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US sports scholarship vs home university: cost calculator
Compare the full cost of a degree at home with a US university on an athletic scholarship. Change any figure to match your situation.
The short answer
A degree in England costs up to £9,790 a year in tuition in 2026/27 plus living costs, usually borrowed. A typical US public university costs about $46,000 a year before aid, so for a student from England a four-year US degree works out cheaper than a three-year degree at home once a scholarship covers roughly 60% or more of the cost, and far cheaper on a large or full scholarship.
Compare the cost
We've filled in typical figures. Edit them for your course, city or offer.
The figures we use
| Country | Tuition per year | Living costs (our estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £9,790 (2026/27 cap) | £10,830 | Living cost uses the 2026/27 maximum maintenance loan outside London (£14,135 in London). Plan 5 loans are repaid at 9% of earnings over £25,000 for up to 40 years. |
| Scotland | £0 for Scottish students | £10,830 | Tuition is paid for Scottish students studying in Scotland; degrees usually take four years. |
| Australia | A$4,738 to A$17,399 (2026) | A$25,000 | Student contribution for a Commonwealth supported place depends on your course; we use A$9,537 (band 2). |
| New Zealand | About NZ$7,600 to NZ$10,200 | NZ$20,000 | Typical 2026 domestic fees for arts, science and commerce degrees. One year may be fees-free for eligible students. |
| United States | Public: $31,880 out-of-state · Private: $45,000 | Room and board $13,900 to $15,920 | College Board 2025-26 averages. Many universities charge international students the out-of-state rate. |
Why a scholarship changes the maths
- Scholarships are negotiated. The strength of your times, grades and our coach contacts all affect the offer.
- Aid stacks. Athletic scholarships can often be combined with academic scholarships, especially for athletes with strong grades.
- More funding than before. Since July 2025, NCAA Division I schools in the House settlement can fund every athlete on the roster: up to 45 in track and field and 17 in cross country.
- You compete while you study. Coaching, physio, kit and competition are part of the package.
Frequently asked questions
Is a US sports scholarship cheaper than a UK university?
It can be. A student in England pays up to £9,790 a year in tuition in 2026/27 plus living costs, usually through loans repaid over up to 40 years. A US scholarship that covers half of a typical $46,000 public-university cost leaves about $23,000 a year to pay, so the answer depends on the size of your offer. With a scholarship covering most of the cost, many athletes graduate owing little or nothing.
How much does a US university cost for international students?
Average published costs for 2025-26 were about $31,880 a year in tuition and fees at public universities for out-of-state students, plus about $13,900 for room and board, and about $45,000 plus $15,920 at private non-profit universities, according to College Board figures. Many universities charge international students the out-of-state rate.
What does an athletic scholarship cover?
An athletic scholarship can cover any part of the cost of attendance: tuition, fees, room, board and books. Offers range from a small partial award to a full scholarship. Athletic and academic aid can often be combined, and in NCAA Division I schools in the House settlement there is no longer a cap on the number of scholarships per team.
Do Australian students still pay HECS in the US?
No. HECS-HELP only applies to Commonwealth supported places at Australian universities. In the US you pay whatever part of the cost your scholarship does not cover, and there is no HECS debt from your US degree.
How accurate is this calculator?
It is an estimate. Home costs use published 2026 tuition figures and typical living costs, which you can change. US costs use College Board averages, which vary a lot between universities. Exchange rates update automatically when possible.
Sources: Student finance 2026/27 rates · 2026 student contribution amounts · University of Auckland 2026 fees · College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025.
What could you be offered?
Your times decide the level of programme that recruits you. Check them against US standards.
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