Higher education in Washington 2025

If plan to pursue professional higher education in the United States, should be aware of the nuances of the system for preparing for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Foreign students can study at colleges and universities.

Colleges offer specialized undergraduate programs. The vast majority are of the private type, teaching about 2,000 students per year. In most cases, universities specialize in specific fields, such as humanities or engineering. They are not as well known as universities, but they guarantee a high quality education.

Universities offer all levels of higher education in the United States: bachelor's, master's (including MBA) and doctoral studies. There are two types: private and public. The former are large and teach tens of thousands of students at the same time. Private universities have a developed infrastructure. They provide ideal conditions for pursuing science, sports and creativity.

Undergraduate degree

Undergraduate programs take 3-4 years. The American educational system does not imply a single curriculum. Students participate in mandatory and optional seminars and lectures. The standard program is to study general subjects in the first two courses, and then choose a specialized subject. Theory lectures are held in classrooms where hundreds of students can attend. Practical exercises, laboratory work and discussion sessions are conducted in groups of 2 to 30 students. Students are taught to think critically, participate actively in debates, demonstrate leadership skills and defend their views.

Master's Degree

The Master's degree is designed for 1-2 years of study in the United States. Programs vary in complexity and the richness of independent work. They are divided into two types: professional and academic. The names are self-explanatory. The first one is practical. Students master the theory and reinforce it with practical work in projects and internships. The academic master allows to conduct scientific research and then enter a Ph.

Doctoral degree

The final stage of the American education system. The duration of a doctoral degree varies between 4-6 years. Each year, the United States spends about 30% of its GDP on the development of scientific fields. Usually, research is conducted on the university campus, which is convenient for students who have the right to use all conveniences (library, laboratories) while writing their dissertations. Graduates receive a doctorate or Ph.

In the United States, they receive vocational education in all known fields. The most prestigious and in-demand professions include IT technology, law, all branches of business and finance, cinematography, music, and medicine.

The academic year at American universities and colleges usually begins in late August or early September and ends in late May or early June. Some educational institutions adhere to a division into semesters (4 terms) and others into terms (3 terms) and quarters (2 terms).

 In order to successfully complete a course of study and obtain a degree, a certain number of credit hours (ECTS) are required. Each college and university has its own criteria. Students receive grades from A to E, with A being the highest grade. After that, all scores are converted to GPA (Grade Point Average) scores. An A score is 4 and an F is 0. GPA - the average score for topics directed by potential employers and members of the PhD program admissions committee.

Flexible approach to learning

What makes the American education system different from some countries. If a student in a European university begins to delve into a certain specialization from the first year, in an American university he is free to develop a curriculum based on his preferences, choosing up to a third of the subjects. Thanks to this, the future bachelor cannot waste time on subjects that do not interest him, but tries himself in different fields to identify the most attractive ones.

With a proper choice of courses, the graduate has not only specialized knowledge, but also a set of soft skills corresponding to his professional interests that will help him succeed in his career. For example, a future lawyer will have a good grasp of speech and argument theory.

Many opportunities to practice

Already within the framework of education, American students have many opportunities to develop skills in practice. For example, future financiers are provided with a budget to learn how to trade in a university trading room with all the necessary equipment, while aspiring filmmakers have cameras, lights, permits, actors from neighboring colleges and their own movie theater for screenings .

Most universities have established close ties with employers and have developed internship and employment assistance programs. During the first year of study, foreign students are entitled to work on campus, after that - and beyond. After graduation, can participate in the professional internship program, which allows to find a job in field of specialization for 12-36 months.

Teaching Staff

American University attracts the best professors from around the world to collaborate with. Lectures are provided by renowned experts and researchers who share cutting-edge discoveries and practical information that has not yet been published in any textbook. American teachers try to present this material in an exciting way and accompany the lectures with lively examples and jokes.

In the United States, students are accustomed to not sitting down and taking notes on the teacher's words, but rather engaging them in conversation and asking questions. Open expression of opinion and rational discussion are encouraged thanks to the active participation of students in the learning process.

Student life

Some of the most talented and ambitious young people from around the world are working to attend American University. U.S. campuses enjoy a reputation for having dozens of clubs, fraternities and other activities that unite college students into one big family. As a result, students will not only expand their cultural horizons, but also make dozens of friendships, academic and business contacts.

Personal Growth

Studying in the United States lays down many qualities that can help succeed in work and life. A high level of academic load fosters diligence, a lack of judgment about mistakes and encourages diversity to help self-expression and creativity develop. Moving to another country, away from the demands of family life and the freedom of choice offered by college increases students' independence and responsibility.

Let's point out the general moments of admission to American colleges and universities. Preparation for admission should begin 3-4 years in advance: mastering a high level of English, passing additional tests (if required), collecting and processing documents. Admissions committees at American universities seek to get to know potential students, giving preference to ambitious and motivated individuals. The letter of motivation required for admission will allow to self-declare: life plan, academic goals, literacy, and logical thinking skills. It is important to demonstrate an interest in chosen field, develop athletic and creative skills, and understand the future prospects of the particular university and program.

Entering college after 9th grade

School graduates must complete a high school diploma program, which can be completed at a private school in the United States or at a U.S. school in another country around the world. The educational period is 4 years. Graduates who earn a diploma may enter U.S. universities and colleges to pursue undergraduate programs.

Admission to U.S. Universities after 10th grade

Students have two options: finish a two-year pre-university program or the International Baccalaureate program. They are available at private schools in the U.S. and around the world.

Entering a U.S. university after 11th grade

Graduates have several options:

• Complete a community college program in the United States. Education lasts 2 years and can immediately pursue the second or third year of a bachelor's degree at a university or college.
• Choose a year-long educational program: a university articulation program or an international freshman program. Many of these are conducted directly at the university.
• Earn high marks in the school certificate and pass the language exam. It is a fact that some universities accept successful 11th grade graduates into the student body without passing any additional courses.

The UW accepts applications for admission from October to January and documents from January to March. However, the exact dates are set by the educational institutions themselves. The country has a centralized common application documentation system; in most cases, can send all essays directly to the university.

The standard document package includes:

• Application for university admission
• Application fee payment
• Passport
• Photographs
• School graduation certificate
• Transcripts of study subjects
• Certificate of English language test (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Proof of passing additional exams (SAT, ACT and others, if required)
• Letter of recommendation (if required)
• Letter of motivation
• Student resume (if required)
• Portfolio (for creative programming).

All students attending a U.S. university must obtain an F-1 or M-1 student visa.

1. The F-1 is the most widely used study visa in the United States. It allows to study at colleges, universities, private schools and long-term language programs. Students can stay in the U.S. for the duration of the program plus 60 days, which is 3, 4, 5 years or longer.
2. M-1 - A visa issued for vocational education if the period of study does not exceed one year.

U.S. Student Visa Application Process:

• Receive confirmation of admission to an accredited U.S. university - Certificate of Eligibility / Form I-20
• Pay Consular Fee
• Complete DS-160 form
• Schedule an interview at the consulate

Visit the consulate on the date and time specified and bring with : foreign passport, printout of invitation to interview, DS-160 form, 5x5 cm photo, I-20/Certificate of Eligibility form, receipt to pay the consular fee.

It is also need:

• Documents confirming financial solvency (bank statements, etc.)
• Documents confirming relationship with sponsor and documents proving their financial solvency
• Educational documents (certificates, diplomas, course completion certificates, etc.)
• Documents that prove connection to country of residence.

Higher education in the United States is paid for, although such an investment is certainly justified. These costs will pay off in the first year of work, as graduates can immediately apply for well-paying positions. The cost of higher education in Washington starts at $30,000 per year. Can study for free through the following.

• Scholarships based on academic merit.
• Grants for students who are unable to pay their debts.
• Payments from the University.

Such grants will be able to cover financial investment in full or at least in part.

Universities and colleges are usually privately owned. Therefore, the costs can be very high, depending on the rating of the educational institution.