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Study in USA
Simplify Your Overseas Education
Discover why Indian students prefer studying in the US! Know the entire procedure and start your application process today.
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 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.
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, 2023 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 |
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.
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.
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:
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 |
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 |
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:
| Degree Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
|
| Associate Degree |
|
| Graduate (Masters) |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate for the top 10 US universities?
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%
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.
How can Indian students study in USA?
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.
How to study in USA for free?
Given below is the list of top tuition-free universities in the USA:
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.
- 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.
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.
Which exam is required to study MBA in USA and MS in USA?
Students need GMAT exam scores to study MBA in USA. And GRE exam scores are required to study MS in USA.
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.
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