Higher education in Orlando, FL 2025

Higher education in Orlando presents an array of prospects for foreign students aiming to explore various fields of study. This educational framework consists of institutions categorized into four types, each designed to meet the academic goals of students worldwide. They include universities with multiple colleges offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Furthermore, non-university colleges are also open to foreign students. 

Bachelor’s degree programs typically require four years to complete, while vocational institutions provide options lasting from six months to four years. Community colleges focus on training skilled professionals, allowing students to transfer to traditional four-year institutions after two years.

Prestigious and Sought-After Specialties

When considering the most prestigious, competitive, and costly specialties in the United States, several stand out: law, IT technology, medicine, music education, and all fields associated with business and finance.

Understanding the Academic Year

The concept of an "academic year" is universally recognized in foreign educational systems, including the United States. However, its duration and division into segments can also vary among different establishments. In the U.S., the educational year typically commences in late August or early September and concludes in late May or early June. Unlike international universities, which divide the academic year into two semesters, the U.S. system includes the option for 3 periods (trimesters) or even 4 quarters.

Benefits of Higher Education in Orlando

The U.S. education system employs a completely unique technique to evaluate student process in higher education. To successfully complete an educational program or earn a degree, students have to gather a specific number of credits. It's noteworthy that each U.S. university establishes its own credit score requirements, without standardized policies governing this factor. Student performance is assessed using a letter-based grading system (from A to E), converted into GPA points (Grade Point Average), represented as numerical values. GPA reflects a student's average overall performance across subjects and frequently plays an essential role in employment possibilities and graduate school admissions. Consequently, many students strive to maintain a GPA above the average threshold.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university? Subjects, employer value, percentage of employment in the first year after graduation?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Higher education in Orlando offers foreign students the opportunity to obtain several degrees, with the educational journey unfolding through multiple stages, much like in other countries worldwide.

The Bachelor's degree in the U.S. spans four years and culminates in the attainment of an undergraduate degree. Graduates receive either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. Typically, the bachelor's degree program encompasses around 30 subjects within the chosen field of study. Contrary to prevailing stereotypes, a U.S. bachelor's degree signifies full-fledged higher education, equipping individuals for successful professional careers.

The subsequent academic stage allows international students to pursue a graduate degree and a master's degree, typically spanning two years. The master's degree program aligns with the field of study undertaken during the bachelor's degree program, offering specialized instruction and in-depth exploration of specific subjects. This stage culminates in the preparation and defense of a master's thesis. It's essential to note that master's programs encompass two types:

• Professional programs tailored for careers within a specific profession.
• Academic programs designed for research or postgraduate studies.

Studies and PhD in Orlando

For international students seeking further academic advancement, doctoral studies or a PhD beckons. This stage involves in-depth research and scientific inquiry, somewhat akin to achieving the status of a "candidate of sciences." While the acronym "PhD" harkens to "Doctor of Philosophy," its application extends across various fields of study. Completing this third tier of higher education typically requires four to six years.

Notably, many students enrolled in bachelor's programs commence their university journey by taking foundational, general subjects during the initial 1-2 years. They then transition to their chosen specialty, incorporating specialized courses into their curriculum starting from the third year. This flexible approach eschews rigid and categorical divisions, allowing students to mingle and adapt based on their chosen educational courses.

Subjects in the primary specialization are denoted as "Major," while those in secondary fields of study are referred to as "Minor." The two categories of study need not be related in any way. To make the most informed choice, students are encouraged to explore various courses and thematic classes during their first two years, covering fields such as arts, journalism, computer science, business, management, and more.

Tuition

Tuition costs can vary widely among different colleges and universities in Orlando. Public institutions often have different rates for in-state and out-of-state students, while private institutions typically have a standard tuition rate.

Fees

Like tuition, fees can vary. These may include technology fees, student activity fees, health services fees, and others. Be sure to check the specific fees associated with your chosen institution and program.

Room and Board

The cost of living, including room and board, can vary depending on whether you choose to live on or off-campus. Some universities offer on-campus housing options with different price points, and off-campus living expenses can vary based on the neighborhood and type of housing.

Books and Supplies

Students should budget for textbooks, supplies, and other academic materials. The cost of books can vary depending on the courses and the college's policies regarding textbooks.

Transportation

Consider transportation costs, especially if you'll be commuting. This includes gas, parking fees, public transportation, or other related expenses.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Students should also budget for miscellaneous expenses, including personal items, entertainment, and other incidentals.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Explore financial aid options, including federal aid, grants, and scholarships. Many universities offer various forms of financial assistance to help offset the cost of education.

Graduate Programs

If you're considering graduate programs, the cost structure may differ. Some graduate students may have opportunities for assistantships, fellowships, or other forms of financial support.