Why study in United States

The USA is the favorite destination of international students, and over a million head there every year, nearly twice as many as the second-placed country, the UK. In fact, there are nearly as many international students in the US are there are in the whole of Europe, although you should decide whether an American or European education is best for you rather than just following the crowd. But why do international students choose to study in America? There are plenty of reasons. A key attraction are the world-leading universities, but just as attractive are the opportunities to study in world cities, take advantage of links with global businesses and tech innovators, or just to experience the culture of a nation that has shaped the world we live in. 

1. America is the world’s education super-power. Its universities dominate the world rankings: they take five of the top ten spots in the latest QS rankings. If you want a Bachelor’s or Master’s recognized as high quality the world over, American universities will have you covered.

1. There are over 4,300 universities to choose from. This means that whatever you want to study, there will be a center of excellence for you. 

1. America is incredibly diverse. It was built by migrants, and that shapes the nation today. Depending on where in America you study, you will see influences from all over the world. If you want to experience a true melting pot of global diversity, nowhere is better than America. 

1. America leads the world in many sectors. When you think of almost any industry, you’ll probably think of the American — and world — center. From New York for finance, to LA for entertainment, or San Francisco for technology. If you want to be close to the world’s best in almost any category, head to the USA. 

1. The USA is one of the world’s most geographically vibrant and diverse nations. From the gleaming glass and steel of New York’s skyscrapers to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, or the cold expanses of Alaska to the surfing paradise of Hawaii, America really has everything. 

Why else choose America for study? It is academically innovative. For example, universities have followed the lead of Silicon Valley in providing education in the latest technologies, with some universities, like Caltech or MIT, with an especially strong reputation in the area. The USA was the first country to offer MBAs, while American universities drive new thinking in psychology and economics. American universities lead the world when it comes to the latest courses and thinking. And it would be impossible to talk about American universities without a mention of the Ivy League. Although, originally, a sporting league for some of the East Coast’s older universities, the term is more often used to refer to a set of universities that offer academic excellence. But while the Ivy League colleges are, undoubtedly, excellent, the strength of American education is such that there are plenty of other universities mounting a strong challenge when it comes to academics. 

How to choose a university in United States?

When it comes to deciding where to study, you will be spoiled for choice, and if you are an international student with no other links to the USA, it can be overwhelming. It would simply be impossible to decide between all the places that offer degrees. Instead, your choosing a university checklist will have to start with making a shortlist. 

Decide what criteria are important to you for your choice. Do you want to study in a specific area or city, are you looking for a particular subject, or is there effectively a shortlist already because you want to go to an Ivy League college? There may be some overlap in these questions, for example, a finance-related degree might naturally lead you to consider New York’s universities.

When you have your shortlist, research your choices, and identify the key facts, like admissions criteria and costs, as well as things like the admissions process and deadlines. This may help you narrow down your choice even more. 

Consider the academic experience you want. Just like every student is different, every university is different. You might want to look for courses that feature extensive placements, or you might prefer a more academic approach to your topic. Finding a university and course that best matches your learning style will ensure that your education will not just be successful but will be enjoyable too. 

Think about the living and cultural experience you want. The size of America’s education sector means there are plenty of options to choose from. Are you looking to study in a vibrant city, where your lectures take place next to the hustle and bustle of daily life, or would you prefer a campus-based experience where you are surrounded by university life? 

What are the top student hubs in America?

New York is, unsurprisingly, one center, boasting dozens of colleges and universities, including Cornell and Columbia, nestling in one of the world’s most exciting cities. 

However, there are other popular destinations, like Cambridge, Massachusetts, which was named in honor of the University of Cambridge but is now home to both Harvard and MIT, among others. While Durham, in North Carolina, is home to Duke and North Carolina Central University, and forms a corner of the research triangle that also contains the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. 

However, it sometimes seems everyone wants to study in America, and with so many students, domestic and international, it’s hard to find an American city that isn’t a student hub! 

Tuition Fees in United States

It will come as no surprise that you will have to pay tuition fees in America. Students at American universities must pay fees ranging from around $10,000 to over $60,000 a year for a Bachelor’s degree, although prices tend to be around $25,000 or $40,000 depending on the type of university you attend. Prices for a Master’s degree tend to average around $30,000 a year, but some courses can be significantly cheaper. 

On top of that, there are often more fees that you will have to pay to remain enrolled. An American education can offer many benefits, both while you are a student and afterwards, but it is not cheap. And if you are an international student, you will need to be able to show how you will meet the fees to get a visa, so the cost is something you will need to consider. 

The American higher education system includes many models, and while they may all offer a high-quality education, cost is one of the biggest ways they differ. 

Many universities, including some of the most prestigious, are private institutions. These rely on income from fees or endowments and tend to be the most expensive at around $40,000 a year. The most expensive institutions, which tend to be the most prestigious, like Harvard or Stanford, can cost around $60,000 a year, making a four-year degree, along with living expenses, very costly. 

State institutions, which receive public funding, are significantly cheaper. For non-state residents these are usually between $20,000-$25,000 a year. Students from the same state, however, pay even less, typically around $10,000 a year. 

However, all universities will point out that their fees, and what students pay, are very different things. And there are many ways to ensure your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is more affordable than the fees might suggest. 

Apply to university in United States

American universities all handle their own admissions, and, unlike some other countries, there are no central processes for either domestic or international students. This means you may have to manage multiple applications. 

How to apply

Having to apply to each university means each might offer a slightly different application process. However, they all follow a similar pattern, requiring an online application and submission of documents. 

The online application will generally include basic information, like your personal details and contact details for tutors or those providing references, as well as your previous and current schools or colleges. 

You will also need to pay an application fee. How much does it cost to apply to university? The fee is usually between $50 and $150. You might also have been wondering if you can apply to two courses at the same university, and the good news is that most run a common application system, meaning that you can complete a single application for different colleges or courses. If you are applying to multiple universities, though, the costs may soon mount, meaning you will probably want to limit your applications to where you have a reasonable chance of securing a place. The acceptance rates for courses vary dramatically, our guide will give you a good idea of the competition there is for university places in America. 

You will also have to submit various documents depending on the course. Common requirements are qualification certificates, portfolios, and proof of English language ability. How these are sent may also vary, since some universities may have strict requirements about establishing authenticity. 

What’s the structure of the American academic year 

American universities mostly follow the English structure of having three semesters a year, although precise dates will vary, they are broadly follow the pattern: 

• Fall semester runs from September to December 
• Spring semester lasts from January to April 
• Summer semester lasts from May until July. 

The academic year starts in September, and most universities will only offer a single start each year. 

When to apply for American universities 

Each university will have its own deadlines, so check these carefully. Usually, the deadline to apply for university is in the December or January before entry. 

Most universities make decisions quickly, and by the end of the March almost all decisions will have been issued. Applying early means you will get a decision sooner and can start making plans whatever the outcome. 

Language requirements

Although America has no official language, English is the dominant tongue, and the one used in universities. You will, therefore, need to prove your fluency. How can you demonstrate proficiency in English? There are two ways. 

Most universities will accept earlier education in English as evidence of fluency. Typically, this will require three years of instruction solely in English, for example at school or a Bachelor’s degree. 

Alternatively, universities will accept commonly recognized English tests. The exact requirements will vary between universities and even courses. Tests, and the scores you need, include: 

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System). Most universities will look for at least 7.5 on this test. 

TOEFL iBT (The Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test). A score of 100 or more is usually needed. 

PTE Academic (Pearsons Test of English Academic). A minimum score of 68 is usually requested. 

iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency). A score of 4.5 or higher. 

C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency). A core of 190 or more. 

Another possibility may be the Duolingo English Test. Although not as established, it is gaining wider acceptance, and is an easy-to-access test. Typically, a score of at least 125 is needed. 

Student visas for United States

If you’re from Bangladesh, you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in United States. The following information is taken from embassy and consulate websites. The student visa that you need to enroll in a complete degree program in United States is displayed below.

F-1 Student Visa

Application description

You need to pay the visa application fee and submit the DS-160 form online. After that, you need to schedule an appointment. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment: your passport number, your MRV fee payment receipt number and the ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page. Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bangladesh on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, your current passport and all old passports. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Application link

Blocked bank account

NOT REQUIRED

No blocked bank account is required.

Visa interview

REQUIRED

An interview is required during the application process.

Travel abroad

NOT REQUIRED

No travel abroad is required

Visa duration

THE DURATION OF THE STUDY + 2 MONTHS

Other information

Nonimmigrant visa applicants are encouraged to apply at least three (3) months in advance of the intended date of travel. So remember, apply early!