Britannica Overseas Education

Study in USA Ultimate Guide for Students

overview

Study in USA: Colleges, Top Universities, Scholarships, Fees, Intake, Admission, Visa

As per the Qs World Rankings 2020, 10,00,000 international students opting for study abroad in the top ten world ranking universities study in the five universities in the USA. The Study in the USA for the international students has a wide range of courses such as finance, business, information technology, management information systems, engineering degrees such as construction, mechanical engineering, automotive, aerospace, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, design, digital marketing, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Teaching, Nursing, etc. These programs are with paid work internships in the USA. The universities of the United States offer high-quality higher education with up to 100% scholarships. Get an MBA from prestigious US business schools such as Kellogg, Wharton, Booth, Stern etc.

Covid Impact:

For fully vaccinated international students, USA has lifted travel restrictions and the international students travelling to USA get settled in ahead of their return to on-campus learning in 2022.

How much does it cost to Study in USA?

There are big differences in tuition fees for international students across states and programs. Tuition fees can range from $ 10,000 to $ 55,000 per year. Remember that you need to pay tuition fees before starting your studies.

School Tuition fees in USD (indicative)
English language studies $700 to $2,000 a month
Community colleges $6,000 to $20,000 per year
Undergraduate
bachelor degree
$20,000 to $40,000 per year
Graduate programs $20,000 to $45,000 per year
Doctoral degree $28,000 to $55,000 per year

*Please note all fee figures are indicative

study in usa for international students

Why Study in USA

A large number of international students choose to Study in the United States each year. This country is world-renowned for its high standards of education, and degrees obtained in the USA have excellent international recognition. There are thousands of universities and colleges in the United States, and you can choose from amongst them based on your preferences. The US campus will expose you to a new culture, and you can join clubs and sports to boost your CV.

The United States offers a diverse range of educational opportunities, including STEM degrees and business administration. Regardless of your chosen major, the United States is sure to have a program to suit you. The US is a cosmopolitan country with modern cities and world-class higher education institutions. The country is also a leader in culture, science, and politics, and its students are often coveted by employers from around the world.

While studying in the USA, you will get exposure to a variety of different cultures. As a melting pot of races, cultures, and languages, the United States offers an environment that allows for tolerance and acceptance of all cultures. The diversity in the United States will allow you to gain a unique set of skills and personality traits. A diverse education is a competitive advantage. You’ll have a chance to study in diverse communities and gain valuable experiences that will last a lifetime.

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    Education System

    Study in USA Education System For International Students

    The USA is home to the international community which is increasing year by year. To study in the USA from India, the student has to meet the eligibility criteria for study in the USA as completion of 10+2.Before applying to the universities in the USA, the student needs to understand the type of degree, duration and the detail of course for study in the USA are as:

    Read: Best Destination Study in Canada

    Degree Duration Details of course
    Undergraduate degree in USA 4 years Equivalent to a Bachelor degree.
    Associate degree in USA 2 years Its 2 years are equivalent to the first 2 years of a Bachelor degree.
    Master degree in USA 2- 3 years Has core courses, minor, major & elective courses.
    MBA or ME degree in USA 2 years Specialisation in core subjects.
    Doctorate degree in USA 5 – 8 years Specialisation in a subject.
    Popular Universities

    popular universities in USA for international students

    According to the data survey done the World Ranking ,the popular universities among the students to study in the USA 2021 are as:

    World Rank University Location Overall Score
    1 Harvard University Cambridge,US 93.3
    2 Stanford University Stanford,US 88.9
    3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) Cambridge,US 85.6
    4 University of California,Berkeley(UCB) Berkeley 77.7
    5 University of California(UCLA) Los Angeles,US 77.5
    6 Yales University New Haven,US 75.4
    7 Columbia University New York, US 75.1
    8 Princeton University Princeton,US 74.1
    9 New York University(NYU) New York,US 73.3
    10 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia,US 73.2
    Top Courses

    Popular courses or the best courses in USA For International Students

    There are popular courses for which the international students in USA opt for such as health care and sciences, business and management, Engineering, Arts and MBBS.

    Course Eligibility Application deadline 2022- 23
    Engineering IELTS, SAT
    • Fall- Nov 21-Dec22
    • Spring- Feb 22
    • Summer- March 22
    Business Management IELTS, GMAT Jan 22
    MBBS 55% in 10+ 2(PCM) Sep 22
    Arts IELTS Sep 22
    Admission Process

    Admission Requirements for Study in USA

    The admission procedure for study in the USA is firstly to figure out which universities provide the desired courses and when is the intake, what is the eligibility criteria for it and apply to the university in the USA then go for the student visa for the USA. The procedure can be followed in an organized way as:

    • Step1: Select the course desired:
      Start searching the top courses in demand in the USA so that the work opportunity after completing the courses is good. Check a few courses which you are interested in applying to study in the USA.
    • Step 2:
      Which Universities provide the selected course Shortlist the universities in the USA after you have decided about the courses. Explore the location of the university and check the ranking of the university.
    • Step 3:
      Contact the desired university After selecting the university from the list of universities and their locations, then contact the university where you want to pursue the program of study in the USA. Inquire about the tuition fee and the accommodation (whether on- campus or off- campus) to make the admission procedure hassle free.
    • Step 4:
      Check the admission criteria of the same university Check the required documents for the university admission in the USA and the other eligibility criteria for entry into the university in the USA. In case of any doubt, you may contact the best study abroad consultants “Britannica Overseas” where the expert counsellors are going to help you.
    • Step 5:
      Go for the requisite entrance exams See which entrance examination is required for the admission into the university program and what score is needed for the same. Get clear about the language proficiency exams such as IELTS/ TOEFL and other required exams such as GMAT/ GRE/ SAT. Go for the exam at least 6 months before the intake of the university.
    • Step 6:
      Get Letter of Reference & Statement of Purpose in hand
      Get Letter of Reference from the professor or the employer which gives the overview of your study or work performance. Sometimes, the applicants are asked to submit the resume as well. In brief, LOR, SOP for study in the USA and Resume plays an important role in deciding the selection of an applicant.
    • Step 7:
      Apply to the university Fill the application form of the university and submit the form. The merit candidates can get the scholarships of the university for study in the USA which the student has to submit a separate form of scholarship along with the application form.
    • Step 8:
      Get the Letter of Acceptance Wait for the Letter of Acceptance from the university in the USA which shows your acceptance otherwise if you fail to get it, it’s a refusal from the university.Apply to multiple universities so as to secure your place in the best one.
    • Step 9:
      Pay the university fee Now it’s the time to pay the university fee after getting the Letter of Acceptance (LOA)which best suits your needs. Pay the required fees of the desired university to secure your place in the university.
    • Step 10:
      Apply for the student visa Apply for the student visa and beforehand it’s better get prepared for the finances for the entire program. The student may apply for the education loan before applying for the study visa for the USA.

    Admission process for Bachelor’s in the USA

    • The student must have completed 10+2 from the recognised board and with a good GPA score.
    • The minimum GPA score required is 2.5
    • The student needs to take a minimum language proficiency test such as TOEFL with a minimum score of 61 to 89.
    • Get your educational credentials at hand in the original copy and its translation copies also.
    • ACT (American College Testing) and SAT are required for the admission in the university.
    • Get LOR and SOPs.
    • Need to show the financial evidence for tuition fees, living costs.

    Admission process for Master’s in the USA

    • The student must have completed the 10+ 2 and degree of 2 years or 3 years or 4 years.
    • GPA score of minimum range 3- 3.25
    • The language test for English proficiency such as TOEFL with a score of 78 to 100.
    • Check whether GMAT or GRE is required.
    • The documents regarding the personal information.
    • Produce the financial funds proof for the tuition fee and living expenses.
    • MBA admission requires the resume submission.

    Exams required for the Bachelor’s study in the USA

    Language Proficiency Test Other Required Exams
    IELTS(International English Language Testing System SAT(Scholastic Aptitude Test)
    TOEFL(Test Of English as a Foreign Language) ACT(American College Test)
    PTE(Pearson Test of English) LSAT( Law School Admission Test)
    Duolingo English Test

    Exams required for the Master’s study in the USA

    Language Proficiency Test Other Required Exams
    IELTS GRE
    PTE GMAT
    TOEFL
    Duolingo English Test
    Fees Structure

    Study In USA Fees Structure

    The cost of attendance for study in the USA is variable depending upon the level of study and the university opted for. An efficient financial plan can help you with meeting the study cost in the USA. The prime expenses is the tuition fees during the study in the USA. The tuition fee of a public university is comparatively less than the private university. While studying at the postgraduate level or studying MBA in the USA.(roughly it is $35000 per year)

    How Much Does it Cost to Study in USA from India

    School Tuition fees in USD (indicative)
    English language studies $700 to $2,000 a month
    Community colleges $6,000 to $20,000 per year
    Undergraduate
    bachelor degree
    $20,000 to $40,000 per year
    Graduate programs $20,000 to $45,000 per year
    Doctoral degree $28,000 to $55,000 per year

    Accommodation Cost of Living in the USA

    On Campus Accommodation $9,000 to $11,000 per year
    Off Campus Accommodation $450(sharing based accommodation) per month
    Small apartment in a rural area $500 per month
    Small apartment in a city $3500 per month
    Student Visa

    Student Visa for the USA

    A student visa in USA is your key to start studying in the best universities in United States. There are three different types of a student visa in the USA as:

    Type of Student visa Description
    F1 student visa To study at college or English language school.
    J Exchange Visa As an exchange program for high school and university study.
    M Student Visa Vocational study or training in US
    Steps for US Student Visa:
    1. Apply to the educational institute where you want to study.
    2. After being accepted, fill the I-20 form of the institute’s international student office. This is your acceptance at SEVP approved school.
    3. Pay the application fee for the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
    4. Fill the non immigrant visa application and form DS-160.
    5. Submit the photograph in the requisite format as per the student visa instructions.
    6. Submit the additional academic documents as the transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates.
    7. To be eligible for the student visa for the US, the student has to show proof of proficiency in English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
    8. Show the proof of funds as in the bank statements or the scholarship or the sponsorship.
    9. Evidence of leaving the US after completion of the studies in the US.
    10. Finally, there will be an interview for the processing of a student visa.
    11. For F and M student visas, the student visa application fee is $350 and for J student visa, the visa application fee is $220(which needs to be submitted along with the student visa application).
    Study Canada scholarships

    List of Scholarships For Study in USA 2022

    Below is a selection of USA scholarships for international students, funded by the US government, some funded by private organizations and some funded by specific institutions. Good luck with your applications! We are pleased to inform you that below mentioned schools are providing scholarships for Undergraduate and Post Graduate courses for spring:

    • Adelphi University
    • American University
    • Auburn University
    • Cleveland State University
    • Florida International University
    • Louisiana State University
    • University of Dayton
    • University of Illinois at Chicago
    • University of Massachusetts Boston
    • University of South Carolina
    • University of the Pacific – Stockton
    • University of Utah

    Read Full Info about Scholarships To Study In USA For International Students

    The full scholarship for Study in the USA

    For the international students in the USA pursuing the Master’s degree the Fulbright International scholarship is given. This scholarship is also for the international students in the USA who want to complete the doctorate programs. The scholarship can cover the tuition fee, books cost, air travel cost, a stipend and medical insurance. For eligibility for the scholarship in the USA, the student must be on the merit list who have excelled in their academics and the professional achievements.

    Best student cities

    Popular or Top Cities to Study in USA for the International students

    According to the QS Best Student Cities Index 2020, the best top ten cities in the USA which are regarded as the best cities to live for the international students are as:

      • Boston
      • New York
      • San Francisco
      • Chicago
      • Los Angeles
      • Washington
      • Philadelphia
      • Pittsburgh
      • Atlanta
      • Baltimore

    Work Opportunities

    Work opportunities during study in USA

    The international student in the USA who is pursuing the undergraduate or graduate degree can be eligible for an on campus job as a part of an internship program. These internship programs in the USA help you to develop the different skills required for the future job and many students get an opportunity to develop an internship into a full US job offer.

    FAQ's

    Is Study in the USA open ?

    The study in the USA has shown 13% drop due to Covid in the total count of the international students but still the number of Indian students among the international students is the second largest in the world who go for study in the USA.

    What is the education system in the USA?

    After graduating from high school, the students can go for college or university study. College or university education is called higher education. In the USA, there is GPA, which is a grade system giving the assessment of credentials.

    Which are the top or the best universities in the USA?

    The popular universities in the USA are Harvard University, Stanford university, MIT, UCLA, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania.

    What are the popular courses to study in the USA?

    The popular study programs for study in the USA are MBA, MS, MIM, MS Biology, MS Nursing, MS in Sports Science.

    What is the cost of study in the USA?

    The tuition fee for study in the USA is $20,000 to $40,000 per year for a graduate degree plus the living cost ranging between $6000 to $14,000 depending on the area in which you live.

    What is the scholarship system to study in the USA?

    Fulbright is the full scholarship scheme for the international students who wish to pursue their studies in the USA.

    Are students eligible to work along with the study in the USA?

    Yes, the students can go for the on campus jobs limited to the university campus area where a student can do a job in a library, cafeteria, or reception of the university.

    How can one study in the USA from India?

    Firstly, the student needs to have a valid passport to apply for a study visa of the USA from India. Then the admission process of the university is to be followed and get the letter from university which is required to be presented for the study visa.

    Is study in the USA free?

    The study in the USA can be considered to be free in case the student is eligible to get the full tuition fee for the entire degree program.