Why Study in USA? Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarships and Job Opportunities

Tuition Fees in the USA

Tuition fees in the USA can vary significantly based on the institution, program type, and level of study. Students on a tight budget are advised to seek admission in the public universities in USA instead of private universities to reduce the tuition fees. Check out some of the popular universities in USA and their respective tuition fee range across various levels of study:

While these fees are higher than in many other countries, students can access financial aid options, scholarships, and part-time job opportunities to manage costs.

Also Check: Cheapest Universities in USA

Work-Study Opportunities in USA

The USA allows students to gain work experience while studying, through work study. You can work for up to 20 hours per week during sessions and full-time during breaks or vacations. On average, students earn around $15 (1,265 INR) per hour in USA.

Students can either work on-campus or off-campus with proper authorization. Details of the work opportunities in USA as a student are as follows:

• On-Campus Jobs: Students on F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during vacations.
• Off-Campus Jobs: Students can work off-campus for similar duration but with proper authorization from USCIS.

Know More: Working in USA During Summer Break

OPT & CPT in USA

For Indian students in the USA on an F-1 visa, Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are valuable work authorization options. The OPT and CPT allow students to gain practical experience in their field of study. Here is a side-by-side comparison of OPT vs CPT in USA for Indian students:

Job Opportunities in USA

The US labor market has a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.1%, indicating strong employment prospects for graduates. International students in USA find diverse job opportunities in technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and many other fields. Here are some of the high paying jobs in USA for Indian students:

Top Employers and Salaries in USA

USA houses major employers that regularly hire top talent. Some of the top companies headquartered in USA are Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Walmart, Meta Platforms, AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, Ford Motor Company, Bank of America, and Citigroup.

Besides USA is also home to Boeing, Tesla, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, PepsiCo, FedEx, Dell Technologies, UnitedHealth Group, Verizon Communications, MetLife, IBM, Nvidia, Cisco, Intel, HP, Nike, Capital one Financial, Coca Cola, and AIG. Here are some of the top companies hiring graduates in USA and their respective average salaries:

Read More: Working in USA During Summer Break

Cautions for Studying in USA

While the USA offers numerous advantages, you should also be aware of the following possible challenges:

• Visa Complexity: Securing a US student visa is quite competitive for Indian students. You need to apply for the F-1 visa (for academic studies) or the J-1 visa (for exchange students) to study in USA.
• High Living Costs: USA is one of the most costly nations in the world. The major cities like NYC, LA, Chicago and others have a high cost of living in USA as compared to other places. You need to plan your budget well before moving in to study in USA.
• Academic Pressure: Top universities expect high academic standards, leading to a competitive environment.
• Employment Uncertainty: Securing a work visa post-graduation can be challenging without an employer's sponsorship.

Studying in USA offers a gateway to top-tier education, vast professional networks, and abundant career prospects. Understanding visa processes, financial support, and work opportunities is crucial to making informed choices and planning a successful academic journey in the USA.