Do you want to Planning to Study in USA? Learn about studying in the USA, including details about top colleges & universities, fees, programs, and the admissions procedure. Get expert's advice from SIEC on top universities to Study in the USA, courses, costs, student visa, admission process, scholarships and post study work rights(PSWR). The United States of America (USA) is one of the top study-abroad destination for international students and Indians are no exception. Your decision to study in USA provides access to a world-class education system, a well-researched curriculum, a vibrant multicultural environment, and plentiful opportunities. Studying in USA offers a life-changing experience that sets students on the path to success. The USA's allure lies not only in its geographical splendour but also in the rich tapestry of its people, offering a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and stories that enrich its unparalleled beauty.
The education system in the USA is curated to offer a diverse range of courses across all disciplines for students who want to study in USA. In the USA, students start their education at 6. The US education system is differentiated into four categories:
| Education | Level | Age | Class or grade | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Elementary school | 6-11 | 1-4 | 5 |
| Middle | Middle or junior high | 11-14 | 6-8 | 3 |
| Secondary | High school or senior high school | 14-18 | 9=12 | 4 |
| Tertiary | Higher education | 18 onwards | University | 4 |
Name a course, and the USA has it all. Universities and colleges in the USA are known for their innovation, wide array of programs, from liberal arts to cutting-edge research in STEM fields, and academic excellence and opportunity.
| S.no | Institution | QS Ranking 2023 (Globally) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 3 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 5 |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (CalTech) | 6 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | 10 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 13 |
| 7 | Yale University | 18 |
| 8 | Columbia University | 22 |
| 9 | Princeton University | 16 |
| 10 | Cornell University | 20 |
Various types of educational institutes in the US provide quality education to study in USA. These can be categorised into:
1. State colleges or universities: These universities are run by the state or government. All the states in the US run at least one university and several other colleges. These institutions are mostly named after the state. A few of the universities are as follows:
2. Private colleges or universities: These institutions function independently. However, the tuition fee in these colleges is usually more than that of the state colleges. Also, religiously affiliated colleges come under this category, although they welcome students of all religions and beliefs. Yet specific colleges prefer students with the same belief system.
Ivy League
The Ivy League is one of the most well-known groups of universities in the world, consists of a group of eight historic universities. The Ivy League was originally formed in the 1950s as an athletic association. To this day, the organization remains dedicated to athletics and intellectual leadership. The eight schools include:
3. Community colleges: Community colleges, also known as junior colleges, are instrumental in preparing students for the workforce. International students often find these institutions affordable. They offer an associate degree as the highest level of education. Typically, the duration of courses at community colleges is two years.
4. Institute of Technology: Institutes of technology emphasized in engineering, technology, applied sciences, and natural sciences. They offer four-year programs leading to a bachelor's degree. These institutions provide hands-on learning experiences, a challenging curriculum, and opportunities for research and internships.
Some of the reasons why many Indian students want to study in USA are its unique curriculum, flexible methods of teaching, abundant opportunities and multicultural environment. The USA is one of the most sought-after study-abroad destinations due to the availability of multiple courses across every discipline.
| Top Courses | Duration |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 4 years |
| MS in Data Analytics | 1-2 years |
| Engineering (Civil Engineering) | 3-4 years |
| Business Management | 4 years |
| Medicine | 4-7 years |
| Masters Of Science In Finance | 2 years |
| Environmental Science | 4 years |
| Hospitality & Tourism | 4 years |
| Creative Arts | 4 years |
| Bachelor In Psychology | 4 years |
| Qualification | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Associate degree | 2 years | A.A. degree (Associate of Arts degree), A.S. degree (Associate of Science degree), and A.A.S. degree (Associate of Applied Science degree) |
| Bachelor's degree | 3 - 4 years | B.A. degrees (Bachelor of Arts degrees), B.S. degrees (Bachelor of Science degrees), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree) |
| Qualification | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Master's degree (Professional) | 1 to 3 years | Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS, MSLS) Master of Public Administration (MPA) |
| Master's degree (Academic) | 2 years | The Master of Research (MRes) Degree The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree |
| Doctorate or PhD | 5 to 8 years | PhD is awarded on completion of a dissertation |
| University | Offers Online Programs |
|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine |
| Northwestern University | Online Masters in Health Sciences |
| Boston University | Graduate programs, Diplomas, and Non-credit professional certificates |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Engineering, Sciences and Computer Science |
| The Ohio State University | Medicine, Business, Education and Social Sciences |
Admission intakes in the USA refer to designated periods when universities accept applications for enrolment. Typically, two primary intakes occur annually:
The fall intake (August/September) and the spring intake (January/February).
Specific dates and requirements for each intake vary significantly across programs and educational institutions, necessitating a thorough review of respective university admissions guidelines.
Each university sets its eligibility standards to allow student to study in USA, outlining specific requirements and deadlines for application submissions. Here is a glimpse of eligibility requirements for different programs to study in USA.
| Category Type | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Higher Secondary Certificates |
|
| English Language Proficiency |
|
| SAT | Test Optional but highly recommended for Scholarships |
| Statement of Purpose | Yes |
| Letter of Recommendation | Yes |
| Study Visa | F-1 Visa |
| Category Type | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degree |
|
| English Language Proficiency |
|
| GMAT/ GRE Scorecards |
|
| SAT | Test Optional but highly recommended for Scholarships |
| Statement of Purpose | Yes |
| Letter of Recommendation | Yes |
| Resume | Yes |
| Work Experience Certificate |
|
| Proof of Funds |
|
| Passport and Student Visa | Passport must have a validity of minimum of 6 months after the completion date of the course in the USA |
| Study Visa | F-1 Visa |
Whether you want to study for a bachelor's or masters, one thing that students have to take care of ahead of time is expenses. When it's about studying in a foreign land, one has to be calculative enough to prepare before they land, which requires in-depth research and budgeting tips. Calculative enough to neither spend more nor don't have enough. Here is a glimpse of the cost and expenses students need to take care of before moving to the USA.
| Type of Accommodation | Indicative monthly cost (Rent) |
|---|---|
| Hostel, on-campus | $2,450 for a public university and $2,775 for a private University |
| Dorms, off-campus | $450, if the room is shared by four students |
| Outskirts, off-campus | $600 for 1BHK in a rural area, and $3,000 for 1 BHK in an urban area like Boston |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment in the city centre) | $1,500 to $3,000 per month |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre) | $1,000 to $2,000 per month |
| State | Cost index ($) | Grocery ($) | Housing ($) | Utilities ($) | UTransportation ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 112.7 | 257.4 | 108 | 110 | |
| Mississippi | 83.3 | 92.2 | 66.3 | 90.4 | 86.7 |
| Kansas | 86.5 | 91.7 | 72.6 | 100.2 | 97.3 |
| Alabama | 87.9 | 98.2 | 70.1 | 100.7 | 92.7 |
| Oklahoma | 87.9 | 94.5 | 74.7 | 95.1 | 94.8 |
| Georgia | 88.8 | 95.9 | 74.4 | 90.5 | 92.6 |
| Tennessee | 89 | 94.7 | 79.3 | 92.5 | 88.8 |
| Missouri | 89.8 | 95 | 80.3 | 95.4 | 92.4 |
| Lowa-lowa | 89.9 | 98.4 | 76 | 94.9 | 97.7 |
| West Virginia | 90.5 | 96.5 | 78.6 | 89.4 | 92.2 |
| Indiana | 90.6 | 92.7 | 78.3 | 99 | 98.3 |
| Arkansas | 90.9 | 93.1 | 79.1 | 92.3 | 92.3 |
| New Mexico | 91 | 95.5 | 84.3 | 89.6 | 98.1 |
| Michigan | 91.3 | 90.1 | 80.7 | 99.7 | 103.2 |
| Ohio | 91.3 | 99.2 | 76.5 | 92 | 98.6 |
| Texas | 92.1 | 90.8 | 83.8 | 103.2 | 94.1 |
| Louisiana | 93 | 96.8 | 86 | 87 | 96.5 |
| Kentucky | 93.1 | 92.1 | 79.9 | 104.7 | 103 |
| South Carolina | 93.6 | 99.5 | 79.6 | 105.2 | 95.2 |
| Nebraska | 93.7 | 98.6 | 86.6 | 89.3 | 100.2 |
| Illinois | 94.3 | 98.4 | 86.6 | 96.5 | 105.8 |
| Wyoming | 94.3 | 102.7 | 81.3 | 85.2 | 99.9 |
| North Carolina | 95.7 | 97.6 | 88.6 | 97.7 | 92.8 |
| Wisconsin | 96.4 | 99.5 | 88.4 | 99.4 | 99.5 |
| North Dakota | 98.2 | 101 | 95.4 | 95.2 | 104.2 |
| Utah | 99 | 97.3 | 98.4 | 90.9 | 109.9 |
| Minnesota | 100 | 103.9 | 90.2 | 96.5 | 99.4 |
| Florida | 100.3 | 105.6 | 99 | 105.3 | 98.8 |
| Montana | 100.7 | 103.4 | 106.3 | 88 | 94.7 |
| South Dakota | 101 | 102.1 | 112.8 | 91.8 | 89.7 |
| Virginia | 101.8 | 95.2 | 111.5 | 96.7 | 90.4 |
| Idaho | 102.1 | 93.8 | 110.4 | 82.3 | 111.7 |
| Pennsylvania | 102.5 | 107.8 | 98 | 109.7 | 105.6 |
| Arizona | 103.2 | 101.5 | 107.7 | 104.8 | 98.8 |
| Colorado | 105.3 | 98.1 | 116.4 | 88.4 | 105.6 |
| Nevada | 106.3 | 107 | 117.9 | 88.4 | 119.7 |
| Delaware | 107.9 | 114 | 103.1 | 96.5 | 113 |
| New Hampshire | 109.9 | 103.6 | 108.1 | 113.6 | 97.2 |
| Washington | 111.6 | 108.4 | 119 | 90.8 | 117.4 |
| Maine | 115 | 102.2 | 136.6 | 102.3 | 104.6 |
| New Jersey | 115.2 | 107.3 | 136.6 | 104.6 | 105.5 |
| Vermont | 117 | 109.2 | 136.2 | 119 | 114.2 |
| Rhode Island | 117.2 | 107.7 | 121.7 | 127.6 | 107.6 |
| Connecticut | 121.6 | 106.4 | 134.6 | 132.4 | 111.1 |
| Maryland | 124 | 110.4 | 165.9 | 105.1 | 107.6 |
| Alaska | 127.1 | 134.5 | 126.9 | 154.8 | 109.9 |
| Oregon | 130.1 | 107.8 | 172.6 | 90.2 | 125.9 |
| Massachusetts | 135 | 119.3 | 177.6 | 111.1 | 111.3 |
| California | 142.2 | 113.7 | 201.9 | 124.3 | 131.7 |
| New York | 148.2 | 118.4 | 230.1 | 99.8 | 108.7 |
| Hawaii | 193.3 | 152.9 | 315 | 164.2 | 133.7 |
Most commonly, humanities, arts and education courses are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. Here is a glimpse of tuition fees to study in USA.
| School | Tuition fees in USD |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Top Universities In The USA | Average Undergraduate Tuition Fee (Approx.) | Average Postgraduate Tuition Fee (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | INR 40L- INR 45L | INR 16L- 62L |
| Stanford University | INR 45L – INR 52L | INR 42L- INR 45L |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | INR 50L | INR 25l |
| University of California, Berkeley | INR 44L | INR 30.6L |
| University of San Francisco | INR 60L-70L | INR 21.5- INR 43L |
| University of Pennsylvania | INR 74L | INR 22.5L- INR 29L |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | INR 31L- INR 39L | INR 20.4L- INR 41L |
| Johns Hopkins University | INR 71.7L | INR 39L |
| University of Washington | INR 72.6L | INR 67.8L |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | INR 45L -INR 50L | INR 72.4L |
The Cost of student visa to study in USA approx. US $185 as an application fee.
In the US, living costs to study in USA vary by a substantial amount due to the vast territory of the country. Usually, urban areas are more expensive (in or near a big city) in contrast to smaller towns or suburban areas. Therefore, to have a fair view of the general living costs in the US, you should also consider these common expenses when creating your budget. Here is a glimpse of the living expenses that students need to take care of before moving to the USA.
| Expenses | Average Yearly Cost* |
|---|---|
| Books and Stationery | $500- $1,000 |
| Travelling | $500- $1,200 |
| Food | $2,500 |
| Clothes and footwear | $500 |
| Miscellaneous expenses | $2,000 |
The average cost of a student health insurance plan ranges between $1,500-2,500 for a year.
The USA offers a numbers of scholarships to study in USA to waive off their tuition fees in both undergraduate and postgraduate level of study. The scholarships amount to study in the USA is attractive enough for the international students to migrate to the USA. Here is a glimpse of some of the scholarships to study in the USA.
| Scholarship Name | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Tata Scholarship, Cornell University | Tuition Fee Waiver |
| OPEC Fund for International Scholarship, Stanford University | Full Academic fees |
| Yale Scholarship, Yale University | 50,000 USD/ INR 39,80,525 |
| Washington University Scholarships | Varies |
| NYIT Presidential Scholarship, New York Institute of Technology | 26,000 USD/ INR 20,69,873 |
| Scholarship Name | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | 100% of tuition fees and cost of living |
| Fullbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Covers living expenses, visa cost, round-trip economy class travel to and from the US, health insurance coverage, part of tuition fees |
| National Overseas Scholarship | Up to 100% coverage of study abroad expenses depending on the course and university chosen. |
| AAUW International Fellowship | Grant of 20,000 - 50,000 USD is provided. |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | Interest-free loan up to 20 Lakh that can cover the cost of study. |
| GyanDhan Scholarship | Amount of 1, 00,000 Lakh is granted to one meritorious student. |
| Prodigy Finance - GyanDhan Engineering Scholarship | Total Amount - 5,000 USD. (Each individual gets 2,500 USD) |
The USA has a wide range of professions after graduates across the USA, ranked among the most in demand jobs in the world. The USA holds the highest number of world-ranked universities with highest employment ratios. The land of opportunity is known not only for their vibrant campuses but also for providing opportunities among all disciplines. And a student holding a degree from a US University attracts maximum and better career opportunities. It becomes easier to attach an excellent profile to your name. Here is a glimpse of employment opportunities for students after graduation in the USA.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Post-Study Work Right |
|
| Part-time Work Rights |
|
| Top Companies | Industry |
|---|---|
| Amazon | E-Commerce |
| Technology | |
| Apple | Technology |
| Microsoft | Technology |
| JP Morgan Chase | Finance |
| Meta | Social Media |
| Exxon Mobil | Energy |
| Walmart | Retail |
| Johnson & Johnson | Healthcare |
| Procter & Gamble | Consumer Goods |
| Field | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) | Job Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | INR 87.42L- INR 1.2Cr | Software developers, Data analysts, and Cybersecurity experts |
| Healthcare | INR 2Cr to INR 2.5Cr | Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Researchers |
| Finance | INR 30.8L to INR 1.2Cr | Finance analysts, Investment bankers |
| Engineering | INR 70L to INR 80L | Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer |
| Education | INR 47L to INR 50L | Teachers, Professors, and Administrators |
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Journalist | INR 54.5L |
| Civil Engineer | INR 70L |
| Teacher | INR 83L |
| Lawyer | INR1Cr |
| Scientist | INR 1.2Cr |
| Doctor | INR 2Cr |
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Specialist | INR 53L |
| Web Developer | INR 73.2L |
| Project Manager | INR 82.7L |
| Registered Nurse | INR 94L |
| Cyber Security Engineer | INR 99.7L |
| Data Scientist | INR 1Cr |
| Software Engineer | INR 1Cr |
| IT Manager | INR 1Cr |
| Pilot | INR 2Cr |
| Investment Banker | INR 2.7Cr |
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tour Guide | INR 28L |
| Babysitter | INR 34L |
| Teaching Assistant | INR 36L |
| Barista | INR 36L |
| Library Monitor | INR 36.5L |
| Teaching Assistant | INR 46L |
| Jobs Role | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Library Assistant | INR 25L |
| Customer Service Representative | INR 32.2L |
| Research Assistant in Scientific Laboratories and Tech Jobs | INR 32.4L |
| Catering Assistant | INR 33.2L |
| Content Writer | INR 51.5L |
| Sales Executive | INR 1.6Cr |
| Jobs | Average Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | INR 80.5L |
| Software Developer | INR 93.5L |
| Petroleum Engineer | INR 1Cr | Finance Manager | INR 1Cr |
| Architect | INR 1Cr |
| Sales Manager | INR 1 Cr |
| Physician | INR 1.5Cr |
| Actuary | INR 1.8Cr |
| Gynaecologist | INR 2Cr |
| Paediatrician | INR 2Cr |
In the realm of higher education, where education knows no boundary, Indian students often inquire about the popularity of the United States as a top study-abroad destination for academic pursuits. American universities offer a plethora of courses and professions that are globally ranked as some of the best in their respective fields to study in USA. The USA is home to a significant number of universities that are internationally recognized for their academic excellence and research opportunities, spanning across all disciplines, while also possessing vibrant campuses. A degree from a US university can equip students with an outstanding career profile that attracts numerous and superior career opportunities.
