Why study in the USA?

With a world-class education and top-renowned universities, the United States of America is the world’s top study destination. The USA’s education system caters to comprehensive, skillful, and advanced learning. The USA is also ranked no. 1 for the education system that it provides. About 1,075,496 international students study in the USA every year. The number of Indian students who study in the US has increased by 34%. Students who study in the USA have a wide range of exposure and a great career scope, and there are many other benefits to learning in the USA.

The USA student visa is the F-1 student visa. This non-immigrant visa enables international students to enter the USA and study at universities and institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most prominent student visa for students wanting to study at a university or college in the United States. A student can apply for an F-1 visa after an accredited and recognized university in the US has accepted the application.

 

About the USA: Highlights

With more than1 M  international students, the United States is the world’s most commonly chosen destination for studying abroad. Here are the top reasons and benefits of studying in the US: 

• High quality education system: The primary reason people choose to study in the USA is because of its unique education system. The USA has over 5,300 colleges and universities, and is home to some of the most prestigious  educational institutions highly ranked  in the QS world rankings 2024.
• Diversity and culture: The United States is also called the nation of immigrants, as people of different cultures, values, and beliefs come to the US and stay together. Indian students also benefit from this multicultural perspective o  and adapt to cultural variations by studying in the US.
• Global recognition: The degrees in the US are widely recognized and accepted across the world. Most of the countries, especially the European countries, place great emphasis on the high standards of education provided by American institutions and acknowledge the rigorous academic curriculum and research-driven approach of American universities.

 

Understanding the US education system

The education system in the USA is unique because it has various programs that attract international students from all around the world to the USA. The US education system is one of the most diverse for international students in the USA.  It includes a problem-solving approach in its learning methodology. The following are the types of categorizations of the US syllabus. 

Types of Qualifications available in the US

Along with traditional undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate study, American universities offer many combined programs through which students can ultimately earn several degrees and diplomas. Combined programs are perhaps one of the most significant differences between American higher education and the educational systems of other countries. Here is a list of degrees provided by the education system of the USA.

Qualification	Duration	Description
Associate Degree	2 years	Job oriented programs so a graduate can kick start a career
Bachelor’s degree	3 – 4 years	Undergraduate degree including core courses, major, minor and elective.
Master’s degree (Professional)	1 -3 years	Transition from first degree to a particular profession
Master’s degree (Academic)	2 years	Degrees in traditional disciplines of humanities, arts, and science
Doctorate or PhD	5 – 8 years	Done under supervision of an advisor.

 

Types of Institutions

1. Public colleges or Universities are run by the US government. Every state in the US has one state university and several colleges.
2. Private colleges or Universities: These colleges are autonomous, and their tuition fee is higher than that of public colleges. They are also smaller in size than state universities.
3. Community College: These are also known as junior colleges. They prepare students to participate in the main economic workforce. They are cheaper and more affordable, and they offer a two-year associate degree.

Categorization of the Universities in the USA

1. IVY League: It is a sports conference of 8 private colleges in Northeast America, including the oldest and most esteemed American institutions. Admission is also very competitive.
2. Public Ivies are a group of 30 state-financed public universities in the USA. These institutions are also considered very prestigious, and the cost of education is slightly lower than that of Ivy League colleges.
3. Liberal arts philosophy: Philosophy taught in American universities is well-rounded and develops students' thought processes.
4. Specialist universities: Universities specialize in providing degrees in music, visual, and applied arts.
5. Land grant colleges and Universities: Large publicly funded universities
6. Research Intensive Institutions: Universities offer the highest research level for doctorate students.

 

Accreditation and its impact on the choice of university

Accreditation is a very important factor of higher education that students and parents should be familiar with. Higher education accreditation  ensures that the American institutions meet specific quality eligibility condtions, making sure  the credibility of the education offered.University accreditation is a process by which independent agencies in the USA assess and verify the quality and standards of higher education institutions. The review is based on These agencies reviewing various factors such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, infrastructure etc.

 

Public vs. Private universities in the US

Public universities: Public universities in the US is Also known as state universities. These universities are funded by the public through the government. These universities are financed by the state, which means the state provides funds to these universities to help develop the infrastructure of universities, provide better quality education opportunities

The private universities: The government does not finance or operate the private universities in the US. These universities receive funding from donors and private helpers. The private universities in the US are the most famous universities which include IVY league universities.

Public university in the US	Private university in the US
Funded by the state	Funding primarily by endowment funds
Low tuition costs as the government subsidized public universities	Tuition costs are generally higher
Wider range of classes and degrees programs	Offer limited range of academic major
Have more extensive academic programs	Have academic programs focusing on learning outside the curriculum
Larger than private universities	Usually smaller than private universities
Attract people from the surrounding area	More diverse demographic
University of California, Los Angeles University of Michigan University of Washington	Harvard University Princeton university Stanford University

 

Top best Universities in  USA

Studying at one of top ranked universities in the USA will guarantee graduates a highly respected, recognized, and accredited degree, which can open the door to global employment opportunities, enjoy a range of benefits, access to cutting-edge research, etc. Moreover, the best universities in the US often provide extensive support, career counseling, internships, and work-study opportunities, enabling the students to gain practical exposure and increase the chances of their employability. The vibrant campus life and multiple extracurricular activities contribute to the well-rounded academic experiences of international students in the US.  Here is a list of top-ranked universitiesto study in the USA and their international fee.

Rank	Name of the University	Annual fee	Acceptance Rate	Notable Alumni
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	$53,450	4%	Kofi Annan, Buzz Aldrin, Richard Feynman, Sal Khan
6	Harvard University	$51,143	3.2%	Mark Zuckerberg, Rashida Jones, Natalie Portman and Matt Damon
10	Stanford University	$92,892	3.7%	Larry Page, Reese Witherspoon, Tiger Woods, Reed Hastings
11	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	$60,816	2.7%	Kip Thorne, Linus Pauling, Gordon Moore, Howard Hughes
12	University of Pennsylvania	$88,960	6.5%	Elon Musk, John Legend, Warren Buffet, Noam Chumsky
12	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	$51,032	11.3%	John Cho, Alex Morgan, Brenda Song and Chris Pine
16	Cornell University	$65,000	7.8%	Ratan tata, Shantanu Naidu, Bill Nye, Jane Lynch
21	University of Chicago	$108,000	5%	Anna Chlumsky, Roger Erbert, Milton Friedman
22	Princeton University	$62,400	5.7%	Jeff Bezos, Michelle Obama, Brooke Shields, Woodrow Wilson
23	Yale University	$67,250	4.6%	Meryl Streep, Hilary Clinton ,George Bush

 

Popular courses to study in USA

International students who wish to study abroad always have a common preference for choosing the USA as a study destination since the majority of the top universities in the world are located in the US. The US education system is leading the world in terms of both academic standards and teaching methods. Courses like engineering, math, science, and business management Continue to be some of the most popular courses in the USA to study over time, and they also offer high-paying job opportunities.  Here is a list of popular courses to study in USA, along with other details:

Name of the course	Top Universities	Avg. Annual fee	Popular fields
Business Management	Stanford Graduate school of Business, Penn Wharton, MIT, Harvard Business school, Columbia business school	$80,374	Human Resource, Banking and Insurance, Finance, Marketing and sales, Digital Marketing
Engineering	MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Harvard University	$58,009	Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil engineering and Engineering Management
Mathematics and Computer sciences	MIT, Stanford University, University of California, Harvard University ,Columbia business school and Princeton University	$82,730	Computer Engineering, Cyber security, Database administration, Information Technology, Software engineering
Communication and Media studies	Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University	$54,700	Contemporary visual narratives, Ethics and Journalism, Information governance
Medicine	Harvard University, Stanford University, John Hopkins University, Duke University and Columbia University	$62,850	Pharmacology, Nutrition, Optometry, Nutrition, Pathology
Physics	Stanford University, Columbia University, NYU, University of California and George Institute of technology,	$58,440	Quantum, Plasma and Fluids, Special and general relativity and Mathematical techniques
Data science and Business Analytics	MIT, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University	$86,300	Data architect, Financial analyst, Data engineer, Healthcare
Social Science	MIT, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, Harvard University, Princeton University	$86,300	Economics, Political science, anthropology, Sociology, History and Psychology
Finance	MIT, Columbia University, University of California Berkeley, University of California	$87,600	Financial Planner, Risk management, Budget analyst, Investment Banking and Portfolio Management
Physical and Life sciences	Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, University of California, Yale University	$59,950	Microbiologist, Genetic counselor, Pharmacologist, Laboratory Technician

 

Find Universities in USA

It is said that to study abroad in the USA is the land of endless opportunities and choices.There are over 4,500 universities and courses that are offering undergraduate degrees. Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Caltech are some of the top and prestigious universities in the US. Every year, the number of international students in the US has only increased as a large population of students choose the United States as the place they want to broaden their horizon and pursue education. Moreover the US is now the most popular study destination. With so many top universities and courses on the list, many students like you can not decide which university fits their academic and professional interests. Here are some tips and factors to consider while choosing the best university for you.

1. Individual interest: A student should seldom underestimate their intuition. The student will have  to spend their next 3 - 6 years studying the subject, so they have to ensure that their heart is in the right place. If you plan to make a career in your choice of study, it is best to focus on your passion and interest. Ensure that the course and university of choice aligns with your academic goals.
2. Shortlisting best universities in the US: Once the student has identified your goals, they must  thoroughly research universities and courses in the USA that align with the student’s goals. Shortlisting universities offer best faculty and educational support a student needs to excel in their field of choice. Students can also attend academic fairs to know more about the university’s offerings. The students must Check university websites for official information and prospectus for more information.

1. Choose a high ranked university: There are nearly 200+ universities and courses in the USA that are listed high on the QS World University Rankings for. It is highly recommended that international students should invest in a well ranked US university, as obtaining a degree from there can improve chances of better career opportunities.  Multiple high ranking universities in the USA, such as Columbia University, Harvard University, etc offer excellent education to international students. Once the student graduates, and applies for jobs, seeing a reputed university on their resume will increase major appeal attention among recruiters. 
2. Financial aid opportunities: Making investment in a university or college in the US that offers multiple kinds of financial aid is like education loans and scholarships is  always better. The purpose of financial aid is to support international students financially to help them cover their additional expenses such as tuition fees, rent, etc. These can be in the form of bursaries, grants, fellowships, and the most popular are scholarships to study in the US. Every university has a financial aid page and applies to those that match the course program you wish to pursue.
3. Consider the cost of education: Most international students resist when pursuing their higher education in the USA. One of the primary reasons is the expensive cost of education. It is always suggested to consider the monetary budget. Shortlistthe universities and courses in the USA based on capacity to spend on educational expenses. The cost of education in the USA can go up to $80,000 annually. If a student has a tight budget, they can opt to pursue study programs at public universities and community colleges. These academic institutions are popular and offer excellent education at an affordable rate. The cost of education in the public and private colleges range around $10,000 to $22,000 a year.

 

Admission Requirements to study in the US Universities

While every US University has its own admissions requirements for studying in the US universities, there are several standard requirements for almost every university and institution. In general, the following are the entry admission requirements for learning in the US according to the level of study and the documents required for student visa USA.

Level of study	Entry level admission requirements to study in US universities
Bachelor’s degree	A high school diploma or equivalent Minimum GPA 2.5 – 3.6 (or equivalent) Minimum TOEFL 61 – 100 (or equivalent)
Undergraduate Pathway programs	A high school diploma or equivalent Minimum GPA 2.0 – 3.0 (or equivalent) Minimum TOEFL 55 – 79 (or equivalent)
Master’s degree	A high school diploma or equivalent Minimum GPA 2.5 – 3.5 (or equivalent) Minimum TOEFL 78 – 100 (or equivalent)
graduate Pathway programs	A high school diploma or equivalent Minimum GPA 2.5 – 3.4 (or equivalent) Minimum TOEFL 55 – 99 (or equivalent)

 

Documents required for student visa USA

• ​​Original Academic transcripts and certificates from previous degree studies
• Standardized and English proficiency Test scores (GRE/GMAT/TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or PTE Academic)
• Statement of purpose
• Research proposal / Essay
• Letter of Recommendations 
• Copy of a valid passport
• Proof of finances like a bank statement of at least 3 years 
• A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your period of stay.
• A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
• Fee receipt of SEVIS 
• Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
• Form I-20 sent by the desired university in the US
• Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
• Original mark sheets/provisional certificates

 

Scholarships for International Students in the USA

There are many scholarships available for international students studying in the USA. These scholarships are available in both partially and fully funded scholarships that cover monthly stipends, tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance. The following are the types of scholarships for international students studying in the USA.

Government funded US scholarships for International students

Name of the Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
Fulbright foreign student program	Graduate students, young professionals and artists and also Open to international students in all fields excluding medicine.	Covers full tuition fee, a living stipend, full accommodation fee, airfare and health insurance.
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship program	international, experienced professionals who want to undertake 10 months of academic study in USA	Tuition fees waiver, Accident and Sickness Program, expenses for books and supplies, monthly maintenance allowance, Airfare covers round-trip charges.

 

Non – Governmental US scholarships for International students

Name of the Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
Civil society leadership awards	Master’s degree study to individuals who clearly demonstrate academic and professional excellence and a deep commitment to leading positive social change in their communities.	Tuition and fees, Monthly stipend of USD 12,967, Program-related travel, Health insurance, All costs for an annual student conference, A pre-university writing program
Surf shark Privacy and Security Scholarship	Student currently enrolled in the US or another study destination as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student.	A $2,000 prize
Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship	Passionate international students wishing to study in USA	$1,000.
Preply Scholarship	Open to all students aged between 16 and 35. To enter, you'll need to submit a 500-word essay related to online education, multilingualism, and professional development.	$2,000.

 

Costs and Expenses for Studying in the USA

There is no doubt that The USA is the popular choice for international students because of the country's excellent academic reputation and the presence of renowned universities. However, it is essential to consider college fees when studying in the USA as an international student. Tuition fees are a significant component that also determines the overall cost. The public/state universities are generally more affordable and cheaper than private institutions. International students studying in the US can expect annual expenses ranging from $25,000 - $45,000 to cover tuition and living costs. The private non-profit colleges have slightly more expensive fees, and living costs are likely to add up to around US$60,000 per year. The public US universities run by the state are a more affordable option with lower tuition fees. Here is a complete list of types of colleges and their annual fees.

College type in USA	Average Tuition fee	Housing and food
Public two year colleges (in district)	$3,990	$9,970
Public four year colleges (in state)	$11,260	$12,770
Public four year colleges (out of state)	$29,150	$12,770
Private nonprofit four year colleges	$41,540	$14,650

 

Cost of studying in USA based on level and programme of the course

Name of the programme	Average Tuition fee
Undergraduate (UG)	$8000 - $4000
Associate	$3800
Postgraduate (PG)	$10,000 - $60,000
Doctoral	$28,000 - $55,000
English language studies	$700 - $2000 (monthly)
Engineering	$30,000 - $75,000
MBA	$50,000 - $60,000
Diploma	$5000- $20,000

 

Cost of studying at a top university in the US

Rank	Name of the University	Annual International fee
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	$53,450
6	Harvard University	$51,143
10	Stanford University	$92,892
11	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	$60,816
12	University of Pennsylvanian	$88,960
12	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	$51,032
16	Cornell University	$65,000
21	University of Chicago	$108,000
22	Princeton University	$62,400
23	Yale University	$67,250

 

Course Wise cost of studying in the US

Tuition fees are a prominent and significant expense for studying in the USA. However, the tuition fees can differ based on factors such as the chosen course, type of program, and university. The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students is almost $7,000 to $55,000 annually. On average, studying in the USA costs around $35,000 annually. Humanities, education, and arts courses tend to have lower fees than medicine, engineering, and business management. Here is a list of courses and their annual average fee.

Name of the course	Avg. Annual fee
Business Management	$80,374
Engineering	$58,009
Mathematics and Computer sciences	$82,730
Communication and Media studies	$54,700
Medicine	$62,850
Physics	$58,440
Data science and Business Analytics	$86,300
Social Science	$86,300
Finance	$87,600
Physical and Life sciences	$59,950

 

Cost of Living in USA

The cost of living and other expenses for studying in the USA are crucial factors to consider, and they impact the overall expenses for international students living in the US. The cost of living in the US depends on various factors like type of accommodation, locality, rent, transportation, utility, internet, and food. The average cost of living for an international student in the US is $10,000 - $25,000 a year. Cities like New York and San Francisco are more expensive than Texas, Kansas, and Ohio. Mentioned below is a breakdown of the cost of living in the USA.

Living expenses	Average Annual cost
Apartment housing including utilities	$17,200 - $21,710
Food	$6,500
Dormitory Housing	$7,588 - $11,914
Transportation	$2,180
Books and study material	$500 - $1000
Travelling	$500 - $1200
Clothes and footwear	$500
Miscellaneous Expenses	$6,700

 

Student visa requirements for the US 

International students in the USA require an American student visa. Obtaining a student visa is a crucial step in the entire process. There are different types of USA student visas, each with its own eligibility and requirements. The following are the types of student visas in the US.

1. F Visa: This American student visa is for international students pursuing an academic degree at an accredited and recognized US university. Students with F-1 visas can work on-campus for 20 hours a week or less. Students wishing to work longer than 20 hours on and off-campus must seek prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).There are three types of F visas in the US:

-          F-1 visas: for full-time students.

-          F-2 visas: for dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21). This

F-2 visa also includes same-sex married couples.

-          F-3 visas: for ‘border commuters’ – Mexican and Canadian students who live in their country of origin while attending part- or full-time school in the United States.

2. M visa: The second category of USA student visa is for international students who want to pursue non-academic or vocational study or training at a university in the US. M-1 students are admitted to the United States for a fixed and specified period. However, they must not stay in the US for longer than one year except in cases of extension for medical reasons. M-1 visa holders cannot work on- or off-campus while studying and may not change their status to F-1.There are three types of M visas:

-          M-1 visas are for students who wish to undertake vocational or non-academic studies.

-          M-2 visas: for dependents of M-1 visa holders 

-          M-3 visas: for ‘border commuters’ – Mexican and Canadian students who live in their country of origin while attending part- or full-time school in the United States., but for vocational or non-academic studies.

3. J visa: The third type of US student visa is for international students/visitors participating in Student exchange programs in the US that promote cultural exchange. Whether it is to obtain medical, business, or any other kind of training, all students must meet the provided eligibility conditions of the program and have to be sponsored by a private sector or government program. Holders of J visas usually stay in the United States for a short period, perhaps one or two semesters. J-1 visa holders will have to return to their country of residence for at least two years at the termination of their exchange visitor program. There are two types of J visas.

-          J-1 visas: for exchange students on a relevant and given exchange program.

-          J-2 visas: for dependents of J-1 visa holders (as for F-2 visas)

4. Derivative visas: The visa Holders of F-2, M-2, and J-2 visas are also allowed to study in the USA provided they meet their chosen institutions' eligibility criteria. They do not have to apply for an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa but can apply if qualified.J-2 visa holders can enroll as recreational or degree-seeking students, either full- or part-time, and discontinue their program anytime. They can also petition for a change to F-1 student status if they haven’t completed their academic program by the stipulated period of the principal J-1’s status has ended. J-2 visa holders can also request work authorization from USCIS by submitting form I-765.

 

Step – by step process of how to apply for USA Student Visa (F1 Visa)

Step 1: Begin with the visa process as soon you receive Form I-20 from your college and pay for SELVIS

Step 2: After paying the SEVIS fee, apply for an online visa form for a DS-160. 

Step 3: bring the visa application form to your interview.

Step 4: Schedule and attend Biometric and an Interview.

Step 5: Wait for visa approval

 

USA student visa processing time 

The USA student processing time is relatively less and can vary from 1 week to a few months, depending on the type and complexity of the application. More or less, the USA student visa application only takes a few days to process and another two or three days to deliver the updated passport. The applicants are always advised to apply at least three months before the date of departure to ensure the timely arrival of the visa.

 

Cost of USA student visa 

No rules and regulations require a minimum bank balance to apply for a US student visa. The US F-1 student visa costs approximately USD 535. The cost is broken down into two further types of fees: the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350) and the DS-160 form fee ($185). Here is a breakdown of costs according to the type of visa.

Type of Fee	F-1 visa type	J-1 visa type	M-1 visa type
SELVIS	$350	$220	$350
Visa application	$160	$160	$160

 

Post-Study Work visa USA

Every international student studying in the USA wishes for a Post Study Work. The post-study work visa in the USA is one of the most crucial factors for students pursuing higher education in the USA. As an F1 student visa holder, international students can complete up to a year of temporary employment directly concerned with their major field of study. After completing their studies, F1 visa holders can also apply for off-campus work opportunities called Optional Practical Training (OPT), which enables international students to stay and work for 3 years in the USA. International students in the USA must look for jobs in the field of study, and the period they are given to look for employment is 90 days. Students can apply for an extension of the STEM OPT 90-day expiration of the current 1-year OPT. There are two major types of Optional Practical Training (OPT)

 

Types of OPT 

1. Pre-Completion OPT: It allows international students in USA to work while studying,
2. Post-Completion OPT: It allows international students in the USA to work after completing their degree courses. 

Eligibility requirements for Optional Practical Training in the USA:

• The field of employment must be directly related to the major pursued.
• The candidate must maintain lawful F-1 status
• They must apply for  OPT before completing all work required for the degree
• The candidate can work before or after the completion of your degree, or both
• In the US for up to 12 months after completing your coursework
• OPT work must be part time that is a minimum of 20 hours a week or full time that is 40 hours a week.
• All OPT should be completed within 14 months after completion of higher education degree

 

Step – by – step guide to Apply for an OPT Extension

Step 1: Submit Form I-765 up to 90 days before the current OPT employment authorization expires. 

Step 2: Pay the application fees for the I-765 form. 

Step 3: Mention the name of the employer as listed in E-Verify. 

Step 4: Provide the required documents like E-Verify Company Identification Number of the employer ,Copy of student’s STEM degree, Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, approved by your designated school official (DSO) within the last 60 days.

Step 5: Wait for OPT extension decision

List of few STEM-related degrees valid for an OPT extension 

• Actuarial sciences
• Computer science applications
• Engineering
• Engineering technologies
• Life sciences
• Mathematics
• Military technologies
• Physical sciences

Post- study work opportunities in US with H-1B Visa 

• The H-1 B visa, also called the Person in specialty occupation visa, is an immigrant visa that enables international students in the USA to work for American companies. Candidates who apply for jobs in the US must receive a job offer from a US-based company and work in the skills and specialized knowledge-demanding field. This visa is valid for 3 years and can be extended for 6 years, depending on the nature of the work. The eligibility requirements for the H-1 B visa are as follows: 
• Possession of an advanced education of a four-year BA degree or MA or PhD degree 
• There must be a correspondence between candidate’s degree, work experience and job duties
• Approval of a labor condition attestation (LCA) from the Department of Labor prior to filing the H-1B petition with Immigration and Naturalization Services. 

Step – by – step guide to apply for H1-B visa

Step 1: The candidate must check for their eligibility to apply for an H1-B visa.

Step 2: Apply for a job opening that is active in the US.

Step 3:  Request the employer for initiation of H1-B VISA petition

Step 4: Apply for the H1-B visa at the closest US embassy