That's my thought, but maybe students in the US struggle to keep a $2k budget?
I really doubt it. $2k was my monthly budget after I graduated and got a job. I wasn't really making any attempt to control my spending. I bought nice alcohol and ordered dinner and/or bought lunch every day. most US students are trying to spend a lot less. if they work 10-20 hrs a week they're probably not even making $1k before taxes.