How Affordable Is It to Learn English in the U.S.?

 At MyBambu, we want the best for you, and we understand that learning English is one of the biggest challenges when arriving in a new country. This language opens the door to better job opportunities, improves communication, and helps you adapt more quickly.

While cost may influence your decision, there are options for every budget — from free classes to affordable apps. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most popular ones, along with their benefits and estimated costs. 

In-Person Classes

Community colleges and adult education centers offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. 

  • Community colleges: $50 to $200 per semester
  • Adult Education centers: Free or between $30 and $100
  • Examples: Miami Dade College, Los Angeles City College, City Colleges of Chicago

Benefits: Structured schedules, group practice, and motivating in-person environments. 

Private Lessons and Language Schools

Ideal if you’re looking for personalized attention or faster progress.

  • Private language schools: $150 to $500 per month
  • Private tutors: $20 to $50 per hour
  • Examples: Berlitz, EF Education First, Open English (live classes 24/7)

Benefits: Personalized learning plans and support. 

Online Platforms

Ideal for those who need flexibility and prefer to learn from home.

  • Duolingo: Free or $7.99/month for the premium version
  • Babbel: Starting at $13.45/month
  • Coursera and edX: Free or from $30-$90 with a certificate

Benefits: Learn at your own pace, from anywhere.

Free Resources

If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of no-cost options.

  • Public libraries: Offer free classes or learning materials
  • YouTube: Channels like Rachel’s English or English Addict with Steve
  • Apps: Duolingo, Memrise, and Busuu offer free versions

Benefits: Flexible, free, and easy to access.

Learning English doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Whether in-person, online, or free, there are options to fit your needs. The key is to stay consistent and motivated.

Are you already learning English?

Disclaimer: Prices listed in this article are accurate as of the publication date but may change over time. Please check the official sources for the most current pricing.