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United States

About USA

The United States of America or America is the third-largest country both in size and population. The USA is a constitution-based Federal Republic, located in the western hemisphere of North America.
The USA shares its borders with Canada, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
The federal republic consists of 50 states, a federal district, and five major self-governing territories.
The currency of the USA is the US Dollar, and the capital city is Washington DC, and the biggest city in terms of population in the USA is New York City.
Some Iconic landmarks include Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Space Centre, Hoover Dam, Niagara Falls, Yellowstone National Park and Golden Gate Bridge.

Climate

The general climate of the country is moderate. However, the southern part of the country tends to have a more moderate temperature than the north.

Spring is from March to May. Autumn is from September to November they are generally cooler months and a more comfortable time to visit.
The summers is from June to August they are regarded as hot seasons, winter is from December to February.
The Pacific Coastal region, i.e. California, Oregon and Washington, has an oceanic climate, and generally freezing winters.

Economy

The USA comprises a mixed market economy and is the world’s leading economy with a GDP of $20.93 trillion.
The economy of the USA represents almost 20% of the total global output, and its service sector accounts for 80% of the output with dominated by technology, financial services, healthcare and retail sectors.
More than one-fifth of the world’s fortune 500 companies originate from the United States.
The country has one of the largest and most influential financial markets in the world - The New York Stock Exchange.
Trade is an important aspect of the US economy, as it is the largest trading nation in the world, with a combined value of exports and imports making up 28% of its total GDP. The three largest trading partners are Canada, China, and Mexico.
The country remains the world's largest manufacturer, as 133 of the world's 500 largest companies are headquartered in the US.

Why study in USA?

American colleges are known for their academic excellence as they provide the world’s most adequate education with excellent programs across all discipline subjects. American colleges have an advanced stage of undergraduate programs that allows opting for multiple specializations. Universities in USA welcome international students to pursue higher education in The United States and universities have a support system for an international student to help them in to help them for their comfort zone.

Universities of the USA provide resources to students in terms of the latest technology and scientific techniques. The USA is the most preferred educational destination for international students as it provides a platform to interact and understand the culture of fellow students from different countries. Graduation from American colleges is recognized internationally as a highly prestigious academic accomplishment.

Top Seven universities in the USA include

Stanford University
Harvard University
California Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of California Berkeley
Yale University
Princeton University

American Education System/ Academics in the USA

The higher education system in the USA is quite different from other countries' education systems. It consists of four levels, i.e., Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, Master Degrees, Doctoral degrees.

An Associate Degree is a two-year course that counted as the first two years of a Bachelor degree.
A Bachelor Degree is a more academic-oriented course than an associate degree; its duration is 3-4 years.
A Master Degree is job oriented and has a detailed study of the particular subject, and the course duration is 1-4 years.
A Doctoral Degree takes 5-8 years and is strictly research based under supervision.

Intakes in the USA

There are two prominent intakes in the USA, i.e., Fall and Spring.

The fall intake begins in August: Most of the courses are available and the most preferred intake among the international students.

Spring or Winter Intake: Starts in January, and it provides a few courses.

However, Universities in USA also have summer intakes, but it is limited to specific courses.

Scholarships to study in the USA

Education in the United States is expensive and many international students seek scholarships to manage their overall budget. Scholarships are primarily based on academic ability and merit.

There are two types of scholarship. (Merit based and Need Based)

Full scholarships pay student’s entire expense tuition fee, accommodation, and stationary.

This scholarship partially funds the student, i.e., it only pays tuition fees.

USA Study Visa Requirements

Students need to apply for an F class USA student visa, and it covers the complete course duration. It's essential to fill Form DS - 160 before an interview for your student visa. After confirmation, payment options are:

Fee Payment Options:

Demand Draft ( In favor of “U.S. Embassy” payable at par)

Credit Card ( Master or Visa)

Over the Counter: Indian National Rupees or Dollar currencies (approved Axis Bank or Citibank)

Post Study Work (PSW) Permit in USA

Post Study work permit is an important aspect for international students going for higher education in USA. There are three types of student visa which allows students to stay back in USA for a limited time period after completion of their studies.

Fee Payment Options:

F1 Visa

M1 Visa

J1 Visa

International students holding F1 visa can stay for 1 year after completion of studies and go for temporary employment directly. F1 visa holders can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Living Expenses

On an average, a student spends approximately $15000 - 18000/year to study in USA. But the expenses also depend on the place i.e., if a student stays in a metropolitan city like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, etc., the expenses could go up to $20000 in comparison to a student studying in a suburban area where the expenses will be around $10000 to $12000 / year. Higher education in USA for Indian students often involves living in suburban areas, however this may add up to the student’s transportation cost. But colleges do provide transportation passes for the same. Living afar would result in more time consumption.

Accommodation

During your study in USA, accommodation is of two types i.e., a student can either stay On-Campus (Halls of Residence/Students hostel) or Off-Campus (Home stay, Apartments/Flats). Staying Off-Campus is much cheaper but it is always advisable that the student should stay on-campus for the first six months to be able to interact with classmates and also be accustomed to the environment.

Health Insurance

Insurance Policy for international students is mandatory. Insurance costs approximately between $1000-$2000/year. It is advisable that students must include insurance from an Indian Insurance Company, but make sure that it covers medical expenses, personal accidents, dental treatment, study interruption, passport loss etc. Higher education in USA for Indian students Insurance is basically cashless so a student does not need to pay money at the time of hospitalization.

Cities

New York City, New York

Blacksburg

Chicago, Illinois

San Jose

Fort Collins

Hoboken

Fairfax

Tucson

Universities & Colleges in USA

University of Connecticut, Connecticut (Public Ivy - Only UG)
Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
University of California, Riverside, California (Graduate Business Programs & College of Engineering and UCR Extension)
Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia (Only UG Pathways)
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (UG Gateways, College of Engg-MS only and IEP)
University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware (Only UG)
George Mason University, Fairfax County, Virginia
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
Duke University, Durham, North Carolina (Master of International Development Policy)
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois
University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Auburn University, Alabama
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (Only UG)
University of Cincinnati, Ohio (Only UG – Pathway and Direct entry)
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio (Master of Financial Economics; All UG Programs)
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
University of the Pacific, Stockton, California
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas (Only UG)
University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Only UG)
Baylor University, Waco, Texas (Only UG – Pathway and Direct entry)
Graduate School at UMBC, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
University of Albany, The State University of New York, Albany (SUNY Albany)
University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
University of Colorado Denver, Colorado
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colorado
State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Utica, New York
The State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz)
State University of New York at Fredonia (UG, PG Pathway and Direct Entry)
State University of New York at Plattsburgh (SUNY Plattsburgh)
State University of New York College at Old Westbury, New York
Queens College of the City University of New York (Only UG pathway and Direct)
University of California, Irvine, California (Masters of Laws (LL.M.); Division of Continuing Education)
American University Washington D.C
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Only UG)
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln (only UG)
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Massachusetts
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts (MCPHS University)
University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts (UG, PG Pathway and Direct Entry)
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts
University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire (Direct Entry and UG/PG Pathway)
Adelphi University, New York- Garden City and Manhattan Campus
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida (Only UG)
University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
San Jose State University, San Jose, California
San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Fresno
California State University, East Bay
California State University, Channel Islands
California State University, Sacramento
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Stanislaus
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, Monterey Bay
Humboldt State University, California
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (College of the Extended University)
Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, Washington
California Baptist University, Riverside, California
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey
Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida
Pace University, New York City
Drew University, Madison, New Jersey
DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois (Direct Entry and UG/PG Pathway)
University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut (Direct Entry and UG/PG Pathway)
Florida International University, Miami, Florida (All UG Programs) (PG Programs - Chapman Graduate School of Business and College of Engineering)
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln (Only UG)
University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, Florida & Prescott, Arizona)
Mississippi State University, Oktibbeha County, Mississippi
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin
University of Nevada, Reno
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), Missouri
Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, Tennessee
Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, Florida
Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Gannon University, Erie, Pennsylvania
The University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania
Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama
Hofstra University, Long Island, New York (UG, PG Pathway and Direct Entry)
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia
Long Island University, Post, New York
Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York
Glasgow Caledonian New York College
Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi, Texas
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois
Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut
Dakota State University, Madison, South Dakota
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut
Murray State University, Murray, Kentucky
Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut
Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
NY Tech, New York (NYIT)
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan
Saint Leo University, St. Leo, Florida
Johnson and Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri
Missouri State University, Springfield, Missour
California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California (School of Management)
Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington (Direct Entry and UG/PG Pathway)
Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio
Weber State University, Ogden, Utah
University of Tampa, Florida
University of Nebraska, Kearney, Nebraska (Only UG)
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, New Hampshire
National University, San Diego, California
Troy University, Troy, Alabama
Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas
Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, Texas
Jefferson University, St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Western New England University, Springfield, Massachusetts
Rivier University, Nashua, New Hampshire
Northwood University, Midland, Michigan
Rider University, Lawrence Township, New Jersey
Atlantis University, Miami, Florida
Valparaiso University, Indiana
Trine University, Angola, Indiana
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California (Only PG)
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Wisconsin
Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina
University of Charleston, Charleston, West Virginia
DeVry University, Downers Grove, Illinois
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia (Only UG)
Tiffin University, Tiffin, Ohio
Academy of Art University, San Francisco, California
Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Cleary University, Howell, Michigan
New York Film Academy, New York City
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa
Briar Cliff University, Sioux city, Iowa
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan
Webster University Missouri (St. Louis), Orlando (Florida), Irvine (California) campus
Park University, Parkville, Missouri
The University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio
Hult International Business School Boston, San Francisco, New York campus
Simmons University, Boston, Massachusetts (Only UG)
Schiller International University, Largo, Florida
Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, Texas
Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee (Only UG)
Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, Rhode Island
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York
Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi
Monroe College, Bronx, New York
New England College, Henniker, New Hampshire
Berkeley College, New Jersey & New York
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD), Lakewood, Colorado
Richard Bland College of William & Mary, Petersburg, Virginia (UG Pathway only)
Fisher College, Boston, Massachusetts
Green River College, Auburn, Washington
Seattle Central Community College, Seattle, Washington
San Mateo Colleges of Silicon Valley (Cañada College, College of San Mateo, & Skyline College), California
Santa Ana College, California
California State University, Los Angeles (ELP Programs at UG/PG Level)
UMass Amherst (ECE MS 1+1 Programs)
Cambridge Centre for International Research (Summer Program)
Summer Discovery. Discovery Internship and Jr. Internship