IEC International

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 2023. 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.

Benefits in USA

  1. 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.
  2. Top Universities:The USA is home to the top educational institutions in the world and their degrees are recognized worldwide. According to the QS world university rankings, the top 4 universities are MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Caltech.
  3. Student life:Educational institutions in the USA provide a dynamic student life with various extracurricular activities, social work, etc., beyond academics.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Job Prospects: About 62% of the grad students secured jobs in USA after their degree completion.

USA University

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Popular Courses

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:

Top Universities

Top universities in 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 2023 (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

Intakes

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.

Admission Requirements to Study

International students need to meet the following general admission requirements to fulfill their dream of studying at USA Universities:

USA Student Visa

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:

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.

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.

Scholarships

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.

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.

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.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

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.

FAQs

For this academic year intake, the acceptance rates of top universities in the USA are as follows:

How results are calculated using the Credit System in the USA?

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.

How to study in USA for free?

Given below is the list of top tuition-free universities in the USA:

Which student visa is required to study in USA?

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.

How much is the cost to study in the USA?

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.

Can I study in USA after 12th?

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.

Is the GRE waived for admission to USA universities in 2024?

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 2024 for MS in cs (computer science), which means GRE scores aren’t required for admission.

How many days it will take to get admission in the USA Universities?

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.

Can I get a work visa after studying in the USA?

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.

How can I get PR in the USA?

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:

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.