America is one of the most popular (and expensive) places to go to school because of the sheer volume of wonedted universities. This allows students to study any area of their passion without feeling pinned to any one path. From world class centers for high-end engineering and biomedical training to liberal arts and clinical businesses to advanced computer science and interdisciplinary fields, the world is their oyster.
Flexibility is one of the most popular things America provides to their students. Programs provide structure to the training but also allow students to pursue any avenue of interest adding a minor, taking elective courses outside their major, collaberating across different departments, and getting extra hands-on training. Students learn through scholarship, sponsored peer-reviewed culture, project based learning drives, internships to global industry partners, and practicum. This leads to a holistic American education instead of the students being funnelled down a scripted academic trail.
One of the great benefits students cite is that their American university comes partnered with industry. This allows students to graduate with a job provided to them by their industry partner of coast of their degree the university took. If their university does not offer a job with the incuabtor and accelerator programs, students can always start their own businesses with capital and guidance from their university.
The USA provides private and public universities, community (2 year) colleges, and specialized schools. Each type of school serves a different education purpose.
Community colleges is the most cost effective as they offer a 2 year associates degree and are popular with students wanting the 2+2 transfer to a university.
Public Universities are Programs funded by the states Government in order to give students a college education at a much lower cost than other institutions. They value internationally accepted students with academic, and work study positions on campus at a high scholarship level.
Private Universities have less class sizes and more scholarships available, however they offer a very competitive academic environment, as well as high tuition.
Specialized Institutes are other smaller training facilities that provide students with focused education on specific career areas, such as the culinary arts, aviation, film, design, music, healthcare, animation, and technology.
Undergraduate education consists of;
A two year Associate Degree
A four year Bachelor's Degree
A one and a half to two year Master's Degree
A two year MBA
A three to six year Doctoral Degree depending on the research required
The 2+2 Method International Students
International students mostly use the 2+2 method. You attend a community college for the first two years to earn an Associate Degree, then transfer to a university for the last two years to complete a Bachelor's Degree. This method has the added benefits of a lower cost, smaller classroom sizes, easier academic adjustments, and scholarships at a reasonable cost.
Transferring credits work differently depending on how the students have planned. They must contact their college academic advisors at an early stage to look over the state agreements and to plan out which college level courses will help them in their career goals to transfer. They must also take high level courses to keep their GPA up.
The United States admissions process can seem large and complicated, but this system can be broken into these simpler steps:
Selecting a program and researching schools: get a list of schools, review their programs and accreditation. Decide which one suits your academic target, offers a career in your goal field, and is within your financial budget. Check to see if they have scholarships, and if they have strong laboratory infrastructure. Look at what alumni have done and attain jobs after school, and check if they have strong programs in their trained field.
Gather your documentation: They may require a high school academic transcript, or have them be a requirement later in the process. They will most likely ask for the SAT, have rules surrounding English comprehension, and will expect a written Statement of purpose. They may ask for two to four one to two page personal Recommendations accompanied by a financial plan, Demonstrated Funds, and will have a deadline.
For undergraduate programs, apply through a Common Application or dedicated university application portal and you must submit the application and accompanying documentation before the deadline.
The university will send you an email or through their application portal about their Admission decision, and their Admission offer details.
Apply for scholarships, and other university employment, and assistantships.
The university will send you the i20 Form to apply for a United States Visa.
Pay the SEVIS fee.
Making travel arrangements and to attend orientation as soon as you get the Visa.
All universities have some similar documentation requirements:
Transcripts from high school
Transcripts from university previously attended or bachelor's degree
English Proficiency Letter or other required Forms
Standardized test score results when required.
Statement of Purpose Letter
Letters of Recommendations from previous employers
Proof of Funds documentation
Copy of your Passport
i20 Form
For the English Proficiency tests, most universities accept the IELTS or TOEFL, but if you are an International Student, then the International English Language Testing System is useful to have in your documentation and is often requested. If this is the case, then the university will often set the minimum and safe score to a band of 6.5 or a 7.5 band.
Standardized Testing: An Overview
SAT is helpful for undergraduate competitiveness
GRE is needed for Master's or PhD admissions in particular programs or universities
GMAT is still relevant for many business schools for admissions into their MBA programs.
The cost of an education in the USA differs based on the school, type of degree, city, scholarships, accommodation, and way of living.
Here is what the average costs incurred will be (including tuition fees). Though I will give a breakdown, please understand the values below are approximate and will be a rough guide only (INR values will be estimates for understanding).
Tuition costs per year as an undergrad student will be as follows:
Public University: 20,000 to 35,000 USD (Approx 1,650,000 to 2,900,000 INR, roughly. This will depend the cost of living in the particular areas in the USA to the exchange rate values and the living expenses values afforded to Nepal from the USA).
Private University: 35,000 to 60,000 USD (Approx 2,900,000 to 4,900,000 INR, roughly).
Then as a Master's tuition (total cost of program):
25,000 to 50,000 USD (Approx 20,500 to 41,000 for INR).
Then to do an MBA (total cost of program):
50,000 to 150,000 USD (Approx 41,000 to 1,230,00 for INR).
Community College has tuition for a year set at:
6,000 to 12,000 USD (Approx 5,000, 000 to 1,000,000 INR).
Other costs will be as follows:
350 USD for SEVIS fee (Approx 29,000 INR)
185 USD for Visa fee (Approx 15,300 INR)
450 to 1000 USD for flights (Approx 37,000 to 83,000)
Shared housing per month will cost:
400 to 800 USD (Approx 33,000 to 66,000 INR).
Single housing will be:
700 to 1500 USD (Approx 58,000 to 123000 INR)
University housing per year will be:
6000 to 14,000 USD (Approx 5,000 to 11,6000).
Food per month will be:
200 to 400 USD (Approx 16600 to 33,200 INR).
Health insurance will be:
500 to 2000 USD per year (Approx 41,000 to 1,65000)
Books and supplies: These can range from 300 to 1000 American dollars (approx. 24.9k to 83k Indian Rupees) each year and this is noticeable in most American universities.
Transport costs: If you plan to use the public transport system in America, you can do so by buying a monthly pass. They go for 50 to 120 American dollars (approx. 4100 to 10000 Indian Rupees) a month.
Living costs: It is important to note that the cost of living is not the same in every city because of the presence of some more and some fewer amenities. The most popular cities for students in America are:
New York City
Los Angeles
Chicago
Boston
San Francisco
Dallas
Seattle
Atlanta
Boston and Seattle are the most popular educational cities for students. If you're looking for a city that is less expensive in terms of living expenses, you can choose Dallas or Atlanta.
Scholarships, Assistantships, and Financial Aid
The usa funding system is quite unique and is composed of different types of funding.
Merit Scholarships
This is a type of funding awarded to a student as a reward for hard work and dedication towards academics, extracurricular, community work, leadership and so on.
Need Based Financial Aid
Many universities in the USA have financial aid and it is important to note that it is given on the basis of the financial situation of the student.
This is typical for Master’s and PhD students. It includes partial or full tuition waivers + a stipend. It helps students by having them work on campus in educational positions such as research and teaching assistants. The stipend amount might be in the range of 800 to 2,000 USD (approximately 66,000 to 165,000 INR).
Certain universities offer funding for 100% tuition + living expenses + books + insurance to exceptional candidates.
Under the USA student visa students are permitted to engage in, off-campus employment by the following means:
On campus work: 20 hours/week during semesters
Optional Practical Training: This is authorized following completion of one year.
Curricular Practical Training: Typically this refers to an internship connected to the program.
In the USAs student visa framework graduates can access -study OPT: You may work for 12 months following the completion of your degree and there is an additional 24-month STEM OPT available, for eligible STEM majors.
After finishing your degree besides your OPT there exist Post Study Work Opportunities and the H1B visa option.
Long-term career planning following graduation is the objective for students. The H1B visa stands as the recognized work permit for skilled jobs in the USA granted through a lottery and employer application process each year. This process works alongside university OPT, STEM OPT, Teaching / Research Assistantship assistance, Employer Sponsorship and skill-based recruitment, in Academia.
Biotechnology
Robotics
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Aerospace Engineering
Business Analytics
Popular Fields of Study
Business Administration
Computer Science
Information Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Nursing and Healthcare Sciences
Pharmacy
Medicine
Economics
Psychology
Mass Communication
Hospitality and Tourism
Architecture
Design and Arts
Law
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stanford University
University of California System
University of Texas System
Regarding Global Academic Ranking these represent a handful of the precise and well-known institutions.
Planning the USA: Real Academic Expectations vs Misconceptions
Misunderstanding: One cannot manage the cost of living in the USA
Reality: Moving from Community College, Fellowships and Academic Scholarships. Increased job prospects. Financial support, Budgeting expenses. Cooperative living arrangements. Research facilities. Work placements. Well-equipped students can afford the USA.
Reality: The education system in the USA is extensive and complex comprising types of institutions. These include Ivy League universities, state universities and alternative educational options like applied science institutes, community colleges, test-optional campuses and schools offering rolling admissions. Additionally there are support staff, immigrant-dense academic environments, graduate assistantship-funded programs along, with career placement services and student support offerings that do not solely depend on admission rank.
Misunderstanding: Complete fluency, in English is necessary to gain admission.
Reality: It is sufficient to possess a level of English proficiency. Achieving an accent or complete fluency is not required as a standard. What truly holds significance are factors like a students clarity and academic purpose along, with their language readiness, motivation, preparation and capacity to maintain authentic communication, rather than merely reciting memorized English phrases.
In this environment students explore a cultural world throughout their education. Campuses accommodate students. Have communities tailored for learners at every educational stage. These student communities offer activities, like exchanging stories enjoying food and festivals joining clubs engaging in community education playing sports supporting mental health as well as providing professional networking and peer groups for internships. Additionally there are communities centered on employment opportunities, STEM, research, culture and volunteer work.
Housing Options and Housing Safety (Safety certificate of the student accommodations)
University dormitories Shared apartments Off-campus student housing syndicates Homestays Student housing cooperatives located near the campus
Students residing in shared apartments save money and communal living offers greater advantages to students aiding their adjustment to the campus environment in a manner that is more encouraging, than living alone.
From a university housing security perspective, the safety of students is highly effective. Universities have a strong commitment to campus safety, accommodation supervision, student emergency help phones, safety communication from academic advisors to monitored students, student emergency response systems, safety monitoring points for students in jobs that require campus supervision for over 20 hours a week, student employment boards that are validated, international office assistance, SEVIS (immigration) record tracking for international students, university campus access control cards, partnerships with university hospitals, open 24 hours libraries, university mentoring of graduate students in research, managed self-service academic tasks for students, verified internships that require formal permission for employment, targeted networks to hire students, student counseling services, and supportive academic community systems.
