📌 Why students choose
The USA attracts students seeking world-leading research, flexible curricula, and unmatched industry links in technology, business, healthcare, and the arts. The diversity of campuses and cities offers strong networks, internships, and career mobility. Degrees are widely recognized and the OPT pathway (with a longer STEM option) helps graduates gain US work experience.
🎯 Admission Requirements
Requirement | Bachelor’s (UG) | Master’s (PG) |
Academic Background | 12 years schooling; solid GPA (≈2.5–3.0/4.0+) | 4-year Bachelor’s; GPA ≈2.7–3.0/4.0+ |
English Tests | IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL iBT 70–90 | IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL iBT 80–100 |
Standardized Tests | SAT/ACT (varies; many test-optional) | GRE/GMAT for some programs (many test-optional) |
Documents | SOP, 2–3 LORs, Resume/CV, transcripts, financial proof | SOP, 2–3 LORs, Resume/CV, transcripts, financial proof |
Funds/Proof | I‑20 showing first-year tuition + living | I‑20 showing first-year tuition + living |
Intakes | Mainly Fall (Aug/Sep), also Spring (Jan) | Mainly Fall (Aug/Sep), also Spring (Jan) |
Visa | F‑1 (work: on‑campus up to 20 hrs/wk) | F‑1 (CPT/OPT options; STEM OPT adds 24 months) |
💰 Tuition & Fees (per year)
Degree | Public Universities | Private Universities | Notes |
Bachelor’s | $15,000–$30,000 | $30,000–$55,000+ | State schools cheaper; engineering/business higher |
Master’s | $20,000–$40,000 | $30,000–$60,000+ | MBA/data/health often higher |
🏠 Living Costs & Benefits
Typical living costs range $12,000–$18,000 per year. Major metros (NYC, SF, Boston, LA) run higher due to rent; suburban/college towns can be 20–40% cheaper. Expect expenses for housing, food, transport, books/insurance. On‑campus jobs are common; internships and assistantships can offset costs.
- OPT 12 months; STEM grads can extend by 24 months (total up to 36).
- Extensive scholarships/assistantships in research-heavy fields.
- Deep employer networks and career fairs across campuses.
- Vast program choice and flexible electives/minors.