Study in USA. 1101 best institutions in USA

Every year, the USA attracts numerous international students looking for quality higher education. In particular, in the first half of 2024, 1.2 million Indians came to the United States - this number is 35% more than in all of 2023. Graduating from an American institution often translates to:

• Lucrative and prestigious job opportunities

• Competitive salary levels

• Financial stability, globally recognized

Indeed, the decision to study in the USA is a worthy investment, capable of unlocking a wide range of opportunities for your future.

American educational institutions offer a myriad of professional development programs. The educational institutions in the USA create all necessary conditions for discovering student’s interests, inclinations and career paths from an early age. Most educational programs stipulate a combination of mandatory courses and a wide choice of electives. So, students can tailor their education to their preferences and future goals.

Additional Benefits: More Than Just Academics

Besides academic prestige and freedom of choice, the educational experience in America is enriched by:

• Creative potential enhancement

• Athletic development

• Nurturing of artistic skills

If you have achieved high results in sports or the arts, you are provided with the opportunity to apply for a scholarship, which covers from 20% to 100% of tuition fee in the USA. In addition to scholarship, American universities provide grants for foreign students, if they achieved outstanding academic results in studying. So, there are several options for reducing the cost of education in the USA.

Work and Studies in the USA

International students on a student visa have the ability to engage in paid work alongside their studies. Typically, students find it straightforward to secure jobs that pay at least $60 a month. During vacations, the opportunity for full-time employment can result in even higher earnings.

Permanent Residency

Graduation from an American university allows you to stay and work in the USA. Foreign students usually are required to obtain a temporary F-1 visa, which is valid during the period of their study. Upon its expiry, graduates have a year to find permanent employment and transition to a work-based visa status.

How to Apply for a Study Permit and Understand Study in USA 

Though the cost of studying in America's top universities can be substantial, various measures can help ease the financial burden. Some institutions offer reduced-duration programs tailored for international students, significantly cutting down costs. Eligible graduates can also enter one-year Master's programs at elite universities.

Admission Requirements to study in the USA

When it comes to admissions, elite American institutions have rigorous standards, especially for international applicants. However, most universities are generally accommodating. If your proficiency in English falls short, you might consider enrolling in language courses offered by many prestigious American universities. Upon course completion, students receive a TOEFL certificate, which is often directly applicable if you decide to continue your education in the USA.

Application Timeline

Leading American universities have three primary enrollment periods: January, May, and September. This flexibility facilitates effective planning and preparation. To ensure a smooth application process, it is recommended to prepare a package of  documents at least six months in advance before starting education. This timeframe is enough for obtaining visas and preparing required documents.

Global Exposure

Many ranking US universities have partnerships with institutions around the world, offering students to participate in exchange programs, which allows them to get acquainted with different cultures.

Valentina Nikitina

Senior Marketing and Recruitment Manager at Kaplan Pathways with a focus on students from Russia and the CIS.

What advice would you give to potential students before entering in USA university and why?

Don't be lazy to explore opportunities and ask tough questions. Remember that choosing the right university is an important step on your path, but not the last. Enjoy this path!

The American educational system is respected for its high academic standards, globally recognized diplomas, and excellent English language preparation. After graduation, the students often successfully gain employment in multinational corporations and grow their career ladder.

Key Features

• International students typically study for 6-7 years.

• Education begins at age 5, followed by 5 years in primary school.

• Secondary school spans 3 years, leading to 4 years of university preparation.

• Colleges and universities constitute higher education, with colleges often offering 2-year practical courses.

• Universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, which comply with the globally accepted Bologna system.

Deciding on studying in the USA can be considered as investments, which positively impact both personal and professional development. Due to the mix of high quality of education, flexibility, and offered opportunities for academic and extracurricular growth, studying in the USA should be considered as an interesting educational journey.

Study in USA Fees: An Overview

The cost of study in the USA for foreign students is influenced by various factors. Firstly, the type of educational institution plays an important role in tuition pricing. Obtaining education in private secondary schools will require between $40,000 to $80,000 per year, including meals. The obtaining of university education in the USA will cost from $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Pay attention that this sum does not include living expenses like food and transportation.

Location and Specialization Matter

Secondly, the cost varies not only based on the institution's reputation but also its geographical location. Thirdly, your area of study also impacts the cost. Fields like medicine and law tend to be among the most expensive.

The Value of American Education

Despite the high costs of studying in the USA, you make a profitable investment in your future. The degree of American university is highly regarded globally, providing the graduates with bright job prospects and career potential.

Approximate Costs by Program

• Adult courses: $120 to $1,000 per week

• Camps for children: $700 to $2,000 per week (accommodation and meals included)

• Secondary education: $30,000 to $60,000 per year (accommodation and meals included)

• Higher education: $15,000 to $60,000 per year

How to Apply for a Study Permit and Scholarships in the USA

Studying in the USA is characterized by the high tuition fee. So, it's recommended to consider scholarship options. There is an opportunity to apply for scholarships through educational grants, among which are Fulbright, E. Maskie's program, or the AAUW Educational Fund. To increase your chances, prepare a compelling motivation letter and excel in the required tests.

Athletic scholarships are also popular, although they usually last for only one academic year. To continue receiving financial aid, students need to maintain or improve their performance.

Additional Costs During Your Stay

Apart from tuition, you should budget for:

• Food

• Rent

• Educational materials

• Mobile phone

• Household items

• Airfare

• Consular fees and taxes

Early Education in the USA

In the USA, children aged from 5 to 8 years old usually start education. At the age of 18-19 years the students complete their education. Education begins in elementary school, further children go to a prestigious secondary school.

Best Programs to Study in USA: College and University

After completing studies in high school, students are offered two options for choice: to attend a two-year college or a four-year university. After studying for four years at a university, students are awarded a bachelor's degree. With a bachelor's degree, they can continue their studies on a master's or doctoral program.

Specialty Programs

Primary education mainly focuses on arithmetic, reading, and writing, and is generally taught by a single teacher except for subjects like music, fine arts, and physical education.

Secondary and High School Programs in the USA

At the age of 11-14 years old students usually start education in secondary school. School program stipulates studying of core subjects, namely English, math, social and natural sciences, and physical education. In addition to it, the students are offered to choose 1-2 additional subjects, generally in the arts, foreign languages, or technology. Schools often stream students into advanced or regular tracks based on academic performance.

Controversies in the American Educational System

Some critics argue that streaming students based on academic performance can be demotivating for those in lower-performing tracks.

High School Diploma Program

The high school program stipulates studying from 9th to 12th grade, offering a wide range of subjects. To successfully graduate from high school, students must meet the minimum requirements set by their school board.

Exploring the Options for Elite Higher Education in the USA

In the United States approximately 4,500 prestigious universities are located, inviting international students for studying. Every year, more than 500,000 foreign students decide on studying abroad in the USA, wishing to obtain higher education at top-ranking American universities. As an interesting fact, over half of these foreign students come from Asian countries.

The tuition fee in the USA fluctuates from $5,000 to $40,000 per academic year. The difference in cost of studying is mainly determined by the institution's ranking, location, and status—whether it's public or private. Considering the high tuition fee, the foreign students will be surprised to know that the majority of prestigious educational institutions offer academic grants and scholarships, helping to offset study in USA fees.

Types of Elite Educational Institutions in the USA

Elite higher education in the USA is generally divided into three main categories, differentiated primarily by the academic atmosphere and student population size:

• Colleges: Usually smaller, private institutions where the focus is on intensive teaching rather than research. These programs typically last four years.

• Public Universities: These are state-funded institutions, which offer a high standard of education. However, they often lag behind private universities in terms of prestige.

• Private Universities: These institutions are often considered the top of American higher education, demonstrating research and teaching excellence.

One important step for foreign students is understanding the process of applying for a study permit in the USA. The admission process for students from out-of-state or foreign countries is highly competitive, so effective academic preparation is key to success.

Challenges of Studying at Elite American Universities

While elite education has numerous advantages, it also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Large class sizes

• Bureaucratic complexities

• Limited individual attention to students

Key Considerations for Parents: Choosing the Best Programs to Study in the USA

When choosing a school, parents often ask many questions to understand if the institution complies with their child’s needs, interests, academic level and aspirations. The following factors are considered: class size, alumni success, student community demographics, and location.

Spotlight: Leman Manhattan Preparatory School

As one of the first independent schools in Lower Manhattan, Leman Manhattan Preparatory School has earned an impeccable local reputation, guaranteeing the demand for graduates on  a global labor market. The school is located amidst New York City's core cultural attractions. As for educational courses, the students can take an International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is recognized as the gold standard for college and university preparation globally. Graduates from this institution are confident, purpose-driven global citizens.

By understanding the different options, fees, and process of applying for a study permit in the USA, foreign students can make informed decisions about where to obtain  their prestigious higher education. When you make a decision on studying at a top high school or university in the USA, remember to consider not just for tuition but also for the cost of living, and begin your scholarship search well in advance.

The Historical Roots of Education in America

The history of education in the USA traced back to the early 17th century. Despite the initial struggles faced by colonists, the United States quickly began to establish its educational framework. During this period small local schools and larger educational centers were created, which was a base for the diverse education system we have today. An important stage in the development of the educational system was reached in 1636 when Harvard University was founded, which is now recognized as a world-renowned institution.

Structure of Secondary Education: A Focus on Boarding Schools

Considering obtaining secondary education in the USA, pay attention that the majority of boarding schools are state-owned. Funding of these schools is conducted through a mix of federal and local state budgets, offering students various educational opportunities. However, in the USA there are diverse types of secondary schools, which are available for those interested in studying abroad in the USA.

Higher Education in the USA: Attracting Global Talent

One of the distinctive features of higher education in the USA is the predominance of private universities. These institutions invite foreign students for studying, who are attracted by the prestige of American education. The studying process is focused on providing world-class education and contributes to the best programs to study in the USA.

Navigating the Financial Aspect: Study in USA Fees

Understanding the cost of study in the USA is an important part of the planning process of education. Funding for education varies depending on the type of institution—state-owned or private—as well as the level of study. Information about study in USA fees is often provided on university websites, allowing prospective students to make informed decisions.

Demand for professionals can vary over time, but there is usually high demand for engineers, IT professionals, medical professionals, business analysts and data science professionals.

International students can choose from a wide range of programs of study, including bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs. In addition, there are specialized programs such as intensive English language (ESL) courses, exchange programs and short-term study programs.

There are many types of educational institutions in the United States, including universities, colleges, technical schools, and community colleges. Universities and colleges provide bachelor's and master's degree programs, while technical schools specialize in training in technical and maintenance trades. Community colleges offer two-year programs and can be a good starting point for higher education.

The U.S. education system generally gives students the freedom to choose their courses. This allows students to create a unique curriculum by choosing courses that match their interests and career goals.Also emphasized is the active participation of students in the learning process. Students are encouraged to ask questions, voice their opinions, and participate in discussions. American universities often support the integration of different fields of study and offer programs and courses specifically geared toward interdisciplinary learning and research. Many American universities actively support student research by providing opportunities for students to participate in projects and work with professors.

There are many exchange programs for students in the United States, such as Fulbright, Erasmus, and others. These programs offer students the opportunity to study in another country for a period of time, enriching their experience and understanding of the culture.

Joint programs or "articulation agreements" are agreements between two educational institutions, usually colleges and universities. These programs allow students to start at a college and then transfer to a university while maintaining credit-bearing courses.

Curricula at U.S. universities may be updated and changed regularly to meet current labor market demands and research developments. Faculty and administrators actively work to ensure that teaching materials remain current and relevant.

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) are standardized tests used by universities and colleges to assess students' academic preparation. Both tests assess knowledge and skills in a variety of areas, including math, English, and reading. SAT and ACT scores may be considered when reviewing applications for admission.

After graduation, international students can apply for work visas, such as H-1Bs, to stay and work in the United States. Many graduates also return to their home countries with new skills and qualifications, which can make them more competitive in the labor market.

Yes, it is possible. If you decide to change universities in the United States, you will need to apply for admission to the new university and obtain a new Form I-20. Be sure to follow the transfer rules and deadlines to avoid losing your student status.

Statistics of English courses in the USA

Foundation - General statistics