Study In The US
Study In The US
Find out why studying in the US is so popular with Indian students!
The United States of America stands as the premier destination for international students globally, drawing the largest number from across the world. Renowned for its high-quality education, innovative curriculum, and vibrant multicultural environment, the U.S. offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. These compelling attributes continue to make it the top choice for many Indian students seeking to broaden their horizons and achieve their dreams.
Why come to the United States to study?
The US is the greatest place to study abroad for the following reasons.
Global Leadership in Higher Education
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the United States is home to 10 of the top 20 universities worldwide, indicating its leadership in higher education.
Diverse Educational Opportunities
The United States provides a diverse range of academic and social settings to accommodate a range of student needs and interests, with more than 4,000 higher education institutions, from big research universities to small liberal arts colleges.
Research and Innovation
Spending on research and development is highest in the United States. American institutions are at the front of innovation, technology, and research, giving students the chance to collaborate with eminent academics on ground-breaking projects.
Cultural Diversity
With more than a million international students, the United States is the country that hosts the most international students worldwide.
Career Opportunities
Numerous educational programs in the United States are in line with industry demands, including hands-on training and internships with top multinational companies. The high employment rates of graduates demonstrate this practical approach.
Support Services for International Students
The transfer is made easier for foreign students by the strong support networks that American colleges provide, such as English language instruction, orientation programs, and help with visa status and job opportunities.
Do you intend to study in the US? Consult our counselors.
Duration of Programs
The majority of US institutions require four years to finish a bachelor’s degree. With a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) agreement with some US institutions, community colleges offer two-year associate degree programs that allow students to finish their bachelor’s degree in two years. Only postgraduate degrees are available for professional schools like medicine, law, dentistry, etc., and they typically take four years to finish.
Accommodation and Living expenses
According to the College Board, the average cost of room and board for four-year public colleges was $10,800 in 2017–2018, while private schools charged $12,210. Based on average student expenses, colleges also offer room and board estimates for off-campus living.
Healthcare and Medical Insurance
The US Department of State has not established any particular insurance requirements for holders of F visas. The majority of the time, your school will decide what kind of coverage you require, or if your school has no specified insurance requirements, you will have to decide for yourself.
You are forced to get coverage that is specified by your college or university if your institution has decided to impose a required insurance plan. Frequently, the cost of the insurance is automatically added to your tuition account.
Working Part-Time
During the first academic year, F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus, but they are permitted to accept on-campus jobs with specific requirements. Following their first year of study, F-1 students are permitted to work off campus in three different ways:
Practical Training in the Curriculum (CPT)
Pre- or post-completion optional practical training (OPT)
Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Engineering (STEM) Extension of Practical Training (OPT) is optional.
Money Matters
In order to guarantee admission, the majority of American schools and universities, if not all of them, demand a deposit equal to a specific percentage of the first year’s tuition. The most popular way is electronic money transfers, such as telegraphic transactions. In order for their parents to deposit funds to their bank account, students are recommended to register a student account as soon as they arrive in the United States. Although there are many regional banks to pick from, Chase Bank, Bank of America, Citi, and Wells Fargo have the biggest customer bases in the US.
Telecommunication
You might choose to join a postpaid account contract with a telecom provider if you use a lot of internet data outside, make a lot of calls on your mobile device, or both. If not, you might want to think about getting a prepaid card. On-campus wifi is available at US universities. If you live on campus, you might need to buy internet access. You might want to purchase an Internet service provider (ISP) internet plan if you live off campus.
Leading US Cell Phone Providers:
Verizon Wireless
AT&T
Sprint
T-Mobile
Boost Mobile
The price of education in the United States
The two main types of universities in the US are private and public/state. Comparatively speaking, public or state universities offer lower tuition than private ones. The sort of degree and the university or school you choose will determine how much you pay for tuition. You will require between $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) annually (indicative) to cover tuition fees.
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School
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Tuition fees in USD (indicative)
|
|---|---|
|
English language studies
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$700 to $2,000 a month
|
|
Community Colleges
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$6,000 to $20,000 per year
|
|
Undergraduate bachelor degree
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$20,000 to $40,000 per year
|
|
Graduate programs
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$20,000 to $45,000 per year
|
|
Doctoral degree
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$28,000 to $55,000 per year
|
Scholarships to study in the USA
Institutions differ in the sort of award and the amount of money provided. In addition to partially covering your living expenses, some research programs may pay for all or part of the tuition.The following well-known scholarship programs are available to Indian students who wish to study in the US:
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Name of the scholarship
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Description
|
|---|---|
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Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships (Government-funded)
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Applicable for international students who are applying to master’s or PhD programs; this scholarship covers tuition fees, accident and sickness coverage as per US guidelines, airfare, and living costs
|
|
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government-funded)
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This program is a part of the Fullbright program and aims to bring an accomplished young and mid-career professional from a developing country to study in the US for 10 months of non-degree graduate study and related practical experience
|
|
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Government scholarship)
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It’s a scholarship and social media campaign designed to welcome international students into the US higher education system irrespective of the subject area
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UEFA (Non-Government scholarship)
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This is a summer program sponsored by Abbey Road Inc. which grants scholarships to 14-18 aged high school student that shows exemplary performance in their academics and extracurricular activities
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AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Government scholarship)
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These fellowships are awarded to international women students for full-time study and research in the US. It supports both graduate and post-graduate students accredited in the US institutions
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Student visa requirements for the US
Three categories of student visas are available from the US government:
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Types of student visa
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Description
|
|---|---|
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F-1 Student Visa
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to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute
|
|
J Exchange Visa (J-1)
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for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
|
|
M Student Visa (M1)
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for non-academic or vocational study or training in the US
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Top student cities in the US
The United States is recognized for its exciting student experiences and world-class educational system. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025, the following are some of the best student cities in the United States, each providing a unique blend of excellent academic standards and exciting lifestyle options:
|
City
|
Rank
|
|---|---|
|
Boston
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16
|
|
San Francisco
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29
|
|
Los Angeles
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37
|
|
Chicago
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44
|
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Philadelphia
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65
|
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San Diego
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69
|
|
Washington DC
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70
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Cost of living in the USA
The United States is well known for its vibrant student experiences and internationally recognized educational system. The following list of the best student cities in the United States, as determined by the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025, offers a unique combination of excellent academic standards and exciting lifestyle options:
|
Expenses
|
Average yearly cost*
|
|---|---|
|
Books and Stationery
|
$500- $1,000
|
|
Travelling
|
$500- $1,200
|
|
Food
|
$2,500
|
|
Clothes and footwear
|
$500
|
|
Miscellaneous expenses
|
$2,000
|
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to US Education
1. How much will it cost to study in USA?
In the United States, universities are divided into two main categories: Public/State and Private institutions. Public/State universities generally have lower tuition fees compared to their private counterparts. The cost of your education depends on various factors, such as the type of qualification you pursue and the specific university or school you choose to attend. On average, you can expect to spend approximately $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) per year for tuition fees.
For specific programs, the estimated costs are as follows: English language studies range from $700 to $2,000 per month, community colleges range from $6,000 to $20,000 per year, undergraduate bachelor’s degrees range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year, graduate programs range from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, and doctoral degrees range from $28,000 to $55,000 per year. These figures serve as an indication of the approximate expenses involved in pursuing higher education in the United States.
2. What is the duration of master programs in the US?
Master’s programs in the USA typically span 1 to 2 years, depending on the field of study and the university. To be eligible for graduation, students are usually required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, though some programs may demand more based on specialization and curriculum structure.
3. Can I work in USA during and after studies?
The US education system provides international students enrolled in US institutions with the opportunity to engage in co-ops, internships, part-time, and even full-time jobs. However, international students require authorisation from the relevant authorities, which can be obtained through their school’s international office or the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). There are three types of employment authorisation options available for international students, namely Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and on-campus employment.
4. What are the popular scholarships to study in the US?
Here are some popular scholarship programs you can apply to study in the US as an Indian student:
1. Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships
2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
3. #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
4. IEFA
5. AAUW International Fellowships
5. How can I go to US for studies?
Research the course, university and place you want to study and you can also contact IDP experts for guidance.
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