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Why Study in USA?
Studying in USA is not about gaining a degree- it’s about learning in a dynamic space that nurtures personal growth, innovation, and a global perspective. With 1.1 million international students, the United States of America has emerged as the top choice for education over the years. The country boasts 16 out of 50 major top universities in the world, according to QS World Rankings 2024. Overall, a multicultural environment, quality education, a unique curriculum & innovation, entrepreneurship & post-study opportunities, etc. are the major reasons for the student’s passion to study in USA.
Apart from being a fabulous tourist destination, the country is multicultural and the most sought-after study-abroad destination across the globe. The USA also opens doors for STEM courses, innovative research, ample work opportunities to students during and after the completion of academic courses. As of 2022, about 2,11,930 Indian students were recorded in the United States. Read here till the end for more information about popular courses, top colleges, 2024 intakes, visa requirements, and best student cities to study in USA!
Study in USA Key Facts
The United States of America has been ranked 3rd in the world in attracting international students to study abroad. Indian student enrollment in the United States increased by 19% in 2021-22, surpassing China in 2022-23. 82,000 US visas were issued to Indian students from June to August, the highest among all nations. Here are the key factors to know for your USA study plan:
Medium of Teaching
English
Total Institutions
4500+
Average cost of study
40,000 USD to 50,000 USD
Average Living cost
$10,000- $20,000 per year
Funding sources
Scholarships, financial aid & part-time jobs
Required Exams and minimum scores
IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL (iBT): 85; PTE: 50-59; GRE: 130-170, GMAT: 600, Duolingo: 100-150, etc.
Visa Types
F1, J1, and M1 visas
USA Study Visa Cost
$510
Intakes
3 intakes a year - Spring, Fall, and Summer
Top courses
Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Fine Arts, Physical and Life Sciences, etc.
Types of Degrees
Diploma, UG, PG, PhD
Best Student Cities
New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Washington DC, etc.
Part-time work allowance
20 hours/week
Post-study work permit in USA
12 months
Top 6 Benefits of Studying in USA
A question always arises for foreign students: “Is it worth studying in the USA?” To know what makes the USA most preferable for students, let’s have a look at the benefits of studying in USA:
- Flexible Education System: The US higher education system is very flexible in terms of determining program structure and selecting courses. The credit transfer system, online/offline classes and suitable timings enhances flexibility for students.
- Top Universities: The USA is home to the top educational institutions in the world and their degrees are recognised worldwide. According to the QS world university rankings, the top 4 universities are MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Caltech.
- Student life: Educational institutions in the USA provide a dynamic student life with various extracurricular activities, social work, etc., beyond academics.
- STEM Programs: US universities offer vast STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) eligible programs and degrees. It benefits international students an additional 2 years stay post completion of their degrees. The country also gives equal appreciation to Arts and Literature subjects.
- Research: International students studying in the USA feature ample research and training opportunities as the country is well equipped with the latest technology and up-to-date education.
- Job Prospects: About 62% of the grad students secured jobs in the USA after their degree completion.
USA Education System
Coming to the education system in the USA, American institutions are of 4 different types namely State colleges or universities, private colleges, Community colleges, and Technology institutes. Also, there are three types of degrees offered by about 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the USA. Similar to India, here, students in the USA join public or private colleges and universities to pursue higher education after completing high school.
After high school (12th standard), a full-time undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) has a course duration of 4 years. An associate degree (equivalent to Diploma) at the UG level, offered by community colleges, has 2 years of duration. Similarly, a Graduate or Master’s degree from a USA university covers 2-3 academic years. A PhD or Doctorate takes 5 to 8 years to complete successfully.
Popular Courses to Study in USA
Renowned for its esteemed academic institutions, the USA provides exceptional programs that offer immersive learning. The list given below mainly includes STEM courses but there are other certain courses that US universities are well known for. Here are the best courses to study in USA for International students:
- Business and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- Marine Biology and Life Sciences
- Maths & Computer Science
- Medicine
- Liberal Arts
- Law
- Data Science & Analytics
If you are looking for leading research and innovation opportunities in trending domains like neuroscience, climatic changes, etc. then for bachelor’s programs consider universities like MIT, Yale, UCLA, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Colorado Denver and Washington State University.
The average annual tuition fee to study in USA ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 50,000. Here is a tuition fee for the most popular programs in the USA
Program
Average Tuition Fees
Duration
MBBS (BS+MD+Residency)
$40,000 (INR 3326450)/year
8-10 years
MSc Computer Science
$50,000 (INR 4158062)/year
1-2 years
MSc Data Science
$70,000 (₹ 5821287)/year
1-2 years
MBA
$70,000 (INR 5821287)/year
2 years
MPH
$50,000 (INR 4158062)/year
1-2 years
BSc Nursing (BSN)
$45,000 (INR 3742256)/year
4 years
MA Applied Economics
$35,000 (Rs. 2910643)/year
2 years
LLM
$60,000 (INR 4989675)/year
1-year
Top Universities to Study in USA
Top universities in the USA, with their teaching standards and pedagogical system, significantly contribute to the overall development of students. Here are the popular universities you can choose to study in the USA:
University Name
Well Known for
Annual Tuition Fee/year (USD $)
QS World Ranking 2024 (Globally)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Engineering, Business
$57,000 - $80,000
1
Harvard University
Engineering, Data Science & Analytics
$25,000 - $73,000
4
Stanford University
Business, Computer science & Engineering
$33,000 - $72,000
5
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
Engineering, Computer science, political science, Psychology, Business Administration
$30,000 - $50,000
10
University of Chicago
Business Analytics, Mathematics
$54000 - $64000
11
University of Pennsylvania
Medicine, Robotics
$29000 - $84000
12
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Engineering, Sciences
$53000 - $79000
15
Cornell University
Healthcare, Biology
$29000 - $76000
13
Yale University
Healthcare, Design
$45000 - $74000
16
Princeton University
Engineering, Architecture
$54000 - $58000
17
Columbia University
Architecture, Journalism
$57000 - $86000
22
Want to explore more universities in detail? Our NIECBD Experts offer Free Guidance about the best USA Universities.
Best Places to Study in USA
The USA, with its 50 states hosting world-famous universities provides a plethora of city options to choose from. All are equally exceptional in terms of education and opportunities. Besides desiring to study in your preferred university, you might also be interested to know the best student cities in the USA. Here is a quick glance:
City Name
Average Cost of Living (USD) per year
Boston
$22,000
Chicago
$20,000
New York
$21,000
Los Angeles
$20,000
San Francisco
$20,000
How to Study in USA?
Whether you are aiming for a short-term or full degree program, Here is the 6 step-by-step process for your US Study Journey:
- Research your options: Research the best options available to study in USA such as top universities etc., before making this vital decision. Also, explore funding options or check out university financial aid options.
- Plan your finances: The costs of studying in the USA vary- a bachelor’s degree ranges from $15000-$ 55,000 USD (INR 12.47 to 45.73 lakhs) yearly, while the master’s program is around $15,000-$30,000 USD (INR 12.47 to 24.94 lakhs) per year.
- Prepare your application: Plan your application process well in advance. Focus on your overall student profile with emphasis on a statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, personal essay, and the interview process.
- Standardized exams: Give exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or similar tests to show English language proficiency. Also, apply for the GRE/GMAT, and SAT/ACT which might be needed based on course requirements
- Apply for the USA Visa: After receiving the university offer letter along with the I-20 form, apply for the US student visa at your nearest embassy or consulate.
- Get ready for departure: Upon visa approval, inform your university, collect immigration compliance and pre-departure documents, pack your bags, and prepare to board the flight to America.
Intakes to Study in USA
It is important to know about upcoming intakes in USA for your study abroad journey. Some universities may refer to the term “intakes” as semester. Unlike Indian universities, the American colleges and universities offer three intakes as follows:
- Fall Intake: Starts in the month of September. This is a popular intake among Indian students. Fall intake or September intake offers more courses and scholarships than other intakes.
- Spring Intake: Starts in January. Mostly preferred if the September intake is missed.
- Summer Intake: Usually starts around May. This intake is available for limited programs and colleges.
Intake
Duration
Fall
August-December
Spring
January-April
Summer
May-August
Admission Requirements to Study in USA Universities
International students need to meet the following general admission requirements to fulfill their dream of studying at USA Universities:
- Academic Transcripts
- Work experience letters (if any)
- Standardized test scores GRE/GMAT, SAT/ACT
- English Language test Proficiency Scores TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- CV
- Essay
- A copy of your valid Passport
- Proof of finances
For standardized tests and English language proficiency tests, the minimum accepted score will vary based on the university course you choose. Student’s academic transcripts would be converted to international standard scores and sent to US universities for admissions. This credential evaluation process is done by WES (World Education Services). Moreover, knowing about CGPA to GPA conversion helps students to see if they meet the academic requirements, especially in the American 4-point grading scale.
If you are looking for requirements of specific kinds of degrees to pursue. Here is the information:
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Degree Type
Requirements
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
- Class 12 completion certificate with minimum GPA- 2.50 to 3.60
- SOP
- SAT/ACT score
- TOEFL minimum score 61
Associate Degree
- High school transcript or equivalent with an average of grade C
- TOEFL iBT score 60
Graduate (Masters)
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 to 3.60
- TOEFL: 78 to 100
- GRE/GMAT
- SOP, LOR, and Resume.
USA Student Visa Requirements for International Students
To study in USA, international students must know the USA Student Visa requirements. Here you will learn all the types of student visas, eligibility details, and how to apply.
The US Government offers three different types of student visas- 1. F-1 student visa, 2. J Exchange visa (J-1), and 3. M student visa (M1). F-1 student visa is the most popular one. To know more about it refer to the US Government’s Department of State website. A step-by-step guide is given below to follow while applying for a US student visa:
- Apply to the SEVP-approved schools and programs and get accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the US (6 to 12 months before studying in the US).
- Upon acceptance to a SEVP-certified institution, you will receive an I-20 or DS-160 form. This form is compulsory to apply for a US student visa.
- Pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before your US visa application submission. You can pay online or use the paper form. For more information, visit the US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP’s official website.
- After obtaining the SEVIS form and paying the fee, schedule a US student visa appointment at your local or nearest consulate/embassy.
- Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee (MRV fee).
- Finally, schedule and attend a US student visa interview. Before attending check the embassy website to know the required documents you must carry at the interview.
- In all cases, you should complete the DS-160 Visa application form online. Choose your preferred application location and make sure you have all the documents required for the application form.
A simple suggestion: Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled Visa Interview time.
Want to simplify and speed up the visa process? Check out the US embassy’s established Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) details.
Now, Let’s check out the list of necessary documents required to apply for the US student visa:
- Name and Date of Birth.
- Contact mobile number (with country code: +91 for India) and address
- Passport details
- Details about your travel plans, previous US travel, and your point of contact in the US.
- Educational, work and family details
- English language proficiency test scores
- Medical health information. Proof of sufficient funds in the home country.
- SEVIS ID and address of US school/program you planned to enrol in (printed on I-20 or DS-2019 form)
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When to apply for a US Student Visa?
The F-1 student visa is highly popular among Indian students in the USA. You can apply for the USA student visa 365 days before the course start date. Nevertheless, entry to the country is prohibited 30 days before the start of your classes.
What is the cost to apply for US Student Visa?
The cost to apply for an F-1 student visa is USD $510 (INR 42,203). Make sure you apply early so that authorities get ample time to process your application. It will also help you get enough time to arrange additional documents required for your visa application and further your university application.
Cost of Studying in USA
The cost of studying in the USA ranges from $7,000 to $55,000 per year depending on the type of course and the university you choose. Similarly, the study cost for full-time courses is between $3,500 to $27,000 per semester. The overall USA study cost is broadly divided into two categories- Tuition fees and cost of living. To manage expenses like accommodation, etc., you will receive additional help via scholarships, bursaries, paid internships, and also part-time work opportunities.
USA Tuition fees depend on the university you choose and the course you prefer. The education cost at public universities in the USA is lesser compared to that of private universities.
For a public 2-year college the average tuition fee is $13,470 (INR 11.20 lakhs) per year, for a public 4-year college it is $40,550 (INR 33.72 lakhs) yearly, and for a private 4-year college, the cost of studying is $53,430 (INR 44.43 lakhs) per year.
Course Level
Average Tuition Fee (USD)
Average Tuition Fee (INR equivalents)
Bachelors
$8000-$40,000 per year
6.6 lakhs to 33.1 lakhs
Masters
$10,000-$60,000 per year
8.2 lakhs to 49.7 lakhs
Doctoral
$28,000-$50,000 per year
23.2 lakhs to 41.4 lakhs
Diploma
$10,000-$12,500
8.2 lakhs to 10.3 lakhs
English language studies
$700 - $2000 a month
58 thousand to 1.6 lakhs
Cost of Living in USA
The average cost of living in the USA is estimated to be between $2,500 and $3,500 per month, depending on location and lifestyle. The two major components that make up the overall cost of living in USA are accommodation and meal expenses. If your budget is limited, it is better to choose student accommodation. The cost of living is comparatively higher for students living in cities than those living in suburban parts of the US. Besides, some expenses are unavoidable. Here is a breakdown of general living expenses in the US for international students to know before creating a budget plan.
Expense Type
Average Cost per year (USD)
Average Cost per year (INR equivalents)
Accommodation
10,500
8.64 lakhs
Apartment housing including utilities
$21,710
18 lakhs
Dormitory housing
$7,588 - $11, 914
6.2 lakhs to 9.8 lakhs
Food
$8000
6.6 lakhs
Transportation
$840
69,672
Clothes and Footwear
$500
41,471
Books and supplies
$3000
2.4 lakhs
Entertainment
$1200
99,532
Internet pass
$700
58,000
Gas and Electricity
$160
13,270
Utilities
$2,600
2.1 lakhs
Note: The costs mentioned above may vary from region to region.
Scholarships to Study in USA Universities
Generally, candidates get scholarships based on interviews conducted by the admission representatives. International students planning to study in USA are offered many scholarships. Most of them are government-funded, non-government, and university-specific. These scholarships are granted based on merit or excellence in any extracurricular activities. If you want to reduce your educational expenses, it is important to know the top scholarships for Indian students to study in USA and apply. Here are the details:
Name of the Scholarship
Awarded to
Amount/Benefit
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (Government funded)
International students for studying graduate programs
Cover tuition fees, accommodation fees, airfare & health insurance as per US guidelines
Rotary Peace Fellowships
International students for Certificate or Master’s degree related to peace and conflict resolution
Covers fees, transportation, accommodation, all internship and field study expenses
United World Colleges International Youth Scholarships
International students planning to study bachelor’s degree in USA
Depending on funds available, full or partial fee waiver
PEO International peace scholarship for women
Female students studying graduate programs
USD 12,500
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
Students for pursuing Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs
USD 12,000 to USD 25,000
Clark Global Scholarship Program
International students studying a bachelor’s degree and expressing financial need
USD 15,000 to USD 25,000
University Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships for both graduate and undergraduate programs offered by individual universities.
Most universities such as Standford, Yale, and Harvard offer these scholarships. Benefits vary based on the university and program.
Education Loan for Studying in USA
Studying in America can be expensive for many people but that shouldn’t discourage you from achieving your dream. You can avail of financial aid, scholarships, loans, etc. to fund your overseas education. Getting a good education loan can be a great help, but finding the one that suits your budget and needs is challenging. But, before applying for an education loan to study in USA, know the eligibility criteria for easy loan approval.
If you are searching for a suitable education loan, Pause your search right there! At USA International, you can receive expert loan negotiation, assistance in finding education grants, and quick approval to study abroad hassle-free.
Part-time Job Options in USA
While studying in the USA, students can work part-time and have two options to choose from, namely, working on-campus and off-campus. In on-campus employment, students can take up work within the college/university campus, whereas off-campus work is related to the institution.
Students can undertake off-campus jobs under 4 categories- Optional Practice Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Economic hardship, and at last, International Organizations.
Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week part-time and can work full-time during vacations or after completing their studies. Currently, the minimum wage set by the federal government is $7.25 an hour. Each state decides its own minimum pay rules, lowest pay ranging from $7.25 and $15 (600 and 1,241 in Indian Rupees) an hour.
Here are some part-time jobs in USA with their hourly wages:
- Barista – $11.59 (Rs.961/-) per hour
- Campus Ambassador – $10.94 (Rs.907/-) per hour
- Receptionist – $13.31 (Rs. 1,105/-) per hour
- Sales Assistant – $20 (Rs.1,660/-) per hour
- Department Assistant – $16.44 (Rs.1,365/-) per hour
- Food Runner – $12 (Rs.990/-) per hour
Post-Study Work Opportunities in USA
After your education is completed, you may look for earning options to get a good ROI (Return on Investment). Most international students with F-1 visas are allowed to work in the USA after the completion of their studies. However, guidelines and restrictions issued by USCIS will apply. The average salary you can earn could be anywhere from USD 53,000 to USD 1,57,000 per annum.
Due to skill shortages across various sectors in the American job market, graduates are in high demand, especially in healthcare, real estate, film production, retail industry, agriculture, engineering, computers, and IT. The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts 8.3 million new U.S. jobs between 2021 and 2031, of those, 1.9 million (23.1%) new jobs could be in the leisure and hospitality sector.
Here is a quick look at professions you can take up post-graduating from your desired university and their expected salary:
Field of Specialisation
Median Annual Salary (USD)
Management
$144,830
Advertising and Marketing
$143,330
Computer Science
$126,830
Data science/ Statistics
$103, 930
Administrative Services
$106,550
Chemical Engineering
$106,550
Electrical & Electronics Engineering
$106,550
Public Relations
$132,630
Education and Child care
$53,690
Medical and Health services
$115,160
To summarize, every country has its pros and cons, and the USA is no exception. Gaining education and international exposure at renowned US universities is truly an impactful experience. It greatly influences your life and career toward long-term success. So, If you’re looking to study abroad, the United States of America is a great option to consider for higher education. Hope, by reading through it you might have got an overview of all the details you need to Study in USA. Why wait? Turn your US study dream into reality! Contact USA International for end-to-end Personalized Counselling. We are just a phone call away.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this academic year intake, the acceptance rates of top universities in the USA are as follows:
- Harvard University- 4.7%
- Stanford University- 3.75%
- Princeton University- 5.5%
- Columbia University- 5.4%
- CalTech- 6.4%
- University of Chicago- 7.3%
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)- 6.7%
All the US universities follow the same credit system. The credits earned by a student during the course are considered to calculate the final result.
- To complete the bachelor’s/undergraduate degree, a student needs 3-5 credits per hour and around 120-130 credit hours.
- To finish the Master’s degree, 3-4 credits per course and 30-64 credit hours are required.
The US Education system follows the GPA (Grade point average) system, scaling from 0.0 to 4.0 grade. For a semester, grades are determined by each course's marks and earned credits. A score of 4.0 represents an A grade while 0.0 equals an F grade.
First, Apply to a SEVP-approved institution and get accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the USA (6 to 12 months prior to US study). Once you are accepted at SEVP-certified institution you will receive an I-20 or DS-160 form. This form is compulsory to apply for a US student visa. Pay your SEVIS fee, and book an appointment at your nearest US consulate or embassy. Finally, attend the student visa interview.
Given below is the list of top tuition-free universities in the USA:
- Berea College
- Alice Lloyd College
- College of Ozarks
- City University of New York
- Curtis Institute of Music
- U.S. Academies
- Deep Springs College
The US Education system follows the GPA (Grade point average) system, scaling from 0.0 to 4.0 grade. For a semester, grades are determined by each course's marks and earned credits. A score of 4.0 represents an A grade while 0.0 equals an F grade.
To study in USA for Indian Students, an F-1 visa will be issued. These students should complete their program by the expiration date on their I-20 form. After getting an I-20, students receive a SEVIS Fee receipt, using which they can complete the DS-160 form.
In the USA, the annual tuition fee for public/state universities ranges from $8000 to $35000. Whereas private universities' annual tuition fee ranges between $25000 to $55000, based on the program and duration.
Students need GMAT exam scores to study MBA in USA. And GRE exam scores are required to study MS in USA.
Indian students can study in the USA after completing their 12th standard. Some of the popular courses to study in USA after 12th are Medicine, Law, Business & Management, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Computer applications. The eligibility requirements and admission process vary based on the course and university.
A few universities in the USA waived GRE scores with certain conditions in admission criteria like excellent academic performance requirements, and professional experience. Many US universities are waiving the GRE for fall semester 2023 for MS in cs (computer science), which means GRE scores aren’t required for admission.
To process the admission applications, the US universities take 6 to 8 weeks. Students will be notified by universities through email about their selection decision and further process for admission.
After the F-1 student visa extension is over, students can apply for a H-1B US work visa and stay in the US. This H-1B US work visa permits them to live and work in the United States for up to 6 years.
Individuals wishing to stay more than 6 years can apply for a green card to get PR in the US. Here are some possible ways for F-1 visa holders to apply for a green card in the USA:
- Get employer sponsorship
- Look at your eligibility for Employment-Based Green Cards (E-B1/ E-B2/ E-B3/ E-B4/ E-B5)
- Marry a US Citizen
- Become an investor in the USA
- Pursue Affirmative asylum
- Work in military service
- Receive parent or child sponsorship
Students fulfilling any of the above-mentioned criteria can obtain permanent Residence(PR) in the USA, enabling them to apply for various types of job opportunities in the USA.
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