Study in USA: Quick Facts
Key academic, financial, and immigration parameters for Indian students planning higher education in USA.
| Capital | Washington, D.C. |
| Currency | USD ($) |
| Official Language | English |
| Popular Degree Levels | Bachelor's (4 Yrs), Master's (1.5 - 2 Yrs), PhD (4-6 Yrs) |
| Average Tuition Fees | $20,000 - $45,000 / year |
| Average Living Expenses | $12,000 - $18,000 / year |
| Part-Time Work Permission | 20 hours/week On-Campus during academic terms |
| Post-Study Work Visa | Up to 3 Years (12 Mos OPT + 24 Mos STEM Extension) |
Why Study in USA?
36-Month STEM OPT
Work in the USA for up to 3 years post-graduation in fields like Engineering, IT, Analytics, and STEM-designated MBAs.
Cutting-Edge Research
Access multi-million dollar funded lab infrastructures and collaborate with world-renowned faculty members.
CPT Internships
Participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for off-campus paid corporate internships during your degree.
Scholarships & Assistantships
Substantial merit awards and graduate assistantships available for students with strong profiles.
🔹 3-Year STEM OPT Work Rights
Graduates from qualifying STEM programs can work in the United States for up to 36 months on an F-1 visa without needing immediate H-1B sponsorship.
🔹 Academic Flexibility
Design cross-disciplinary degree pathways, transfer credits easily, and customize your major and minor subjects.
🔹 Campus Assistantships (TA/RA)
Opportunities for Graduate Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships (TA), and Research Assistantships (RA) offering tuition fee remissions and monthly stipends.
🔹 Top Silicon Valley & Fortune 500 Links
Direct recruitment pipelines into leading technology, banking, and consulting corporations.
Top Universities to Study in USA
Leading institutions offering accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for Indian applicants.
| University Name | Location | Estimated Tuition Fee | Popular Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Dallas | Dallas, TX | $28,000 - $38,000 | Computer Science, MS Business Analytics, ITM |
| Northeastern University | Boston, MA | $32,000 - $44,000 | Data Analytics, MS IS, Cyber Security |
| Arizona State University | Phoenix, AZ | $26,000 - $36,000 | Software Engg, Supply Chain, AI |
| University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | $25,000 - $34,000 | Computer Science, Finance, Bioengg |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | $34,000 - $42,000 | Financial Engg, Management, Computer Science |
| San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | $19,000 - $26,000 | Software Engineering, Data Science, MBA |
Popular Courses in USA for International Students
MS in Computer Science & AI
Advanced algorithms, machine learning systems, distributed computing, and cybersecurity frameworks.
MS in Business Analytics & Data Science
Combines machine learning, statistical modeling, big data tools, and corporate strategy.
STEM-Designated MBA
Blends quantitative decision models with executive leadership, offering 3 years of OPT work rights.
Cost of Studying & Living in USA
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
| Shared Apartment / Campus Housing | $600 - $1,200 / month |
| Groceries & Indian Dining | $250 - $400 / month |
| Public Transportation / Metro Pass | $60 - $120 / month |
| Health Insurance (Mandatory) | $100 - $200 / month |
| Utilities, Phone & Internet | $80 - $150 / month |
| Total Estimated Living Costs | $1,090 - $2,070 / month |
*Disclaimer: Tuition fees and living expenses vary based on university, course, lifestyle, and city. Consult Broadway International counsellors for exact fee schedules.
USA University Intakes & Timelines
| Intake Name | Typical Start | Recommended Application Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake (Primary) | August / September | December - March | Highest volume of scholarships, assistantships, and course selections. |
| Spring Intake (Secondary) | January / February | August - October | Ideal for students needing extra test prep or documentation time. |
Admission & English Language Requirements
🎓 Bachelor's Degree Requirements
- Higher Secondary Certificate (12th Standard) with minimum 60% – 75%.
- Subject-specific prerequisites (e.g. Mathematics for CS/Engineering).
- Valid English proficiency score or qualifying high school marks.
🎓 Master's Degree Requirements
- Recognized 3 or 4-year Bachelor’s Degree with 55% – 70% aggregate.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) and 2 Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
- Updated CV with details on work experience / internships.
Accepted English Language Proficiency Tests
| Test Name | Undergraduate Score Requirement | Postgraduate Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 - 6.5 | 6.5 - 7.0 Overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 75 - 85 | 85 - 100 Overall |
| PTE Academic | 54 - 60 | 60 - 68 Overall |
| Duolingo (DET) | 105 - 115 | 115 - 130 Overall |
USA Student Visa Application Guide
Follow the 5-step visa process verified by Broadway International's visa filing desk.
1. Obtain Form I-20
Accept university admission and provide financial affidavit to receive your official Form I-20.
2. Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee
Pay the mandatory $350 SEVIS fee to the US Department of Homeland Security.
3. Complete DS-160 Form
Fill the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and print confirmation barcode.
4. Schedule Visa Appointments
Book OFC biometrics appointment and Consular Visa Interview at the US Embassy/Consulate in India.
5. Attend Visa Interview
Attend your 1-on-1 interview with the consular officer and receive instant F-1 visa approval.
📋 Mandatory Document Checklist
- ✔️ Valid Passport (Minimum 6 months validity)
- ✔️ University Offer Letter / I-20 / CAS / COE
- ✔️ 10th, 12th & Degree Marksheets & Transcripts
- ✔️ English Language Test Score Card (IELTS/PTE)
- ✔️ Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Resume
- ✔️ Bank Balance Certificates & Financial Statement
- ✔️ Education Loan Sanction Letter (if applicable)
- ✔️ Medical / TB Test Clearance Certificate
Scholarships to Study in USA
| Scholarship Name | Awarding Body | Value / Benefit | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | USIEF India | Full Tuition, Airfare & Living Stipend | May Annually |
| University Graduate Assistantships | US Public & Private Universities | 50%-100% Tuition Waiver + Monthly Wages | Early Program Deadline |
| Out-of-State Tuition Waivers | State Universities (e.g., Texas, Florida) | Reduces Tuition by $12,000 - $18,000/yr | With Initial Application |
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in USA
What is the 3-Year STEM OPT extension in the USA?
Graduates of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees can extend their initial 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months, enabling up to 3 years of legal work authorization in the USA.
Can Indian students with a 3-year Bachelor's degree apply for a US Master's?
Yes. While some US institutions require a 4-year degree (16 years of education), an increasing number of universities accept 3-year Indian undergraduate degrees with a WES/ECE credential evaluation or a 1-year postgraduate diploma.
What financial proof is required for a US F-1 student visa?
You must demonstrate liquid, accessible funds (savings accounts, fixed deposits, or sanctioned education loan letters) covering at least the total estimated cost for the first academic year listed on your Form I-20.
