Studying in the US at high school level: costs and conditions 2026

Studying in the US for high school is becoming an attractive option for many Vietnamese students due to its top-quality education, dynamic environment, and opportunities for holistic development. However, to gain admission to American high schools, students need to meet several important requirements regarding academics, language proficiency, and personal documentation.

In this article, IDP Study Abroad will help you explore the requirements, costs, and scholarships for studying in the US for high school that every student needs to know before embarking on their study abroad journey.

1.1. Access to World-Class Education

Studying in the US for high school offers the opportunity to learn within an advanced education system that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and practical application.
US high schools are heavily invested in facilities and offer diverse programs, from STEM and arts to sports, helping students develop comprehensively in both academics and skills.

1.2. Increased Chances at Top Universities

Choosing to study in the US for high school helps students build a strong application profile when applying to universities in the US.
Participating in advanced programs such as AP, Honors, and extracurricular activities will be a major plus, helping students stand out during the admissions process.

1.3. Comprehensive Development of Personal Skills

Studying in American high schools is not just an academic journey, but also a process of developing important life skills such as communication, independent thinking, teamwork, and time management.
This is also an ideal period for students to familiarize themselves with the learning methods and academic environment in the US before entering university. At the same time, students have the opportunity to improve their teamwork skills and integrate into the international community.

1.4. Diverse School and Program Options

From public and private schools to boarding schools, studying in American high schools offers many flexible options to suit the academic goals and budgets of each family.

In addition, the requirements for studying in American high schools are diverse and often more "accessible" than those for university, giving students more opportunities to realize their study abroad plans early.

1.5. Attractive Scholarship Opportunities

Many high schools in the US offer scholarships for high school students, dành for students with excellent academic achievements or outstanding talents.
Thanks to this, students can optimize costs when studying in the US at the high school level while still accessing a high-quality educational environment.
1.6. Cultural Experiences and Global Thinking Development
Studying in the US for high school students is an opportunity for students to integrate into a multicultural environment, broaden their perspectives, and develop self-confidence.

These experiences not only help students mature but also form an important foundation for their future international studies and careers.

The age of high school in the US is from 14 to under 18 years old, equivalent to about 9th to 12th grade according to the Vietnamese education system, which is also the first high school study in the US that IDP wants to mention. That means international students can apply to study abroad at the high school level in the US from the age of 14 and as high as 17 years old.

2.1 Conditions for studying in the US at level 3 in terms of health

Good health is also a necessary condition to be able to study in the United States. According to regulations, health-related information that is required to be provided when studying in the U.S. includes:

• Health information: Good health, no skin diseases, infectious diseases or severe allergies; information on vaccines that have been administered in the country and information on health insurance cards.

• Health History: Briefly list the health situation of your best friend from birth to the present. Complete and submit to the UI Student Health Service at least 1 month in advance from the date of departure to the United States.

• Vaccination History: Provide a vaccination record from a medical facility and submit it to UI Student Health Service at least 1 month prior to arrival in the U.S.

Information about health history, vaccination history,... will be an important basis to help you complete your application to study in the US. Moreover, it also helps you to be aware of your current health status to prepare a suitable learning path.

2.2 Conditions for studying in high school in the US in terms of education

• English language certificate: Studying in the U.S. at high school usually does not require a language degree, but it is more advantageous to apply for a visa to the U.S. if you have an English language certificate. If you don't have a certificate, you can also replace it by taking an ISSET (International Secondary School English Test) foreign language proficiency test.

• Transcript score on a 10-point scale: To have a beautiful study abroad application, you need to have an average academic ability of 8.0 or higher and good behavior throughout secondary school.

• SAT certificates: High school students in the U.S. may need one of several SAT or HSPT certificates to apply for financial aid scholarships from schools.

• The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is for students in grades 5 to 11 to attend private secondary and high schools in the United States. The test has a maximum total score of 2,400 with math, reading comprehension and essay writing skills. The average score required by schools is usually between 1,900 and 2,200 points.

• Letter of recommendation from a teacher at an old school in Vietnam.

2.3 Requirements to study in the US at level 3 in finance

Although there is no specific and accurate number of the amount to be proven, the Form I-20 provided by each school in the U.S. requires the financial condition of the student's parent or guardian. This helps schools to be sure that you don't drop out of your study in the U.S. due to insufficient financial resources. On average, the cost of high school education in the US includes the cost of accommodation:

Note: the above expenses include the cost of food and accommodation

2.4 Conditions for applying for a Tier 3 student visa in the US

As a level 3 condition to study in the United States, Visa is a travel document that helps you move and temporarily reside in other countries. Applying for a visa is the last condition but also the most important step for students preparing to study abroad. Preparing a high school student visa application for the U.S. requiring the following:

• Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).

• The passport is valid for at least 6 months.

• Two photos (5cmx5cm) taken during the last six months.

• Receipt of payment of non-immigrant visa application processing costs

• The Form I-20 (for F1 visas) or DS-2019 (for J1 visas) has been accepted by the school in the United States.

• Receipts for payment of fees by the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) - A system that tracks students, exchange visitors and relatives.

• Interview Appointment Letter

• Documents proving the economic condition of the family or guardian

Check out the following article: Top 10 High School Schools in the US & Tips for Students

The cost of studying in high school in the U.S. will vary by type of school and state. Here are the estimated costs of studying in the U.S. with different types of schools:

• Public High School: estimated at 18,000 – 25,000 USD/year

• Private Day School / Private High School: 25,000 – 50,000 USD/year

• Private – boarding school: about 30,000 USD to 60,000 USD/year (or more, depending on the school)

Note: For public schools, many places only accept international students on an exchange basis and usually up to 1 year.

Vietnamese students, when studying in high school in the US, can access many different scholarship programs to study in a US high school. This is an opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of studying in the U.S. for high school students while supporting students with good academic records, giftedness, or outstanding extracurricular achievements.

For U.S. high school study abroad programs, scholarships are usually based on academic performance, interviews, and English proficiency. Understanding the conditions for studying in the U.S. at a high school will help students increase their chances of receiving financial support when studying in the U.S. for high school students. You can refer to the list of scholarships of some schools as below:

Studying in a US high school with IDP.

Studying in high school in the U.S. offers Vietnamese students the opportunity to experience a cutting-edge educational environment that helps them develop comprehensively in both academic and social skills and expands their chances of getting into top universities. If you are looking for a solid start to your future academic and career path, studying in a United States high school is an opportunity to realise your dream of studying internationally.

With more than 57 years of global operation, IDP Education is proud to be a reputable study abroad consultancy unit, supporting international students from countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Coming to IDP, you will receive free consultation support:

• Consulting on choosing a high school in the US that is suitable for your capacity, aspirations and future orientation.

• A detailed guide to the requirements for studying in high school in the U.S.—including finances, applications, and study pathways.

• Assistance with visa procedures, finding accommodation, and necessary support services for you to feel secure before and after studying abroad.

If you're planning to study high school in the U.S., don't hesitate to contact IDP for advice—hotline 1900 6955. IDP is ready to accompany you to make your dream of studying internationally come true.