A guide on studying in the USA for Indian students
Made the amazing choice of studying in the USA and having the experience of a lifetime? Well, we can only say it’s the best thing you can do! We know you have numerous questions and are searching the internet for everything or calling relatives in the States for advice-how to proceed, which university to choose, how to finance your study in USA journey, learning about the Visa interview, accommodation, and more. If you’re reading this, you’ve landed on the right page because we’re here to guide you through every little detail you need to know before planning your education in the United States. Why Study in the USA? But we ask, why not? Although, the reasons are plenty, let’s focus on some standout features that will assert your decision to pursue higher education in the USA. • The United States of America is home to over 5300 top universities offering a wide range of programs and courses. • We all know that employers love American degrees, boosting the chances of you securing a high-end job after your course completion. • With highly advanced research laboratories, manufacturing workshops, and more, you would be able to take part in groundbreaking research and create innovative new products. • Most American universities thrive on diversity as their strongest defining pillar. You are sure to make friends from different nationalities and ethnicities. Top 10 Universities to Study in the USA in 2024-2025 As per Forbes’ annual list of the best American colleges for 2024 – 2025, here’s a list of the top 10 universities in the US. These schools are said to produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds with less student debt. Rank University State 1 Princeton University NJ 2 Stanford University CA 3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology MA 4 Yale University CT 5 University of California, Berkeley CA 6 Columbia University NY 7 University of Pennsylvania PA 8 Harvard University MA 9 Rice University TX 10 Cornell University NY The Categorisation of American Universities Type of University Description Ivy League Some of the oldest American institutions that are perceived to be some of the most esteemed places to study and therefore extremely competitive for admissions. Public Ivies State-funded or public universities in the US that have earned their reputation and are considered prestigious and academically rigorous. Liberal Arts Philosophy The courses begin with a wide variety of courses in humanities, languages, arts, and the social sciences before specialising in a particular field. Specialist Institutions Universities and institutes that specialise in providing degrees in a certain field such as degrees in music, visual and applied arts, etc. Land Grant Colleges and Universities Large, publicly funded universities Research-Intensive  Institutions Universities that offer the highest level of research are a good starting point for students seeking a doctoral degree. Popular Student Cities in the US The United States is home to numerous locations with some of the best academic institutions for students from various parts of the world to pursue their education. Let’s have a look at some of the best student cities as per the QS world ranking 2025: City QS Ranking  (Best Student Cities 2025) Boston 16 New York 18 San Francisco 29 Los Angeles 37 Chicago 44 Philadelphia 65 San Diego 69 Washington DC 70 Atlanta 72 Pittsburgh 80 Cost of Studying in the US With public and private universities available for higher education, tuition fees are the primary expense for studying in the USA. The cost of education in the USA for Indian students typically ranges from $35,000 (INR 29,49,504) to $85,000 (INR 71,62,759) per year, depending on the type of institution (public or private) and location. Let’s take a look at the estimated annual cost of studying for a postgraduate degree for international students in the USA, including tuition fees, room and board, and other expenses. Expense Category Cost Tuition and fees $20,000 – $40,000  INR 16,85,355 – INR 33,70,710 Room and board $10,000 – $15,000  INR 8,42,677 – INR 12,64,016 Books and supplies $1,000 – $1,500  INR 84,267 – INR 1,26,401 Personal Expense $2,000 – $3,000  INR 1,68,535 – INR 2,52,803 Health Insurance $1,000 – $2,000  INR 84,267 – INR 1,68,535 Total (per year) $34,000 – $61,500  INR 28,65,103 – INR 51,82,466 Researching the Best University & Course Now that you’ve decided to pursue your higher education in the USA, the next question is which university you will choose and what course you will pursue. We recommend applying to a few universities to keep your options open. On the US Department of Education’s College Navigator site, you can search for various associate’s, bachelor’s, and advanced degrees. To find the most suitable university, check out some renowned university rankings lists by U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review, and Times Higher Education. But, remember, rankings should not be the only criteria you use to choose a university. Ensure shortlisting universities that are welcoming to students from around the world – and also align with your academic and professional goals. Moreover, your major should be the most important factor when choosing colleges to apply to in the United States. Additionally, keep in mind factors like each college’s location in the US, the climate (weather), tests required (academic standardized and English proficiency tests), tuition fees, scholarships, international student services, campus facilities, internships and job placement options to shortlist universities that best suit your needs. University Applications Once you’ve chosen the program you wish to pursue and shortlisted some universities, let’s begin your university applications. You can start applying on the universities’ online portal by providing some necessary information and submitting specific documents listed by the university. It is also important to know when the academic year commences in the USA. Most universities in the United States commence their classes in August-September usually known as the Fall intake. A few colleges also provide a January-February intake, called the Spring intake, that lasts till April. A Summer intake is also available for limited short-term programs between May and August. The duration of each course depends on the