Facts About Studying in the USA
Point |
Description |
|---|---|
| World-Class Education | The USA is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, offering exceptional academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities. |
| Duration of Courses | Undergraduate degrees typically take 4 years, while most master’s degrees are completed in 2 years. Accelerated programs are also available. |
| Post-Study Work Opportunities | International students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions, allowing them to gain work experience for up to 3 years post-graduation. |
| International Student Support | Universities provide extensive support, including orientation programs, counseling, language assistance, and cultural integration. |
| Affordable Living Options | The USA offers a wide range of living arrangements, from on-campus housing to affordable off-campus rentals. |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Numerous scholarships are available for international students, including merit-based, need-based, and sports scholarships. |
| Health Insurance | International students are required to have health insurance, either provided by the university or purchased privately. |
| Cultural Diversity | With a multicultural environment, students can interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. |
| IELTS/TOEFL Requirements | Most universities require English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Some may waive this requirement under specific conditions. |
| Part-Time Work Opportunities | Students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during academic terms and full-time during breaks. |
| Student Discounts | Students can enjoy discounts on public transport, entertainment, and retail using student IDs. |
| Tuition Fees | Tuition fees vary by course and university, averaging between $20,000 and $55,000 annually. Community colleges offer lower costs. |
| Visa Requirements | An F-1 Student Visa is required, along with proof of finances and an acceptance letter from a SEVP-certified school. |
| Weather Conditions | The USA experiences a variety of climates depending on the region—from snowy winters in the Northeast to sunny weather in the South. |
| Global Recognition | Degrees from American universities are globally recognized, enhancing career prospects worldwide. |
Best Courses to Study in the USA
- Business Administration and Management
- Computer Science and IT
- Engineering
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Data Science and Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Arts and Design
- Environmental Science
- Finance and Accounting
- Law
Intakes in the USA
Universities in the USA generally offer three major intakes:
- Fall Intake – Starts in August/September. This is the most popular intake.
- Spring Intake – Starts in January.
- Summer Intake – Starts in May (limited courses).
Cost of Study in the USA
Undergraduate Tuition Fees in the USA
The average tuition cost ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. Elite universities may charge upwards of $55,000 annually.
Postgraduate Tuition Fees in the USA
Tuition costs vary, with the average between $25,000 and $45,000 per year. STEM programs often have higher fees.
Cost of Living in the USA
The cost of living depends on the city and lifestyle. Average monthly expenses range from $1,200 to $2,500. Below is a breakdown of common costs:
| Particulars | Monthly Cost (Non-Metro) | Monthly Cost (Metro) |
| Accommodation (Shared) | $500 – $800 | $800 – $1,200 |
| Food | $250 – $400 | $350 – $500 |
| Transportation | $50 – $100 | $100 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous (Gym, etc.) | $100 – $200 | $150 – $250 |
Requirements to Study in the USA
Qualification Requirements
| Course Level | Qualification |
| Bachelors | High school diploma with GPA 3.0 or above. |
| Masters | Bachelor’s degree with GPA 3.0 or above (varies by program and university). |
| PhD | Master’s degree with strong academic and research background. |
Document Requirements
- Completed application form.
- Valid passport.
- Academic transcripts.
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT if required).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Financial documents showing proof of funds.
Entrance Exams for Studying in the USA
| Course | Exam |
| MBA | GMAT |
| Master’s Programs | GRE (varies by program) |
| Medicine | MCAT |
| Law | LSAT |
| English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
Scholarships for Study in the USA
Some popular scholarships include:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program.
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.
- AAUW International Fellowships.
Partner Universities (Divided by State)
Arizona
- Kaplan – Arizona State University, Phoenix.
- INTO – University of Arizona, Tucson (UG & PG Pathways).
California
- University of California, Riverside (Graduate Business Programs & College of Engineering).
- Claremont Graduate University, Claremont.
- Shorelight – University of the Pacific, Stockton.
Colorado
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
- University of Colorado Denver.
- University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Connecticut
- Kaplan – University of Connecticut (Public Ivy – Only UG).
Delaware
- University of Delaware, Newark (Only UG).
Florida
- University of South Florida, Tampa (Only UG).
Illinois
- Shorelight – University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago.
- Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Kansas
- University of Kansas, Lawrence (Only UG).
Maryland
- Shorelight – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (School of Engineering – Only PG).
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
New Jersey
- INTO – Montclair State University, Montclair.
New York
- University of Albany (SUNY Albany), Albany.
- SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica.
- State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo).
Ohio
- Miami University (Public Ivy), Oxford.
- Miami University, Hamilton & Middletown Campuses (Only UG).
- University of Cincinnati (Only UG Pathway & Direct Entry).
- Ohio University, Athens (Only UG).
- Shorelight – University of Dayton, Dayton.
Oklahoma
- INTO – The University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Oregon
- INTO – Oregon State University, Corvallis (Tier I Research University, UG & PG Pathways).
Pennsylvania
- Drexel University, Philadelphia (College of Engineering UG Gateways & IEP).
South Carolina
- Shorelight – University of South Carolina, Columbia.
Tennessee
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga.
Utah
- Shorelight – University of Utah, Salt Lake City (Only UG).
Virginia
- Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute, Blacksburg (UG & PG Pathways).
- INTO – George Mason University, Fairfax County (UG & PG Pathways).
Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (Pre-College).
