Study in USA in itself is an attractive package for Indian students – it is home to the best universities, fortune 500 companies, job opportunities, and a land of immense diversity. The United States of America is one of the most powerful countries in the world with an economy that surpasses all others in the world. People from different countries have migrated to the Unites States of America to live the American Dream. Cultures and traditions brought to the land by different ethnicities have contributed largely to the rich diversity the country boast of.
Why Study in USA?
Over 190,000 international students choose to study in USA as a preferred destination to learn. Moreover, the United States of America is home to the highest number of foreign students migrating for higher education. 18% of students studying in USA are Indians. Indian students form the second largest group of international students in the USA.
International students comprise 5.5 percent of total higher education student population. The USA is home to the largest number of student migrants as compared to other nations.
Quality of Education
The USA has more universities than any other country in the world. Over a million foreign students enroll for higher education in the USA every year. Study in USA gives students the access to recourses, innovative learning methods, technology, and the chance to learn from some of the best minds in the world. Universities and colleges in the US train students in smaller class sizes, typically 10-20 students per class. A smaller class size translates to better attention a student receives. While in class students are encouraged to ask questions, initiate and contribute to discussions.
University Ranking
According to the Times Higher Education ranking of the finest universities in 2020, 15 American universities are among the top 100 in the world. Universities of USA occupy esteem ranks in ranking tables worldwide. 17 universities are ranked in the top 50, while 27 universities are ranked in the top 100 of the QS Top Universities ranking.
Mentioned are some of the Top Universities to study in USA with QS ranking 2025
| S.No. | Institution | QS Ranking 2025 |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 |
| 2 | Harvard University | 4 |
| 3 | Stanford University | 5 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 10 |
| 5 | University of Chicago | 11 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 12 |
| 7 | Cornell University | 13 |
| 8 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 15 |
| 9 | Yale University | 16 |
| 10 | Princeton University | 17 |
Types of Educational Institutions to Study in USA for Indian Students
Public Universities
Government and or Federal government funded academic bodies fall under public universities. At the heart of the Government-run institutions in the United States of America lies the state-owned colleges, community colleges, and universities.
Public universities run courses offering graduate degrees – master’s and doctoral with emphasis on research. Public universities have larger student enrolment owing to economical tuition fees. But while one may assume that recourses and advancements are concentrated to the private establishments, the best public universities do not go unnoticed.
Every federal state in the United States of America has its own university; A few larger states might have more than one University. 25 public universities are in the top 100 in the United States.
Mentioned are the top five public universities to study in USA
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of North Carolina
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Davis
Private Universities
The Private educational institutions are not funded and governed by government establishments. Private universities receive large sums of donations, research grants, and alumni favors. Many Private Colleges in the USA charge a higher tuition fee compared to public institutions. Classes are taken by seasoned and proficient faculty- thus a student is guaranteed the best education at all levels. Private institutions have a higher teacher to student ration, lesser populated classes and more resource.
All of the Ivy League group institutions are private universities.
Mentioned are the top five private universities for study in USA
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- Brown University
- Duke University
Institutes of Technology, Polytechnics, Technical Institutes
Polytechnic institutes, Institutes of technology, technical and gained importance after the onset of industrialization – this came with the need for engineering and technical education. Institutes of technology, polytechnic institutes and universities focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); and are research driven.
Mentioned are the top five private Institutes of Technology, Polytechnics, and Technical Institutes :
- MIT (The Massachusetts Institute of Technology), NYIT (New York Institute of Technology), Caltech, Georgiatech.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- Colorado School of Mines
The Ivy League
The Ivy League is a group of eight elite institutions of higher education based out of Northeastern United States. Colleges under the Ivy League began being called by the title – as colleges with exemplary performance in sports, particularly basketball. Now, the term is associated with colleges that offer the highest standards for research, academics, stringent admissions processes and higher tuition fees.
Ivy League colleges receive sizeable funding allowing for fulfillment of research endeavors, academic progress and recourses.
The eight members of the Ivy League are-
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- University Of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
Liberal Arts Colleges
These colleges are four-year institutions of higher education. Liberal arts focus on education at the undergraduate level. The pivotal focus lies greatly towards training students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovative, and professional. Liberal Arts institutions take a much smaller number of 1,000 to 2,500 foreign students every year for study in USA. Owing to the small badge of intakes, students share a healthy rapport with their professors.
Top Courses
It is evident that the United States of America is the most preferred destination for students migrating from foreign countries as it offers the highest calibre of education.
Millions of students choose American academic institutions as their favourite study destinations for countless reasons. The USA stands eminent as far as education is concerned.
Students can choose from a wide spectrum of courses and degree programs in various institutions all across the United States of America. Subject courses at the majority of universities are ranked in the top 10 and top 50 worldwide.
The best Undergraduate course offering for an Indian student in the USA
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration
The best graduate major offering for an Indian student in the USA
- Computer Science
- Embedded Systems
- Business Analytics
- Data Sciences
The Best Associate Degrees for an Indian student in the USA
The USA offers three associate degrees in
- Associate in Arts,
- Associate in Science
- Associate in Applied Science.
Career Outlook
Job opportunities as a student
Owing to the higher cost of life and education in the United States, most Indian students are always in need of menial jobs to cover their expenses. An Indian student who study in USA can be employed for part-time work of 20 hours a week while school is in progress and for a full-time of 40 hours a week when schools/ universities are on breaks. Foreign students are allowed to work in the USA only if they have an approved F1 student visa.
Student job opportunities are of two types- on-campus and off-campus.
Job opportunities after graduation or Post Study work Permit
Designed by ‘Emerging’ an HR consultancy; 51 universities of the USA rank among the top 200 in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. A graduate from the education system in the USA is perceived to be highly skillful and knowledgeable by employers in the country and over the globe.
An Indian student deciding to stay back in the USA for career prospects may apply for a work visa after completing their study in USA. There are 3 types of student visas that allow international students to stay in the USA for a stipulated period after completing their studies – F1 Visa, M1 Visa, and J1 Visa. Following a year of suitable temporary work experience related to their education, students with an F1 visa are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students with OPT visas are permitted to remain and work in the nation for a full year. STEM students can stay back and work for 24 months.
If an applicant is found to be qualified for a position with an HB1 visa, they are permitted to remain and work in the nation for up to six years. HB1 visas can be applied for, with the help of a US employer.
Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students
Universities all around the United States provide high-quality education in exchange for hefty tuition fees.
There are two primary types of universities in the United States: public and private. Tuition costs and the kind of support obtained are the main distinctions between the two groups. It goes without saying that private institutions charge a hefty amount for fees compared to public ones for study in USA.
Furthermore, public universities have a different course structure for –
- Students from within the states
- Students from other states of USA, and international students
The annual cost for Indian students to study in USA is as follows:
Study in USA Cost with programs
| English language studies | $700 – $2,000 A month | Approx INR 51,500 – INR 1,47,000 |
| Community Colleges | $6000-$20,000 Per Year | Approx INR 4,41,000 – INR 14,68,000 |
| Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | $20,000- $40,000 Per Year | Approx INR 14,68,000 – INR 29,50,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $20,000-$45000 Per Year | Approx INR 14,68,000 – INR 33,02,000 |
| Doctoral Degree | $28,000- $55,000 Per Year | Approx INR 20,55,000 – INR 40,35,000 |
Note: The prices and exchange rates may vary in future.
Specialized programs in dentistry, law, medicine, and MBA programs are not included in the costs shown.
Accommodation Costs
Apartment rentals typically cost between $500 (about INR 36,000) and $3,500 (approximately INR 2,57,000). The Cost of life for students who wants to study in USA is higher in the East and North East parts while Mid-east regions offer a moderate standard of life. The average cost of on-campus dormitories can range from $5,304 (about INR 3,90,000) to $8,161 (approximately INR 5,99,000). It is one of the cost-effective living options and so the most preferred one by foreign students.
Additionally, students have to pay for the internet, household and monthly phone bills, gas, public transportation (if a car is not available), books, and other stationary supplies.
Study in USA with scholarship for India Students after 12th
Indian students seeking education in the USA can apply for study in USA with scholarships to ease the burden of tuition fees. Students can apply for scholarships offered by public and private organizations, as well as the US government. An international student applying for scholarships can be funded partially or fully. Scholarships are awarded to a student with exemplary academic records, while some consider a student’s involvement in extracurricular activities, and volunteering. Due to the intense competition, students must apply well in advance, thus they must be mindful of the application deadlines.
Scholarships for Indian students planning to study in the USA (Indicative) –
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships (Government Funded)
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government Funded)
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Government Scholarship)
- UEFA (Non-Government Scholarship)
- AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Government Scholarship)
The amount of scholarship a student can be reward is conditional to the university applied to, and the course desired for pursue. Scholarships of up to 100 percent can be awarded for research.
Visa Application to study in USA
To be eligible to apply for a student visa, a student must be accepted into a university or program. A student visa is a mandate to study in USA. The type of university one is enrolled in and the course type determines if the student gets an F or M visa.
F 1 Student visa are given to students to attend –
- University or college
- High School
- Private elementary school
- Seminary
- Conservatory
- An additional educational institute that offers a language training program
For a maximum of 12 months, students with F1 visas are permitted to attend classes from grade 9 through grade 12.
M 1 student visa are given to a student to attend –
- Vocational study or training
- Non-academic training
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Post receiving an enrolment to a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) school, a student can apply for a SEVIS. A student is required to pay a SEVIS I-901 fee. An I-20 Form is issued by an authorized SEVIS school for SEVIS registration. Students can apply for a class M or class F visa by presenting the form at the US consulate or embassy.
EXTRA : Most universities offer their students the option of acquiring dual degrees simultaneously. The biggest advantage for a student is acquiring two degrees in a shortened span. At a double master’s degree program – a student earns two advanced degrees simultaneously.
Australian Universities make available double major options – where a student can choose to graduate with two areas of specializations.
Admission Requirements to Study in USA Universities after 12th
Admission legibility for a UG and PG courses are different for USA universities. Below we have mentioned the universal admission requirements to study in USA universities.
- Academic Transcripts
- Standardized test scores – SAT or ACT
- Standardized test scores – GMAT, GRE
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, PTE Academic)
- Essay
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of Recommendations
- Copy of your valid passport
- Proof of finances
Cost of living while studying in USA
| 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 |
Study in USA – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much is the cost to study in USA?
A. Tuition cost at US public and state institutions ranges from $8,000 to $35,000 per year. In the USA, tuition for private universities ranges from $25,000 to $55,000, depending on the program and length of study.
Q. Is USA cheap to study?
A. It is true that the cost of higher education in the US is higher than in most other nations. However, it’s also a popular choice to study in USA for international students looking to study abroad. You were probably already aware of these if you plan to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States.
Q. Can Indian students study in USA?
A. Yes, Indian students can study in USA and for 2024, the US has already given around 1.25 lakh student visas to Indians.
Q. What is the top 10 US institutions’ acceptance rate?
A. The following are the top US universities’ acceptance rates for the class of 2023::
- Stanford University: 3.75%
- Harvard University: 4.7%
- Columbia University: 5.4%
- Princeton University: 5.5%
- CalTech: 6.4%
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 6.7%
- University of Chicago: 7.3%