Study in USA
USA - Country Overview
Chasing the American dream? Well, getting into a USA university, could help you achieve your dream very quickly. With more than 1 million international students, the US is one of the most popular study destinations in the entire world. Studying in the US, allows you to get access to world class education, cutting-edge facilities and excellent career prospects. In fact, there are more than 196 universities from the US, that are ranked in the QS Top University rankings for 2025.
Studying in the US, allows students to pursue degrees that are internationally recognized and find exceptional career opportunities worldwide. Moreover, the education system in the US is quite flexible, allowing students to study a mix of different subjects as majors and minors. Another major reason, to choose US is the higher Return on Investment (ROI) on your education, with majority of students being able to pay off the loan in 1.5-3 years. So if you are thinking of the USA, let’s get you started.
USA at a glance:
Average Fees: $18,000 p.a. Duration: 4 years
Average Fees: $22,000 p.a. Duration: 1 or 2 years
STEM Program: 3 years Non-STEM Program: 1 year
Top #3 reasons to Study in USA
1. World-Class Education
2. Higher ROI on your education
3. Multicultural experience
1. World-Class Education
The US has more than 5300 universities and colleges, out of which 196 are ranked in the top universities by QS in it’s world university rankings. This means that almost 13% of the top universities in the world, are in the US. Not just the Ivy league universities, but other universities in the USA also provide quality education and top notch research facilities.
2. Higher ROI on your education
Studying at a US university, would definitely require a considerable amount of investment for a student – whether that comes from their parent’s money or through student loans. Therefore, targeting countries which offer higher ROI (Return on Investment), is important. Studying in the US, allows students to earn high paying jobs with multinational companies upon graduating, thereby allowing them to pay off their student debt in 1.5-3 year period. The average salary in the US is approx. $63,795 and those that have a Masters degree, usually earn more than this.
3. Multicultural experience
Some of the other reasons why students choose to study in the US is due to the career prospects, academic flexibility, international recognition of degree and availability of wide array of extra curricular activities. No matter what your reason is, you can’t go wrong in choosing the US as your study destination!
Top Course options in USA
Popular Universities to choose in the USA
Work permit in USA after studies
Who doesn’t want to work in the US after their studies? Employment opportunities in the US are set to grow by 7.7% according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While there are different types of student visas (F-1, M-1, J-1), chances are you’re mostly going to go for F-1, which is a non-immigrant visa allowing students to pursue full-time education in US universities. Therefore, for the purpose of simplicity, we will consider work permit options as a F-1 student visa holder.
After completion of your studies in the US, a student becomes eligible to work in the US, in the same field of their studies, by applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). However, the duration of the OPT, can depend on your propgram. Students who pursue a STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics program) in the US, are eligible for up to 3 years of OPT including extension. They get 1 year of OPT which can then be extended for another 2 years. However, students who pursue a program which is not classified under the STEM category, are eligible for only 1 year of OPT.
For example: Commerce, Arts, Humanities, Social Affairs, Literature etc.
Pathway to H1-B in the USA, after OPT
After completion of your Optional Pracitcal Training (OPT), you may also continue to work in the US on an immigrant visa known as H1-B visa. H1-B visa allows foreign nationals to work for American companies, post completion of their OPT. The employer applies for H1-B on behalf of the candidate with the US Immigration Department.
To be eligible for H1-B visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from a recognized university
- Have received a job offer from the petitioner (employer)
- Work in a field that demands both logical and pracitcal knowledge
- Posess a state license that permits him or her to work in the speciality occupation field
If a candidate meets the above requirements, and the employer is ready to sponsor their H1-B visa, they enter the lottery. If the candidate is selected in the lottery, the H1-B visa is of 3 years and can be extended for another 6 years.
Average Salary in USA after graduation
While studying in the US is lucrative, the payscale here is handsome as well. The average salary in the US is higher compared to most of the other countries, and for a masters graduate, the salaries tend to be much higher. While an average MS Graduate in the US earns $94,000 p.a., here are some average salaries after completion of following prgrams in the USA.