How can I find accommodation easily in the US as a student?

Universities offer on-campus and off-campus housing. Book residence halls in advance, some universities only offer first-year students accommodation. Monthly costs for residence halls range from $600-$900, while shared apartments cost $400-$600 per person. Homestays cost $300-$500, and luxury accommodation costs $2000. Prices vary by city.

Study in USA: Visa, Colleges, Scholarships, Cost

Study In USA

Important Facts About USA

The USA has the maximum number of tech start-ups and entrepreneurs in the world.
The country assures academic flexibility allowing students to combine various minors or majors and graduate with a double major.
The course programs are developed to train students to acquire skill sets needed to excel and thrive in the competitive environment.
Every year, the country welcomes more than a million international students.
English is the medium of instruction across universities and schools in the USA.
The USA hosts more than 4500 accredited institutes and universities.
The VISA acceptance rate across many leading USA universities is 80% and above.
International students can work 20 hours every week during the academic term.
The course programs to study in USA for Indian students are developed to train students to acquire skill sets needed to excel and thrive in the competitive environment.
The USA universities assure high employability. More than 50 USA universities appear in the Global University Employability Rankings. These universities conduct annual fairs, networking events, and have career development centers that help students to develop their employability prospects.
There are several opportunities for Teaching, Research, & Graduate Assistantships in the USA.

Why Study in USA?

The USA has consistently been the most popular international student destination for studying abroad. Students from India, China, and South Korea constitute a large part of the international student population in USA. High education standards, excellent post-study work opportunities, high standards of living, and diversity are some reasons that attract students to this country.

1. Home to QS Ranked Universities

The number one reason USA is home to foreign study-abroad aspirants is the access to multiple highly ranked universities. Due to their value, attaining a degree from these universities can boost a student’s professional opportunities and create a good impression amongst top recruiters during job interviews.

As per the QS World University rankings 2023, there are 202 USA universities mentioned. The top five include:

Universities	Ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Ranked 1
Stanford University	Ranked 3
Harvard University	Ranked 5
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	Ranked 6
University of Chicago	Ranked 10

2. Good Salary Packages

Graduating from any USA university will give international students a valuable degree, leading to a good salary package. Based on their academics, achievements and experience level, students can avail the best salaries as per the current market. International students can also access good salary packages through placement opportunities since most US universities partner with reputed corporate brands. To name a few are Apple, Amazon, Tesla and more.

3. Surrounded by Diverse Cultures

As per QS World University Rankings 2023, the top USA universities’ international-student ratio ranges from 55-90. USA has welcomed multiple students around the globe to pursue academic and professional opportunities at their elite educational institutions. Living amongst these diverse cultures helps you make friends from different cultures and establish better bonds.

4. Budgetary University Choices

While you may have heard that USA is expensive on the pocket, you’ll be surprised to know that there are still affordable options to pursue your academics from here. The country has two types of universities, private and public. Private universities are defined by top names such as MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University and more. The fees here can be expensive, as they can go up to $100,000/year based on your degree and course choice.

However, public universities have become a popular choice for pursuing academics. Since these universities are state-based, multiple public universities offer valuable education at an affordable price. Public universities such as the University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin, University of California, Berkeley are all popular examples. Pursuing academics in a public university can range from $32,000/year and can go up to $72,000/year based on the degree and course undertaken.

5. Action-Based Learning Experience

Have you wondered what makes USA a continuous choice to pursue higher education here? While quality of education makes it on the top list, their approach towards learning steals the spotlight. Most of the USA universities encourage practical learning rather than studying theoretical knowledge alone.

Students can understand complex topics better when they work on practising them physically. Since USA universities have updated infrastructure and the latest technologies, students enjoy a more practical and insightful learning experience.

Education System

In the USA, students attend universities and colleges to pursue higher studies after high school. They can enroll for the following programs:

Undergraduate

Most bachelor's programs span over 4 years, with training in a particular field. Many institutes, such as Columbia University, offer 2-3 programs that are a combination of a career-focused discipline and a liberal arts course. These are usually 5 year programs, where the student learns liberal arts for the first 3 years & undertakes professional study in the last 2 years.

Associate Degree

An Associate Degree is a two-year undergraduate program that provides students with a foundation in a specific field of study. It is typically offered by community colleges or technical schools and often serves as a stepping stone towards a bachelor's degree. Associate degrees can lead to career opportunities in various fields.

Graduate

The master’s or MBA program duration generally lasts one to two years in the USA. If Indian students wish to seek admission to Graduate programs, they must submit their latest GRE / GMAT score, letter of recommendation, work experience letter, statement of purpose, proof of financial stability, and immigration details.

PhD Programs

PhD programs are the highest level of education in academia, providing advanced training and research opportunities in a specific field. Students work closely with faculty to produce original research and contribute to the field's knowledge. It usually takes at least 3-4 years to complete and leads to a doctorate degree.

Grading System in USA

As you prepare for your studies in the USA, it is important to understand the grading system followed in the country. The students are awarded grades based on letter and number scale. Most USA universities use four-point scale or the grade point average.

In the USA, the students get certain number of credit hours or semester hours. These semester hours are decided by the faculty and is often mentioned in the course schedule. The students can earn a credit by attending the classes. The credit is decided based on the amount of information shared in the class and time spent on weekly assignments and classes by a student. These credit hours and credits are used to calculate their overall grade, which is also known as Grade Point Average or GPA. The GPA shows a student’s grades across semesters.

The GPA is indicated in alphabetical grading scale from A to F. The A is the highest grade and the F is the failing grade. The grades are averaged by the semester or year-end in numerical equivalent or grade point ranging from 0 to 4.

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Types of Educational Institutes

In USA, there are three types of educational institutes, characterized based on their infrastructure, curriculum, funding, & teaching. They are:

1. Public Institutes – Public Colleges or Universities

2. Private Institutes – Private Colleges or Universities

3. Community Colleges – Colleges for academic or vocational programs

Top Courses to Study in USA for Indian Students

Popular Universities to Study in USA for Indian Students

USA is home to some of the most world-renowned universities. Below is the list of the top universities as per QS Top University Rankings.

Universities Name	QS Top University Rankings
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1
Stanford University	3
Harvard University	5
California Institute of Technology	6
University of Chicago	10
University of Pennsylvania	13
Yale University	14
Columbia University	19
Princeton University	20
Cornell University	21
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	23
John Hopkins University	25
Northwestern University	30
University of California, Berkeley	32
University of California, Los Angeles	40
New York University	42
University of California, San Diego	48

Popular Cost-Effective Universities in USA

Although popular, the USA is one of the most expensive countries to study. The good news is that students can still dream of studying in the country at affordable prices! How? The answer is by seeking admission to public universities for higher studies like MS. These universities are state-funded and follow two tuition fee rates – one for state residents and one for international students. These universities may charge anything between $10,000 and $22,000 annually to international students for two semesters. Some private universities may have average annual tuition fees as high as $50,000, whereas some also charge average yearly tuition fees between $20,000 and $25,000. It is always best to check the university website to know the exact tuition fees before applying to them. The following list comprises some public and private universities that assure cost-effective education in the USA.

Universities Name	Type of University
California State University, Sacramento	Public University
The State University of New York (SUNY)	Public University
Texas A&M University (TAMU)	Public University
University of Wisconsin-Madison	Public University
Oregon State University (OSU)	Public University
Portland State University (PSU)	Public University
Florida Atlantic University (FAU)	Public Research University
Binghamton University (SUNY)	Public Research University

Admission Process to Study in USA for Indian Students

The process of admission involves several steps. The students must complete steps below meticulously to secure admission.

1. Choose your course wisely and make a list of 8-10 colleges offering the course.

2. Check the course and curriculum.

3. If you meet the criteria, you can apply online with all requisite documents.

4. Some universities may require you to undertake a 3rd party evaluation such as WES, Spantran, ECE. This evaluation may take 2 months.

5. Once the University has reviewed all your documents, they will start giving decisions. Some may have interviews as a part of evaluation process as well. They will inform you if you are admitted, rejected or waitlisted for further rounds.

6. You accept the admit and pay the security deposit to reserve your seat. Once you send the financial document, you get the i20 and then apply for VISA.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

Indian students wishing to pursue their higher education in the USA must satisfy eligibility requirements to be admitted to courses of their choice.

For Undergraduate Courses: The student must have completed class 12 from any recognized university or college in their home country. They must submit the results of the English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

For Graduate Courses: The student must have completed 16 years of education from any recognized university in the home country. Some universities may accept 15 years of education. Many courses require students to submit their experience certificates. If applying for liberal arts, mathematics, and science-related subjects, the students need to submit their GRE scores. However, if applying to business schools, they may be asked to submit their GMAT scores.

In addition to the above, the students need to submit additional documents such as

Letter of Recommendation: This should be from a faculty member or your manager from a previous institute.

Resume / CV: Most colleges and universities would require a professional resume.

Statement of Purpose: The students must provide their statement of purpose describing their learning or achievement.

University Intakes and Timeline

The universities in the US follow three semester-wise admission cycles – spring, fall, and summer. Students must begin their preparation for intake season at least a year before the start of their semester.

Spring Intake

This semester starts in January and lasts till May. If you are eyeing this semester, let’s look at this timeline.

February – March: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
April – June: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
July – August: Submit your scores and documents to the university.
September – October: You will receive acceptance letters from the university.
November – December: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
January: Get ready to start your new semester in the USA!

Fall Intake

This semester starts in August and lasts till December. If you are eyeing this semester, let’s look at this timeline.

April – July: Shortlist the colleges and courses.
May – September: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT.
October – February: Start applying at the shortlisted universities.
January – July: Await your admission offer or letter of acceptance.
April – July: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
August: Get ready to start your new semester in the USA!

Summer Intake

This semester lasts for 2 months, starting in June & ending in July. Many summer programs are conducted during this semester. If you are eyeing this semester, let’s look at this timeline.

April – August: Shortlist the colleges and courses
September – November: Take standardized exams like IELTS, ACT, TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT. Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years.
November – January: Submit your scores and documents to the university
February – March: You will receive acceptance letters from the university
April – May: Make your finance arrangements by finalizing your loans, scholarships, etc.
May: Get ready to start your new semester in the US!

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Cost of Education in USA

Here we have included the average annual cost of education in USD ($). Actual values may differ across cities and universities in the USA.

Types of Expenses (Annual)	Courses	Expenses in USD
Tuition Fees	Undergraduate Programs at Public Universities	$25,000 - $40,000 Annually
	Undergraduate Programs at Private Universities	$35,000 - $55,000 Annually
	Graduate Degree at Public Universities	$20,000 - $35,000
	Graduate Degree at Private Universities	$30,000 - $55,000
	MBA Courses	$50,000 - $80,000 Annually
Living expenses including accommodation	-	$15000 - $21000
Health Insurance	-	$1000 - $1500
Visa Fees	-	$185

Types of Student VISA to Study in USA for Indian Students

There are three types of student visas to study in USA for Indian students. They are:

F Student VISA

This VISA is essential for students seeking admission to accredited USA colleges or universities.

F-1 VISA: This is required for full-time students.

F-2 VISA: This is required for dependents of F-1 VISA, including their spouses and unmarried children below 21 years.

F-3 VISA: This is required for students living in Canada and Mexico who may be staying in their home countries, while pursuing their full-time or part-time program in the USA.

J Exchange VISA

This VISA is for students participating in educational exchange programs. During this program, the student may remain enrolled in their university, college, or school, while attending a study program in any accredited USA study institution.

J-1 VISA: This VISA is for exchange students attending a particular exchange program.

J-2 VISA: This VISA is offered to dependents of J-1 VISA holders.

M Student VISA

This VISA is for students applying for non-academic, vocational training in the country.

M1 VISA: This VISA is for students wishing to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the USA.

M2 VISA: This VISA is for the dependents of M-1 VISA holders.

M3 VISA: It is awarded to students living in Mexico and Canada who may be pursuing non-academic or vocational studies in USA universities.

How to Apply for a USA Student VISA

If you are an Indian student wishing to study in USA, you may require a student VISA. Applying for a student VISA is a long and tedious process, which may last 4-6 months before your course starts. The following are the stages of applying for a student VISA.

Check if the school or university you wish to join is approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Next, apply to the SEVP-approved institution at least 6 to 12 months before the course starts.
Once you receive an admit and finalize the university, you will receive a I20 form. This form is important to apply for a student VISA.
Pay the SEVIS fee online 4-5 days prior the USA VISA application. You can check the information through the USA Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP official website.
Fill the CGI Federal form and book an appointment at the embassy.
Pay the MRV fee or VISA application fee.
Schedule and attend the VISA interview. Check the consulate or embassy website to check all documents to be carried to the interview.

Important Documents to be Carried During the Student VISA Interview

Note: The above given is only a partial list of important documents, you must check the Embassy or Consulate website for more details.

Most Student Friendly Cities in USA

The USA boasts of one of the highest numbers of world-class universities. These universities are located in some student-friendly cities, enriched with natural and architectural wonders, and assure quality of life for students. The following are some of the best student cities to live in the USA.

Atlanta

Los Angeles

Chicago

Boston

Baltimore

New York

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

San Diego

San Francisco

Washington DC

Exams to Study in USA for Indian Students

Most undergraduate and graduate programs in the US require the results of English proficiency tests and standardized tests. This section offer insights on some of the popular language proficiency and standardized tests undertaken by international students every year.

1. American College Test (ACT): This is the standardized test conducted by universities and colleges in the United States to admit students to undergraduate courses.

2. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): This test is taken by school juniors and /or seniors applying to universities and colleges in the USA. The test is conducted internationally six times in a year.

3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): This English language proficiency test is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and offered as computer-initiated test. This test helps understand the language abilities of non-English speakers in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

4. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): The GMAT score is required to secure admission to MBA (Master’s in Business Administration) programs in the USA.

5. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): GRE is an official prerequisite for technical master’s degrees in the USA like MS, MCA, MTech, MSC, MBA, etc.

6. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): This is the primary admission test for medical schools in the USA.

7. Optometry Admission Testing Program (OAT): This is the standardized test conducted by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry to test the proficiency of students applying for optometry-related courses.

8. Law School Admission Testing Program (LSAT): This test is conducted by the Law School Admissions Council in the USA and is the primary admission test for law schools.

9. Dental Admission Testing Program (DAT): This is the primary admission test for dental schools in the USA.

10. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT): Clearing this admission test is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to pharmacy courses in the USA.

11. IELTS: This is a popular standardized English proficiency test undertaken by students wishing to study in the USA. It tests their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

12. Duolingo: This test is usually undertaken by students as an alternative to ELP tests -IELTS and TOEFL and is an online adaptive test. Many universities in the US accept this test.

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Government and Non-Government Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students

The USA is one of the most expensive countries to study. Indian students with good academic records can apply for the following scholarships to cover the tuition fees and living costs fully and partially.

Name of Scholarship	Description and Eligibility	Amount in USD
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	It covers one-way travel, tuition fees, and living expenses. Students can use the scholarships to pursue all courses except business, computer science, medicine, engineering, music and film animation, and public health.	USD 100,000
Fulbright Nehru Research Scholarship	These are master’s fellowships awarded to Indian students with three years of work experience.	Amount is variable
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students	Funded by Reliance Industries, this scholarship is awarded to five students wishing to pursue 2-year MBA at Stanford.	USD 94,915
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program	This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing non-graduate courses in few disciplines.	Amount is variable
Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship	Awarded by the Tobaccowala Foundation of India, the students wishing to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business can apply for this scholarship.	USD 25,000
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship:	Funded by the Rotary Foundation, this scholarship is awarded to students wishing to pursue studies in six areas with high impact and sustainable outcomes.	USD 30,000
The Indian Trust Fellowship	This scholarship is awarded to full-time MBA students of the Booth School of Business.	USD 10,000
Tata Scholarships for Cornell University	This scholarship is mainly awarded to undergraduate students wishing to pursue graduate programs at the Cornell University.	The amount varies
AAUW International Fellowship Program	These fellowships are awarded to women wishing to pursue graduate and post-graduate programs across the US universities.	USD 18,000-30,000

Post Study Work VISA

Students with F-1 VISA who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s program can apply for 12-month stay extension for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Students pursuing STEM courses can extend the VISA for additional 24 months via STEM OPT extension.
Students on M-1 or J-1 VISA can apply for a work VISA within a month of their course completion.

On-Campus and Off-Campus Jobs

In the US, the students can work on-campus for 20 hours during a semester and 40 hours during session breaks. The following are a few popular on-campus jobs available for students.

On-Campus Jobs:

Teaching assistant
Cafe
Peer mentor or tutor
Academic department assistant
Library assistant
Administrative office assistant
Campus tech support
Receptionist
Research study assistant
Catering assistant

Any type of employment, which is not recognized by the university is known as an off-campus job. Students on an F-1 VISA cannot take up off-campus jobs. Even if the student wishes to take up any such job, then the university’s permission must be sought. The university or study institutions will give some waiver if a student offers valid reasons to take up off-campus employment. Some popular job roles taken by students are:

Off-Campus Jobs:

Tourist guide
Language translator
Interpreter
Store associate

Popular Career Prospects for International Students

This section features the highest paying careers in the USA along with their annual average salaries. Your income would depend on your knowledge, skills, and the type of organization you work for.

Computer Science

Software Engineer, Application Developer, Technology Support Specialist, Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer, Software Developer (USD $ 71,866 – $131,497)

Engineering

Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Materials Science and Engineer, Construction Engineer (USD $68,562 – $95,000)

Mathematics and Statistics

Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Actuarial Analyst, Data Engineer (USD $65,000 – $119,000)

Business and Marketing

Digital Marketer, Social Media Marketer, Content Marketer, Channel Development Executive (USD $64,651 – $282,100)

Finance

Investment Banker, Finance Analyst, Insurance And Financial Advisor, Actuary (USD $70,677- $114,832)

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Study in USA FAQs

How can I find accommodation easily in the USA as a student?

You can learn about different on-campus accommodation options offered by the universities. Many universities offer residence halls for students. You can check their availability and secure your slot ahead of your travel. Many universities offer accommodation for the first year only. You can opt for off-campus accommodation like shared apartments, homestay, and luxury apartments. The residence halls cost $800-900 per month; residence halls - self-catered cost $600-$800; shared apartment in sharing by four people costs $400-$600; homestay may cost $300-$500; and luxury accommodation costs $2000. These rates may differ across cities.

Can I pursue an internship while studying?

Yes you can do an internship during your program over the summer break. You should be a student for a minimum of 9 months to qualify to do an internship

How soon can I find an on-campus job in the USA?

You can find an on-campus job from the first semester itself.

What is the difference between CPT and OPT? Can I apply for both?

CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and OPT for Optional Practical Training. The CPT is designed for students who are currently studying at universities. This allows the students to seek employment training, do paid internships, co-ops, and practicums. Students can work part-time for 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during the semester breaks. CPT is usually employer-specific and if you work for 12 months, you cannot apply for OPT. OPT is related to your major area of study. Students can apply for OPT before or after completing their studies. It is generally awarded for 12 months. But students who have graduated in STEM subjects can seek an extension of 17 months, or work for 24 months. Students with F-1 visa status can apply for CPT and OPT. A student needs consent from the academic department and ISS to pursue CPT. However, the consent of the USA government is required to pursue OPT. The student doesn’t receive employment authorization document (EAD) from USCIS for CPT but for OPT, the EAD is provided.

Do I have to pay an application fee for CPT or OPT?

The CPT application requires no application fee, whereas OPT requires an application fee.

Which is the best university in the USA to pursue my undergraduate / graduate program?

There are 4500 accredited universities in the USA. Choosing the best university for your undergraduate and postgraduate study will depend entirely on your interests and budget.

I have completed my 10+2+3 education in India and planning to do MS in USA. Do American universities accept 10+2+3 education?

Most universities may not accept 10+2+3 education, but some do. The best option would be to check the eligibility criteria of the shortlisted university.

Where can I find the end date of the CPT?

You can find the end date of the CPT on the I-20 form.

What are Ivy League universities?

Ivy League universities comprise eight universities, which came into existence in 1954. This group was formed based on their interest of sports. Although the league was formed to create sports and athletics, they are known for social prestige and academic privilege. The following are Ivy League schools in the USA. Brown University Columbia University Cornell University Dartmouth University Harvard University Princeton University The University of Pennsylvania Yale University

What is the general acceptance rate of Ivy League universities?

The overall acceptance rate of Ivy League universities for the class of 2024 is between 4.9% and 10.7%.

What are the best Ivy League universities for STEM?

The best Ivy League universities for STEM are Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, and Columbia University.

How you are set to benefit by attending Ivy League universities?

Graduates from Ivy League universities can pursue a career in teaching, business, research, entrepreneurship, finance, and media communication. They work with Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, IBM, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft.

Are Ivy League universities more expensive than regular universities in the USA?

Ivy League universities are not expensive as many may think. The average annual tuition fees at Ivy League starts at $59,985 and with living expenses it may reach up to $83,046.

Which Ivy League university has the highest and lowest acceptance rate?

Cornell University has the highest overall acceptance rate of 10.7%, and Harvard has the lowest acceptance rate of 4.9 % for the class of 2024.