Higher University Tuition Costs Are Driving Students To Schools Overseas Where Tuition Ranges From Free To 30% Of American Universities

Higher university tuition and student loan costs are forcing American students to study abroad.

University tuition has skyrocketed in the United States over the past 20 years.

University tuition in the United States averages roughly $10,000 to nearly $50,000, per academic year.  Granted, it depends on the school choice. That price tag is shocking compared to the cost of universities abroad.

Many universities in Europe are free. If they do charge tuition, it averages about 30% of American universities. Tuition at the most prestigious university in Japan, the University of Tokyo is $4,750 per year for foreign students. The University of Tokyo is one of the most prestigious universities in Asia.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that there’s been a rise in American students earning degrees abroad. University tuition is for free in countries like Norway and Germany. Schools in those countries offer programs in English.

The increase of American students pursuing tuition-free German degrees has forced the Baden-Würrtemberg region to start charging tuition to non-EU/EEA students.

Universities in the United Kingdom charge higher for Americans than European students. Yet, prospective American students still find the tuition attractive. Tuition at the University of Edinburgh is 30% of an Ivy League school.

American students make up nearly 7% of the overall student population at the University of Edinburgh. The university had so many inquiries from the United States that it opened a North American recruitment office.

Americans are allowed to work under their student visas when studying abroad. Students can work up to 40 hours in Australia. Students in the U.K. can generally work up to 20 hours during semesters and full-time during university breaks. In Japan, students can usually find cash jobs teaching English. Especially now that Tokyo is hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Four Benefits Of Studying Abroad

You can use federal student loans to pay for international tuition. 

If you are using federal student loans to pay for your degree, you can apply the loan to select international programs. Most international institutions will accept a federal student loan from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program.

There are added expenses of traveling for holidays but that can be included in your student loan. Yet, the money saved on tuition can still make your overall college costs substantially lower compared to higher university tuition in the United States.

You can travel the world, one long weekend at a time. 

It’s obvious that earning a degree outside of the United States can make traveling easier. It is eye-opening how cheap traveling becomes once you’re in Europe or Japan. Traveling between European countries can cost pocket change with discount airlines and train travel.

Living in Europe also cuts down the travel time to countries in Africa by nearly half. Studying in Japan also makes traveling the Pacific more economical. 

You become more attractive to future employers

International study makes your resume stand out to recruiters and increases your employability. It also conveys that you are not afraid of a challenge. Furthermore, it shows you can take the initiative and break out of your comfort zone. Experiencing and adjusting to different education systems and cultures demonstrates that you will be a flexible employee.

You’re gaining real-world experience

Although some international universities, particularly in the U.K. have social programs like societies and Fresher’s Week, most will not have the same social aspect that American college life. Specifically, Greek life or collegiate sports.

Asian and European universities put more emphasis on the coursework and study.

Universities abroad allow students more independence than their American counterparts. International coursework doses do not rely on frequent homework or quizzes like American Universities. Coursework abroad may consist of one or two presentations, exams, or essays for grading assessment. Relationships with professors and program directors also tend to be much more formal.