Surprisingly, its actually cheaper in some cases, thanks torising tuition costs in the States.
But dont hop on a plane just yet.
There are a number of variables to consider.
I didnt want to spend the next 4 years of my life 30 minutes from my home.
I wanted to get out and see the world.
Those goals seemed incompatiblebut they werent.
After ruling out expensive private or out-of-state schools, I looked abroad.
Thats the cost of a semester at a private school, or one year at an out-of-state school.
But its shocking how much more affordable education is in other developed countries.
Even top universities in comparable countries like Britain can be tens of thousands of dollars cheaper.
The Cost of College Outside of the U.S.
In the States, college students pay about $38,000 per year on tuition alone for a private university.
For a public, four-year school, its still pretty expensive, at about $24,000.
As an in-state resident at a public school, you still pay almost $10,000.
In Canada, its $16,746 and in France, its $247.
you’re able to check out the average costs atvarious universities in the UK here.
So over time, you still end up paying less.
In some countries like Britain and Australia, a typical undergraduate degree only takes three years, Webb says.
Youll be out a year early and have saved a ton of money.
I did this and it was awesome.
Many overseas programs are much more focusedyou enter college knowing exactly what your major is.
An increasing number American students are studying in Germany, for example,where tuition is freeat public universities.
Students do pay a fee, but its relatively small compared to tuition.
Finland: In 2017, Finland changed their tuition-free status.
Tuition is still free for doctoral students and students pursuing their studies in Finnish or Swedish, though.
you’re able to still get a great deal outside of Europe, too.
In my experience, theyve cared more about my career history.
Theres a flip side, though.
For example, doctors and dentists might have a harder time bringing their foreign degree back to the states.
Law school is another concern.
The good news is, many foreign universities rank higher than U.S. schoolsin global rankings.
Its a mixed bag, Webb says.
There are a few worldwide rankings of schools that can help you decide.
The
Times Higher Education
and
QS World Rankings
are two popular ones.
If youre not certain about a school dont hesitate to contact other international students who are studying there.
you’re able to also use websites likeNiche.comorSchoolLinksto look up student reviews and compare colleges.
Another thing to consider: some foreign schools want to boost their reputation by attracting international students.
As a result, theyll offer incentives for Americans.
Webb was offered a partial scholarship to study at Hong Kong University, for example.
(You may even beable to negotiate this!)
The cost of living in some cities can be surprisingly high.
Dont forget travel costs, either.
And then there are student visas.
Depending on the country, these can be upwards of a few hundred bucks.
More importantly, though, many of them prevent students from working while theyre abroad.
In Japan, you canwork for up to 28 hours a week.
Look up the specific visarequirements for Americans traveling abroad here.
The financial aid you receive in the U.S. might cover your international studies.
While the cost is usually the most obvious concern, theres also the culture shock.
It can be hard enough toleave your hometown after college, much less travel to an entirely different country.
can also be jarring to justleave your hometowncollege student.
I think the primary barrier is psychological.
But given how much money you might save and what an adventure youll have, its totally worth it.
Going abroad for college was an amazing experience, he says.
