable. In fact, after applying financial aid, the overall bill is comparable to that of a university year in France, especially in a large city like Paris.
What costs are covered by US university scholarships?
The fees advertised by American universities generally include everything a student needs to live and study on campus. Unlike the French model, where expenses are split between tuition, housing, and food (off campus), the budget announced in the United States covers:
Student services : sports facilities, community activities, etc.
With a scholarship, these overall costs will therefore be significantly reduced ( a scholarship covering 50% of the costs reduces an initial cost of $40,000 to around $20,000, which already includes accommodation and food ).
Once the scholarship is deducted, the only remaining expenses are personal expenses (recreation, plane tickets, etc.) and insurance. The university and PIE/GO CAMPUS work in a transparent manner, which allows students to avoid financial surprises and establish a precise budget before departure .
PIE Campus Tip: Combine a university scholarship with a student job to ease your budget.
With the PIE Campus program, students can combine a university scholarship with an on-campus job. These jobs, available in libraries, restaurants, or services, can significantly reduce your budget.
Student Budget USA vs France: The Impact of Scholarships
At first glance, American university fees may seem exorbitant compared to those in France. However, when you compare the overall expenses required to study in France, particularly in a large city like Paris or Lyon, the gaps narrow significantly.
Let’s take a concrete example. A student in Paris will have to pay:
Between €1,500 and €2,000 for transport and other living expenses.
Added to this is the cost of registration, which, in the case of private higher education institutions (business and others), can reach €12,000 per year, or even more.
In comparison, a student receiving a scholarship through PIE Campus in the United States will see their budget distributed differently:
University fees reduced to €9,000 on average after deduction of financial aid.
Accommodation and half-board included for around €4,000.
Similar personal expenses, around €1,000 to €2,000.
In short, a year in the United States with a scholarship costs an average of between €14,000 and €20,000, excluding travel and insurance, an amount close to the annual expenses of a Parisian student.
This reduced cost therefore opens the doors of American universities to a wider audience. By benefiting from an immersive learning environment and a unique experience, many French students can seize this opportunity to become bilingual and train internationally.