USA
The USA is one of the most popular study destinations globally, attracting Indian students with its high-quality education, diverse academic programs, cultural variety, and extensive research opportunities. With numerous options for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs, the USA provides a dynamic and rewarding academic experience.
Why Study in the United States?
- World-Renowned Universities: The USA hosts many of the top-ranked institutions globally, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and the University of California system. U.S. universities are known for their academic excellence, innovative programs, and faculty expertise, enhancing global employability for graduates.
- Wide Range of Courses and Flexibility: U.S. universities offer a vast array of courses across fields such as engineering, business, medicine, law, social sciences, arts, and technology. American education also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore various subjects.
- CuttingEdge Research and Innovation: The USA is a global leader in research and technology, with many universities offering state-of-the-art labs, research funding, and industry partnerships. Students can participate in groundbreaking research across fields.
- Cultural Diversity: The USA is a melting pot of cultures, with students from around the world. This diversity enriches the learning experience and helps students develop a global outlook.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months post-graduation (up to 36 months for STEM fields), offering valuable work experience and potential pathways to longer-term visas.
- High Standard of Living and Campus Life: The USA offers a high standard of living, with modern amenities and a vibrant campus culture that promotes extracurricular engagement, sports, and social activities.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students
1. Academic Qualifications:
- Undergraduate Programs: Completion of Class 12 from a recognized Indian board. Competitive universities typically require high scores (80% and above) in relevant subjects.
- Graduate Programs: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India, with a GPA equivalent that meets the specific university’s requirements. Some programs may have higher GPA requirements, especially in business, law, and STEM fields.
- Ph.D. Programs: Generally requires a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree with research experience, depending on the program’s requirements.
2. Standardized Tests:
- SAT/ACT: Required for undergraduate programs, depending on the university.
- GRE/GMAT: Required for most graduate programs (GRE for general programs; GMAT for business).
- English Language Proficiency: Indian students must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through:
IELTS: Score of 6.5 or above for most programs.
TOEFL: Score of 80 to 100 for undergraduate programs and 90 to 100 for graduate programs.
PTE: accepted by many institutions, with required scores varying by program.
3. Visa Requirements (F-1 Student Visa):
- Form I-20: Issued by the U.S. university after admission, confirming the student’s enrollment.
- SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee before applying for a visa.
- Proof of Financial Support: Must show proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Visa Interview: Attend an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in India.
Application Process
1. Choose Your Program and Universities:
Research U.S. universities and programs based on your field of interest, budget, and career goals. For undergraduate programs, use the Common Application; for graduate programs, apply directly on university portals.
2. Prepare Required Documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT)
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/CV
- Portfolio (if applicable for arts or design courses)
3. Submit Applications:
Ensure to meet application deadlines, as they vary by program and university. Pay the application fees and submit all required documents.
4. Wait for Admission Offers:
Universities will notify you of admission decisions, which may be conditional on meeting certain requirements.
5. Confirm Admission and Obtain I20:
Accept an admission offer and complete any pre-enrollment steps. The university will then issue your Form I-20, which is required for the F-1 visa application.
6. Apply for Student Visa (F-1):
Complete the online visa application (DS-160), pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
7. Arrange Housing and Travel:
Once your visa is approved, arrange for accommodation (on-campus or off-campus) and book travel to the U.S.
Cost of Studying and Living in the USA
1. Tuition Fees:
Tuition varies by university, course, and degree level:
Undergraduate Programs: $20,000 to $50,000 per year, with private universities generally costing more than public universities.
Graduate Programs: $15,000 to $40,000 per year; professional programs like MBA may cost up to $70,000 annually.
2. Living Expenses:
Living costs depend on location, with major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco being more expensive.
On average: $1,000 to $2,000 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Health Insurance: Most universities require health insurance, costing around $1,500 to $2,000 per year.
3. Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Many U.S. universities offer scholarships based on merit, financial need, or specific fields of study.
- Government Scholarships: Fulbright, Hubert Humphrey Fellowships
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities have funds for international students.
- External Scholarships: Scholarships like the Tata Scholarship and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation are available for Indian students.
Post-Graduation Opportunities
1. Optional Practical Training (OPT):
OPT allows students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation, with STEM students eligible for a 24-month extension, allowing them a total of 36 months of work experience in their field.
2. H-1B Visa:
After OPT, students may apply for an H-1B work visa if they have an employer willing to sponsor them. This visa allows for three years of work (renewable for another three years), providing a path to longer-term employment.
3. Permanent Residency:
While more challenging, skilled workers can eventually pursue permanent residency (Green Card) through employment, making the USA a potential long-term career option.
University List
University of Massachusetts Boston
Massachusetts, USA
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Tennessee, USA
Pace University
New York, USA
Purdue University Northwest
Indiana, USA
ECPI University
Virginia, USA
Notre Dame de Namur University
California, USA
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida, USA
Duquesne University
Pennsylvania, USA
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Colorado, USA
Fisher College
Massachusetts, USA
Middle Tennessee State University
Tennessee, USA
Castleton University
Vermont, USA
Marconi International University
Florida, USA
Eastern Michigan University
Michigan, USA
The DAVE School
Florida, USA
Fairfax University of America (FXUA)
Virginia, USA
Schiller International University - Tampa Campus
Florida, USA
Caucasus International University
Georgia, USA
David Tvildiani Medical University
Georgia, USA
American International College
Missouri, USA
Arkansas State University
Arkansas, USA
University of Charleston
West Virginia, USA
Montana State University Billings
Montana, USA
Kent State University
Ohio, USA
San Jose State University International Gateway
California, USA
State University of New York
New York, USA
Murray State University
Kentucky, USA
Piedmont International University
North Carolina, USA
National University
California, USA
Concordia University Chicago
Illinois, USA
Bay Atlantic University
Washington, USA
University of Cincinnati
Ohio, USA
University of Nebraska
Nebraska, USA
University of Idaho
Idaho, USA
Duke University
North Carolina, USA
Webster University
Missouri, USA
Drexel University
Pennsylvania, USA
University of Tennessee
Tennessee, USA
Jacksonville University
Florida, USA
Western New England University
Massachusetts, USA
University of South Dakota
South Dakota, USA
Full Sail University
Florida, USA
Trine University
Louisiana, USA
The University of Findlay
Ohio, USA
Johnson & Wales University
Rhode Island, USA
California State University San Marcos
Texas, USA
Montana State University
Montana, USA
University of Toledo
Ohio, USA
Southeast Missouri State University
Missouri, USA
University of South Alabama
Alabama, USA
1. Jacksonville State University (only doing for UG): Jacksonville Alabama
2. Troy University: Troy Alabama
3. University of North Alabama: Florence Alabama
4. University of South Alabama: Mobile Alabama
5. University of West Alabama: Livingston Alabama
6. Arkansas State University: Jonesboro Arkansas
7. Northern Arizona University: Flagstaff Arizona
8. Academy of Art University: San Francisco California
9. California Baptist University: Riverside California
10. California Lutheran University: Thousand Oaks California
11. California Miramar University: San Diego California
12. California State University @ Bakersfield Campus: Bakersfield California
13. California State University @ Fresno Campus: Fresno California
14. California State University @ Northridge Campus: Northridge California
15. California State University @ San Bernardino: San Bernardino California
16. California State University @ San Marcos: San Marcos California
17. California State University @ Sacramento: Sacramento California
18. California State University @ Stanislaus: Turlock California
19. Golden Gate University (Only Graduate): San Francisco California
20. International American University: Los Angeles California
21. Jessup University: Rocklin / San Jose California
22. Pacific State University: Los Angeles California
23. San Francisco State University: San Francisco California
24. San Jose State University: San Jose California
25. Simpson University (Only for UG): Redding California
26. Woodbury University: Burbank California
27. Post University: Waterbury Connecticut
28. Sacred Heart University: Fairfield Connecticut
29. University of New Haven: West Haven Connecticut
30 Regis University: Denver Colorado
31. Wilmington University: New Castle Delaware
32. Florida International University (School of Business Only): Miami Florida
33. Florida National University: Hialeah Florida
34. Full Sail University: Winter Park Florida
35. Hillsborough Community College: Tampa Florida
36. St. Thomas University: Miami Gardens Florida
37. University of Central Florida: Orlando Florida
38. Brenau University: Gainesville Georgia
39. Herzing University Atlanta: Atlanta Georgia
40. The Savannah College of Art and Deisgn: Savannah Georgia
41. University of North Georgia: Gainesville / Dahlonega Georgia
42. University of Idaho: Moscow Idaho
43. College of Lake county: Grayslake Illinois
44. DePaul University: Chicago Illinois
45. Devry University: Lisle Illinois
46. Dominican University: River Forest Illinois
47. Elmhurst University: Elmhurst Illinois
48. North Park University: Chicago Illinois
49. Northeastern Illinois University: Chicago Illinois
50. Roosevelt University: Chicago Illinois
51. Indiana Tech: Fort Wayne Indiana
52. Purdue University Northwest: Hammond Indiana
53. Trine University: Angola Indiana
54. University of Indianapolis (Only for UG): Indianapolis Indiana
55. Upper Iowa University: Fayette Iowa
56. Ottawa University (Only MBA Information Technolgy program): Overland Park: Overland Park Kansas
57. Pittsburg State University: Pittsburgh Kansas
58. University of Kansas (Only for UG): Lawrence Kansas
59. Wichita State University: Wichita Kansas
60. Eastern Kentucky University: Richmond Kentucky
61. Midway University: Midway Kentucky
62. Murray State University: Murray Kentucky
63. University of Louisville: Louisville Kentucky
64. Western Kentucky University: Bowling Green Kentucky
65. Johns Hopkins University (Only Education Program): Baltimore Maryland
66. Fisher College: Boston Massachusetts
67. MCPH Univeristy: Boston Massachusetts
68. Salem State University: Salem Massachusetts
69. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth: Dartmouth Massachusetts
70. Western New England University: Springfield Massachusetts
71. Alma College: Alma Michigan
72. Eastern Michigan University: Ypsilanti Michigan
73. Lawrence Technological University: Southfield Michigan
74. Saginaw Valley State University: Saginaw Michigan
75. University of Detroit Mercy: Detroit Michigan
76. University of Michigan – Flint: Flint Michigan
77. Southwest Minnesota State University: Marshall Minnesota
78. Mississippi State University: Mississippi Mississippi
79. Missouri Southern State University (only for UG): Joplin Missouri
80. Northwest Missouri State University: Maryville Missouri
81. Southeast Missouri State University: Cape Girardeau Missouri
82. St. Louis University: St. Louis Missouri
83. University of Central Missouri: Warrensburg Missouri
84. Webster University: Webster Groves Missouri
85. University of Nebraska @ Omaha: Omaha Nebraska
86. College of Southern Nevada (only for UG): Las Vegas Nevada
87. University of Nevada @ Las Vegas: Las Vegas Nevada
88. Montclair State University: Montclair New Jersey
89. New Jersey Institute of Technology: Newark New Jersey
90. Rowan University: Glassboro New Jersey
91. Stevens Institute of Technology: Hoboken New Jersey
92. University of New Mexico: Albuquerque New Mexico
93. Alfred University: Alfred New York
94. Berkeley College: New York City New York
95. Clarkson University: Potsdam New York
96. Digital Film Academy: New York City New York
97. Long Island University @ Brooklyn: Brooklyn New York
98. Long Island University @ C.W. Post: Brookville New York
99. Marist College: Poughkeepsie New York
100. Monroe College: New Rochelle New York
101. New York Film Academy: New York City New York
102. New York Institute of Technology: Old Westbury New York
103. Pace University: New York City New York
104. Rochester Institute of Technology: Rochester New York
105. State University of New York @ Buffalo State: Buffalo New York
106. State University of New York @ Geneseo: Geneseo New York
107. State University of New York @ Old Westbury: Old Westbury New York
108. State University of New York @ Oneonta (Only UG): Oneonta New York
109. State University of New York @ Oswego: Oswego New York
110. State University of New York @ Polytechnic: Utica New York
111. Yeshiva University: New York City New York
112. Yeshiva University: New York City New York
113. Ashland University: Ashland Ohio
114. Case Western Reserve University: Cleveland Ohio
115. Kent State University: Kent Ohio
116. Tiffin University: Tiffin Ohio
117. University of Findlay: Findlay Ohio
118. University of Mount Union: Alliance Ohio
119. University of Toledo (Only for UG): Toledo Ohio
120. Wright State University: Dayton Ohio
121. Youngstown State University: Youngstown Ohio
122. Oklahoma City University: Oklahoma City Oklahoma
123. Oklahoma State University (Only for UG): Stillwater Oklahoma
124. University of Central Oklahoma: Edmond Oklahoma
125. Portland State University (Only UG): Portland Oregon
126. University of Oregon (Only for UG): Eugene Oregon
127. Western Oregon University: Monmouth Oregon
128. Alvernia University: Reading Pennsylvania
129. Duquesne University: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
130. Gannon University: Eair Pennsylvania
131. Harrisburg University of Science & Technology: Harrisburg Pennsylvania
132. Indiana University of Pennsylvania: Indiana Pennsylvania
133. Robert Morris University: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
134. La Salle University: Philadelphia Pennsylvania
135. Johnson & Wales University: Providence Rhode Island
136. Charleston Southern University: Charleston South Carolina
137. College of Charleston: Charleston South Carolina
138. University of South Carolina UpState: Spartanburg South Carolina
139. Austin Peay State University: Clarksville Tennessee
140. Christian Brothers University: Memphis Tennessee
141. East Tenneessee State University: Johnson City Tennessee
142. Middle Tennessee State University: Murfreesboro Tennessee
143. Tennessee Technological University: Cookeville Tennessee
144. The University of Tennessee Knxoville: Knoxville Tennessee
145. University of Memphis: Memphis Tennessee
146. LeTourneau University: Longview Texas
147. McMurry University: Abilene Texas
148. Midwestern State University: Wichita Falls Texas
149. Texas State University: San Marcos Texas
150. Texas Wesleyan University: Fort Worth Texas
151. University of Houston Clear Lake: Houston Texas
152. University of Mary Hardin: Belton Texas
153. University of North Texas: Denton Texas
154. Weber State University: Ogden Utah
155. University of Utah (Only for UG): Salt Lake City Utah
156. City University of Seattle: Seattle Washington
157. Lake Washington Institute of Technology: Kirkland Washington
158. Seattle University: Seattle Washington
159. Seattle Pacific University: Seattle Washington
160. Concordia University- Wisconsin: Mequon Wisconsin
161. Marquette University: Milwaukee Wisconsin
162. University of Wisconsin @ Stout: Menomonie Wisconsin
163. University of Wisconsin- Whitewater: Whitewater Wisconsin
164. Lakeland University: Plymouth Wisconsin
Conclusion
Studying in the USA provides Indian students with access to a high-quality education system, diverse campus environments, and ample research and career opportunities. With careful planning around admission requirements, visa processes, and financial aspects, studying in the USA can be an invaluable, life-changing experience.
