How Much Does It Cost toStudy High School in the USA?
For an international student, studying at a U.S. high school costs from about $12,250 per year for a J-1 cultural-exchange program (public school + volunteer host family) up to $15,000–$60,000+ per year for an F-1 program at a private day or boarding school. Short-term programs start from $8,000. Your total depends on the program, the school, and how long you stay.
Cost by Program
Every program and what its price covers, in one table. All figures in U.S. dollars.
| Program | Typical Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Exchange (J-1) | From $12,250/yr | Public high school (tuition-free), volunteer host family, visa sponsorship, and local support. |
| Choose Your School (F-1) | $15,000 – $60,000+/yr | Private or public day-school tuition, host-family housing, and full support. You pick the school. |
| Boarding School (F-1) | $15,000 – $60,000+/yr | Tuition, room, board, and meals bundled on campus — with supervision and college counseling. |
| Mini High School (Short-Term) | From $8,000 | A few weeks to a semester on an F-1 visa — classes alongside American students. |
| Study in Canada | $26,000 – $35,000/yr | Canadian high-school tuition and homestay, with a straightforward study-permit process. |
| Virtual High School | $1,200 – $4,000/yr | An accredited U.S. high school diploma online — study from any country, no visa required. |
| Summer Programs | $4,000 – $12,000 | A 2–8 week academic or cultural summer experience at a U.S. school. |
Want a number tailored to your student? Use the interactive cost estimator →
What Every Program Includes
Beyond tuition and housing, the program price covers the support that keeps a student safe and on track — the same for every family, on every program.
- A dedicated local coordinator
- Monthly progress reports to parents
- Health insurance for the program
- Airport pickup and arrival orientation
Tuition
Free on J-1 (public school); paid to the school on F-1.
Housing
Host family on day programs; room & board on boarding.
Health Insurance
Coverage for the full length of the program.
Local Support
A dedicated coordinator and monthly progress reports.
Government Fees to Budget For
Separate from the program price, students pay U.S. government fees: a SEVIS fee (approximately $350 for F-1 or $220 for J-1) and a visa application fee (approximately $185). These are set by the U.S. government and are approximate and subject to change — verify current amounts at fmjfee.com and travel.state.gov.
Cost Questions, Answered
How much does it cost to study high school in the USA?
For an international student, the cost ranges from about $12,250 per year for a J-1 cultural-exchange program (public school plus a volunteer host family) to $15,000–$60,000+ per year for an F-1 program at a private day or boarding school. Short-term programs start from $8,000. Your total depends on the program type, the school, and how long you stay.
What is the most affordable way to attend a US high school?
The J-1 Classic Exchange program is the lowest-cost route, starting from $12,250 per year. Students attend a U.S. public high school tuition-free and live with a volunteer host family. The trade-off is that J-1 is a one-year cultural exchange — the school is assigned rather than chosen, and it does not typically lead to a U.S. diploma.
How much is F-1 high school tuition?
F-1 programs run from $15,000 to $60,000+ per year because the student pays tuition directly to the school. Private day schools and boarding schools sit at the higher end, while a shorter F-1 program or a lower-cost private school sits at the lower end. F-1 lets you choose your school and study for multiple years through graduation.
How much does a US boarding school cost for international students?
Boarding school on an F-1 visa runs from about $15,000 to $60,000+ per year, with most established boarding schools at the higher end. That single price bundles tuition, room, board, and meals on campus, so there are no separate host-family or housing costs.
Does the program cost include housing?
Yes. J-1 and F-1 day-school programs include host-family housing, and boarding programs include on-campus room and board. Every Xperience Edu program also includes a dedicated local coordinator, monthly progress reports, health insurance, and airport pickup.
Are there government fees on top of the program cost?
Yes — separate from the program price, students pay U.S. government fees: a SEVIS fee (approximately $350 for F-1 or $220 for J-1) and a visa application fee (approximately $185). These are approximate, set by the U.S. government, and subject to change — verify current amounts at fmjfee.com and travel.state.gov.
See Your Exact Cost
Pick a program and get a full breakdown in your own currency — then start a free assessment and we'll match your student to the right school and budget.
Other Programs You May Like
Choose Your School (F-1)
Pick your day school, live with a host family
Boarding School (F-1)
Live on campus, premium academics
Classic Exchange (J-1)
Cultural exchange, host family
Study in Canada
Canadian high school & camps
Virtual High School
Online US diploma from anywhere
Summer Programs
Summer camps & courses, 2-8 weeks
Mini High School (Short-Term)
2-12 week experiences at a US school