Information About Studying in the United States of America

The United States of America, known as the "Land of Opportunity," is the top destination for international students and is recognized as one of the world's best education providers. If you're considering studying abroad, consider studying in the USA.

Advantages of Studying in the United States

• Education Quality: The US has some of the world's highest academic rankings, with 8 out of the top 10 universities in the 2022 QS World University Rankings located in the US. Additionally, the US has the most Nobel Prize winners of any country, with 400 Nobel laureates as of 2022. This is one of the most important advantages of studying in the US for international students.


• Scholarship Options for International Students: The US government, universities, and private organizations offer various scholarships and financial aid to international students. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), over 50% of international students in the US receive some form of financial assistance.


• Internship Opportunities: Many US universities offer internship programs and career services to help international students gain practical experience and build professional connections. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average hourly wage for interns in the US is $20.82.


• Better and Easier Earnings: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings for someone with a bachelor's degree in the US is $1,305, compared to $781 for someone with a high school diploma. Additionally, an OECD study showed that the income benefits of a bachelor's degree in the US are higher than in any other OECD country.


• Global Recognition of Education: Degrees from US universities are highly respected and recognized worldwide. According to the 2022 QS World University Rankings, the US has the most universities in the top 100, with American universities leading in fields like engineering, technology, and business. Thus, international students in the US have the opportunity to receive prestigious, high-quality education.

Disadvantages of Studying in the United States

• Visa Acquisition: Due to political tensions, obtaining a US visa for Iranians comes with significant challenges and restrictions, making the visa application process extremely difficult for many Iranians.


• Tuition Costs: Studying in the US can be significantly more expensive than other countries. According to the College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year at a four-year public university were $10,560 for in-state students and $27,020 for out-of-state students. The average cost for a private university was $38,330. This high tuition cost makes it unaffordable for many international applicants.


• Living Expenses: The average cost of living in the US can also be high, especially in major cities. According to Numbeo, New York City has a cost of living index of 100, with other major cities like Los Angeles (84.12), Chicago (77.51), and San Francisco (96.27) also being expensive. International students often rely on savings or family support.


• Cultural Loneliness and Homesickness: International students may experience cultural shock and loneliness due to being away from their home country. Many report feelings of isolation in their new environment.


• Heavy Workload and Challenging Environment: US universities are known for rigorous academic programs, and international students may struggle to keep up. According to an IIE survey, 48% of international students found the academic workload much heavier than they were accustomed to.

American Universities

The US has one of the world's largest education systems with about 4,000 institutions.

While English is the primary language, you should familiarize yourself with different academic terms. Universities are typically called colleges, with two main types:

• Public Colleges: Large state-funded institutions with lower tuition but more students. International students pay higher fees.


• Private Colleges: Smaller institutions funded through private donations, tuition, and grants. They have higher tuition but fewer students, with international students paying the same as state residents.

The US is globally recognized for its educational standards, with nearly one million international students choosing to study there.

You can choose from thousands of institutions and programs while experiencing campus life and joining various clubs and organizations to enhance your resume.

Many US universities rank among the world's best according to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, including:

• 1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• 2. Harvard University
• 3. Stanford University
• 4. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
• 5. University of Chicago
• 6. University of Pennsylvania
• 7. Cornell University
• 8. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• 9. Yale University
• 10. Princeton University
• 11. Columbia University
• 12. Johns Hopkins University
• 13. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• 14. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
• 15. New York University (NYU)
• 16. Northwestern University
• 17. Carnegie Mellon University
• 18. Duke University
• 19. University of Texas at Austin
• 20. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: Fall semester from mid-August to December and Spring semester from January to May.

Academic Programs in the US

Two types of undergraduate degrees are offered:

• Associate Degrees: Two-year programs typically at technical or community colleges. Students can transfer to a bachelor's program.


• Bachelor's Degrees: Four-year programs with general education in the first two years and major specialization in the last two years. Students can minor in another field.

Undergraduate admission requires at least five GCSE passes and two A-levels. Contact admissions offices for specific requirements.

Note: Fields like medicine and law are not offered at the undergraduate level. Pre-med and pre-law tracks prepare students for graduate studies.

Search for undergraduate programs using the International Student School Search.

Master's Degrees

Known as "graduate degrees" with two types:

• Academic/Research: Leads to academic or research careers


• Professional: Prepares students for specific professions

Common types include MA and MS degrees, typically requiring a thesis. US graduate programs combine coursework and research with frequent assessments.

Admission requires at least a 2:2 bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Use the International Student School Search for program searches.

PhD Degrees

The highest academic degree typically taking 4-6 years, requiring comprehensive exams and original dissertation research. Common fields include anthropology, biology, education, engineering, psychology, and sociology.

Program Costs

Annual undergraduate tuition ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, plus living expenses. Top universities estimate total costs around $60,000/year. Public universities have lower tuition than private institutions, with different rates for in-state and out-of-state students.

Graduate program costs vary widely. Contact universities directly for precise information. The Midwest generally has lower living costs than East and Northeast regions.

Funding for US Studies

Most international students receive some financial aid, including:

• Need-based Aid: For families below income thresholds


• Merit Scholarships: For outstanding academic achievement

For scholarship information visit: Scholarship Information

Application Process

Start applications 12-18 months in advance. Most universities require:

• SAT/ACT scores ($65 each)
• Application form
• Personal statement
• Academic transcripts
• 2-3 recommendation letters

Graduate programs may require research proposals and interviews. Application fees range $50-$100. Graduate deadlines typically fall between November-February.

US Student Visa (F-1) Application Process for International Students

1. Receive Your I-20 Form

• After acceptance, your SEVP-certified US school will issue Form I-20
• Verify all personal and program information is accurate
• Pay the $350 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com

2. Complete the DS-160 Form

• Online application at CEAC website
• Required information:
  • Passport details
  • Travel history (past 5 years)
  • US contact (school official)
  • Digital photo (recent, white background)
• Application fee: $185 (non-refundable)

3. Schedule Your Visa Interview

• Create account on US Travel Docs
• Select nearest US Embassy/Consulate
• Check the cuurrent waiting time of the embassy first.

  4. Required Documentation

  Category	Documents
  Mandatory	Passport (valid 6+ months beyond stay) DS-160 confirmation Visa appointment letter Original I-20 SEVIS payment receipt
  Financial Proof	Bank statements (covering 1+ years of expenses) Scholarship letters (if applicable) Sponsor documents (affidavit of support)
  Academic	Admission letter Transcripts/degree certificates Test scores (TOEFL, SAT, GRE/GMAT)

  5. The Visa Interview

  • Common Questions:
    1. Why did you choose this university?
    2. How will you finance your education?
    3. What are your career goals after graduation?
    4. Do you have family in the US?
    5. Why study in the US instead of your home country?
  • Interview Tips:
    • Keep answers concise (30-60 seconds)
    • Demonstrate strong ties to home country
    • Bring organized documents (originals + copies)
    • Dress business casual

  6. Visa Processing & Issuance

  • Standard processing: 5-7 business days
  • Administrative processing: Additional 30-60 days for some applicants
  • Visa validity: Typically matches program duration
  • Entry to US: Up to 30 days before program start date

  7. Maintaining Visa Status

  • Enroll full-time each semester
  • Report address changes within 10 days
  • Limit on-campus work to 20 hrs/week during term
  • Apply for OPT/CPT before employment
  • Maintain valid passport and I-20

  8. Post-Graduation Options

  Option	Duration	Requirements
  OPT (Optional Practical Training)	12 months (36 for STEM)	F-1 status, degree completion
  H-1B Visa	3+3 years	Job offer in specialty occupation
  Student Visa to Green Card	Permanent	Employment-based or family sponsorship

  9. Country-Specific Considerations

  • China/India: Longer processing times during peak seasons (May-August)
  • Africa/Middle East: Additional security clearances may apply
  • Europe/Australia: Typically faster processing
  • Latin America: Strong emphasis on demonstrating non-immigrant intent

  10. Helpful Resources

  • Study in the States (Official Guide)
  • EducationUSA Advising Centers
  • SEVIS Help Portal
  • USCIS Student Guidelines

  1. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  Available to all F-1 visa holders:

  • Pre-completion OPT: Part-time work during studies (max 20 hrs/week)
  • Post-completion OPT: 12 months full-time work after graduation
  • STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 months for STEM graduates

  Key 2022 DHS statistics:

  • 200,000+ OPT approvals annually
  • 75% STEM OPT recipients transition to H-1B
  • Average starting salary: $65,000/year

  2. H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

  Requirements:

  • Job offer in specialty field (typically requiring bachelor's)
  • Prevailing wage compliance
  • Annual lottery (85,000 visas)

  Top hiring industries:

  • Technology (42%)
  • Finance (18%)
  • Healthcare (12%)
  • Engineering (11%)

  3. University Career Services

  Top universities provide:

  • Dedicated international student advisors
  • On-campus recruitment fairs (200+ employers)
  • Alumni networking programs
  • Resume/Interview workshops

  4. High-Demand Fields

  Best employment prospects:

  • Computer Science: $110,000 median salary
  • Data Science: 31% projected growth
  • Engineering: Electrical/Mechanical/Petroleum
  • Healthcare: Nursing/Medical Technology
  • Business Analytics: 25% growth

  5. Salary Expectations by Degree

  Degree	Average Starting	Top 10%
  Bachelor's	$55,000	$85,000+
  Master's	$75,000	$120,000+
  PhD	$95,000	$150,000+

  6. Immigration Pathways

  • EB-2/NIW: Advanced degrees/exceptional ability
  • EB-3: Professional/skilled workers
  • EB-5: Investment visa ($800k minimum)
  • Marriage-based: To US citizen/permanent resident

  7. Job Search Timeline

  • 12 months pre-graduation: Begin networking
  • 9 months: Start applications
  • 6 months: Informational interviews
  • 3 months: Finalize OPT

  Current number of students and graduates abroad on the Leapto platform: