Why study in USA?
The North American country of the United States (USA) is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of area. This enchanting country has been attracting international students for a few decades now. Apart from being a fabulous tourist destination, the USA is also one of the desired study-abroad destinations. The number of international students studying in the USA is increasing rapidly, thanks to the exceptional education system of the country. Being a world leader, you will find a vibrant mix of several cultures in the USA. As such, studying in the USA will open the doors to newer opportunities for networking for you.
Key Facts | Info |
|---|---|
Cost of Living | USD 10,000 to USD 18,000 |
Best Cities | Boston, New York, Chicago |
Visa | F-1 Visa |
Intakes | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Degrees | Diploma, UG, PG, PhD |
Exams Required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT |
Source of funding | Scholarships, Burasaries, Part-time Jobs |
Cost of Study | USD 40,000 to USD 50,000 |
Languages Spoken | English & French |
Apart from the picturesque mountains, posh city life and sandy beaches, the USA has much more to offer, especially to the international student population who seek higher studies there. The country is home to 17 of the top 50 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. The USA also ranks #3 in the world for attracting international students. It is also a notable fact that Indian students constitute almost 21% of the more than a million international student population in the USA. If why study in the USA is a question that pondered in your mind frequently, then these are reasons enough to prove that you made a wise decision. You will also find more as you read further.
Our University Partners
Benefits of Studying in the USA
As an international student who aspires to study in the USA, you might be wondering what all benefits await you when you choose to study in the USA. The country has over 200 top-ranked universities, the certificates from which are revered the world over.
Interested to learn more? Read further and find out!
You can know how popular the USA is among international students by having a look at the number of students shifting to the country. According to the reports by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 1,99,812 Indian students shifted to the USA in 2022 alone. According to the Open Doors Report published in November 2022, this number echoes to 19% increase in the number of Indian students in 2022. As per IIE Survey, more than 1.1 million students apply to universities in the USA every year.
Now, you might be wondering what makes the USA adorn this special place among international students. Well, is there a reason not to be attracted to this enchanting country? From the Grand Canyon to Miami beaches, the USA has everything that makes the beautiful country even more stunning.
We understand that most of you planning to study in the USA will also be thinking about obtaining a Post Study Work Permit and Permanent Residency (PR) after completing your studies there. As such, we have also included details pertaining to it. You can get all details as you read further.
10,00,000+
Indian Students
20,000+
Courses
5000+
Institutions
The USA houses more than 200 reputed universities which offer courses in all streams and disciplines, including Arts, STEM, Business, and much more.
There are scholarships and bursaries worth lakhs of Indian rupees that international students can avail of during their study duration.
The education system is highly flexible, and students who pursue their UG have the option to pursue different courses in their first year so that they can major in their desired subject in the second year.
Almost 62% of international students secure jobs soon after their studies in the USA
Popular Courses in the USA
As stated previously, the USA has some of the best courses you can choose to study. The curriculum is designed in such a way that it suits every student’s taste. Additionally, the education system in the USA is highly flexible. You have the liberty to choose a course in your first year during your Bachelor’s and then major in some other subject in the second year if you wish to. It will be helpful if you get a list of the popular courses chosen by international students in the USA.
To ease out the entire process for you, we have given a list of these courses below.
-
Business and Management
-
Liberal Arts
-
Computer Science
-
Data Science and Business Analytics
-
Finance
Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are courses in other streams as well. The average annual tuition cost to study in the USA ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 50,000. We have broken down the average cost of pursuing some popular study programs in the USA below. You can take reference from it to gain an idea of how much expense to expect.
Programs | Avg. Annual Fees |
|---|---|
Doctorate | USD 28,000 to USD 55,000 |
MBA | USD 39,000 to USD 60,000 |
Masters | USD 20,000 to USD 45,000 |
Bachelors | USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 |
English Language Studies | USD 700 to USD 2000 per month |
Top Universities in the USA
You will definitely be aware that the USA is home to some of the most reputed universities in the world. These universities offer a diverse range of courses, and many of these have top positions in several national and international rankings as well. You will obviously need to invest time to find the top universities that have good faculty for the course you wish to pursue. The table below will help you get an idea of the popular universities you can choose.
University | Known For | QS Ranking | Avg. Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Engineering, Business | 5 | USD 57,000 to USD 80,000 |
Stanford University | Computer Science & Engineering, Business | 3 | USD 33,000 to USD 72,000 |
Harvard University | Engineering, Data Science & Analytics | 2 | USD 25,000 to USD 73,000 |
California Institute of Technology | Engineering, Sciences | 6 | USD 53,000 to USD 79,000 |
University of Chicago | Business Analytics, Mathematics | 13 | USD 54,000 to USD 64,000 |
University of Pennsylvania | Robotics, Medicine | 14 | USD 29,000 to USD 84,000 |
Princeton University | Engineering, Architecture | 7 | USD 54,000 to USD 57,000 |
Yale University | Health Care, Design | 9 | USD 45,000 to USD 74,000 |
Cornell University | Health Care, Biology | 20 | USD 29,000 to USD 76,000 |
Columbia University | Architecture, Journalism | 11 | USD 57,000 to USD 86,000 |
Requirements for Studying in the USA
We discussed the benefits of studying in the USA, along with the top courses and universities you can choose from. As you read further, you can get more details about the requirements to study in the USA.
We have a lot more to offer! Do read further!
We understand that, as an international student, you will be in search of authentic and reliable information on studying abroad. We have compiled all the information which you need to apply to your preferred US universities below. We have mentioned all the steps you need to follow so that you can apply to your dream university without space for any errors.
One of the first things you need to consider when studying abroad is that the application process for universities differs from one another. As such, you should know the entire process in detail before proceeding to apply. To help you master these steps clearly, we have explained them in simple terms below. You can continue reading to learn these steps.
One of the first documents that should be arranged in order to study abroad is the student visa. As an international student, you need to obtain a valid student visa, the requirements of which are listed below for your easy reference.
The steps to be followed for applying for a student visa are as follows.
How to apply for a student visa in the USA?
-
Decide on your preferred course and university.
-
Visit the official websites of the universities and check the eligibility criteria.
-
Fill in the application form and submit the application after paying the application fee.
-
You will receive a confirmation email from the university if your application is accepted.
When to Apply for a US Student Visa?
The F-1 student visa is the most common visa type among international students in the USA. You can apply for the visa 365 days before the start of your course. However, you cannot enter the country 30 days before the commencement of your classes.
What is the Cost of Applying for a US Student Visa?
The cost of an F-1 student visa is around USD 510. You should make sure to apply early so the authorities get enough time to process your application. It will also ensure you get sufficient time to arrange for the next set of documents to submit your visa application and further your university application.
What are the Requirements to Apply for the F-1 Visa?
To apply for the F-1 student visa, you will need to satisfy the following requirements.
-
Hold a valid passport.
-
Have printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations.
-
All academic transcripts.
-
Proof of sufficient funds in the home country.
-
Passport-size photographs.
-
I-20 form.
-
Good English language test scores.
Once you satisfy these requirements, you are halfway through your journey of studying in the USA.
Documents Required
You can read further and get details on the documents you may need to submit while applying for a US student visa:-
Birth Certificate
All academic transcripts
Health insurance
Work Experience
Valid Passport
English proficiency test scorecard
Letter of acceptance
Proof of funds
It should always be kept in mind that if you are not a native English speaker, you will be required to submit proof of your English proficiency. This can be obtained by attempting English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc. These are some of the popular tests, the scores of which are accepted by almost all universities in the USA. The minimum score required for admission will vary based on the university, course, program etc.
It is also essential to know about the eligibility criteria for admission so that you do not make any mistakes. You should visit the official websites of the universities occasionally so that you do not miss out on any important information.
The next big question in your mind will be: What are the additional documents required to be submitted for admission?
They are given below. It should be noted that not all universities ask for these documents. As such, you can refer to the university website and proceed to obtain them.
Arranging all these documents can be a tedious process, and you may even find it useful if you seek the help of a professional to get everything done for you. For that, you can contact experts like AECC, whose expert counsellors will give you free guidance on everything related to studying abroad.
Statement Of Purpose
A Statement Of Purpose (SOP) is a document that you may need to submit when you have to study abroad. This is typically a 1000-1200 word essay that explains who you are and how you will add value to the university. You have to follow a certain format and must stay within the word limit. You can contact AECC’s counsellors to get detailed information on how to frame an impressive Statement Of Purpose (SOP).
English Language Proficiency Test
When you are a non-native speaker of the English language, you will need to take an English Proficiency Test to get admission to a university in the USA. The university will decide the minimum test score requirement. A few tests that you can take are given below. Remember that depending on your university's demands, you need to take only one of them. The table below will help you understand the top English proficiency tests and the average score you may need to obtain. It should be noted that this score is variable, and you should consult the official website of the university to get updated information.
English Proficiency Tests | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
Duolingo | 100-150 |
PTE | 50-55 |
TOEFL | 90 |
IELTS | 6.5 |
Intakes to Study in the USA
It is essential for you to have a thorough knowledge about the intakes to study in the USA so that you can plan your journey accordingly. Every year, most US universities offer three intakes, and one of the first things you need to decide before planning to study abroad is regarding this. You should decide which month you plan to shift to the country and then align every other thing based on this. It is advisable to plan about a year ago so that you get enough time to arrange everything.
The table below shows the popular intakes in the USA and their duration.
Intakes | Duration |
|---|---|
Summer | May-August |
Spring | January - April |
Fall | August - December |
Cost of Studying in the USA
The cost of studying in the USA is one of the primary factors you need to consider while preparing for your study abroad dream. Against the general opinion, the USA is not a very expensive country to live in and study in. You will additionally find help in scholarships and bursaries about which you can learn as we read further. Apart from this, you have the option to work part-time during your studies. You can also do paid internships.
One of the primary expenses that come under the cost of living in the USA is accommodation costs. Most reputed universities offer on-campus accommodation, which costs less than the off-campus one. The average cost of living in the USA depends on various factors, which is a fact you have to keep note of. There are a few options from which you can choose. The type of expenses you can expect are tabulated below, along with the average amount.
Type of Expense | Avg. Annual Amount |
|---|---|
Books, Supplies & Others | USD 250 |
Gas & Electricity | USD 160 |
Internet Pass | USD 70 |
Entertainments | USD 200 |
Utilities | USD 500 |
Transportation | USD 500 |
Food | USD 2500 |
Accomodation | USD 250 to USD 400 |
This amount can vary considerably based on the city you live in, your spending habits, etc. As such, this cannot be considered the exact expense you may incur. The next big expense comes in the form of tuition fees. Your tuition fee amount can vary based on three things.
-
Course
-
Program
-
University
Apart from the expenses mentioned above, you should also consider your medical expenses. All international students are required to take health insurance if they have to study in the USA. The amount may vary, and you should apply for the same while you apply for your student visa. It should always be kept in mind that you are staying away from your homeland, and thus, spending wisely is highly recommended and advisable.
Scholarships in the USA
As mentioned above, international students studying in the USA will have several scholarships to choose from. These scholarships will have different eligibility criteria and monetary value depending on the host institution. The US government, universities and private institutions are the major funding bodies for these scholarships.
To help you learn about a few scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students and get familiarized with them, we have given a table below. You can refer to it and apply if you feel that you lie within the eligibility criteria.
Name of Scholarship | Eligibility |
|---|---|
Presidential Scholarship | All PhD students of Drake University are eligible |
HBS Fellowship Program | MBA students at the Harvard Business School who are in need of funds are eligible |
Generation Google Scholarship | Students with an excellent academic record in Computer Science & related fields are eligible |
Berea College Scholarships for International Students | It is offered to students who have an exceptional academic record |
Boston University Presidential Scholarship | All UG students of Boston University are eligible to apply |
It should be remembered that there are other scholarships as well. You can contact AECC’s counsellors to get valuable information on the scholarships, their eligibility, application deadlines etc.
Living and Studying in the USA
Living and studying in the USA offers you the opportunity to explore a wide range of cuisines, adventures, cultures, and everything else. From the Grand Canyon National Park to Washington Monument, the USA has everything the explorer in you would like to see. The country is also known for its multicultural nature. As you will already know, the USA has students from all backgrounds studying there, which contributes to the multicultural nature that the country has. You can try out various cuisines and take part in music festivals, sports, adventure activities, and much more.
To ensure that you make the most out of your stay in the USA, we have gathered a few points you can make use of.
-
Build a social network
-
Try the local cuisines
-
Love the lifestyle
-
Take part in social activities
-
Know about the local culture
-
Travel and explore the country
-
Stay connected with your friends and family back home
Post-Study Work Opportunities in the USA
Do you know that the USA offers post-study work options to international students who pursue their education in the country? We will explain how!
As an F-1 visa holder, you will get temporary employment based on your field of study. You can then apply for Optical Practical Training (OPT), which permits you to work in the USA for a year. If you pursue a STEM course, you can stay back in the USA for employment for another two years, which makes it three years in total. Non-STEM students can utilise their past degrees from the USA school of higher education to extend their OPT.
All these mean that apart from holding a certificate that is revered the world over, you will also be able to build a career and also take it to the next level. The USA has a very stable economy which improves your chances of having a better standard of living. The average annual salary can be anywhere from USD 53,000 to USD 1,57,000.
We have inserted a small table below which will help you understand the median annual salary that you can earn after being employed in some of the most in-demand sectors.
Sector | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
Electical & Electronics Engineering | USD 1,00,830 |
Statistics & Data Science | USD 1,03,930 |
Management | USD 53,490 |
Medical & Health Services | USD 1,15,160 |
Public Relations | USD 1,32,630 |
Education & Childcare | USD 53,690 |
Computer & information Systems | USD 1,56,390 |
Architecture & Engineering | USD 1,52,930 |
Advertising Marketing | USD 1,43,330 |
Administrative Services | USD 1,06,550 |
We hope to have covered all details regarding studying in the USA and that this blog served as a compilation of all details you need. If you need to seek further information and clarity,you can contact ATG. We can help you choose your preferred course at the best university.
ATG seeks to provide you with the best study abroad experience so that you live up to your dream. Thank you for reading!
FAQ's
-
How many years are masters abroad?A master's degree program abroad typically ranges from one to two years. However, the exact duration of a program can vary depending on the country, institution, and field of study. In some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, a master's degree typically takes one or two years of full-time study.
-
Are Masters abroad valid in India?Master's abroad will provide great exposure and a chance to experience international standards of teaching, which are on par with excellence. There are numerous job opportunities in India, and the job market is competitive and demanding. There are a plethora of job opportunities for students who do master's abroad.
-
How much CGPA is required for a master's abroad?When it comes to academic profiles, a CGPA of 7.5–8.0 and a GRE score of 315–320 are always recommended to be accepted into top universities for MS programmes in science and technology.
-
What factors should I consider while selecting a country to pursue an MS program?When selecting a country to pursue a master's degree, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones: Cost of living and tuition fees Job opportunities Quality of education Cultural fit Language Visa requirements Support system Safety