A young woman pursuing her PhD at the University of Miami has sparked practical conversations online after sharing a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses. The international student, known on TikTok as @bettynugba, revealed that she receives a monthly stipend of $3,500, which is approximately N4.8 million.
Housing Costs Dominate Budget
In her viral video, Betty explained that the largest portion of her stipend goes to housing. She pays $2,000 each month for rent, which accounts for more than half of her income. Additionally, she spends $115 on electricity and Wi-Fi connectivity. She noted that cooking at home helps her save money, allocating $400 monthly for groceries. "I cook almost every single day and I do not eat out often in Miami. Like I said, it will drain your stipend," she stated.
Other Monthly Expenditures
Betty detailed her other fixed costs, which include $160 for transportation and fuel, $54 for her mobile phone bill, and $80 for sports activities. She also sets aside $200 for personal items such as clothing and toiletries. Importantly, she emphasized her commitment to supporting her family back in Nigeria by sending $150 (about N200,000) every month.
Online Reactions
The breakdown has generated mixed reactions from social media users. Many commented on the high cost of rent in Miami. One user, Hamad, said: "2000 is crazy .. that's 60% of your salary on just rent." Another user, Nkatecake, noted: "That's one of the highest PhD salaries I've ever seen. Most people make like $2,200 a month." A third commenter, Tufoin, advised: "If someone uses more than 30% of their income on rent, they will be broke for all their life."
The video has sparked broader discussions about the financial realities of international students in the United States, particularly those relying on stipends to cover living expenses while supporting families abroad.
