Study in USA for Indian Students: A Comprehensive Guide


Looking forward to studying in the States but not sure where to start. Don't worry we have got you covered as this article is going to be a Comprehensive Guide for Indian students who want to study in the USA. The USA is one of the most chosen study destinations by international students. Pursuing education in the USA offers students an ocean of opportunities and options to select from. Being home to more than 5000 distinguished educational institutions USA has a lot to offer to its students.

So let us diverse into all the do's and don'ts you should keep in mind for studying in the USA.


First of all, to further strengthen your decision let us have a look at the USA Country Highlights 


International Students Studying in the USA in 2023

4,65,80

International Students Studying in USA 2023

Will increase by 3.5-4%

Total Universities in USA

4500+

Admission Eligibility/Criteria 

UG: High school certificate/mark sheets + SAT / ACT scores + ELP test scores of TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo 


PG: Bachelor's mark sheet + GRE / GMAT / LSAT + ELP test scores + SOP + LOR + Resume


Other documents may be required as per the need of the university 

Financial Aid

Need and Merit based +External Scholarship 

Average scholarship offered in the year 2023

INR 62,52,352

Part Time Working Hours

20 hours a week

US visa fees (F1)

INR 15,422

Procedure for Obtaining the Visa

  • Obtain the I-20 Form upon acceptance at US university

  •  pay the SEVIS fee, 

  • apply for a visa interview,

  •  attend the interview 

  • obtain a study visa.

Average pay per hour 

INR 921

Employment Rate 

60.2%

But WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY IN  THE USA:

  • The USA registers the highest number of applications and admits the maximum number of international students every year.

  • Almost 1500 universities from the US have made a mark for being in the list of the top 10 universities as per QS and THE World Rankings.

  • Along with top-class universities, the US offers diverse course options and specializations to students.


Types of Colleges in the USA

Many colleges in the USA are different from the regular colleges that exist there. Some of these are:


State School/University/College:The US has 50 states and each state operates at least one university or college to provide quality education at affordable prices. Funded by the state government these colleges are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.


Private Colleges/Universities:These colleges and universities are run privately and are often costly. These are also equipped with all the modern facilities a student may require.


Community Colleges:These colleges offer a two-year certification or an associate degree. These are transferable. The benefit of studying at a community college is that the credits earned by the student can also be transferred when the student decides to transfer to a four-year degree program.

Liberal Arts College: Students who are pursuing degrees in liberal arts choose these colleges. However, they are also required to choose a general education course along with their ‘major’.


Now that we know about the different types of colleges available in the USA, let us dive into the Top 10 Universities in the USA.



UNIVERSITIES 

QS-World University Ranking (2024)

THE-World University Rankings (2023)

Harvard University 

#4

#2

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

#1

#5

Stanford University 

#5

#3

University of California 

#10

#8

University of Chicago 

#11

#13

University of Pennsylvania 

#12

#14

Cornell University 

#13

#20

California Institute of Technology 

#15

#6

Princeton University 

#17

#7

Yale University 

#16

#9



Popular Cities in the USA

The New England area on the east coast of the US is the home to all its renowned academic institutes. Most top-ranking colleges in the USA are located in cities of New York, Cambridge, Florida etc. Below is a table of the top 10 cities in the USA for students.




US

BEST STUDENT CITIES RANKING

(2024)

Boston

#9

New York

#18

San Francisco 

#20

Los Angeles 

#26

Chicago 

#39

Atlanta 

#60

Washington DC 

#61

Philadelphia 

#63

San Diego 

#65

Pittsburgh 

#75




USA lifestyle


The States is a spirited country with multi-cultures coexisting. To mingle with the crowd and be one with the country you need to keep in mind the American lifestyle and adapt accordingly. You can do so by adding more activities to your life. A few such activities are:


Professional Sports -You can break the ice with the locals by talking about sports like NBA or NFL or other local sports. Try to visit one of the games with the locals to make friends.


Music Concerts-People here like to attend social events every weekend. You can increase your contacts and be one with the locals by attending such events as going to a concert, going to a bar or just watching a game. On weekends you can relax and socialize with your friends.


Outdoor activities -One thing about Americans is that they love taking part in outdoor activities like sports and games  . They believe in an active lifestyle and prefer trying out new things and meeting new people. It is a great opportunity for you to mingle with the locals and make friends.


Eligibility Criteria for US UG for Indian students.


  • Minimum Academic record of 65% for humanities stream in class XII and a minimum of 75-80% in class XII for Science/Commerce

  • SAT or ACT scores may be needed. If the university is test optional you can choose to submit or not submit these scores

  • English language proficiency by submitting IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo.

  • Candidates applying for Arts related courses need to present their portfolio as well

  • Some candidates may be required to go through an interview as well.


Eligibility Criteria for US PG for Indian students

  • GRE or LSAT Scores

  • Candidates may be required to submit SOPs or LORs

  • Some candidates may be required to go through an interview as well.

  • Candidates applying for an MBA in the USA will have to submit a resume as well

  • Foundation and Diploma programs are available for students who have scored less than 60%.


Documents Required to Study in USA for Indian Students

  • Attested copies of mark sheets of class X and XII and bachelor's degree if applicable

  • Two academic reference letters from professors who have taught you recently

  • Letter of recommendation from employer if you have previous work experience

  • SOP

  • Resume

  • Photocopies of GMAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL scores

  • Portfolio (for art and design students)

  • Proof of funds


Note:There might be other requirements depending upon the university or college applied to you.


How to apply to US Universities as an Indian student

  • Search for colleges and courses that best suit your needs

  • Contact the university and visit their site for information

  • Narrow down your choices

  • Take entrance exams

  • English Language Proficiency test

  • Prepare SOPs and LORs

  • Apply for the college that suits you best

  • Appear for video interview round

  • Apply for a student visa if accepted.


Conclusion

Here we come to the end of our Comprehensive guide to studying in the USA as an Indian student. The USA is the most sought-after study destination by Indian students due to its infrastructure, growth rate, employment opportunities and zest for life. If you're confused and need help with your study abroad journey you can contact Admissify.  Our excellent counsellors and team of experienced professionals will make your journey smooth and stress-free.


FAQ

1. Is it hard to study in the USA for Indian students?

Studying abroad always comes with its challenges, however studying in the USA is a great opportunity for Indian students.


2. Is studying in the USA worth it for Indian students?

Yes, studying in the USA is worth it for Indian students who want to receive quality and excellent career opportunities.


3. What is the cost of studying in the USA for Indian Students?

The cost of studying in the USA for Indian students is around INR 5,83,572 to INR 45,85,215.


4. What are the difficulties faced by Indian Students in the USA?

Some of the difficulties faced by Indian Students in the USA are communication gap, learning methods, homesickness and social interaction.


5. Which is the safest city in the USA for Indian students?

Boston is considered to be the safest city for Indian students in the USA.


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