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September 20, 2023
Study in USA
With over 1.1 million international students, the USA has emerged as the number one study destination over the years. One of the major reasons for students flocking to study in USA is the excellent reputation that US universities and degrees hold.
Diversity is another distinguishing factor that attracts students to pursue higher studies in USA. The country also provides ample work opportunities to the students during and after completion of their academic courses.
Overall, USA is one of the most favourable places in the world for those who wish to turn their study abroad dream into reality.
USA as a Study Destination: Highlights
|
Language of Instruction |
English |
|
Average Cost of Study |
$45,000/ year |
|
Average Cost of Living |
$10,000 - $20,000/ year |
|
Sources of Funding |
Scholarships, aids and part time jobs |
|
Exams Required |
|
|
Intakes |
3 times a year – Fall, Spring and Summer Intakes |
|
Type of Visa |
F1, J1 and M1 visas |
|
Top Courses |
Engineering and Technology, Business and Management, Fine Arts, Physical and Life Sciences, etc. |
|
Types of Degrees |
Associate degree, Undergraduate degree, Graduate degree, Doctorate degree |
|
Best Student Cities |
New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Washington DC, etc. |
|
USA Study Visa Cost |
$510 |
Benefits of Studying in USA
Studying in the USA comes with a multitude of advantages that are rarely matched by other countries. Alongside extensive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs and a strong appreciation for Arts and Literature subjects, there are numerous other compelling benefits to pursuing education in the USA:
- Global Recognition: The USA boasts some of the world's premier educational institutions, renowned for their excellence. Graduates from these universities enjoy worldwide recognition and respect.
- Flexibility: The American higher education system offers remarkable flexibility when it comes to designing your academic path and selecting courses that align with your interests and career goals.
- Vibrant Campus Life: US colleges and universities foster vibrant student communities. They provide a rich array of extracurricular activities and experiences beyond academics, ensuring a well-rounded education.
- Research and Training Opportunities: International students in the USA can tap into ample research and training prospects. Universities are equipped with cutting-edge technology to offer the latest in education, research, and training.
- Employability: Attending top US universities and learning under the mentorship of world-class professors significantly enhances students' prospects in the job market, making them highly sought-after candidates for employers.
Education System
Similar to what is followed in India, after completing high school (12th standard), students in the USA go to colleges and universities to pursue higher education. The education system in the US offers tremendous diversity for international students. There are about 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the USA that offer three types of degrees:
Types of USA Institutions
In the United States, there are various types of higher education institutions, each distinguished by a crucial characteristic:
- Public Universities:
- Public universities are institutions with low tuition fees that receive funding from the state.
- They offer a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
- These institutions are typically more affordable for in-state residents compared to out-of-state or international students.
- Notable examples of public universities include the University of California system, the University of Texas system, and the University of Florida.
- Community Colleges:
- Community colleges provide two-year programs, including associate degrees and certificates.
- They often serve as cost-effective stepping stones to four-year universities, enabling students to fulfill general education requirements.
- Community colleges are known for their low tuition fees and relaxed admission criteria.
- Examples of community colleges include Santa Monica College and Miami Dade College.
- Private Universities:
- Private universities are privately funded institutions that offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
- These institutions often have higher tuition costs compared to public universities.
- Funding for private universities can come from alumni or organizations.
- Private universities usually offer a more limited range of degree programs and often specialize in specific fields.
- Prominent examples of private universities comprise Harvard University, Stanford University, and MIT.
- Ivy League Universities:
- The Ivy League is a distinguished group of eight prestigious institutions located in the northeastern region of the United States.
- Ivy League schools are renowned for their rigorous academics, selective admissions, and historical prominence, particularly in business programs.
- The Ivy League includes Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brown University.
Credit System in USA
In the United States, there is a standardized credit system that is followed by all universities. This credit system takes into account the credits earned by students throughout their academic courses to determine their final results.
For undergraduate or bachelor's degree programs, students typically need to earn 3-5 credits per course. To complete a bachelor's degree, it generally requires accumulating approximately 120-130 credit hours.
In the case of master's degree programs, each course usually carries 3-4 credits, and students need to complete around 30-64 credit hours to obtain a master's degree in the USA.
The US education system employs the GPA (Grade Point Average) system, which ranges from 0.0 to 4.0, to assess students' performance. This GPA is calculated based on the grades obtained in each course and the credits earned during a semester. An A grade corresponds to 4.0, while an F grade equates to 0.0 on the GPA scale.
One common challenge faced by prospective students is the conversion of a CGPA-based grade to the GPA-based grading system to determine if they meet admission requirements. To find specific guidance on this conversion process, you can refer to our separate blog post, "Guide on the USA Grading System: Decoding the US GPA System."
Popular Universities in USA
| University | QS World Ranking 2024 | Annual Tuition Fees/year (USD $) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 | $50,000 - $55,000 |
| Harvard University | 4 | $25,000 - $51,000 |
| Stanford University | 5 | $25,000 - $55,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 10 | $30,000 - $50,000 |
| University of Chicago | 11 | $55,000 - $59,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 12 | $60,000 - $62,000 |
| Cornell University | 13 | $56,000 - $60,000 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 15 | $44,000 - $57,000 |
| Yale University | 16 | $58,000 - $60,000 |
| Princeton University | 17 | $56,000 - $58,000 |
Top Courses
Students looking for the best courses to study in USA are presented with a wide range of options. However, there are certain courses that US Universities are known for. Here’s a quick look at best courses to study in USA for international students:
Engineering & Technology
Business and Management
Marine Biology and Life Sciences
Maths & Computer Science
Social Sciences
Medicine
Liberal Arts
Law
The most popular programs that students opt to study in America are:
| Program | Duration | Average Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Nursing (BSN) | 4 years | $45,000/year |
| MBBS (BS + MD + Residency) | 8-10 years | $40,000/year |
| MPH | 1 to 2 years | $50,000/year |
| MSc Computer Science | 1 to 2 years | $50,000/year |
| MSc Data Science | 1 to 2 years | $70,000/year |
| MA Applied Economics | 2 years | $35,000/year |
| MBA | 2 years | $70,000/year |
| LLM | 1 year | $60,000/year |
Admission Process
Studying in the USA as an Indian or international student involves several steps that can be completed online. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Choose Your Course: Decide on the academic program you want to pursue and research universities that offer it.
University Research: Shortlist universities based on your preferences. Visit the official websites of these universities to gather detailed information about their admission requirements and eligibility criteria.
Application Submission: Start the application process by filling out the application forms on the university websites. Ensure you provide all the required documents and certificates as specified by each institution. Pay the necessary application fees.
Await University Response: After submitting your applications, patiently wait for the universities to review your materials. If you are accepted, the university will issue an I-20 form, a crucial document needed for your student visa application.
While this overview provides a simplified view of the admission process, the actual process can be more intricate and time-consuming. It's worth considering professional guidance from industry experts who can provide personalized assistance. At Bluehawks, we offer comprehensive support tailored to your needs, ensuring a smoother journey towards your educational goals. Our unbiased counseling process is designed exclusively for you.
Admission Requirements for Universities in USA
To pursue your dream of studying in the USA, there are a few general requirements for international students to meet:
- Academic Transcripts
- Standardized test scores - SAT or ACT
- Standardized test scores – GMAT, GRE
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, PTE Academic)
- Essay
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of Recommendations
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of finances
And if you are looking for requirements specific to the degree you wish to pursue, here’s a glance to take:
Degree Specific Requirements
Bachelors/ Undergraduate
- Standard – 10, 11 and 12th marksheets (In case the student does not have 12th marksheet a predictive marksheet will do/ If 12th Predictive not available, provide class 9th marksheet)
- For IB Board the school can send the official email to the respective universities' (IB board students do not require English Proficiency Test for Admission, but should be given for getting scholarships)
- English Proficiency Score Card
- Passport (First and Last Page)
- LOR’s(Not required by all universities)
- SOP/Essay (Not required by all universities)
- SAT/ACT scores (If going for high ranked universities)
Graduate Requirements –
- Standard –12th marksheets, Bachelors individual Marksheets, Consolidated marksheets, Degree certificate.
(In case the student does not have 7th Semester marksheet, student may provide marksheets till 6th semester along with Bonafide certificate.) - English Proficiency Score Card
- Passport (First and Last Page)
- LOR’s (2-3 as per university/ program requirement)
- SOP/Essay (Not required by all universities)
- GRE/GMAT scores (As per university/ program requirement)
- Some universities might require financials at the time of application.
- Portfolio required for students applied for Design programs. E.g. Masters in Fine Arts, Architecture programs.
Tuition Fees in USA
The tuition fee in the USA depends upon the university you choose and the course you pursue. If you make it to the public universities in the USA, your expenses are cut down to a great extent. Private universities in the USA on the other hand charge high fees.
Degree Type ( Average Annual Tuition Fee )
- Bachelors : $8,000 - $40,000 ( ₹5.84 lakhs - ₹29.20 lakhs )
- Masters: $10,000 - $60,000 ( ₹7.30 lakhs - ₹43.80 lakhs )
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the USA for international students again depends upon the type of living you choose and the area you choose to live in. If you have a tight budget, it’s best to opt for student accommodation. Besides, some costs are unavoidable. The average cost of living in the USA for international students can, ballpark, look something like this:
Particular |
Average Cost Per Year (USD & INR ) |
Apartment housing including utilities |
$21,710 ( ₹5.55 lakhs ) |
Food |
$8,500 ( ₹8.70 lakhs ) |
Dormitory housing |
$7,588 - $11,914 ( ₹ 5.55 lakhs - ₹8.70 lakhs ) |
Transportation |
$2,180 ( ₹ 1.59 lakhs ) |
Books and supplies |
$13,800 ( ₹10.13 lakhs ) |
Miscellaneous |
$1,000 ( ₹73,000 ) |
Best Student Cities in USA
With 50 states hosting world-famous universities, the USA offers many options of cities for you to choose from. Each of them is equally excellent in terms of education and exposure. And if you want to have an idea of which city would work out best for you, here’s a quick look:
City - Average Cost of Living (USD & INR )
- Boston $22,000/year ( 16.06 lakhs INR/year )
- Chicago $20,000/year ( 14.60 lakhs INR/year )
- New York $21,000/year ( 15.33 lakhs INR/year )
- Los Angeles $20,000/year ( 14.60 lakhs INR/year )
- San Francisco $20,000/year ( 14.60 lakhs INR/year )
Steps for Student Visa Process
-
Apply and get acceptance/I-20 from the US University/College.
-
Complete the nonimmigrant online visa application form DS-160 available on the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) (Link - www.ceac.state.gov) (After submitting DS160 a unique 10-digit code starting from AA-------- is generated)
-
Pay visa application processing fee of $185 and Schedule an interview (Link - https://www.usvisascheduling.com/) Students scheduling Interview for US visa are required to schedule for two dates-
- Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) for Biometric and Digital Photograph- VAC (Visa Application Centres)
- US Embassy (New Delhi) or Consulate (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Hyderabad) for personal Interview
4) Pay SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 (Link - www.fmjfee.com)
While the process may appear straightforward, it often involves navigating through various requirements, which can be quite demanding. This might lead to overlooking crucial steps that could impact the success of your visa application. A challenging situation, isn't it? Well, worry not, especially if you choose to become a Premium bluehawks !
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Now, let's shift our focus to the essential documents required for a successful U.S. student visa application. Here's a checklist:
- Vital documents needed for the DS-160 visa application
- Full name and date of birth
- Address and contact number
- Passport particulars
- Information regarding your travel plans and companions
- Previous U.S. travel history
- Your designated point of contact in the U.S.
- Details about your family, employment, and educational background
- Information regarding security, background, and medical history
SEVIS ID and the U.S. school or program's address you intend to enroll in (as stated on your I-20 or DS-2019 form)
Here's a valuable tip: Ensure that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled visa interview time for a smoother experience."
Top Scholarships
International students are offered many scholarships for studying in the USA. Most of them are based on merit or excellence in any extra co-curricular activity. Some of them may be government-funded, some would be non-government, and some are also university-specific. A few of the top scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA are:
| Scholarship | Awarded to | Amount/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | International Students for Graduate programs | Covers tuition fees, accommodation fees, health insurance, and airfare |
| United World Colleges International Youth Scholarships | International students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the USA | Full or partial fee waiver depending on the funds available |
| Rotary Peace Fellowships | International students pursuing a Certificate Program or Masters’ Degree related to peace and conflict resolution | Covers fees, accommodation, transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses |
| PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women | Female students pursuing graduate programs | USD $12,500 |
| Clark Global Scholarship Program | International students pursuing a bachelor’s degree and demonstrating financial need | USD $15,000 - USD $25,000 |
| Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | Students for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs | USD $12,000 - USD $25,000 |
| University Scholarships | Fully-funded scholarships offered by individual universities for both graduate and undergraduate programs. Most universities including Stanford, Yale, and Harvard offer these scholarships | Varies by university |
Work Opportunities
Studying in the US can be expensive for many of you, but that should never discourage you from pursuing your dream. As you read above, you can always try, apply, and avail financial aid and scholarships to fund your education. Getting a good education loan can help you immensely with this! But it is a challenging task to get a loan that meets your requirements and affordability.
And if you are looking for a loan that works best for you, stop the search right here! With Bluehawks Premium, you get assistance in identifying all the grants that can help you support your education. And to top it off, you also receive help with loan negotiations from our expert negotiators - getting you the maximum loan with the least interest possible! Become a Premium bluehawks and take the step of chasing your dream university to study abroad; let bluehawks worry about the rest.
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And while you go looking for working opportunities while you pursue your degree, the best thing here is that having a student visa allows international students to opt for part-time jobs in the USA. The US government follows a 20-hour work-per-week rule for part-time jobs in the USA for international students.
There are two types of student employment: On-campus and Off-campus.
With On-Campus employment, it is the work that takes place within the college/university campus. Off-campus, on the other hand, is the work that is affiliated with the institution.
Off-campus jobs can be undertaken by students under 4 categories – Optional Practice Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Economic Hardship and lastly, International Organizations.
That being said, some popular part-time student jobs in the USA for international students are -
Part-Time Jobs Average Salary Per Hour (USD)
Library Assistant: $14
Research Assistant: $17
Tutor: $12
Campus Tour Guide: $13
Department Assistant: $16
Food Runner: $12
Receptionist: $13
Post Study Work Options For International Students
In USA Once you are done with your education, you will also be looking to get a good ROI on your investment in studying abroad. Most of the international students in the USA hold a US non-immigrant student visa F-1. Having an F1 visa permits them to work in the USA after finishing their studies depending on the course. However, there are certain guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in this regard. So what are the professions that you can take up post-graduating from your dream university?
Job Outlook for International Students after Studies
Here’s a quick look at the jobs after MS in the USA -
|
Area of Specialisation |
Median Annual Salary (USD) |
|
Management |
$144,830 |
|
Computer Science |
$126,830 |
|
Chemical Engineering |
$108,540 |
|
Statistics / Data Science |
$103,930 |
|
Electrical & Electronics Engineering |
$100,830 |
Work Visa & PR in USA
And once the extension under the F1 student visa is over, students are allowed to stay in the country after obtaining an H-1B US work visa. What does this visa do, you ask? With this visa, students can live and work in the US for up to 6 years.
Students wanting to stay for more than 6 years can apply for a green card to get PR in the US. Some ways for F1 students to apply for a green card in the USA are:
- Receive Employer Sponsorship
- Check your eligibility for
- Employment-Based Green Cards (E-B1 / E-B2 / E-B3 / E-B4 / E-B5) Marry a US citizen
- Seek Affirmative Asylum
- Participate in military service
- Receive parent or child sponsorship
Students meeting any of the above-mentioned criteria will get their PR in the USA. Having a PR in the USA allows individuals to apply for all kinds of job opportunities in the USA.
From the Desk of Bluehawks Academic study and work experience from reputed universities in the USA, and years of residing in this radiant country, is truly a lifetime experience. It has a positive impression on your life and career to enhance your long-term goals. This experience helps you acquire all the attributes to flourish, both, in personal and professional spheres of life. It is never too late to start a new journey, that too in a foreign land.
But the journey starts here - a place where you can find all your questions answered. And in case of needing answers to more questions and seeking professional guidance, Team Bluehawks Premium treats your dream of studying abroad as one of Bluehawks’ own. Don’t settle for any university. Pick your dream university and with end-to-end personalized counseling, your dream university will be a lot closer to you than now. Maybe just a call away. 😉
Become a bluehawks study abroad journey today and turn your dream of studying in the US into a reality!
