Planning for college in the U.S. goes beyond tuition — there are a few upfront costs every player should be aware of before stepping on campus. At SSP, we believe in transparency, so here’s a breakdown of what to expect before and during your time at college.
SAT or ACT Test — $115–$150
Required for admission to most U.S. colleges. You only need to take one.
TOEFL Test — $250
Only required for students whose first language is not English.
College Application Fees — Around $40 per collegeVaries by institution, and paid during the application process.
NCAA / NAIA Eligibility Center Registration — $160
Required for players competing at NCAA D1, D2, or NAIA levels.
Grade Evaluation (if required) — $150–$200
Some schools ask for international transcripts to be officially evaluated.
Visa & SEVIS Fee — Approximately $500
Includes the U.S. student visa application and SEVIS processing.
Tuition — $15,000 to $35,000
Varies by college, location, and whether the school is public or private.
Room & Board (Housing + Meals) — $8,000 to $12,000
Usually required for first-year students, includes dorms and a meal plan.
Books & Academic Materials — $300 to $600
Can often be reduced by buying used books or sourcing online.Student Fees — $1,000 to $2,000
Covers campus services, technology fees, and other institutional charges.
Flights — Not covered by scholarships. Students are responsible for flights to/from the U.S. including holidays and breaks.
How We Help:
At SSP, we guide you through this process — from identifying cost-saving opportunities to helping you target schools where you’ll get the best return on investment. Whether through athletic, academic, or international scholarships, we’ll help you reduce costs and plan smarter.You don’t need to pay all of this at once, and not all costs apply to every student. We're here to help you figure out what applies to you — and how to make it work.
