The United States of America is the land of opportunities. Every year, thousands of students from all over the world come to the USA to study. There are many reasons why international students choose to study in the United States. The United States has some of the best colleges and universities in the world and offers a wide variety of degree programs. So, if you are planning to study in the USA, you will be spoilt for choice!
Why Is Studying In The USA Better For Indian Students?
Education is the key to success in any field, and the United States has long been recognized as a world leader in education. Every year, students from all over the world come to the United States to study at its renowned colleges and universities.
So, what makes the United States such an attractive destination for students? There are many reasons, but some of the most important ones include the quality of education, the opportunity to learn English, and the chance to experience American culture.
Studying in the US offers students a variety of educational opportunities. In 2021-2022, 199,182 students from around the world chose to study in the United States. India was particularly well-represented, with 82,000 student visas issued from June to August of this year and Indian students making up 21% of all foreign students studying in the US—a sharp increase from 11.8 per cent over the last decade.
When looking at what attracts these international students to pursue an education in America, there are several notable factors: specific subjects not available back home; experiencing different cultures; and enhancing their competitiveness when entering the job market. The costs involved obviously factor into the decision-making process as well as the availability of financial aid and the university’s reputation. As such, student interest is a critical part of determining which courses and universities are most popular within higher education institutions across America.
Tuition Cost At Different USA Universities
International students usually assesses multiple courses according to various criteria, with tuition cost being a key factor. While certain universities charge exorbitant amounts per year, other options may be more economical. The College Board generally estimates the amount required for studying in the US at around US$60,000 annually, however, this estimate is subject to significant fluctuations depending on the college of choice. It’s consequently important to research different universities and their respective fees.
Those looking for the most economical way to pursue a degree in the US will find that tuition fees are lower within the public sector. A state college system, which is made up of various colleges operating independently but under some shared administrative functions, offers two tuition rates: one for residents of that particular state and another, a higher rate for all other students. Private universities tend to be smaller and have more diverse students since there’s only one tuition rate no matter where you’re coming from.
College Board reveals that published tuition fees for 2018/19 at state colleges averaged US$10,230 for local students and $26,290 for out-of-region applicants. Private non-profit universities had an average cost of $35,830 while public-sector two-year colleges were the lowest with an average of $3,660 per year. Though complete degrees can’t be earned at a two-year college yet they can still get an associate’s degree which serves as the first half of a four-year bachelor’s degree program; after which students can transfer to a university where they can finish off their degrees.
Job Opportunities For Indian Students
The United States provides numerous job opportunities for both international and domestic professionals. Thanks to a strong economic structure and skills shortage across various sectors, the US is in demand of people with particular skill sets. As such, working in the US can be a great way for international students who are looking for permanent employment there to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Common areas of employment include healthcare, film production, real estate, retail sector, agriculture, engineering and computers & information technology. Also available are internship programs that allow students to gain an income while learning the intricacies of their preferred industry – making studying in the US even more attractive!
Are you an international student studying in the USA? Taking on a part-time job during your first year of study is an option for you. You can also intern or take on practical training to gain university credit and learn skills related to your field. Additionally, study abroad programs offer valuable cultural and educational experiences while extra-curricular activities provide useful job experience. After graduating with an F-1 visa, you have the opportunity to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), meaning you can work in your chosen field for 12-24 months following the completion of your studies.
If luck is on your side, some companies will even sponsor international students under an H1-B Temporary Worker Visa, allowing them to stay living in the USA as long as they work with that same company. Every university has its own career services department that assists students with their résumés and teaches interview techniques geared towards successful employment opportunities.
Best Locations To Study In The USA
The US boasts the highest number of entries across the latest QS Best Student Cities index, with 11 cities listed among the top 75. The considerable presence is thanks to its excellent universities, diverse locations, and employability opportunities – despite lower affordability ratings. Despite these higher costs for students, we continue to see a steady influx of new international students each year.
To learn more about each location and the associated university rankings – see below for a list of the best student cities in the US:
1. Boston
Boston offers aspiring students the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s brightest minds. Home to two of the best universities in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, Boston ranks as one of the top cities for higher education. Five additional universities within Boston are ranked among the top 400 globally, making it a prime destination for those looking for quality education and valuable connections. Employer activity is high in this prestigious city, illustrating its appeal not just to students but also to potential employers. Plus, with its vibrant art and culture scene and reputation for sports and pubs, you’ll never run out of things to do while pursuing your studies in Boston!
2. New York
Ranked 20th on the Best Student Cities list, New York is one of the most vibrant cities on earth. Iconic monuments to financial power fill the skyline, and unseen rhythms drive the legendary music and fashion scenes. Foodies can enjoy world-class delis and street eats. Fresh opportunities also await aspiring learners at ten top universities that find themselves ranked among the world’s best, Columbia University (22nd) and New York University (53rd) chief among them. And topping it all off, New York offers an unbeatable quality of life, if expensive in cost. In terms of desirability among US cities for studying abroad, it takes first prize; Boston falls just short in sixth place.
3. San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful US city with plenty of appeal for international students. It’s right next door to Silicon Valley, one of the world’s leading tech hubs, and it also boasts an excellent selection of universities – Stanford and UC Berkeley being two standout options, ranked 3rd and 26th worldwide respectively. What’s more, the area is an appealing prospect for those looking to launch a career in tech following graduation; many of the best companies are based here, resulting in great opportunities for talented students. San Francisco is more affordable than certain other cities in terms of living costs; plus tuition fees are relatively high but manageable.
4. Chicago
Deep in the heart of ‘The Windy City,’ you won’t want to miss out on experiencing everything that Chicago has to offer! Named as the 30th best student city in the world, it’s no surprise why – Chicago is brimming with a rich culture, particularly in its renowned blues and jazz scene. Chicago is a wonderful city with a great academic environment. Not only is there the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, but two more universities within the top 500 in the world. Furthermore, employers are well-represented in Chicago, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a job here. If you’re looking for an amazing place to live and work, be sure to check out Chicago!
5. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is an amazing place, with almost year-round sunshine that you can enjoy no matter what outdoor activities you love. It’s a city that runs on creativity, from music to film and television; most of all, though, it’s known for its pursuit of beauty, thanks to its gorgeous beaches. University of California Los Angeles is an incredible top-tier university, and its #14 Best Global Rankings is a testament to that. Their outstanding performance in several fields has earned them recognition on the global stage. We can’t wait to see all of their amazing future accomplishments!
6. Washington DC
Washington DC is an extraordinary place for students to learn, explore and grow! With a stunning mix of US history, politics and monuments, it’s no surprise that it ranked in the top student cites overall. Colleges and universities are scattered throughout Washington, with most located in the Seattle metropolitan area. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s best research universities, midsize colleges, small liberal arts schools and art institutions – publicly funded by the cities of Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue and Olympia. And don’t forget to check out the University of Washington at #55 in National Universities – just north of downtown Seattle with its long history dating back to being one of the West Coast’s oldest public universities.
7. Atlanta
Atlanta is an amazing city for students looking to go to college! Not only does the city boast one of the largest university systems in the country, but there’s also plenty of big city perks, like stunning nature and college football rivalries. Many schools are STEM focused and offer unique experiences not found anywhere else. Emory University, ranked #22 in National Universities and located in a suburb of Atlanta, is a great place to get your education underway. And Georgia State University – Ranked #234 nationally – offers classes right downtown. Whatever field you’re looking into, Atlanta has it all!
How To Choose The Right Course To Study In USA?
With so many excellent universities and courses available in the United States, it can be difficult to narrow down your options as an international student. The best advice is to start by researching the length of course, cost and rankings, then making a keen decision about what you want to study. You’ll need to decide what type of degree you want to study for. Are you looking for a undergraduate degree, or a graduate degree? Once you’ve decided on the level of study, you can start narrowing down your options by field of study. Next, you’ll need to consider your budget. Studying in the USA can be expensive, so you’ll need to make sure you can afford your chosen course.
Making the decision to study in the USA opens up a plethora of career opportunities and expansive learning possibilities. Whether you’re interested in Life Sciences, Business Management or Dentistry, Nursing, IT, Law, Pharmacy or something else entirely — there is a course available that will suit your goals and ambitions. Think about what you want to achieve with your studies and begin exploring your options today!