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Your dream of studying in
USA is closer than you think!

Learn everything you need to know about studying
in USA and get end to end expert guidance from us.

Your dream of Studying in the USA is closer than you think!

Learn everything you need to know about studying in USA and get end to end expert guidance from us.

Book your FREE consultation with Certified Counsellors



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Why Study in the USA?

The North American country of the United States (USA) is the fourth largest country in the world in terms of area. This enchanting country has been attracting international students for a few decades now. Apart from being a fabulous tourist destination, the USA is also one of the desired study-abroad destinations. The number of Indian students studying in the USA is increasing rapidly, thanks to the exceptional education system of the country. Being a world leader, you will find a vibrant mix of several cultures in the USA. As such, studying in the USA from India will open the doors to newer opportunities for networking for you.
Key Facts to Study in the USA
Languages Spoken English & French
Cost of study USD 40,000 - USD 50,000
Sources of funding Scholarships, Bursaries, Part-time Jobs
Exams Required IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT
Degrees Diploma, UG, PG, PhD
Intakes Spring, Summer, Fall
Visa F-1 Visa
Best Cities Boston, New York, Chicago
Cost of Living USD 10,000 to USD 18,000

Apart from the picturesque mountains, posh city life and sandy beaches, the USA has much more to offer, especially to the international student population who seek higher studies there. The country is home to 17 of the top 50 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. The USA also ranks #3 in the world for attracting international students. It is also a notable fact that Indian students constitute almost 21% of the more than a million international student population in the USA. If why study in the USA is a question that pondered in your mind frequently, then these are reasons enough to prove that you made a wise decision. You will also find more as you read further.

 

Benefits of Studying in the USA

As an international student who aspires to study in the USA, you might be wondering what all benefits await you when you choose to study in the USA from India. The country has over 200 top-ranked universities, the certificates from which are revered the world over.

Interested to learn more? Read further and find out!

You can know how popular the USA is among international students by having a look at the number of students shifting to the country. According to the reports by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 1,99,812 Indian students shifted to the USA in 2022 alone. According to the Open Doors Report published in November 2022, this number echoes to 19% increase in the number of Indian students in 2022. As per IIE Survey, more than 1.1 million students apply to universities in the USA every year.

Now, you might be wondering what makes the USA adorn this special place among international students. Well, is there a reason not to be attracted to this enchanting country? From the Grand Canyon to Miami beaches, the USA has everything that makes the beautiful country even more stunning.

We understand that most of you planning to study in the USA will also be thinking about obtaining a Post Study Work Permit and Permanent Residency (PR) after completing your studies there. As such, we have also included details pertaining to it. You can get all details as you read further.
2,00,000+

2,00,000+

Indian Students
20,000+

20,000+

Courses
4000+

4000+

Institutions
The USA houses more than 200 reputed universities which offer courses in all streams and disciplines, including Arts, STEM, Business, and much more.

The USA houses more than 200 reputed universities which offer courses in all streams and disciplines, including Arts, STEM, Business, and much more.

There are scholarships and bursaries worth lakhs of Indian rupees that international students can avail of during their study duration.

There are scholarships and bursaries worth lakhs of Indian rupees that international students can avail of during their study duration.

The education system is highly flexible, and students who pursue their UG have the option to pursue different courses in their first year so that they can major in their desired subject in the second year.

The education system is highly flexible, and students who pursue their UG have the option to pursue different courses in their first year so that they can major in their desired subject in the second year.

Almost 62% of international students secure jobs soon after their studies in the USA.

Almost 62% of international students secure jobs soon after their studies in the USA.

 

Popular Courses to Study in the USA for Indian Students

As stated previously, the USA has some of the best courses you can choose to study. The curriculum is designed in such a way that it suits every student’s taste. Additionally, the education system in the USA is highly flexible. You have the liberty to choose a course in your first year during your Bachelor’s and then major in some other subject in the second year if you wish to. It will be helpful if you get a list of the popular courses chosen by international students in the USA.

To ease out the entire process for you, we have given a list of the courses to study in the USA.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are courses in other streams as well. The average annual tuition cost to study in the USA ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 50,000. We have broken down the average cost of pursuing some popular study programs in the USA below. You can take reference from it to gain an idea of how much expense to expect.
Programs Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)
English Language Studies USD 700 to USD 2000 per month
Bachelor’s USD 20,000 - USD 40,000
Master’s USD 20,000 - USD 45,000
MBA USD 39,000 - USD 60,000
Doctorate USD 28,000 - USD 55,000

Don’t you find all this information intriguing and useful?

Read further and get more insights!

Top Universities to Study in the USA for Indian Students


You will definitely be aware that the USA is home to some of the most reputed universities in the world. These universities offer a diverse range of courses, and many of these have top positions in several national and international rankings as well. You will obviously need to invest time to find the top universities that have good faculty for the course you wish to pursue. The table below will help you get an idea of the popular universities you can choose.

Name of University Best Known for QS WUR 2024 THE 2023 Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Engineering, Business 1 5 USD 57,000 - USD 80,000
Stanford University Computer Science & Engineering, Business 5 3 USD 33,000 - USD 72,000
Harvard University Engineering, Data Science & Analytics 4 2 USD 25,000 - USD 73,000
California Institute of Technology Engineering, Sciences 15 6 USD 53,000 - USD 79,000
University of Chicago Business Analytics, Mathematics 11 13 USD 54,000 - USD 64,000
University of Pennsylvania Robotics, Medicine 12 14 USD 29,000 - USD 84,000
Princeton University Engineering, Architecture 17 7 USD 54,000 - USD 57,000
Yale University Health Care, Design 16 9 USD 45,000 - USD 74,000
Cornell University Health Care, Biology 13 20 USD 29,000 - USD 76,000
Columbia University Architecture, Journalism 23 11 USD 57,000 - USD 86,000
Why should you spend time on intense course research when you have experts like AECC to guide you for free?
 

Requirements for Studying in the USA for Indian Students


We discussed the benefits of studying in the USA, along with the top courses and universities you can choose from. As you read further, you can get more details about the requirements to study in the USA.

We have a lot more to offer! Do read further!

We understand that, as an international student, you will be in search of authentic and reliable information on studying abroad. We have compiled all the information which you need to apply to your preferred US universities below. We have mentioned all the steps you need to follow so that you can apply to your dream university without space for any errors.

One of the first things you need to consider when studying abroad is that the application process for universities differs from one another. As such, you should know the entire process in detail before proceeding to apply. To help you master these steps clearly, we have explained them in simple terms below. You can continue reading to learn these steps. 

One of the first documents that should be arranged in order to study abroad is the student visa. As an international student, you need to obtain a valid student visa, the requirements of which are listed below for your easy reference.

The steps to be followed for applying for a student visa are as follows.

How to apply for a student visa in the USA?

  • Decide on your preferred course and university.
  • Visit the official websites of the universities and check the eligibility criteria.
  • Fill in the application form and submit the application after paying the application fee.
  • You will receive a confirmation email from the university if your application is accepted.

When to Apply for a US Student Visa?


The F-1 student visa is the most common visa type among Indian students in the USA. You can apply for the visa 365 days before the start of your course. However, you cannot enter the country 30 days before the commencement of your classes.

What is the Cost of Applying for a US Student Visa?

The cost of an F-1 student visa is around USD 510. You should make sure to apply early so the authorities get enough time to process your application. It will also ensure you get sufficient time to arrange for the next set of documents to submit your visa application and further your university application.

What are the Requirements to Apply for the F-1 Visa?


To apply for the F-1 student visa, you will need to satisfy the following requirements.

  • Hold a valid passport.
  • Have printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations.
  • All academic transcripts.
  • Proof of sufficient funds in the home country.
  • Passport-size photographs.
  • I-20 form.
  • Good English language test scores.

Once you satisfy these requirements, you are halfway through your journey of studying in the USA. 

Documents Required to Study in USA for Indian Students


You can read further and get details on the documents you may need to submit while applying for a US student visa:-
Birth certificate

Birth certificate

All academic transcripts

All academic transcripts

Health insurance

Health insurance

Work experience certificate (if applicable)

Work experience certificate (if applicable)

Subject-specific test scorecard (if applicable)

Subject-specific test scorecard (if applicable)

Valid Passport

Valid Passport

English proficiency test scorecard

English proficiency test scorecard

Letter of acceptance from a recognised US university

Letter of acceptance from a recognised US university

Proof of sufficient funds in the home country

Proof of sufficient funds in the home country

It should always be kept in mind that if you are not a native English speaker, you will be required to submit proof of your English proficiency. This can be obtained by attempting English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc. These are some of the popular tests, the scores of which are accepted by almost all universities in the USA. The minimum score required for admission will vary based on the university, course, program etc.

It is also essential to know about the eligibility criteria for admission so that you do not make any mistakes. You should visit the official websites of the universities occasionally so that you do not miss out on any important information.

The next big question in your mind will be: What are the additional documents required to be submitted for admission?

They are given below. It should be noted that not all universities ask for these documents. As such, you can refer to the university website and proceed to obtain them.

 

Arranging all these documents can be a tedious process, and you may even find it useful if you seek the help of a professional to get everything done for you. For that, you can contact experts like AECC, whose expert counsellors will give you free guidance on everything related to studying abroad.

Statement Of Purpose

A Statement Of Purpose (SOP) is a document that you may need to submit when you have to study abroad. This is typically a 1000-1200 word essay that explains who you are and how you will add value to the university. You have to follow a certain format and must stay within the word limit. You can contact AECC’s counsellors to get detailed information on how to frame an impressive Statement Of Purpose (SOP). 

English Language Proficiency Test to Study in the USA

When you are a non-native speaker of the English language, you will need to take an English Proficiency Test to get admission to a university in the USA. The university will decide the minimum test score requirement. A few tests that you can take are given below. Remember that depending on your university's demands, you need to take only one of them. The table below will help you understand the top English proficiency tests and the average score you may need to obtain. It should be noted that this score is variable, and you should consult the official website of the university to get updated information.

English Proficiency Tests Minimum Score Required
IELTS 6.5
TOEFL 90
PTE 50-55
Duolingo 100-150

Intakes to Study in the USA for Indian Students

It is essential for you to have a thorough knowledge about the intakes to study in the USA so that you can plan your journey accordingly. Every year, most US universities offer three intakes, and one of the first things you need to decide before planning to study abroad is regarding this. You should decide which month you plan to shift to the country and then align every other thing based on this. It is advisable to plan about a year ago so that you get enough time to arrange everything.

The table below shows the popular intakes in the USA and their duration.

Intakes Duration
Fall August - December
Spring January - April
Summer May - August
As mentioned previously, it is a good idea to keep track of the application process and deadlines so that you do not miss out on your chances of studying in the USA.
 

Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students


The cost of studying in the USA is one of the primary factors you need to consider while preparing for your study abroad dream. Against the general opinion, the USA is not a very expensive country to live in and study in. You will additionally find help in scholarships and bursaries about which you can learn as we read further. Apart from this, you have the option to work part-time during your studies. You can also do paid internships. 


One of the primary expenses that come under the cost of living in the USA is accommodation costs. Most reputed universities offer on-campus accommodation, which costs less than the off-campus one. The average cost of living in the USA depends on various factors, which is a fact you have to keep note of. There are a few options from which you can choose. The type of expenses you can expect are tabulated below, along with the average amount.

Type of Expense Average Annual Amount (in USD)
Accommodation On-campus: USD 250
Off-campus: USD 400
Food USD 2500
Transportation USD 500
Utilities USD 500
Entertainment USD 200
Internet pass USD 70
Gas and Electricity USD 160
Books, Supplies & Other Learning Material USD 250

This amount can vary considerably based on the city you live in, your spending habits, etc. As such, this cannot be considered the exact expense you may incur. The next big expense comes in the form of tuition fees. Your tuition fee amount can vary based on three things.

  1. Course
  2. Program
  3. University

Apart from the expenses mentioned above, you should also consider your medical expenses. All international students are required to take health insurance if they have to study in the USA. The amount may vary, and you should apply for the same while you apply for your student visa. It should always be kept in mind that you are staying away from your homeland, and thus, spending wisely is highly recommended and advisable.

 

Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students

As mentioned above, international students studying in the USA will have several scholarships to choose from. These scholarships will have different eligibility criteria and monetary value depending on the host institution. The US government, universities and private institutions are the major funding bodies for these scholarships. 


To help you learn about a few scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students and get familiarised with them, we have given a table below. You can refer to it and apply if you feel that you lie within the eligibility criteria. 

Name of Scholarship Eligibility
Boston University Presidential Scholarship All UG students of Boston University are eligible to apply
Berea College Scholarships for International Students It is offered to students who have an exceptional academic record
Generation Google Scholarship Students with an excellent academic record in Computer Science & related fields are eligible
HBS Fellowship Program MBA students at the Harvard Business School who are in need of funds are eligible
Presidential Scholarship All PhD students of Drake University are eligible

It should be remembered that there are other scholarships as well. You can contact AECC’s counsellors to get valuable information on the scholarships, their eligibility, application deadlines etc.
 

Living Expenses in the USA for Indian Students


Living and studying in the USA offers you the opportunity to explore a wide range of cuisines, adventures, cultures, and everything else. From the Grand Canyon National Park to Washington Monument, the USA has everything the explorer in you would like to see. The country is also known for its multicultural nature. As you will already know, the USA has students from all backgrounds studying there, which contributes to the multicultural nature that the country has. You can try out various cuisines and take part in music festivals, sports, adventure activities, and much more.

To ensure that you make the most out of your stay in the USA, we have gathered a few points you can make use of.

  • Build a social network
  • Try the local cuisines
  • Love the lifestyle
  • Take part in social activities
  • Know about the local culture
  • Travel and explore the country
  • Stay connected with your friends and family back home
 

Post-Study Work Opportunities to Study in the USA for Indian Students


Do you know that the USA offers post-study work options to international students who pursue their education in the country? We will explain how!


As an F-1 visa holder, you will get temporary employment based on your field of study. You can then apply for Optical Practical Training (OPT), which permits you to work in the USA for a year. If you pursue a STEM course, you can stay back in the USA for employment for another two years, which makes it three years in total. Non-STEM students can utilise their past degrees from the USA school of higher education to extend their OPT.


All these mean that apart from holding a certificate that is revered the world over, you will also be able to build a career and also take it to the next level. The USA has a very stable economy which improves your chances of having a better standard of living. The average annual salary can be anywhere from USD 53,000 to USD 1,57,000


We have inserted a small table below which will help you understand the median annual salary that you can earn after being employed in some of the most in-demand sectors.

Sector Median Annual Salary (in USD)
Administrative Services USD 1,06,550
Advertising and Marketing USD 1,43,330
Architecture and Engineering USD 1,52,930
Computer and Information Systems USD 1,56,390
Education and Childcare USD 53,690
Public Relations USD 1,32,630
Medical and Health Services USD 1,15,160
Management USD 53,490
Statistics and Data Science USD 1,03,930
Electrical and Electronics Engineering USD 1,00,830
We hope to have covered all details regarding studying in the USA and that this blog served as a compilation of all details you need. If you need to seek further information and clarity,you can contact AECC. We can help you choose your preferred course at the best university FOR FREE.
AECC seeks to provide you with the best study abroad experience so that you live up to your dream. Thank you for reading!

Frequently asked questions
 

How much will it cost to study in the USA?

Ans. The average annual tuition cost to study in the USA ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 50,000.

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