The USA is a highly sought-after location for international students because of its cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial prospects, and innovation. After Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the USA comes in third place globally for drawing foreign students to study abroad. According to an IIE poll, more than 1.1 million applicants apply each year to study at the best colleges in the USA.
There are a number of factors that make the US a popular choice for overseas students, even though it is nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact cause of their affection for the nation. The USA as a nation is a complete package that provides it all, from housing the top 17 institutions out of the top 50 major universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023) to a limitless range of courses, a diversified climate, and work options to pick from. Check as well American higher education system
Study in USA: Quick Facts
Visa Approval Rate
≈85%
Total Institutions
4500+
Average Study Cost
40,000 to 50,000 USD
Minimum TOEFL score
85 IBT
Minimum IELTS score
6.5
Study in USA: Top Universities for Indian Students
Some of the top colleges for studying in the US that are well-known internationally are included below, along with their admittance rates and QS World University Rankings 2023:
Rankings 2023
University
Acceptance Rate
1
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6.70%
3
Stanford University
3.75%
5
Harvard University
4.70%
6
California Institute of Technology
6.40%
10
University of Chicago
7.30%
13
University of Pennsylvania
8.40%
15
Princeton University
5.50%
18
Yale University
6.30%
20
Cornell University
10%
22
Columbia University
5.40%
24
Johns Hopkins University
11.20%
25
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
20.20%
27
University of California- Berkeley
17.50%
32
Northwestern University
8.50%
39
New York Universtiy
12.20%
44
University of California- Los Angeles
9%
How to Study in the USA?
Why Study in USA?
A goal for some people and a lifetime investment for many is to choose a country to study in thousands of kilometers away from home. In this regard, the United States has long been a top choice for students from throughout the world looking to pursue higher education. Out of the 100 Global Universities, around 48 of the top universities are located in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Let’s go into detail about the benefits of studying in the USA to discover what makes the USA so popular with students.
Top Universities: When it comes to some of the top universities in the globe for higher education, the United States of America holds the lion’s share. 15 American colleges are among the top 20 universities in the world according to Times Higher Education. According to QS World Ranking, the top 4 universities in the world are MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Caltech.
Flexible Education System: The credit transfer mechanism gives the US educational system more flexibility. By the end of the second year, undergraduate students are encouraged to study different fields and select a major. Each person can develop and change in accordance with their strengths and weaknesses thanks to the availability of a variety of conventional and non-traditional majors and minors as well as the freedom to choose which, when, and how many classes to enroll in each semester.
Diverse Range of Courses: More than 2 million programs are available in the nation through 4- and 2-year colleges, including Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as well as programs for doctoral, vocational, associate, and certificate degrees.
STEM OPT: The USA offers a wide range of degrees that are “STEM eligible,” giving international applicants the confirmed opportunity to stay in the country for an additional two years after receiving their degrees, beyond the usual allowance of one year, to gain practical training while students can also work for a US-based organization.
Research and Innovation: The United States leads the globe in research and development. According to NSF, universities spent almost 22 billion dollars overall in the year on research and innovation.
Employment Prospects: 62% of international students land jobs in the USA after earning their degrees. After completing a four-year degree, the average pay in the USA is between 61,000 to 1,20,000 USD at the mid-career level.
Popular Courses to Study in USA
Although the United States has programs in practically every conceivable discipline, there are a few favorites among overseas applicants that are at the top of the list for almost every aspirant. While the majority of the programs on the list are STEM courses offered in the USA, many people also highly value and highly regard other programs.
If you are an international applicant, some of the top courses you can apply for are:
MS
MBA
MBBS
MS in Data Science
Masters in Business Analytics
Masters in Finance
MS in Computer Science
MS in Data Analytics
Masters in Management
MS in Civil Engineering
MS in Artificial Intelligence
BBA
MS in Engineering Management
M.Arch
Masters in Cybersecurity
B.Tech
Masters in Economics
Masters in Supply Chain Management
Masters in Mechanical Engineering
Masters in Project Management
Masters in Information Systems
B.Sc Computer Science
Masters in International Business
Masters in Digital Marketing
The bachelor’s programs at universities like MIT, Yale, UCLA, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Colorado Denver, and Washington State University shall without a doubt be on your list if you’re looking for cutting-edge research and innovation opportunities in the field of neuroscience, climatic changes, and other trending domains.
When to Study in USA: Application Cycle
US universities observe a semester-wise application cycle for applicants seeking to study in the USA. Admissions take place in 3 semesters.
Fall Semester
The semester starts late in August and ends in December or early January.
Many universities offer selected courses only during the fall semester.
Most of the Scholarships and job opportunities are available during this time only.
Spring Semester
Spring Semester starts in January and ends in early May.
Applications are considered comparatively less than those during the fall semester.
Spring applicants do not meet the eligibility for most of the applications.
Summer Semester
The summer semester is the shortest of all semesters.
It’s two months long. Starting in June and ending in July.
Special summer programs are taught this semester.
Cost of Studying in USA
The basic cost of living and tuition fees breaks down to provide an estimated cost of expenses required to survive an academic year at the institute as tabulated below.
Cost of Living in USA
Other additional charges that form the list of expenses for international students comprising the cost of living in the USA is as follows:
Type of Expenditure
Average Cost (in USD/Year)
Average Cost (in INR/Year)
Food
On campus: USD 250 Off-campus: USD 400
On campus: INR 20,620 Off-campus: INR 32,990
Transportation
USD 500
INR 41,240
Utilities
USD 500
INR 41,240
Internet pass
USD 70
INR 5,775
Gas and Electricity
USD 160
INR 13,196
Entertainment
USD 200
INR16,495
Books, Supplies, and other Learning material
USD 250
INR 20,620
Accommodation
USD 10,500
INR 8,66,024
Jobs after Studying in USA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy will create 8.3 million new jobs between 2021 and 2031. Of those, 1.9 million employment, or 23.1% of all expected new jobs, are likely to be in the leisure and hospitality sector. As per BLS 2022 latest reports, a projected employment change in the US by major occupational groups by the end of 2031 is as mentioned in the table below.
Name of field
Expected growth (in %)
Healthcare Support
13%
Personal Care and Service
14%
Computer and Information
21%
Community and Social Service
5%
Food and Services
9%
Construction
8%
Management
11%
Business and Finance
7%
Education
7%
Architecture and Engineering
3%
Since salary trends are one of the important factors you might want to consider when opting for a program in the USA, some popular jobs in demand with their estimated salaries are compiled as follows (BLS, 2022):
Occupation
Employment Statistics
Annual Mean Salary (in USD)*
Management
146,875,480
53,490
General and Operations Manager
2,400,280
123,030
Advertising and Marketing
770,540
143,330
Public Relations
79,160
132,630
Administrative Services
307,280
106,550
Computer and Information Systems
433,960
156,390
Financial Managers
654,790
147,530
Education and Childcare
52,360
53,690
Architecture and Engineering
194,250
152,930
Medical and Health Services
394,910
115,160
Book Study Abroad Counselling !
USA
USA VISA – GENERAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
BUSINESS VISA
Valid passport,
02 photos 50mm x 50mm white background 50% face must be seen,
Covering letter on company letter head,
Invitation from USA,
Personal IT papers copy for last 03 yrs,
Personal bank statement for last 03 months,
Salary slip for last 03 months and all supporting docs.
TOURIST VISA
Valid passport,
02 photos 50mm x 50mm white background 50% face must be seen,
Covering letter on company letter head, if working then original leave letter on company letter head and covering letter on white sheet,
Hotel confirmation,
Personal IT papers copy for last 03 yrs,
Personal bank statement for last 03 months,
Salary slip for last 03 months and all supporting docs.
You have to fill Form DS-160, must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview
You have to Login on USA VFS website www.ustraveldocs.com, Create Profile for schedule an appointment and doing the payment for visa fees.
Login Id and password will be required to schedule an appointment and you will get Stanley form to do the payment while scheduling the appointment, Make print of Stanley form and make payment in cash to nearest Axis or Citi bank (Carry DS 160 confirmation page copy passport copy and Stanley form copy). For exact visa fees pls always confirm with the USA visa website as it may change due to US$ hike. VISA FEES YOU NEED TO CHECK ON www.ustraveldocs.com FOR ALL CATEGORIES.
After 04 working hrs payment reference number will be activated , You have to login with pax email id and password and schedule an appointment (First you will get OFC appointment for finger prints and than consulate appointment for interview)
Pax has to carry all documents original with copy as per checklist.