Study in the USA
A Cost-Saving Roadmap for Studying in the US for Vietnamese Families
Is Studying in the US Really Too Expensive?
For many Vietnamese families, studying in the US is often associated with images of "enormous costs," being "out of reach," or "only for very wealthy families." But in reality, studying in the US can absolutely be affordable and cost-effective, if families choose the right roadmap and the right school — for example, Arkansas State University (A-State), a public university with relatively low tuition and living costs compared to the general standard in the US.
This article provides a step-by-step roadmap to help Vietnamese families optimize costs, increase scholarship opportunities, and shorten preparation time.
Step 1: Choose a Public University with Reasonable Costs
This is the most important factor for saving on the cost of studying in the US.
Why Choose A-State?
- Lower tuition than the general standard at many other public universities in the US; Vietnamese students who apply through the Vietnam Office receive a rate of $355 USD/credit hour compared to the international rate of $626 USD/credit hour.
- On-campus room and board costs for the 2026–27 academic year are $12,220 USD/year, plus mandatory health insurance of $1,100 USD/year.
- An international undergraduate scholarship worth $3,000 USD/year is available for new or transfer students with a GPA of 3.25 or above; this scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships.
According to the official 2026–27 cost sheet, the total annual cost for an international undergraduate student (12 credit hours/semester) is approximately $29,646 USD; see details at Total Cost.
Step 2: Prepare English Skills Early to Optimize Scholarships
One of the most effective ways to save costs is to have IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores ready while still in Vietnam.
Having IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo scores ready before submitting your application allows you to go directly into the main academic program, instead of having to take the English Language Academy (ELA) program, which costs $4,400 USD per semester.
Step 3: Choose the Right Major – Avoid Switching Majors Midway
Switching majors or transferring schools is very costly because you have to retake courses, which extends your study time.
Advice:
- Research the program thoroughly before enrolling.
- Prioritize majors that are easier to get scholarships for and have better job prospects, such as:
- Computer Science
- Data Analytics
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Business Administration
- Ask the A-State Vietnam Office for free consultation to choose the right major for your abilities and goals.
Step 4: Optimize Living Expenses in the US
Even though costs in Arkansas are low, Vietnamese students can still save even more:
Effective Saving Tips:
- Use a meal plan in your first year to avoid spending money on miscellaneous food expenses.
- From the second year onward, you can share housing off campus to save 30–40% on rent.
- Use the free campus bus, or walk since the campus is quite compact.
- Buy used textbooks or rent them online instead of buying new ones.
- Take advantage of major sales events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday.
Personal spending beyond tuition, room and board, and insurance varies by individual; use the official cost sheet at Total Cost to plan your finances.
Step 5: Work Legally to Reduce Costs
International students are allowed to work on campus up to 20 hours/week, at a rate of $9–12 USD/hour.
Common jobs include:
- Library assistant
- IT support staff
- Lab assistant
- Campus event support
- Administrative assistant within a department
This income helps students cover part of their living expenses, reducing the financial burden on their families.
Step 6: Plan Your Finances Smartly Before Applying for a Visa
To avoid having to "prove financial resources beyond your means," families should prepare their finances according to the requirements:
- A savings account of approximately 700–800 million VND is enough to demonstrate first-year costs.
- Create a clear cost plan while still in Vietnam.
- Choose a school with transparent tuition and few additional fees, such as A-State.
This helps you prepare a complete financial file as required and avoid unplanned expenses. The decision to issue a visa rests with the US consular officer.
Step 7: Increase Your Chances for 1–3 Years of OPT to "Recoup Costs" Faster
The US allows international students to stay and work after graduation under the OPT program:
- 1 year of OPT for all majors
- +2 years of extended OPT for STEM majors → a total of 3 years of legal work
Reference salaries in the US market (not a guarantee of income; varies by region, industry, and experience):
- IT/Data field: $70,000–110,000 USD/year
- Marketing/Business: $55,000–80,000 USD/year
Time spent working under OPT can help offset part of the cost of studying abroad, depending on your major, actual salary, and whether you are able to find a job.
Step 8: Take Advantage of Support from the A-State Vietnam Office (Free of Charge)
The biggest difference that helps Vietnamese families save on costs is receiving free support from A-State's official representative office in Vietnam:
- Major consultation
- Optimizing your application to increase scholarship opportunities
- Reviewing financial documents
- F-1 visa interview practice
- Guidance on housing and living expenses
- Support all the way through to your enrollment date in the US
The service is 100% free, helping families save on consulting fees and reducing the risk of application errors.
A Cost-Saving Roadmap for Studying in the US – Quick Summary for Vietnamese Families
- Choose a public university with low costs → A-State is an ideal choice
- Practice English early to optimize scholarship opportunities
- Choose the right major to avoid costly major changes
- Save on living expenses with a meal plan and reasonable housing
- Work legally on campus
- Plan your finances smartly before applying for a visa
- Choose a STEM major to benefit from 3 years of OPT
- Receive free support from the A-State Vietnam Office
Preparing according to this roadmap helps families manage costs better; the specific amount saved depends on each family's choices.
📞 Contact Us for Consultation on a Cost-Saving Roadmap for Studying in the US
👉 Register for a consultation here
📧 Email: study@astate.edu.vn
This article was translated from Vietnamese and is being reviewed by our admissions team.
