Study In USA
Table of content
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?
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
Universities | Ranking |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Ranked 1 |
Harvard University | Ranked 4 |
Stanford University | Ranked 5 |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Ranked 10 |
University of Chicago | Ranked 11 |
2. GOOD SALARY PACKAGES
3. SURROUNDED BY DIVERSE CULTURES
4. BUDGETARY UNIVERSITY CHOICES
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
Education System
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.
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
Australian universities offer a broad range of graduate options, including a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, and master’s degree. The graduate certificate duration is six months, whereas a graduate diploma can be earned in eighteen months, and a master’s degree in a year or two, depending on the university and type of course.
Types of Educational Institutes
Grading System in USA
Actualize your study in USA dreams by booking your free career counselling session with our expert counsellors
Top Courses to Study in USA for Indian Students
- Upon completion of your chosen course, you will have in hand a US degree that has a global recognition
- Courses in the USA are taught using a practical and research-oriented approach, thus equipping students with the proper skills and knowledge needed to ace the job market.
- All courses offered in the USA are supported with cutting-edge technologies and advanced technology tools to amplify the learning experience
- In the USA, most international students opt for courses offered by the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree program. This is a preferred study program amongst multiple international students as it reaps various benefits to the latter.
This includes better job security, exceptional salary packages, ability to explore a range of job roles since students inherit the skills needed to ace the latter. Additionally, graduating with a STEM-degree allows students on an F1-visa to apply for a 24-month OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension post the completion of the standard 1-year OPT timeframe.
1. TECHNOLOGY
2. ENGINEERING
3. HEALTHCARE
4. BUSINESS
5. MEDIA STUDIES
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 |
Harvard University | 4 |
Stanford University | 5 |
University of California, Berkeley | 10 |
University of Chicago | 11 |
University of Pennsylvania | 12 |
Cornell University | 13 |
California Institute of Technology | 15 |
Yale University | 16 |
Princeton University | 17 |
Columbia University | 23 |
John Hopkins University | 28 |
University of California, Los Angeles | 29 |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 33 |
New York University | 38 |
Northwestern University | 47 |
Carnegie Mellon University | 52 |
Duke University | 57 |
University of Texas at Austin | 58 |
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
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
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.
- December – January: Apply for the VISA and apply for an education loan
- January – February: Make the travel arrangements and get ready to start your new semester at your chosen college
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!
Cost of Education in USA
The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of university, degree, course, and location. On average, international students can expect to pay between $20,000 to $80,000 per year for tuition fees and around $15,000 to $21,000 per year for living expenses in 2024. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses associated with studying in the United States:
Types of Expenses (Annual) | Courses | Expenses in USD |
Tuition Fees | Undergraduate Programs at Public Universities | $25,000 - $40,000 Annually |
Tuition Fees | Undergraduate Programs at Private Universities | $35,000 - $55,000 Annually |
Tuition Fees | Graduate Degree at Public Universities | $20,000 - $35,000 |
Tuition Fees | Graduate Degree at Private Universities | $30,000 - $55,000 |
Tuition Fees | 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
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
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.
Most Student Friendly Cities in USA
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Atlanta
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Pittsburgh
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Philadelphia
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Los-Angeles
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Chicago
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Boston
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Baltimore
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Atlanta
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Washington
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San-francisco
Exams to Study in USA for Indian Students
Government and Non-Government Scholarships to Study in USA for Indian Students
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 |
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 Off-Campus Jobs
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)
Study in USA FAQs
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.
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
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.
The CPT application requires no application fee, whereas OPT requires an application fee.
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.
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.
You can find the end date of the CPT on the I-20 form.
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
The overall acceptance rate of Ivy League universities for the class of 2024 is between 4.9% and 10.7%.
The best Ivy League universities for STEM are Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, and Columbia University.
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.
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.
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.