fbpx

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.

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 SpokenEnglish & French
Cost of studyUSD 40,000 – USD 50,000
Sources of fundingScholarships, Bursaries, Part-time Jobs
Exams RequiredIELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT
DegreesDiploma, UG, PG, PhD
IntakesSpring, Summer, Fall
VisaF-1 Visa
Best CitiesBoston, New York, Chicago
Cost of LivingUSD 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+

Indian Students

20,000+

Diverse Courses

4000+

Universities

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

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.

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

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 these courses below.

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Business and Management
  • Law
  • Liberal Arts
  • Computer Science
  • Medicine
  • Data Science and Business Analytics
  • Finance

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.

ProgramsAverage Annual Tuition Fees (in USD)
English Language StudiesUSD 700 to USD 2000 per month
Bachelor’sUSD 20,000 – USD 40,000
Master’sUSD 20,000 – USD 45,000
MBAUSD 39,000 – USD 60,000
DoctorateUSD 28,000 – USD 55,000

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

Read further and get more insights!

Top Universities In USA

S No. University State
1 University of South Alabama Alabama
2 University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa Alabama
3 University of West Alabama Alabama
4 Troy State University Alabama
5 The University of Alabama at Birmingham (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Alabama
6 Auburn University at Montgomery (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Alabama
7 Auburn University*(Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Alabama
8 Jacksonville State University Alabama
9 Arkansas State University Arkansas
10 Lyon College Arkansas
11 Arizona State University Arizona
12 University of Arizona (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Arizona
13 Northern Arizona University Arizona
14 Colorado State University Colorado
15 University of Colorado – Springs Colorado
16 University of Denver (Daniels College of Business) Colorado
17 University of Colorado Denver Colorado
18 University of New Haven Connecticut
19 Southern Connecticut State University Connecticut
20 University of Connecticut – Only UG Connecticut
21 Quinnipiac University Connecticut
22 University of Hartford Connecticut
23 Fairfield University Connecticut
24 University of Bridgeport Connecticut
25 Sacred Heart University Connecticut
26 California State University – Fullerton California
27 California State University – Northridge California
28 California State University – Sacramento California
29 California State University, Bakersfield California
30 San Jose State University California
31 Sonoma State University California
32 San Francisco State University California
33 California State University – San Marcos California
34 California State University – Long Beach California
35 California State University – East Bay California
36 DeVry Education – Los Angeles & San Francisco California
37 California Lutheran University – (MBA, MSIT, MSQE, MPPA Only) California
38 California State University San Bernardino Ext Only California
39 California International Business University California
40 California State University – Fresno California
41 California State University Channel Islands California
42 California State University, Dominguez Hills California
43 California State University, Monterey Bay California
44 Woodbury University California
45 Golden Gate University California
46 California State University, Northridge Only Ext & ESL California
47 Whittier College California
48 American University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) California
49 Menlo College California
50 Westcliff University California
51 Foothill and De Anza Colleges California
52 Santa Barbara City College California
53 Santiago Canyon College California
54 College of San Mateo California
55 University of the Pacific (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) California
56 Moorpark College California
57 Yosemite Community College- Columbia College California
58 Contra Costa Community College California
59 Simpson University California
60 University of Delaware – Only UG California
61 Wilmington University Delaware
62 University of Tampa Florida
63 Florida Institute of Technology Florida
64 Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University Florida
65 Florida International University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Florida
66 Miami International University of Art and Design Florida
67 Florida Polytechnic University Florida
68 Florida A & M University Florida
69 Atlantis University Florida
70 Nova Southeastern University Florida
71 St. Leo University Florida
72 Full Sail University Florida
73 The University of Central Florida – (UG Only) (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Florida
74 Schiller International University Florida
75 Mercer University Georgia
76 Herzing University Georgia
77 Middle Georgia State University Georgia
78 Hawaii Pacific University Hawaii
79 University of Idaho Idaho
80 Bradley University Illinois
81 University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) PG – Master of Science Degrees Illinois
82 University of Illinois at Chicago (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Illinois
83 Illinois State University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway)* Illinois
84 Western Illinois University Illinois
85 Elmhurst University Illinois
86 Governors State University Illinois
87 Southern Illinois University – Carbondale Illinois
88 DePaul University – Selected Programs Illinois
89 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
90 North Eastern Illinois University Illinois
91 North Park University Illinois
92 Millikin University Illinois
93 DeVry Education Illinois
94 Illinois Eastern Community College Illinois
95 National Louis University Illinois
96 Concordia University of Chicago Illinois
97 Indiana Institute of Technology Indiana
98 Trine University Indiana
99 Marian University Indiana
100 Valparaiso University Indiana
101 University of Indianapolis – Only UG Indiana
102 Purdue University – Northwest Indiana
103 Iowa State University – Only UG Iowa
104 Upper Iowa University (UG & ESL) Iowa
105 Kansas State University Kansas
106 Wichita State University Kansas
107 Pittsburgh State University Kansas
108 Ottawa University Kansas
109 The University of Kansas – (UG Only) (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Kansas
110 Western Kentucky University Kentucky
111 University of the Cumberlands Kentucky
112 Murray State University Kentucky
113 Midway University Kentucky
114 Eastern Kentucky University Kentucky
115 University of Louisville Kentucky
116 Louisiana State University – (UG Only) (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Louisiana
117 University of Maryland, Baltimore County Maryland
118 University of Massachusetts, Lowell Massachusetts
119 Bridgewater State University Massachusetts
120 University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts
121 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth- only Grad Massachusetts
122 University of Massachusetts, Boston [Grad – PMP & UG – UPP] Massachusetts
123 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts
124 Western New England University Massachusetts
125 Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Graduate Business Degrees Only Massachusetts
126 Hult International Business School Massachusetts
127 Suffolk University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Massachusetts
128 Fisher College Massachusetts
129 University of Michigan – Flint Michigan
130 Eastern Michigan University Michigan
131 Grand Valley State University Michigan
132 Lawrence Technology University Michigan
133 Ferris State University Michigan
134 Northern Michigan University Michigan
135 Central Michigan University Michigan
136 University of Central Missouri Missouri
137 University of Missouri – St. Louis Missouri
138 Saint Louis University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) * Missouri
139 Missouri University of Science & Technology Missouri
140 Webster University – St. Louis Missouri
141 Northwest Missouri State University Missouri
142 Southeast Missouri State University Missouri
143 Drury University Missouri
144 Mississippi State University Mississippi
145 University of Mississippi (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Mississippi
146 Montana State University – Bozeman Montana
147 University of Nebraska Omaha Nebraska
148 Nebraska Wesleyan University – UG Only Nebraska
149 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Nevada
150 Southern New Hampshire University New Hampshire
151 New Jersey Institute of Technology New Jersey
152 Stevens Institute of Technology New Jersey
153 FDU (Fairleigh Dickinson University) New Jersey
154 Saint Peter’s University New Jersey
155 Rowan University New Jersey
156 Drew University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) * New Jersey
157 Monmouth University New Jersey
158 Felician University New Jersey
159 Rider University New Jersey
160 Montclair State University New Jersey
161 Clarkson University New York
162 St. John’s University New York
163 Rochester Institute of Technology New York
164 Pace University New York
165 Pace University School of Law New York
166 NYIT (New York Institute of Technology) New York
167 Hofstra University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) New York
168 Yeshiva University New York
169 Long Island – C.W. Post Campus New York
170 Long Island – Brooklyn Campus New York
171 DeVry Education New York
172 Monroe College New York
173 Elmira College New York
174 St. Francis College – Only UG New York
175 LIM College New York
176 Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology New York
177 New York University –(SCPS) New York
178 State University of New York – Polytechnic New York
179 State University of New York – New Paltz New York
180 State University of New York – Albany New York
181 State University of New York at Oswego New York
182 State University of New York at Binghamton – Only UG New York
183 State University of New York at Geneseo New York
184 State University of New York – Brockport New York
185 SUNY Buffalo State College New York
186 New York Film Academy New York
187 Marist College – Computer Science Dept New York
188 Adelphi University New York
189 Mercy College New York
190 Berkeley College New York
191 University of North Carolina Wilmington North Carolina
192 University of North Carolina at Pembroke North Carolina
193 High Point University North Carolina
194 Elon University North Carolina
195 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro North Carolina
196 University of New Mexico New Mexico
197 New Mexico Military Institute New Mexico
198 Ohio Northern University Ohio
199 Kent State University Ohio
200 Miami University Ohio
201 Ohio Dominican University Ohio
202 Ohio University – Only UG Ohio
203 Ohio Wesleyan University – Only UG Ohio
204 University of Dayton (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Ohio
205 University of Findlay Ohio
206 Cleveland State University Ohio
207 Wright State University Ohio
208 University of Cincinnati Ohio
209 Bowling Green State University- (Only India and Nepal)- Selected programs only Ohio
210 Youngstown State University Ohio
211 Tiffin University Ohio
212 Oregon State University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Oregon
213 Portland State University (Only UG) Oregon
214 Oklahoma City University Oklahoma
215 Oklahoma State University – Only UG Oklahoma
216 University of Tulsa Oklahoma
217 University of Central Oklahoma Oklahoma
218 Gannon University Pennsylvania
219 University of Scranton Pennsylvania
220 Drexel University – Only GRAD Pennsylvania
221 Wilkes University Pennsylvania
222 Thomas Jefferson University(Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Pennsylvania
223 La Salle University Pennsylvania
224 Kutztown University Pennsylvania
225 Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Pennsylvania
226 Indiana University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
227 York College of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
228 Bryant University – Master Only Rhode Island
229 Johnson & Wales University Rhode Island
230 South Dakota State University – Only UG South Dakota
231 Augustana University South Dakota
232 University of South Carolina (Only UG) (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) South Carolina
233 Tennessee Tech University Tennessee
234 University of Tennessee – Knoxville Tennessee
235 University of Memphis Tennessee
236 Middle Tennessee State University Tennessee
237 University of Houston – Selected Gard Programs* Texas
238 Texas A&M University–Kingsville Texas
239 University of Houston–Clear Lake Texas
240 Texas Tech University (Only Grad) Texas
241 Texas A & M University (Corpus Christi) Texas
242 Webster University – San Antonio Texas
243 Texas Wesleyan University Texas
244 Dallas Baptist University Texas
245 Midwestern State University Texas
246 Stephen F. Austin State University Texas
247 The University of North Texas Texas
248 University of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio Texas
249 Texas A&M University-San Antonio- (only Grad) Texas
250 Weber State University Utah
251 University of Utah (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) – Only UG Utah
252 George Mason University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) * Virginia
253 West Virginia University – Only UG Virginia
254 Fairfax University Virginia
255 Radford University Virginia
256 James Madison University Virginia
257 Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia
258 Washington State University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Washington
259 American University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Washington
260 Seattle Central College Washington
261 Gonzaga University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) Washington
262 City University of Seattle Washington
263 Western Washington University-Extended Education Washington
264 Lake Washington Institute of Technology Washington
265 Highline College Washington
266 Marshall University (Direct/Accelerated/Pathway) * West Virginia
267 University of Wisconsin – Stout Wisconsin
268 University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Wisconsin
269 University of Wisconsin – Platteville Wisconsin
270 Marquette university Wisconsin
271 Viterbo University Wisconsin

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

Valid Passport

Health insurance

All academic transcripts

English proficiency test scorecard

Letter of acceptance from a recognised US university

Work experience certificate (if applicable)

Proof of sufficient funds in the home country

Subject-specific test scorecard (if applicable)

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.

  • Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letter Of Recommendation (LOR)
  • CV/Resume

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 THING BIG GLOBAL, 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 THING BIG GLOBAL’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 TestsMinimum Score Required
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
PTE50-55
Duolingo100-150
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.

IntakesDuration
FallAugust – December
SpringJanuary – April
SummerMay – 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 ExpenseAverage Annual Amount (in USD)
AccommodationOn-campus: USD 250
Off-campus: USD 400
FoodUSD 2500
TransportationUSD 500
UtilitiesUSD 500
EntertainmentUSD 200
Internet passUSD 70
Gas and ElectricityUSD 160
Books, Supplies & Other Learning MaterialUSD 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.

 

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

FAQs

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

Ans. Yes, Indian students can study in the USA if they satisfy all the eligibility criteria and fall under the category based on the selection procedure. You can read all the requirements in detail above.

 
Ans. Indian students study in the USA as the country offers a highly flexible education system and has a wide range of reputed universities. The country also promises a better standard of living.

Ans. Yes, you can study in the USA after your 12th if you satisfy the necessary requirements and get the application confirmation from a recognised US university.

 

Ans. IELTS is not a compulsory requirement to study in the USA, and there are several top universities that accept your application even without an IELTS score. However, it will benefit you well if you submit an IELTS score as your application may stand out from the rest of them.

 

Discover the best courses abroad