Why Study In The USA: Top Universities, Scholarships and Work Visa
While IITs and NITs remain the conventional choice, over 2,00,000 Indian students chose American universities in 2024 for good reason. The U.S. education system breaks away from rigid academic structures, encouraging practical application over theory and offering unmatched flexibility.
In this blog, you will get a good idea as to why you should choose to study in the USA.
- Overview of Studying In USA
- Why Study in the USA?
- How Does the USA Higher Education System Work?
- Popular Courses in USA
- Top Universities in the USA
- Public Universities with Strong International Programs
- Universities with Strong STEM Focus
- Universities with Excellent Financial Aid for International Student
- Scholarships To Study In USA
- Post Study Work Visa In USA
- FAQs
Overview of Studying In USA
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Intakes/Sessions | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Duration of Study | Bachelor’s Degree: Typically 4 years. Master’s Degree: 1 to 2 years, depending on the programme. Doctorate/PhD: 4 to 6 years depending on the field of study and research requirements. |
| Number of Public and Private Universities | Public Universities: 1,892 Private Universities: 1,754 |
| Cost of Study in the USA | $25,000 to $55,000 per year |
| Living Expenses | $12,000 - $25,000 per year |
| Visa for International Students | F-1 Visa |
| Popular Courses | Engineering Computer Science. Business Administration (MBA) Medical and Health Sciences Social Sciences Arts and Design |
Why Study in the USA?
Here are some specific reasons why international students should consider to study in USA:
- Top-Ranking Universities: Many U.S. universities consistently rank among the best in the world, such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Princeton.
- Specialised Programs: The USA is home to many highly specialised courses that might not be available in other countries.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): One of the key benefits for international students studying in the U.S. is the ability to apply for OPT, which allows you to work in the country for up to one year after completing your degree (or longer in STEM fields).
- Strong Employer Connections: U.S. universities often have strong ties with top global companies, providing international students with networking events, career fairs, and internship opportunities.
- Innovation Ecosystem: The U.S. is home to Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs, where students can tap into entrepreneurial ecosystems and cutting-edge tech startups.
- International Student Services: U.S. universities offer robust support systems for international students, including visa assistance, cultural integration programs, language support, and counselling services.
How Does the USA Higher Education System Work?
The U.S. higher education system is unique, and it’s important to understand how it operates:
- Credit System: U.S. universities operate on a credit system, where students earn credits for each course they complete. Typically, you need to earn between 120 to 130 credits for a bachelor’s degree.
- General Education Requirements: Students must complete a set of general education courses in subjects like humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences, in addition to their major courses.
- Grading System: U.S. universities generally use a letter grading system (A, B, C, etc.), with A being the highest grade and F indicating failure. Your grades are calculated into a Grade Point Average (GPA), which plays a critical role in admissions and employment.
Popular Courses in USA
The USA is home to some of the world’s top universities. Here are the best universities in USA for MS:
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Computer, Electrical)
- Business (MBA, Finance, Marketing, Accounting)
- Computer Science and IT
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Political Science)
- Humanities and Arts (Literature, Music, Fine Arts)
- Law (JD, LLM)
Top Universities in the USA
The USA is home to some of the world’s top universities. Here are the best universities in the USA for MS:
Ivy League Universities
| University | Location | Notable Programs | Average Annual Cost | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Business, Law, Medicine, Arts & Sciences | $55,000 | World-class faculty, extensive research opportunities, strong alumni network |
| Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey | Engineering, Economics, Politics | $55,000 | Intimate campus, strong emphasis on undergraduate education, unique residential college system |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | Law, Drama, History | $56,000 | Beautiful campus, strong emphasis on liberal arts, renowned law and medical schools |
| Columbia University | New York City, New York | Journalism, International Affairs, Business | $59,000 | Urban campus, strong emphasis on global studies, proximity to cultural and professional opportunities |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | Hotel Administration, Agriculture, Industrial and Labor Relations | $58,000 | Diverse academic offerings, strong emphasis on practical skills, beautiful campus |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Business, Medicine, Engineering | $58,000 | Strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, strong alumni network |
| Brown University | Providence, Rhode Island | Open Curriculum, Creative Writing, Economics | $58,000 | Unique open curriculum, strong emphasis on independent study, vibrant campus life |
| Dartmouth College | Hanover, New Hampshire | Engineering, Economics, Government | $58,000 | Strong emphasis on undergraduate education, beautiful campus, strong Greek life |
Public Universities with Strong International Programs
| University | Location | Notable Programs | Average Annual Cost | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California | Engineering, Data Science, Economics | $44,000 | Research output, diverse student body |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Engineering, Business, Computer Science | $52,000 | Strong alumni network, research opportunities |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, Georgia | Engineering, Computing, Architecture | $33,000 | Industry partnerships, practical training |
Universities with Strong STEM Focus
| University | Location | Notable Programs | Average Annual Cost | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | $55,500 | Groundbreaking research, innovative culture, strong emphasis on practical applications |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering | $56,000 | Silicon Valley proximity, entrepreneurial spirit, strong interdisciplinary programs |
| University of California | Berkeley, California | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics | $16,000 (in-state), $45,000 (out-of-state) | Public Ivy status, strong research focus, diverse academic offerings |
| University of California | Los Angeles, California | Engineering, Computer Science, Biology | $16,000 (in-state), $45,000 (out-of-state) | Large campus, diverse student body, strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, Georgia | Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering | $14,000 (in-state), $37,000 (out-of-state) | Strong co-op and internship programs, focus on practical skills, growing tech hub |
Universities with Excellent Financial Aid for International Student
| University | Location | Notable Programs | Average Annual | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | Liberal Arts, Sciences, Economics | $57,700 | Need-blind admissions for international students |
| Amgerst College | Amherst, Massachusetts | Liberal Arts, Sciences | $60,000 | Generous financial aid, small class sizes |
Scholarships To Study In USA
Here are some specific scholarships for Indian students in USA:
| Scholarship | Description | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fulbright Foreign Student Program | It offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study in the U.S. | Open to graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries. | The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. |
| Launchpad By AdmitX | The Launchpad Scholarship is a guaranteed scholarship designed to help students secure admissions to universities worldwide. | Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program at one of AdmitX's partner universities, be studying in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, or New Zealand, and be starting their studies in the fall or spring of 2025. | Get ₹2 Lakhs to fund your overseas education |
| The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | This program is for experienced professionals from designated countries who wish to pursue non-degree graduate study in the U.S. The program promotes the exchange of knowledge and provides leadership training. | Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, professional experience, and a commitment to public service. | Full funding for academic fees, living costs, travel, and health insurance. |
| AAUW International Fellowships | The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for international women who are pursuing graduate or postdoctoral study in the U.S. | Open to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who are pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study. | Provides funding of up to $30,000 for graduate studies, and higher amounts for postdoctoral research. |
| The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | This program is designed for students from World Bank member countries who want to pursue a graduate degree in areas related to development at select U.S. universities. | Applicants must have a bachelor's degree and at least three years of work experience in development-related fields. | Full tuition, travel expenses, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. |
| The Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA) | CSLA provides full scholarships for students from developing countries who wish to pursue a master's degree in fields related to public policy, human rights, sustainable development, or governance. | Applicants must have an academic background and demonstrate leadership potential. | Full tuition, accommodation, travel expenses, and living allowance. |
| The University of Miami International Student Scholarships | The University of Miami offers various scholarships for international students, including merit-based awards for undergraduate and graduate programs. | Open to international students applying to the University of Miami. Specific scholarships may require a minimum GPA or standardised test scores. | Scholarship amounts vary, but can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. |
Post Study Work Visa In USA
F-1 visa holders can extend their stay in the US after completing their studies through Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows them to work in their field of study for a certain period. Regular OPT provides 12 months of work authorization, while STEM OPT, available to students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields, offers an additional 24 months of work authorization, totaling 36 months.
To be eligible for STEM OPT, students must maintain their F-1 status, be enrolled in a STEM degree program at a designated school, and secure employment in a STEM field related to their degree.
FAQs
Can international students work part-time in the USA?
Yes, international students in the USA can work part-time under certain conditions. F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment is limited and requires specific authorisation, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). I
What are the basic requirements for studying in the USA?
To study in the USA, you’ll typically need academic transcripts, standardised test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Specific requirements can vary by university and program.
How can international students finance their education in the USA?
Many US universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students based on academic merit, talents, or other criteria. It’s essential to research and apply for these opportunities early.
What is the OPT program?
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation.
What cultural challenges might international students face in the USA?
International students in the USA may face various cultural challenges. These include adjusting to a new culture, language barriers, homesickness, academic differences, and social integration. Understanding and navigating these challenges is essential for a successful academic and cultural experience
