Why Study in USA

The USA is a vast and diverse country known for its cultural, geographic, and economic variety. It is considered to be the No. 1 destination for Indian students who are particularly option for studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) programs. It has got the most practical education system with small class sizes, updated course curriculum and Qualitative research. Studying in the USA can be a transformative experience that opens doors to personal and professional opportunities.

The above statement defines how innovative the universities are. USA is also considered to be the technology giant and universities in USA helps students in finding an opportunity to work with the best companies in the world post education.

STEM Programs

3 Years OPT Available

NON-STEM Programs

12 Months OPT Available

Major Intake

3 Major Intakes

Spring Intake

January Start Date
Secondary Intake

Summer Intake

April / May Start Date
Minimal Intake

Fall Intake

August Start Date
Main Intake
* Intake dates may vary slightly depending on the university

The Admission Process for Study in USA

Admission Process

Exams Required

Required Tests & Costs

Test Name Who Should Take Sections Cost
GRE Grad Aspirants
Quantitative Verbal AWA
$220
GMAT Grad Aspirants
Quantitative Verbal Reasoning AWA
$275
TOEFL ALL
Reading Writing Listening Speaking
₹16,900
IELTS ALL
Reading Writing Listening Speaking
₹17,000
PTE ALL
Reading Writing Listening Speaking
₹17,000
DET ALL
Reading Writing Listening Speaking
$65
PSAT / NMSQT UG Aspirants
Reading Writing Mathematics
$18
SAT UG Aspirants
Reading & Writing Mathematics
$104
ACT UG Aspirants
English Mathematics Reading Science
$94

Important Advice for Test Selection

Students planning for Engineering & Sciences programs can take GRE.

Students planning for Business & related programs can take GMAT.

Every student should take one of the 4 tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET.

Students planning for Undergraduate programs can either take SAT or ACT.

PSAT/NMSQT is taken for scholarships and does not count for admissions.

It is always suggested to take center-based tests for better quality.

Having required test scores like GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT is always advisable. It improves the quality of one's application.

Note: Test requirements and costs may vary by institution and program. Always check specific requirements with your target universities.

Other Costs Involved

Application and Process Fee Structure

Particulars Costs
Average Application Fee Per University $70-$100
GRE Score Reporting fee (4 Universities Free on Day of Exam) ₹2,881.36 + Tax Per Uni
TOEFL Score Reporting Fee (4 Free 2 days before Exam) ₹2,000 + Tax Per Uni
IELTS Score Reporting Fee (First 5 Free) ₹250 Per University
WES Evaluation Fee $237
WES Reporting Fee $45 Per University
Visa Fee $185
SEVIS Fee $350
* All fees are subject to change and may vary based on current exchange rates

Application Process

Application Requirements Checklist

  1. 1

    Scanned Copies of Memos

    1. Semester Wise
    2. Consolidated Marks Memo
    3. Provisional Certificate
    4. Original Degree (For Students who completed 4-2 and obtained results only)
  2. 2 Course Completion Letter or Bonafide Certificate
  3. 3 X and XII Marks Memos
  4. 4

    3 Recommendation Letters

    1. Dated
    2. Signed on letterhead
    3. Mobile Number & Email Address of Professor (Mandatory)
  5. 5 Statement of Purpose
  6. 6 Resume
  7. 7 Test Score Cards (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE …)
  8. 8 Passport (First Page and Last Page)
  9. 9 Internship, Work Experience and Relieving Letters if any
  10. 10 Supplemental Forms & Departmental Forms
  11. 11 Extra-Curricular Activities, if any

Popular Cities & Student Cost of Living

Cost of Living by City

Premium Cities ($1200-$1500/month)

Boston
New York
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Chicago
Philadelphia

Moderate Cities ($1000-$1200/month)

Pittsburgh
San Diego
Seattle

Affordable Cities ($800-$1000/month)

Atlanta
Baltimore
Houston
Phoenix

Important Note

It is always advisable to stay on campus for Graduate and Undergraduate Students.

Living costs always vary based on:

  • Number of people sharing the apartment
  • Individual lifestyle choices
  • Location within the city
* Costs mentioned are based on student feedback and may vary.

Popular Courses in USA

Popular Fields of Study

Field of Study
1
Computer Science & IT
2
Engineering
3
Health Sciences
4
Pharmacy
5
Social Sciences
6
Architecture
7
Business & Administration
8
Law
S.No Field of Study 1 Computer Science & IT 2 Engineering 3 Health Sciences 4 Pharmacy 5 Social Sciences 6 Architecture 7 Business & Administration 8 Law

Popular Universities in USA

Ivy League Universities

Private Ivy Leagues Public Ivy's
Brown University Penn State University
Cornell University University of Florida
Columbia University University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Dartmouth College University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Harvard University University of Texas Austin
Princeton University University of Washington
U Penn University University of Wisconsin Madison
Yale University University of Vermont
University of Virginia

Association of American Universities

Public AAU Private AAU
Georgia Institute of Technology Carnegie Mellon University
Rutgers State University Emory University
SUNY Stony Brook MIT
The Ohio State University New York University
University of California Davis Rice University
University of California Berkeley The John Hopkins University
U of Maryland College Park The University of Chicago
University of Oregon University of Rochester
University of South Florida U of Southern California

Other Popular Universities

Popular Universities Popular University
Arizona State University University of Central Florida
Georgia State University University of Cincinnati
Indiana University Bloomington University of Houston Main Campus
Kansas State University University of Nebraska Lincoln
Oregon State University University of New Mexico
San Francisco State University University of South Florida
San Jose State University University of Texas Dallas
SUNY Albany West Virginia University
Syracuse University Virginia Tech University

Average Tuition Fee in USA

University Tuition Fees

University Type Tuition Per Year (USD) Total Tuition (INR Full Course)
Top 40 Universities $25,000 - $30,000 ₹40L - ₹50L
Top 100 Universities $17,000 - $20,000 ₹28L - ₹35L
Other Universities $12,000 - $17,000 ₹20L - ₹25L
* Fees are approximate and may vary based on specific programs and universities

Visa Process for Study in USA

Visa Process

Visa Checklist

OFC Appointment

  • Original Passport
  • DS 160 Confirmation Page
  • Interview Appointment Confirmation Page

VISA Interview

  • Original Passport
  • I20 Document
  • DS 160 Confirmation Page
  • Interview Appointment Confirmation Page
  • Visa Fee Payment Receipt ($185)
  • SEVIS Fee Receipt ($350)
  • Educational Credentials
    • Semester Wise
    • Consolidated Marks Memo
    • Provisional Certificate
    • Original Degree (For Students who completed 4-2 and obtained results only)
    • X and XII Marksheets
  • Test Score Reports
    • TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/DET
    • GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT
  • Evidence of Scholarship/Grant if any
  • Internship, Work Experience Letter, if any
    • 6 Months Pay Slips
    • 6 Months Bank Statement with Salary Credits
    • Relieving Letter if any
  • Educational Loan Document
  • Income Proofs - 3 Years timely filed ITRs
    • Salary – Form 16
    • Business – Form 2D
    • Rental Income – Rental Agreements
    • Agriculture – Sale Receipts & MRO letter
  • Bank Statement with transactions for last 6 months
  • Other Savings Certificates
    • Fixed Deposits
    • PF Withdrawal Letter
    • MF/Shares/Demat Statement/LIC Surrender Value Certificate
  • Property Documents, if any
  • CA/CE Report if taken

Work While You Study in USA

Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week on campus during their time of study in the USA. Doing hard jobs off-campus is not allowed and can lead to deportation if found. However, students may be permitted to work off-campus under certain circumstances, including:

Off-Campus Work Opportunities

  • Curriculum Practical Training
  • Optional Practical Training
  • Economic Hardship
  • International Organisations

Some other opportunities available for international students in the USA include:

  • On-Campus Employment
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Research Assistantships
  • Internships
  • Volunteering Works
  • Work Study Programs

It is very important to understand visa regulations before taking up a work opportunity while studying in the USA.

What After Education?

What After Education?

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Once a student finishes their classes in the USA, they will be provided with Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months.

STEM Extension: Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) fields can extend their OPT for an additional 24 months, totaling 36 months.

Career Path in USA

While on OPT, students can seek full-time employment and convert their OPT into an H-1B visa.

With the OPT and H-1B visa, students can live and work in the USA for up to 6 years.

Students can keep renewing their H-1B visa and later apply for a Green Card, which is the Permanent Residency (PR) for the USA.