The United States of America (USA) hosts the most number of international students in the world. Quality education, unique curriculum, multicultural environment, and abundant opportunities are just some of the reasons why many Indian students want to study in the US.

Here are top 5 reasons why studying in the US could be the best decision of your life:

1. Academic excellence

The US boasts of some of the finest universities, a lot of which consistently rank in the world university rankings. American institutions are also known to have high academic standards, follow rigorous practices to maintain quality and are well-supported to be able to offer excellent education to its students. 

As per the QS World ranking 2019. 33 of the top 100 universities are from the US. Similarly, TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION RANKING has also ranked seven of the American universities in its top 10.

2. Flexible education system

American universities and colleges offer a myriad of courses and programs to choose from. You have the freedom to not only select the course content, but also the structure. At the undergraduate level, you have the liberty to pursue different courses before they you declare your major at the end of the second year. This helps to explore your subject interest and then decide without much hurry. Similarly, for your graduate studies, you can choose your preference and when you progress for your dissertation, you can focus on the ideas you want to emphasize upon.

3. Excellent support system for international students

American universities understand the struggles of international students and therefore conduct regular orientation programs, workshops and training to offer assistance. In fact, the international student office helps students like you to get accustomed to a new kind of lifestyle – whether it is an academic query, cultural or social, the staff will be there to assist you round the clock.

4. Cultural diversity

Pedagogy in American classrooms

USA universities place great significance on diversity, meaning classes will consist of students of different ages, religions and ethnicity. This provides a stimulating and interesting learning atmosphere that motivates cross-cultural understanding and socializing.

Most classes will have no more than 20 students and the faculty member will take the time to get to know students and their strengths. Interactive and practical learning are the basis of American teaching. Professors are usually willing to new ideas and new peoplespend time outside of class to offer further support. Campuses in the US also offer an active social life with many clubs and organisations for students to meet other students with similar interests and further career opportunities.

Academic year

Most American universities and colleges commence their classes in August/September usually known as the Fall session. A few others also provide a January/February intake, called as the Spring intake that goes on till April. In fact, a Summer intake is also available for limited programs and colleges between the months of May and August.

The duration of each course depends on the university and specialisation. Most bachelor’s degrees take three to four years, master’s take one to two years and doctoral degrees may take four to seven years. The academic year at many colleges comprises ofereby making it a rich and stimulating education experience. Growing in the midst of diversity will provide you with strong personality traits and skills that will be valuable in the international market. These days employers prefer students with a multi-cultural background, which you would get a great taste of in the US. A one of a kind international exposure, the US will help you explore variety of cuisines, customs, festivals and art too.

5. Lively and vibrant campus life

It’s a known fact that campus life of the US is matchless. Irrespective of the university you study in, you will find yourself in the midst of new cultural experiences and the American way of life. Embrace it and open yourself up tw testers. Some may have a three-term calendar where it is referred to as the trimester system.

Home to the maximum number of international students, the US provides a diverse range of courses for all study levels. Here’s a rundown on the education system of the US.

Study levels in the US

– Elementary school

– Middle school/Junior high school

- High school 

- Higher education

Types of institutions

 There are various types of institutions in the US that provide quality education. These can be categorised into:

Colleges

Smaller than the universities, colleges generally provide undergraduate degrees. Community colleges, an affordable study option in the US, offer two-year associate degrees after which you can continue your studies in the university for another two years to gain an undergraduate degree.

Universities

Offer research-based masters, doctoral and post-doctoral degrees. There are mainly two types of universities in the US:

Public universities

Mostly state universities, established and run by the state government

Private universities:

 A mix of profit and not-for-profit supported by tuition fee and donations; approximately 20% of students attend private universities.

Fee structure

Tuition fee solely depends on the type of qualification and university or college you choose. Courses in medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The tuition fee spent annually can range anywhere between US$ 10,000 and US$55,000.

Pedagogy in American classrooms

USA universities place great significance on diversity, meaning classes will consist of students of different ages, religions and ethnicity. This provides a stimulating and interesting learning atmosphere that motivates cross-cultural understanding and socializing.

Most classes will have no more than 20 students and the faculty member will take the time to get to know students and their strengths. Interactive and practical learning are the basis of American teaching. Professors are usually willing to spend time outside of class to offer further support. Campuses in the US also offer an active social life with many clubs and organisations for students to meet other students with similar interests and further career opportunities.

Academic year

Indian students in the US are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your earned income may be taxable. “>The duration of each course depends on the university and specialisation. Most bachelor’s degrees take three to four years, master’s take one to two years and doctoral degrees may take four to seven years. The academic year at many colleges comprises of two terms called the semesters. Some may have a three-term calendar where it is referred to as the trimester system.

Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in the US or seek scholarship in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent. 

Studying abroad can be an expensive affair for students studying in the US. However, an efficient budget plan can help you manage your living expenses more effectively. Before you depart from India, ensure that you consider expenses like accommodation, food, health coverage and travel along with your tuition fee when calculating the estimated cost of studying in the US. 

1. Tuition fee is your prime expenditure

3. Cost of your student visa

To study in the us, the first step is to secure a valid student visa and that comes with its own costs (approx. US$ 160 as an application fee). Feel free to consult your LCS GETWAY ABROAD COUNSELLOR for latest updates and information on the visa application process and related costs. 

4. Living expenses

You need to keep a little money aside for your grocery shopping, social activities and emergencies. When living in a foreign country as a student, it is better to keep track of your expenditures so that you do not overspend. Considering various expenses and living costs, a single student budget in the US comes between US$ 10,000 and US$ 25,000 per academic year (indicative) depending on the city they choose to live. 

5. Keep safe. Consider health support and insurance

It is mandatory for all students travelling to the US from India to get medical insurance before the commencement of their program. Several American universities and colleges have initiated comprehensive health insurance plans for international students, but that is applicable as long your program is ongoing and ceases upon completion. 

Certain institutions may not offer any insurance, and hence you will have to arrange for private medical insurance (your IDP counsellor will guide you with the same). Extensive health and support services are readily available for all Indian students in the US. As per the American College Health Association, the average cost of a student health insurance plan ranges between USD 1,500-2,500 for a year. 

7. Don’t ignore your taxes

Indian students in the US are allowed to work 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations. If you choose to work along with your studies, your earned income may be taxable. 

Remember, the exchange rate variations may also affect your budgeting. We suggest you also look for a part-time job while you are studying in the US or seek scholarship in the universities you apply to. This can help lower your cost of studying abroad to a great extent. span style=”font-weight: 300; font-size: 18px; font-family: BuenosAires-Light; color: rgb(29, 32, 44);”>Universities in the US are majorly divided into two categories – Public/State and Private. The education cost at a public/state university is comparatively lesser than that of a private institution. Your expenditure on tuition fee depends on the type of qualification and university or school you opt for. To cover tuition fees, you will need approx. $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) a year (indicative). 

Most commonly, humanities, arts and education courses are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at postgraduate level, the tuition fees are typically higher and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs is approx. $35,000 yearly (indicative).

2. Where will you live? Calculate accommodation costs

Most universities in the US offer on-campus residence to international students. Living as a resident on-campus is a very affordable option, however, you need to apply for it separately, and well ahead in time to secure a slot for yourself.  

You can also opt for off-campus accommodation wherein you can share apartments with other students from India or live in a home stay with a local family. In such cases, you should be open to adjusting to a different lifestyle than India. Remember, the rentals vary from city to city.

If you opt to rent an apartment, you will have to additionally pay for utility bills like electricity, internet, water usage and also tenant’s insurance (in some areas of housing). In most cases, universities help the students in finding accommodation, both on-campus as well as off-campus. The accommodation cost in the US varies by region and lies somewhere between $6,000 and $14,000 per year.

The US Government offers three different student visa types:



The US Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on your age and the type of study you wish to pursue in the US.

The US Government offers three different student visa types:



As a primary step, you must first apply and be accepted by a US school or university that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution’s international student office, which is a paper record of your information in the database called the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Documents required for a US student visa

When applying for your student visa for the US, you will generally need:

- A valid passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US (unless exempt by country specific agreements)

- Acceptance at a SEVP approved school and your Form I-20

–Application fee payment for the SEVIS

-Non-immigrant visa application and the Form DS-160 confirmation page

-Your photograph in the requested format, and number

Some additional documents that might be required include:

- Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates

-Evidence that you have sufficient funds to maintain your living expenses throughout the period of your stay in the US. This may include:

1.Bank statements

2.Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs

3.A scholarship program

-Evidence that you will leave the US once you have completed your course of study. This can be in the form of an air ticket out of the US to your home country

Applying for your visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the US Embassy and onsulates India website. You can apply up to 120 days before your intended date of program’s start date. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

Visa fee

As an applicant from outside the US, you will have to pay US$160 as an application visa fee 

There is now a US$350 SEVIS fee on F and M visa applications and US$220 on most of the J Visa applications, this includes the cost of the computer system which is used to record your stay in the United States (SEVIS).

English language requirements

To gain your US student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognized by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

US educational institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 band. 

When you first arrive in the US, you must:

–Contact your designated school official on a priority basis

-Contact your designated school official again, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20 

While studying in the US, you will need to observe the following rules:

–You must attend and pass all of your classes. If you are finding your studies too difficult, you should speak with your designated school official (DSO) immediately

-If you think you will be unable to complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20, you must talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension

-You must take a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately

-You cannot drop below a full course of study without consulting with your DSO

You can always contact us for a free counselling session and we can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.