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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. With1.1 million international students,the United States of America has emerged as the top choice for education over the years. The country boasts16 out of 50 major top universitiesin the world, according to QS World Rankings 2024. 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, 2024 intakes, visa requirements, and best student cities tostudy 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
USA provides a wide range of higher education choices for international students. The country has 15 research institutions, 100 public universities, and 86 private colleges, all contributing to students' academic growth. Community Colleges are also available for those seeking diploma degrees. Universities offer various full-time and part-time courses like post-secondary diplomas and certificates, post-graduate programs (online/hybrid/offline), short-term training, skills trade training, professional license exam preparation, bachelor's degree programs, English as a Second Language Training, and French Language Training. Indian students have the option to study in USA after completing their 12th grade, with various universities and colleges offering education in English. To know why you need to pursue studies in USA, check out below.
The benefits of studying in USA are:
- Easy Visa Policy: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expressway entry which expedites the student visa application process within 20 working days.
- Quality Education: With top-ranked universities and numerous scholarship opportunities, USA offers top-notch education at affordable fees.
- Abundant Job Opportunities: The Canadian job market offers a range of options for both locals and immigrants, ensuring competitive salaries.
- World-Class Universities: USA's universities consistently rank among the top globally, with 9 in the top 200 by QS Rankings and 7 in THE Rankings 2023, providing an international research network, employment outcomes, etc.
- Cultural Diversity: A multicultural environment with over 250 ethnic origins and 200 languages spoken promotes an open-minded and friendly atmosphere.
- Vibrant Campus Life: Canadian universities host various events, creating a lively academic experience and networking opportunities throughout the year.
- Immigration Opportunities: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to gain work experience after graduation, and the Open Work Permit lets graduates stay and work in USA for 5 years.
- Affordability: Compared to the US and UK, USA offers more affordable tuition fees, making it a viable option for Indian students. Canadian education is cost-effective, with expenses ranging from 20 to 24 lakhs for the entire study duration.
- Skilled Faculties: Canadian institutions have highly educated and specialized faculty members.
- Safe Environment: USA's reputation as one of the safest countries globally ensures a peaceful and secure experience.
- Investment in Education: USA allocates 6% of its GDP to education, the highest among other countries.
- Post-Study Opportunities: Graduates can benefit from paid internships, a post-study work visa for up to 3 years.
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:
| 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 |
Also, check out details about MBA in USA for Indian Students
Top Universities to Study in USA
Top universities in the USA, with their teaching standards and pedagogical system, significantly contribute to the overall development of students. Here are the popular universities you can choose to study in the USA:
| University Name | Well Known for | Annual Tuition Fee/year (USD $) | QS World Ranking 2024 (Globally) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Engineering, Business | $57,000 - $80,000 | 1 |
| Harvard University | Engineering, Data Science & Analytics | $25,000 - $73,000 | 4 |
| Stanford University | Business, Computer science & Engineering | $33,000 - $72,000 | 5 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Engineering, Computer science, political science, Psychology, Business Administration | $30,000 - $50,000 | 10 |
| University of Chicago | Business Analytics, Mathematics | $54,000 - $64,000 | 11 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Medicine, Robotics | $29,000 - $84,000 | 12 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Engineering, Sciences | $53,000 - $79,000 | 15 |
| Cornell University | Healthcare, Biology | $29,000 - $76,000 | 13 |
| Yale University | Healthcare, Design | $45,000 - $74,000 | 16 |
| Princeton University | Engineering, Architecture | $54,000 - $58,000 | 17 |
| Columbia University | Architecture, Journalism | $57,000 - $86,000 | 22 |
Want to explore more universities in detail? Our world Wise Experts offer Free Guidance about the best USA Universities.
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 |
How to Study in USA?
Whether you are aiming for a short-term or full degree program, Here is the 6 step-by-step process for your US Study Journey:
- Research your options: Research the best options available to study in the USA, such as top universities, before making this vital decision. Also, explore funding options or check out university financial aid options.
- Plan your finances: The costs of studying in the USA vary—a bachelor’s degree ranges from $15,000-$55,000 USD (INR 12.47 to 45.73 lakhs) yearly, while a master’s program is around $15,000-$30,000 USD (INR 12.47 to 24.94 lakhs) per year.
- Prepare your application: Plan your application process well in advance. Focus on your overall student profile with an emphasis on a statement of purpose, letter of recommendation, personal essay, and the interview process.
- Standardized exams: Take exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or similar tests to show English language proficiency. Also, apply for the GRE/GMAT exam if required.
- Apply for your visa: Ensure to apply for your student visa as early as possible. Visit the US embassy in India’s website for accurate information.
- Pack your bags: Now that you are ready, fly to the USA and start your dream career in the land of endless opportunities.
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) |
|
USA Student Visa Requirements for International Students
To study in USA, international students must know the USA Student Visa requirements. Here you will learn all the types of student visas, eligibility details, and how to apply.
The US Government offers three different types of student visas: 1. F-1 student visa, 2. J Exchange visa (J-1), and 3. M student visa (M1). F-1 student visa is the most popular one. To know more about it, refer to the US Government’s Department of State website. A step-by-step guide is given below to follow while applying for a US student visa:
- Apply to the SEVP-approved schools and programs and get accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school in the US (6 to 12 months before studying in the US).
- Upon acceptance to a 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 the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before your US visa application submission. You can pay online or use the paper form. For more information, visit the US Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP's official website.
- After obtaining the SEVIS form and paying the fee, schedule a US student visa appointment at your local or nearest consulate/embassy.
- Pay the Machine Readable Visa fee (MRV fee).
- Finally, schedule and attend a US student visa interview. Before attending, check the embassy website to know the required documents you must carry at the interview.
- In all cases, you should complete the DS-160 Visa application form online. Choose your preferred application location and make sure you have all the documents required for the application form.
A simple suggestion: Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled Visa Interview time.
Want to simplify and speed up the visa process? Check out the US embassy’s established Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) details.
Now, Let’s check out the list of necessary documents required to apply for the US student visa:
- Name and Date of Birth.
- Contact mobile number (with country code: +91 for India) and address
- Passport details
- Details about your travel plans, previous US travel, and your point of contact in the US.
- Educational, work, and family details
- English language proficiency test scores
- Medical health information. Proof of sufficient funds in the home country.
- SEVIS ID and address of US school/program you planned to enrol in (printed on I-20 or DS-2019 form)
When to apply for a US Student Visa?
The F-1 student visa is highly popular among Indian students in the USA. You can apply for the USA student visa 365 days before the course start date. Nevertheless, entry to the country is prohibited 30 days before the start of your classes.
What is the cost to apply for US Student Visa?
The cost to apply for an F-1 student visa is USD $510 (INR 42,203). Make sure you apply early so that authorities get ample time to process your application. It will also help you get enough time to arrange additional documents required for your visa application and further your university application.
Cost of Studying in USA
The cost of studying in the USA ranges from $7,000 to $55,000 per year depending on the type of course and the university you choose. Similarly, the study cost for full-time courses is between $3,500 to $27,000 per semester. The overall USA study cost is broadly divided into two categories - Tuition fees and cost of living. To manage expenses like accommodation, etc., you will receive additional help via scholarships, bursaries, paid internships, and also part-time work opportunities.
USA Tuition fees depend on the university you choose and the course you prefer. The education cost at public universities in the USA is lesser compared to that of private universities.
For a public 2-year college the average tuition fee is $13,470 (INR 11.20 lakhs) per year, for a public 4-year college it is $40,550 (INR 33.72 lakhs) yearly, and for a private 4-year college, the cost of studying is $53,430 (INR 44.43 lakhs) per year.
| Course Level | Average Tuition Fee (USD) | Average Tuition Fee (INR equivalents) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | $8,000 - $40,000 per year | 6.6 lakhs to 33.1 lakhs |
| Masters | $10,000 - $60,000 per year | 8.2 lakhs to 49.7 lakhs |
| Doctoral | $28,000 - $50,000 per year | 23.2 lakhs to 41.4 lakhs |
| Diploma | $10,000 - $12,500 | 8.2 lakhs to 10.3 lakhs |
| English language studies | $700 - $2,000 a month | 58 thousand to 1.6 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
The average cost of living in the USA is estimated to be between $2,500 and $3,500 per month, depending on location and lifestyle. The two major components that make up the overall cost of living in USA are accommodation and meal expenses. If your budget is limited, it is better to choose student accommodation. The cost of living is comparatively higher for students living in cities than those living in suburban parts of the US. Besides, some expenses are unavoidable. Here is a breakdown of general living expenses in the US for international students to know before creating a budget plan.
| Expense Type | Average Cost per year (USD) | Average Cost per year (INR equivalents) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10,500 | 8.64 lakhs |
| Apartment housing including utilities | $21,710 | 18 lakhs |
| Dormitory housing | $7,588 - $11,914 | 6.2 lakhs to 9.8 lakhs |
| Food | $8,000 | 6.6 lakhs |
| Transportation | $840 | 69,672 |
| Clothes and Footwear | $500 | 41,471 |
| Books and supplies | $3,000 | 2.4 lakhs |
| Entertainment | $1,200 | 99,532 |
| Internet pass | $700 | 58,000 |
| Gas and Electricity | $160 | 13,270 |
| Utilities | $2,600 | 2.1 lakhs |
Note: The costs mentioned above may vary from region to region.
Education Loan for Studying in USA
Studying in America can be expensive for many people but that shouldn’t discourage you from achieving your dream. You can avail of financial aid, scholarships, loans, etc. to fund your overseas education. Getting a good education loan can be a great help, but finding the one that suits your budget and needs is challenging. But, before applying for an education loan to study in USA, know the eligibility criteria for easy loan approval.
If you are searching for a suitable education loan, Pause your search right there! At Kanan International, you can receive expert loan negotiation, assistance in finding education grants, and quick approval to study abroad hassle-free.
