Study in USA – Top Universities, Courses, Visa, Scholarships, Intakes and Job Prospectus
Students from all over the world choose to study in the USA as the country offers access to world-class education and facilities, along with exposure to diverse cultures. The USA is home to over 150 globally ranked universities that have developed a reputation of excellence in research, innovation and solid. Plus, the universities offer plenty of scholarships and financial aid for international students. Also, the USA has multiple student work visa programs for post-study work opportunities. With diverse courses and degrees, a degree from a U.S. institution is highly valued worldwide.
Study in USA Highlights
Popular student cities | Boston, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh |
Degree types | Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate |
Popular courses | Medicine, Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, Management |
Average tuition fees | $20-45,000 per year |
Total higher education institutions | 5,300+ |
Number of universities in QS World Rankings 2025 | 195 (with 10 in the top-25) |
Post-study visa | OPT (can lead to H-1B visa) and CPT |
Why Study in the USA?
- Renowned for high-quality education and leading universities.
- Offers diverse programs and cutting-edge research opportunities.
- Flexible academic curriculum promoting interdisciplinary learning.
- Access to scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid.
- Excellent career prospects and opportunities for internships.
- Multicultural environment enhancing global exposure.
- Robust support for international students, including visa assistance.
- Comprehensive work-study options and post-graduation employment pathways.
- STEM-eligible degrees enable staying back for two years after graduation, while working for a USA-based employer.
- STEM OPT extension for an additional 24 months to get practical training (often paid).
- Three jobs created in the country for every seven international students as per NAFSA reports.
Education System in USA
- Consists of primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
- Offers various degree programs: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate.
- Credits-based system allowing flexibility in course selection.
- Emphasizes a mix of theoretical and practical approaches.
- Strong focus on research, innovation, and technology.
Admission Requirements to Study in US Universities
- Completed application form.
- Proof of previous academic qualifications (transcripts).
- Standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, GRE, GMAT).
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
- Financial proof showing funds for tuition and living expenses.
- Valid passport and visa documentation.
Top 10 Universities to Study in the US (QS Ranking 2025)
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2025 | Intake Months | |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | Fall, Spring | |
| 2 | Harvard University | #4 | Fall, Spring | |
| 3 | Stanford University | #6 | Fall, Spring | |
| 4 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | #10 | Fall, Spring | |
| 5 | University of Pennsylvania | #11 | Fall, Spring | |
| 6 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | #12 | Fall, Spring | |
| 7 | Cornell University | #16 | Fall, Spring | |
| 8 | University of Chicago | #21 | Fall, Spring | |
| 9 | Princeton University | #22 | Fall | |
| 10 | Yale University | #23 | Fall, Spring |
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Top Courses to Study in the US
| S.No. | Course | Fees | Intake Months | |
| 1 | Computer Science | $40,000 – $70,000/year | Fall, Spring (August, January) | |
| 2 | Business Administration | $30,000 – $60,000/year | Fall, Spring (September, January) | |
| 3 | Engineering | $35,000 – $65,000/year | Fall, Spring (August, January) | |
| 4 | Data Science | $45,000 – $75,000/year | Fall, Spring (September, January) | |
| 5 | Medicine | $50,000 – $90,000/year | Fall (September) | |
| 6 | Law | $40,000 – $80,000/year | Fall, Spring (September, January) | |
| 7 | Biotechnology | $30,000 – $55,000/year | Fall, Spring (August, January) | |
| 8 | Psychology | $25,000 – $50,000/year | Fall (September) | |
| 9 | Economics | $30,000 – $60,000/year | Fall, Spring (September, January) | |
| 10 | Artificial Intelligence | $45,000 – $80,000/year | Fall, Spring (August, January) |
Intakes Available in the USA
Intake | Duration |
Fall | August – December |
Spring | January – May |
Summer | May – August |
Scholarships to Study in the USA
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage Details |
| Fulbright Scholarship | Graduate students | Full tuition, living expenses |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Mid-career professionals | Living expenses, training fees |
| American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | Undergraduate students | Partial to full tuition coverage |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program | Students from developing countries | Full tuition, living expenses, travel costs |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Women pursuing graduate studies | $18,000 – $30,000 annually |
| Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Graduate students with leadership potential | Full funding for graduate study |
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Student Visa Requirements for the USA
- Acceptance letter from a SEVP-certified institution.
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility).
- Completed DS-160 application form.
- Proof of financial support.
- Payment of SEVIS fee.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-size photos.
- Visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Documents Required for Visa Application
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US).
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) from a SEVP-certified institution.
- Completed DS-160 form (Non-immigrant Visa Application).
- Payment receipt of the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- Passport-size photographs as per US visa specifications.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Academic transcripts and certificates from previous institutions.
- Standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE) if applicable.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Letter of Intent for the visa interview.
- Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., family connections, property, job offers).
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Cost of Living in the USA
| Expense Type | Cost (12 Months) |
| Housing | $23,076 |
| Books and Supplies | $706 |
| Food | $7,056 |
| Transportation and Travel | $847 |
| Other/Personal | $2,822 |
Post-Study Work Permit in USA
- F1 student visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows them to stay and work for up to three years.
- There are post-completion and pre-completion OPT options.
- One should get jobs relevant to his/her study field, with 90 days to find a job after graduation.
- Applications for extensions can be made by requesting the I-20 from 90 days prior to the expiry of the 12-month OPT.
- You can apply up to 90 days before the end of the academic year (STEM degrees) or up to 90 days before the completion of the degree (but no less than 60 days afterwards).
- You can also work with the H-1B visa, provided you get a job offer from a US-based company and work in a field requiring specialized skills and knowledge.
Top Paying Jobs in the USA
| Top Paying Jobs | Average Starting Salaries Roles in the USA | |
| Software Development Managers | $130,000 – $180,000/year | |
| Data Scientists | $100,000 – $130,000/year | |
| Petroleum Engineers | $100,000 – $150,000/year | |
| IT Managers | $120,000 – $150,000/year | |
| Marketing Managers | $90,000 – $130,000/year |
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Study in USA FAQs
Prepare by understanding your course details, university, and career plans. Be confident and provide honest, concise answers during the interview.
Costs vary widely but typically range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year, including tuition and living expenses, depending on the institution and program.
It can be straightforward if you meet all requirements, provide proper documentation, and perform well in the visa interview.
Public universities such as California State University and some community colleges offer lower tuition fees for international students.
Cities like Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Memphis are among the most affordable for international students, with lower living and housing costs.
Typically, students need to show a balance covering at least one year of tuition and living expenses.
Community colleges and public institutions like California State University and City University of New York (CUNY) are known for lower tuition fees.
The visa application fee is $185, plus the SEVIS fee of $350. Additional costs may include document preparation and interview-related expenses.
States like Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arkansas generally have a lower cost of living, making them more affordable for students.
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