Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 26 Sep '25

About USA - Highlights

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
347.28M (2025)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
October
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston817
New York1018
Chicago1017
Los Angeles1626

Why study in the USA?

landmark Key Fact IconTop Ranked and Reputed Universities
  • Alternative Star IconDiverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
  • Alternative Star IconAccess to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
sheildHeart Key Fact IconCampus Culture and Safety
  • Alternative Star IconVibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
  • Alternative Star IconStringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
faceSmile Key Fact IconGood Quality of Life
  • Alternative Star IconHigh living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
  • Alternative Star IconAccess to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Compare USA, UK, France & Germany

Explore key differences in Academics, Costs, Visa, Career & Lifestyle to choose your ideal study destination.

Universities and Courses

Popular Universities in USA

All courses
B.E. / B.Tech
BBA
MBA/PGDM
MS
More
186 courses
22 L - 1 Cr
Info Icon
#5
Harvard University

Cambridge, MassachusettsPrivate

111 courses
18 L - 80 L
Info Icon
#2
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MassachusettsPrivate

114 courses
37 L - 1 Cr
Info Icon
#1
Stanford University

Stanford, CaliforniaPrivate

137 courses
26 L - 1 Cr
Info Icon
#3
Columbia University

New York, New YorkPrivate

366 courses
21 L - 1 Cr
Info Icon
#10
New York University

New York, New YorkPrivate

374 courses
19 L - 1 Cr
Info Icon
#19
University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CaliforniaPublic

201 courses
24 L - 64 L
Info Icon
#13
277 courses
9 L - 80 L
Info Icon
#20
Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GeorgiaPublic

106 courses
13 L - 58 L
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#27
Cornell University

Ithaca, New YorkPrivate

190 courses
18 L - 1 Cr
Info Icon
#11








Popular Courses in USA

₹70 K - 2 Cr

₹56 K - 82 L

₹3 L - 62 L

B.Sc. in Biologyicon24 - 84 months

₹7 L - 62 L

₹8 L - 62 L

₹2 L - 62 L

B.Sc. in Mathematicsicon24 - 60 months

₹6 L - 62 L

B.Sc. in Physicsicon24 - 60 months

₹7 L - 62 L

B.Sc. in Chemistryicon24 - 60 months

₹7 L - 62 L

BBA in Accountingicon24 - 60 months

₹2 L - 1 Cr







Find Universities in USA

B.E. / B.Tech
BBA
MBA/PGDM
MS
B.Sc.
More
With Accommodation704 universities
Publicly Funded406 universities
Spring intake361 universities
Summer intake165 universities
Offering Scholarship146 universities
Rated A++ by Shiksha17 universities

Top ranked universities in USA

All courses
MS
MBA/PGDM
M.A.
LL.M.
More
UniversitiesRanking1st year tution fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology1₹37.3 L - 1.2 Cr
Harvard University2₹17.6 L - 80.3 L
Stanford University3₹26.4 L - 1.3 Cr
Princeton University4₹46 L - 57.9 L
University of California - Berkeley Campus5₹22.4 L - 1 Cr
Yale University6₹0 - 75.3 L
California Institute of Technology7₹46.6 L - 58.2 L
University of Pennsylvania8₹15.2 L - 80.7 L
The University of Chicago9₹20.2 L - 1 Cr
Columbia University10₹21 L - 1.2 Cr

Info IconThe ranking is done based on Shiksha's own scoring algorithms

View all top ranked universitiesRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Studying in USA
Q:   When can Indian students apply for admission to US universities?
A: 

There are two intakes in USA, the main US intake is Fall intake and the second intake is Spring intake. There is also a Summer intake in the USA but very few full-time course options are available during that time, it is mostly for short-term courses or commonly referred to as summer programs. International students can apply for Fall intake in USA during the month of September each year and applicants begin preparing from July onwards. 90% of the US universities have admissions open during the Fall intake. The Spring intake of USA also opens admissions for international students but for limited courses and universities. Thus, those who are able to apply by Fall intake can take admissions or if not, then apply during Spring intake.

Q:   Are all US universities test-optional for undergraduate admissions?
A: 

No, not all US universities are test-optional for undergraduate admissions. One of the popular Ivy League school - Princeton University does require an SAT or ACT score. Yale University also does not accept it until Fall 2025 intake.  There are universities like Columbia University which have officially announced the scrapping of SAT and ACT scores for undergraduate admissions. Some US universities may require SAT or ACT scores based on admission to a specific course. Applicants are required to check the test optionality option if it is available or not. Check out SAT Accepting Colleges in USA.

Q:   How to prepare F-1 interview for US student visa?
A: 

The applicants need to be confident and must be able to answer all questions with honesty when going in for an F-1 visa interview. Applicants must have full knowledge of their course and US university they have applied to. They must show interest in coming back to home country and must explain well as to why they wish to study in USA. They must also submit all necessary details in their DS-160 form along with their social media handles (for social media vetting for US visa interview). Also, applicants must talk about relatives in USA and their relationship with them honestly if asked about in the F1 visa interview.

Get full details about USA F-1 Visa Interview Guide for international students and also check out US Student Visa Interview Tips

Q:   Can I get a 100% scholarship in the USA?
A: 

Yes, it is possible to get a 100% scholarship to study in USA. The universities in USA offer varies types of scholarships to international students. There are also fully funded externally funded scholarships. The list of fully funded scholarships in USA are as follows:

  • Government-funded Programs: The applicants with excellent academic backgrounds can apply for these programs to fully fund their education in USA:
    • Fulbright Foreign Student Program
    • Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
  • University-specific Scholarships: These are the list of those US universities which offer need based scholarships (can go up to 100% based on need) along wth merti-based scholarship:
    • Yale University
    • Stanford University (including the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program)
    • Harvard University
    • MIT
    • Princeton University
    • Duke University
    • University of Pennsylvania
    • Dartmouth College
    • Columbia University
  • Organization-specific scholarships: Apart from the typical ones, there are a few which are externally funded scholarships which can potentially offer 100% funding to international applicants, and they are:
    • AAUW International Fellowships (for women)
    • Rotary Peace Fellowship
    • ACI Foundation Scholarship

These are some of the few scholarships and scholarship programs which can offer up to 100% scholarship to international students going to study in the USA. 

Q:   How much is the acceptance rate for the top US universities?

Expenses for Studying in USA

Cost of studying in USA

Fee components Per annum
Books Supplies Icon

Books and Supplies

1,02,371
Hostel Meals Icon

Hostel & Meals

11,94,278
Health Insurnace Icon

Health & Insurnace

2,23,704
Services Amenities Icon

Services & Amenities Fee

2,63,957
Semester University Fee Icon

Semester & University Fee

77,766

Info IconThe course you choose may have additional components

Annual tuition fee as per

Education LevelAccordion Icon
Course LevelAverage Fee
Bachelor's From ₹ 0 to ₹ 58 Cr
Master's From ₹ 0 to ₹ 25 Cr
Doctorate From ₹ 51 K to ₹ 56 L
Popular courses in USAAccordion Icon
Course NameAverage Fee
MS From ₹ 13 K to ₹ 25 Cr
MBA/PGDM From ₹ 2 L to ₹ 6 Cr
B.E. / B.Tech From ₹ 56 K to ₹ 50 Cr
B.Sc. From ₹ 0 to ₹ 15 Cr
M.A. From ₹ 28 K to ₹ 13 Cr

Info IconThe fee range is an average representation and would vary across universities. For most accurate and updated information please connect with our one of our expert counselor.

Know cost of studying in detailRight Arrow Icon

Cost of Living in USA

Major expenses Per annum
Food Icon

Food

3,84,634.5
Accommodation Icon

Accommodation

6,64,705.5

Info IconThe course you choose may have additional components

Know cost of living in detailRight Arrow Icon

USA Scholarships for Indian Students

– / –
2026-02-01
All universities
VariesNeed Based
View & Apply

International Education Scholarship

Scholar Iconby University of North Texas
– / –
– / –
All universities
VariesMerit Based
View & Apply

Tata Scholarship

Scholar Iconby Cornell University
– / –
– / –
All universities
20Need Based
View & Apply

Gator Nation Scholarship

Scholar Iconby University of Florida
16.7 L
– / –
All universities
VariesMerit Based
View & Apply
– / –
2024-10-15
All universities
VariesMerit Based
View & Apply

Provost's Assistanships

Scholar Iconby University of New Haven
– / –
2025-10-01
All universities
VariesMerit Based
View & Apply

CSU Trustees’ Awards for Outstanding Achievement

Scholar Iconby California State University Los Angeles
10.3 L
– / –
All universities
VariesNeed Based
View & Apply

International Scholars Award

Scholar Iconby Northeastern University
23.4 L
– / –
All universities
VariesMerit Based
View & Apply
View All1374 scholarships
View all 1374 scholarshipsRight Arrow Icon

Student Visa in USA

15,862Cost of visa application
ModerateVisa application process
On receiving I-20 formWhen to apply?
3-5 weeksVisa processing time
80%Acceptance rate

Documents Required for Visa Application

Document Checklist
  • iconPassport
  • iconDS-160 Form
  • iconSEVIS Fee Receipt
  • Blue Download Icon+ 7 more documents
Download the complete
USA Study Guide to view full checklist
clickHere
6.4K+ users downloaded this guide
Know more about visa processRight Arrow Icon
Learn how to apply visa, where to apply & more.

Intakes in USA

Recommended

Upcoming intakes

Fall intake
Spring intake

Pro IconPros of Fall intake

  • Alternative Star IconWide range of programs and courses to choose from
  • Alternative Star IconMost number of scholarships and financial aid
  • Alternative Star IconBetter possibilities of getting part-time jobs and internships during the break

Con IconCons of Fall intake

  • Alternative Star IconHigh competition, seats fill out fast
  • Alternative Star IconThe cost of living may be higher
  • Alternative Star IconDifficult to get accommodation due to the high demand

Fall Intake Timelines

Active step IconApr-Jun' 25
Jul-Aug' 25
Sep-Dec' 25
Jan-Feb' 26
Feb-Apr' 26
May-Jul' 26
Aug' 26

Process IconShortlist the US universities based on preference

  • Alternative Star IconGather information on finances, loans, scholarships
  • Alternative Star IconCheck for courses offered in Fall intake at preferred US university
  • Alternative Star IconCheck all the requirements and prepare for application
Know more about intakesRight Arrow Icon

Work Opportunities in USA

Exams Required to Study in USA
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About the author

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Aishwarya Bhatnagar

Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge in SEO, Keywords, GA4, Data Research...Read Full Bio