Cost of higher education in France VS. in the United States

All price conversion rates in this article are counted in December 2024 with an exchange rate of €1.000 EUR = $1.040 USD. Actual rates may vary.

Many American students worry about the cost of higher education and the student debt they’ll face after graduation. Choosing to study in France instead of the United States can be a smart decision worth considering. France prioritizes accessible education for all, offering affordable tuition, reasonable living costs, and generous financial aid.

Comparing the cost of higher education

Public schools

France is known for its relatively affordable higher education system. Tuition fees for public schools are designed to be affordable, with significant subsidies for European students and reasonable fees for non-European students:

Many of the most prestigious and renowned universities in France are public establishments. For example, the well-know Sorbonne University, which enjoys a global ranking within the top 100 as of 2024, and École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, with a ranking in the top 50 globally.

Private schools

On the other hand, there are Grandes Écoles: private and highly selective establishments that often specialize in engineering, business, or political science. These establishments, including popular ones like Polytechnique, Science Po and HEC Paris, are renowned for their high quality of education but are more expensive. Typically, tuition fees vary between €3,000 ($3,119) and €10,000 ($10,399) annually.

Learn more about the French education system here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/french-education-system/

Comparing living expenses and financial aids

Living expenses

While tuition is a major factor, living expenses matter too. France might seem pricey, but with careful budgeting, it can be surprisingly affordable.

Monthly expenses, including rent, food, and transportation, typically range from €600 to €1,200, depending on the city. In the United States, students have higher living costs, averaging $1,000 to $1,500 per month, with some cities being particularly costly.

Read about the cost of living in France here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/cost-of-living-in-france/

Get estimate

Wondering how much does it cost to live and study in France? Use our cost of living calculator to estimate how much money you will need during your stay in France.

Get an estimate here: https://gogofrance.com/en/cost-of-living-in-france-calculator/

Financial aids

France offers numerous scholarships to foreign students to help them finance their studies in France.

Check scholarships available here: https://campusbourses.campusfrance.org/#/catalog

In addition to scholarships, France offers housing aids to international students. Those holding a long-term student visa may qualify for aid from the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), with the average monthly aid for a single person in standard rentals being around €150.

To make a simulation, visit: https://wwwd.caf.fr/mesdemarches/faireunesimulation/lelogement.

Comparing health expenses

Healthcare costs can be a major concern for students studying abroad.

Fortunately, international students under a long-term student visa can register with the national health system called, known as Sécurité Sociale. This system is free and covers the majority of healthcare costs.

While the basic coverage is extensive, some students opt for additional private health insurance, known as mutuelle. These plans cover expenses not fully reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale, such as certain dental and eye care services. The cost of these supplemental plans is relatively low, typically ranging from €15 to €50 per month—a fraction of the cost in the USA.

Comparing degrees

French degrees are widely recognized internationally, opening doors to diverse career opportunities both in France and globally.

For a deeper dive into French and American degree equivalencies, check out our dedicated blog post here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/degree-equivalency-france-united-states/