Get Free Profile Evaluation | Get Upto $150 Waiver On Application Fee
Consult Now

Study in united states 2025: Top Colleges, Fees, Admissions, Placements & Rankings

Filter

Get in Touch with Us

K

Kanishk Rahi

created at Nov 23, 2024, 12:24 pm

The United States of America (USA) is one of the most popular countries in the world because of its lifestyle, career opportunities, and the variety of courses offered by the colleges and universities to study in USA. The United States of America has been enriched by a multitude of cultures from around the world. This diversity contributes to the unique atmosphere of America, providing a distinct educational experience when students study in USA. American colleges and universities hold appeal for international students due to a variety of factors.

According to research, around 6,00,000 international students are pursuing higher education in the United States, pursuing education offered at different levels such as graduation, postgraduation and PhD degrees. A recent Open Doors survey report shows a 12% increase in the number of international students who study in USA by 2022-2023, with 2,68,923 Indian students. The top 3 universities in the world are located in the United States, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in first place, Stanford University in second place and Harvard University in third place.

Study in USA (United States America): Highlights 2025

Studying in the USA has become so common that, now and then, students migrate to the States to pursue higher education. Mostly, the study in USA academic year starts in the fall and spring. Study in USA for Indian Students is mostly done in the English language as it is very commonly spoken and understood by the people. Here are some of the key highlights related to the study in USA.

Country

United States America

Short Form

USA

Total Institutions Available

3900+

Academic Year

Fall and Spring

Most Preferred Intake

Fall Intake

Indian Students in USA

2.5L+

Medium of Teaching

English

IELTS & TOEFL

Yes

Minimum IELTS Score

6.5

Minimum TOEFL (iBT) Score

80

Approximate Annual Study Cost

USD 23,850 (INR 20,37,420)

Approximate Monthly Cost of Living

USD 23,850 (INR 20,37,420)

University Recognitions

  • Education Quality Accreditation Commission (EQAC)
  • Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Visa Approval Rate

 65%

Why Study in the USA?

The USA is one of the common countries that comes to mind when students think about pursuing higher education in a foreign country, but the main question is, why do you wish to study in USA and not any other country?

The United States holds a prominent position worldwide due to its appealing lifestyle, abundant career prospects, diverse academic programs available at colleges and universities, as well as its prominent role in technology and research advancements. By studying here, students will have the opportunity to benefit from the most advanced technology and research. Some basic reasons why to study in USA are listed below:

Study in USA for Indian Students

The USA is the best study-abroad destination for Indian students as they embark on a revolutionary journey that is full of opportunities and challenges. Around 18% of students studying in America are Indian students in USA and are the second largest group of international students in the States. Indian students studying in the US are given access to resources, new learning methods, technology and the opportunity to learn from some of the world's greatest minds.

Indian students are eligible for various scholarships and grants offered by the colleges in USA. Authorities and various public and private universities in USA may provide such assistance to help Indian Students pay for their higher education without burdening them.

Top 10 Universities in USA 2025

The United States of America has more than 4,000 universities, including many of the world's leading universities that are highly ranked and mostly renowned. The best universities in USA for international students offer undergraduate, postgraduate and other degree, diploma and certificate programs. Fall admission to the top colleges in US is the largest academic event for admission of students at the beginning of September. Here are some of the top USA universities for international students.

S.No

University Name

Established Year

Location

QS Ranking 2024

Acceptance Rate

1

Harvard University

1636

Massachusetts

4

3.43%

2

Stanford University

1885

Stanford

5

3.95%

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1861

Massachusetts

1

4.00%

4

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

1868

Berkeley

10

14.50%

5

Columbia University

1754

New York

23

3.90%

6

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

1929

Los Angeles

29

8.60%

7

Yale University

1701

New Haven

16

4.60%

8

University of Pennsylvania

1740

Philadelphia

12

5.70%

9

Princeton University

1746

Princeton

17

3.98%

10

Cornell University

1865

Ithaca

13

8.70%

Popular Courses to Study in USA

The USA is a dream destination for many Indian students and the country is home to many of the world's best universities that offer high-quality education, and many great courses to choose from in America. The best courses to study in USA for Indian students after 12th are engineering, business, health or arts. Among them, there are few higher courses in the USA which are chosen by most people in search of career and job opportunities. Here is the list of some of the most popular courses in USA opted for by students for their higher education.

S.No

Course Name

Average Tuition Fees (per year)

Specializations

Duration

1

MBA

USD 60,000 to USD 80,000 (INR 52,00,000 to INR 69,34,000)

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Operations
  • Entrepreneurship
  • HR

2 years

2

Computer Science and Engineering

USD 20,000 to USD 60,000 (NR 17,34,000 to INR 52,00,000)

  • Software Development
  • AI
  • Cybersecurity
  • Robotics

2 - 4 years

3

Data Science

USD 21,000 to USD 75,000 (INR 18,21,000 to INR 65,02,000)

  • Machine Learning
  • Big Data
  • Business Analytics
  • AI

1 - 2 years

4

Business Analytics

USD 34,000 to USD 52,000 (INR29,47,000 to INR 45,07,000)

  • Predictive Analytics
  • Business Intelligence
  • Marketing

1 - 2 years

5

Medicine

USD 200,000 to USD 300,000 (INR 1,73,32,000 to INR 2,59,98,000)

  • Pediatrics
  • Surgery
  • Psychiatry
  • Internal Medicine

4 years (undergrad) + 3 - 7 years (residency)

6

Information Technology

USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 (17,34,000 to INR 34,67,000)

  • Network Security
  • Cloud Computing
  • IT Management

2 - 4 years

7

Mechanical Engineering

USD 40,000 to USD 60,000 (INR 34,67,000 to INR 52,00,000)

  • Thermodynamics
  • Robotics
  • Aerospace
  • Manufacturing

4 years

8

Psychology

USD 25,000 to USD 60,000 (INR 21,67,000 to INR 52,00,000)

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counselling
  • Industrial-Organizational

2 - 3 years (Master’s) / 5 - 7 years (PhD)

9

Finance

USD 19,000 and USD 80,000 (INR 16,47,000 to INR 69,34,000)

  • Corporate Finance
  • Investment Banking
  • Risk Management

2 years

10

Biotechnology

USD 25,000 to USD 45,000 (INR 21,67,000 to INR 39,00,000)

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Bioinformatics

2 - 4 years

Admission Process to Study in USA

Why USA for study is one of the most common questions students ask themselves before applying for the study abroad university admission process. The study abroad admission process can be time-consuming, tedious, and a little scary at times because of numerous procedures. The admissions process for universities in USA for international students is competitive and difficult. Most higher educational institutes in the United States encourage international students to contact their admissions office at least once a year before they intend to attend that school. Here are some of the basic admission processes the candidates can follow:

  • Universities and colleges in the United States generally have two main academic sessions, one being the spring session that runs from January to May, and the second the fall session that runs from mid-August or September to December.
  • Some universities also offer short summer academic sessions between June and July.
  • Once the candidates have chosen the universities they want to attend, the students can contact each school for an application form and more related information about the same.
  • Each institution has its application form required for the candidates to fill in through their online official website.
  • Students applying to foreign universities in the United States must take certain tests (SAT, ACT, GMAT, etc.) that measure the aptitude and achievements of the students.
  • After the application deadline, the candidates will start receiving acceptance letters from the chosen universities.
  • Most universities ask students to pay a deposit for a certain amount of fee to get admitted to the desired program.
  • The candidates may not be familiar with the American practice of writing a personal essay to submit along with their college application, but a good essay helps the students get admitted to the university easily.

Cost of Study in USA

One of the most common questions that comes to mind of the students is how much does it costs to go to USA from India to study. We all are well aware that the USA is an expensive country and pursuing higher education can be a bit expensive. There Is a great variation in the tuition fees for international students across the different countries and programs. Tuition fees will be the most expensive component of the entire educational cost. The price of tuition can range from USD 10,000 to USD 55,000 (INR 8,39,000 to INR 46,13,967) a year. The cost of studying in USA for Indian students is listed below.

Colleges/Degrees

Cost (in USD)

Cost (in INR)

English language studies (per month)

USD 700 to USD 2,000

INR 58,700 to INR 1,67,750

Community colleges (per year)

USD 6,000 to USD 20,000

INR 503,300 to INR 16,77,650

Undergraduate bachelor's degree (per year)

USD 20,000 to USD 40,000

INR 16,77,650 to INR 33,55,050

Post Graduate programs (per year)*

USD 20,000 to USD 30,000 

INR 16,77,650 to INR 25,16,300

Doctoral degree (per year)**

USD 28,000 to USD 55,000 

INR 23,48,560 to INR 46,13,250

  • *(an MBA degree can cost significantly more, as can professional programs such as law, medicine, dentistry, some design programs etc.)
  • **(most doctoral degrees are 100% funded through research/teaching assistantships, research aid and bursaries).
  • The candidates need to pay the tuition fees before they begin their studies and there could also be additional costs such as specific course materials and access to institutional facilities.

Cost of Living in USA (United States America)

America is a large and diverse country with a wide range of living standards and knowing the average cost of living in the United States is important for students, professionals, and those considering moving to the country. Prices can rise quickly, from housing and transportation to food and health care along with many benefits. The question still arises how much cost to study in USA and what is the cost of living there?

Studying in the US is expensive for international and Indian students, as well as the cost of living. The cost of living in America for international students is around USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year which is around INR 8,38,840 to INR 20,97,100 for Indian students, with an average of USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 per month which is INR 83,880 to INR 1,67,760.

Expenses

Average Monthly Costs in USD

Average Monthly Costs in INR

Rent (1-bedroom apartment)

USD 1,500 to USD 2,500

INR 1,25,760 to INR 2,09,600

Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage)

USD 150 to USD 300

INR 12,570 to INR 25,150

Groceries

USD 300 to USD 500

INR 25,150 to INR 41,920

Dining Out

USD 150 to USD 300

INR 12,570 to INR 25,150

Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance)

USD 100 to USD 300

INR 8,380 to INR 25,150

Health Insurance

USD 200 to USD 600

INR 16,760 to INR 50,300

Entertainment

USD 100 to USD 300

INR 8,380 to INR 25,150

Internet and Phone

USD 80 to USD 150

INR 6,700 to INR 12,570

Clothing

USD 50 to USD 150

INR 4,190 to INR 12,570

Miscellaneous

USD 100 to USD 200

INR 8,380 to INR 16,760

Destination for Study in the USA

When people ask Why do you want to study in USA? There are many reasons for it, but when asked where you want to study in the USA? The answer to it is very confusing. The United States is the country with the largest number of top-ranked universities in the world, located in different parts of the country. The United States is one of the finest study-abroad destinations for 32% of Indian students, and given the vast geographical size of the country, choosing the ideal city in the United States can be a real challenge. Here are some of the top cities where students choose to pursue their higher education in the United States.

S.No

Destination Name

Standard of Living

Area of City (Size)

1

Boston

High

Medium

2

New York

Very High

Large

3

Chicago

Moderate to High

Large

4

Los Angeles

High

Large

5

San Francisco

Very High

Medium

6

Philadelphia

Moderate to High

Medium

7

Atlanta

Moderate

Medium

8

Washington DC

Very High

Medium

9

Texas

Moderate to High

Large

10

Pittsburgh

Moderate

Small

Scholarships for Study in the USA

Studying in the USA can be affordable if students think ahead. Then they can study in USA with a scholarship after applying for a variety offered by the best universities and colleges in the United States before the deadlines. Many scholarships are also offered by the US government and various private and public institutions. The amount of money available and the type of reward/concession vary by university. Some research programs can cover up to 100% of tuition fees in addition to covering part of the student’s living expenses. Here are some of the top and most preferred scholarships offered to Indian students for their higher education in the USA.

S.No

Scholarship Name

Scholarship Details

1

Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships (Government-funded)

Applicable to international students applying for master's or doctoral programs; This scholarship covers tuition fees, accident and sickness coverage by US guidelines, air tickets and living expenses. You will receive a monthly allowance to finance your course in the case of a PhD.

2

AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Government scholarship)

These scholarships are awarded to female international students for full-time study and research in the United States. They provide assistance to graduate and postgraduate students enrolled in accredited American institutions. The scholarship amounts are as follows: Master/first professional degree: $20,000, (INR 1,676,961) and graduate or postdoctoral: $25,000 (INR 20,96,130) to $50,000 (INR 41,92,000). The scholarships will last a maximum of five years.

3

Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program (Government-funded)

This program is part of the Fullbright program and aims to allow a young or mid-career professional from a developing country to come to study in the United States for 10 months without a degree and gain relevant practical experience. This program covers tuition fees, monthly maintenance allowance, living expenses, flight tickets, business expenses such as study trips, etc.

4

IEFA (Non-Government scholarship)

Abbey Road Inc. sponsors this summer program which awards scholarships to high school students ages 14-18 who demonstrate exemplary performance in academics and extracurricular activities. It offers five $1,000 (INR 83,839) scholarships each year in specific fields.

Visa for Study in the USA

Combined with an economy that is looking for new and fresh talent every year, the USA is an ideal destination for students who want to study and make a living after graduation. With an American student visa, it's possible to study in the United States. The course students choose to study and the type of school they plan to attend will determine the exact type of visa they need.

There are 3 types of visas available for students seeking graduation, post-graduation, diploma, or any other professional courses. These visas are then classified into subcategories based on the type of visa application students submit. Here are the top 3 USA visas offered to students.

Visa Types

Description

F Visa

This student visa is issued to international students pursuing their academic degrees at any accredited university in the United States.

  1. F-1 Visa: offered to full-time students.
  2. F-2 Visa: offered to family members of F-1 visa holders.
  3. F-3 Visa: offered to Mexican and Canadian students who reside in their home countries and wish to attend part-time or full-time courses in the United States.

M Visa

This other category of study visa is issued to non-academic or other multiple professional training courses students at US institutions.

  1. M-1 Visa: For professional or non-academic studies.
  2. M-2 Visa: For dependents of M-1 visa holders.
  3. M-3 Visa: For cross-border travelers who wish to attend vocational and non-academic courses.

J Visas

J Visas are issued to international visitors who wish to participate in the cultural exchange programs in the United States. The visa is also offered to students who wish to pursue medicine, business or any other major in the United States.

  1. J-1 Visa: For exchange students participating in an eligible exchange program.
  2. J-2 Visa: For dependents of J-1 visa holders.

Things to consider while applying for Study in the USA

The USA is known to foster some of the best universities in the world due to its rankings, reputation, and global outreach. It is known to be the ultimate dream country for numerous international and Indian students who require a fair opportunity towards a better career and way of life. Before immigrating to a different country students have a lot of things to go through and keep in mind to avoid the last-minute rush. Here is a list of some of the things students can consider while applying for study in the USA.

  • Personal Information.
  • High School Transcripts.
  • SAT/ACT Scores (if required).
  • Letter of recommendation.
  • Photocopy of the filled-up application form for admission to the university (future reference).
  • Transcripts and diplomas.
  • Photocopy of a valid passport.
  • Photocopy of the acceptance admission letter from the university.
  • SOP (State of Purpose).
  • LOR (Letter of Recommendation).
  • English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/DET).
  • Other test scores (GRE/GMAT).
  • Additional documents such as proof of funds, essays, medical reports, etc.
  • US Student Visa for Indian Students.
  • Health Insurance Plan for Indian Students in USA.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

The cost of studying in the United States varies from USD 7,000 to USD 55,000 per year (INR 5,86,660 to INR 46,09,470). This cost may vary depending on the university, degree and course of your choice. The cost of living in the United States ranges from USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 per year (INR 8,38,100 to INR 20,95,170).

Typically, the duration of these programs in the United States is one year, after which the students need to obtain acceptable grades to advance to the first year of the degree. The start date for these programs is typically in September.

If the students find a job in their field of interest, they are eligible to take optional practical training (OPT) for a period of up to 12 months. Students can use the OPT while they study after they complete their program or a combination of the two. This means that they can work in the United States for a limited and specific period without having to apply for a new visa.

There are many government-funded, non-government, and university-specific scholarships offered to students like Tata Scholarship - Cornell University, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships, Lady Meherbai D Tata Education Trust Scholarships, National Overseas Scholarship, BrokerFish International Student Scholarship, Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program, and many more.

Many students aspire to study internationally and there are some basic procedures that students can follow like researching Your Options, Financing Your Studies, Completing Your Application, Applying for Your Student Visa, Preparing for Your Departure, etc.


California , Stanford  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 38%
  • Tuition ₹32,36,000/Yr (US$ 38575/Yr )
Massachusetts , Cambridge  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 71%
  • Tuition ₹47/Yr (US$ 500/Yr )
Massachusetts , Cambridge  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 38%
  • Tuition ₹51,00,000/Yr (US$ 60800/Yr )
New Jersey , Princeton  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 10%
  • Tuition ₹53,94,000/Yr (US$ 64304/Yr )
  • Living ₹11,85,000/Yr (US$ 14132/Yr )
California , Pasadena  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 79%
  • Tuition ₹8,22,000/Yr (US$ 100000/Yr )
California , Berkeley  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 47%
  • Tuition ₹17,79,000/Yr (US$ 19091/Yr )
Connecticut , New Haven  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 70%
  • Tuition ₹17,00,000/Yr (US$ 27364/Yr )
  • Living ₹2,75,000/Yr (US$ 4425/Yr )
Illinois , Chicago  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 3%
  • Tuition ₹24,05,000/Yr (US$ 28670/Yr )
Maryland , Baltimore  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 45.6%
  • Tuition ₹17,26,000/Yr (US$ 20573/Yr )
  • Living ₹8,73,000/Yr (US$ 10402/Yr )
Pennsylvania , Philadelphia  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 35%
  • Tuition ₹17,57,000/Yr (US$ 28286/Yr )
  • Living ₹8,49,000/Yr (US$ 13659/Yr )
New York , New York City  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 55.2%
  • Tuition ₹7,55,000/Yr (US$ 8999/Yr )
  • Living ₹10,10,000/Yr (US$ 12039/Yr )
California , Los Angeles  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 22.6%
  • Tuition ₹41,66,000/Yr (US$ 49665/Yr )
  • Living ₹11,43,000/Yr (US$ 13632/Yr )
New York , Ithaca  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 28%
  • Tuition ₹56,67,000/Yr (US$ 67560/Yr )
  • Living ₹10,40,000/Yr (US$ 12400/Yr )
Michigan , Ann Arbor  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 13%
  • Tuition ₹54,14,000/Yr (US$ 64540/Yr )
  • Living ₹11,87,000/Yr (US$ 14150/Yr )
Pennsylvania , Pittsburgh  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 40%
  • Tuition ₹18,25,000/Yr (US$ 21759/Yr )
  • Living ₹10,47,000/Yr (US$ 12484/Yr )
Washington , Seattle  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 75%
  • Tuition ₹30,60,000/Yr (US$ 36477/Yr )
  • Living ₹6,38,000/Yr (US$ 7608/Yr )
North Carolina , Durham  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 32%
  • Tuition ₹20,02,000/Yr (US$ 23870/Yr )
  • Living ₹15,04,000/Yr (US$ 17926/Yr )
New York , New York City  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 72%
  • Tuition ₹25,48,000/Yr (US$ 27342/Yr )
Illinois , Evanston  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 18%
  • Tuition ₹64/Yr (US$ 684/Yr )
  • Living ₹1,45,000/Yr (US$ 1554/Yr )
California , San Diego  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 60%
  • Tuition ₹18,62,000/Yr (US$ 22200/Yr )
  • Living ₹12,05,000/Yr (US$ 14370/Yr )
Georgia , Atlanta  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 38%
  • Tuition ₹41,33,000/Yr (US$ 49271/Yr )
  • Living ₹11,02,000/Yr (US$ 13136/Yr )
Illinois , Urbana  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 71.6%
  • Tuition ₹44,68,000/Yr (US$ 53264/Yr )
  • Living ₹10,45,000/Yr (US$ 12460/Yr )
Texas , Austin  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 35%
  • Tuition ₹64,93,000/Yr (US$ 77404/Yr )
California , Davis  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 60%
  • Tuition ₹28/Yr (US$ 295/Yr )
Wisconsin , Madison  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 37.5%
  • Tuition ₹18,07,000/Yr (US$ 21538/Yr )
  • Living ₹11,51,000/Yr (US$ 13718/Yr )
Rhode Island , Providence  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 70%
  • Tuition ₹15,28,000/Yr (US$ 24588/Yr )
  • Living ₹4,23,000/Yr (US$ 6807/Yr )
Missouri , St. Louis  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 81%
  • Tuition ₹12,75,000/Yr (US$ 20519/Yr )
  • Living ₹2,40,000/Yr (US$ 3870/Yr )
California , Santa Barbara  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 23%
  • Tuition ₹22,65,000/Yr (US$ 27000/Yr )
North Carolina , Chapel Hill  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 27%
  • Tuition ₹18,62,000/Yr (US$ 16875/Yr )
California , Los Angeles  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 68.3%
  • Tuition ₹20,07,000/Yr (US$ 23928/Yr )
  • Living ₹6,86,000/Yr (US$ 8173/Yr )
Massachusetts , Boston  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 85%
  • Tuition ₹26,97,000/Yr (US$ 32159/Yr )
  • Living ₹6,85,000/Yr (US$ 8170/Yr )
Minnesota , Minneapolis  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 85%
  • Tuition ₹15,00,000/Yr (US$ 24144/Yr )
  • Living ₹7,22,000/Yr (US$ 11615/Yr )
Indiana , West Lafayette  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 23.6%
  • Tuition ₹53,11,000/Yr (US$ 63315/Yr )
  • Living ₹9,99,000/Yr (US$ 11910/Yr )
California , Irvine  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 67.8%
  • Tuition ₹15,85,000/Yr (US$ 18901/Yr )
  • Living ₹12,08,000/Yr (US$ 14396/Yr )
Tennessee , Nashville  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 70%
  • Tuition ₹22/Yr (US$ 240/Yr )
Ohio , Columbus  
(4.0)
  • Acceptance Rate 26.1%
  • Tuition ₹57,20,000/Yr (US$ 68198/Yr )
  • Living ₹11,24,000/Yr (US$ 13400/Yr )
Found 1039 colleges SET DEFAULT