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.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
Intake | Duration |
Fall | August – December |
Spring | January – May |
Summer | May – August |
| 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 |
| Expense Type | Cost (12 Months) |
| Housing | $23,076 |
| Books and Supplies | $706 |
| Food | $7,056 |
| Transportation and Travel | $847 |
| Other/Personal | $2,822 |
| 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 |
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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