Study in USA for Indian Students: Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarships & Placements

Willing to study in the USA? Here is a detailed catalog of the essentials you need to know for applying to US universities. The USA has always been a priority choice for many Indians for education purposes, especially with the country’s IT boom. Not just for IT, but the USA is also known for its humanities programs. The number of Indian students in the US grew by 141.2% in 2024, a testament to how the US has become a top priority for Indian students and the growing influence and opportunities for Indian students in the USA. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 3,37,630 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2024. The scenic areas of Hollywood, New York, and Silicon Valley have attracted many Indian students to the USA, and they are still doing so with highly upgraded technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. If you are one of these aspirants, let’s jump into the integrities of study in the USA, starting from the best universities to join, the best courses to opt for in the USA, the fee structure, available scholarships for Indian students, and the Visa process to top-notch placements. 

We at Rostrum will provide top-class guidance from day one when you have chosen to go to the USA to the day you land in your chosen university in the USA. Avail our services here and succeed in your career. 

Why Study in the USA?

Here’s why the US is the best destination to study abroad:

• Global Recognition of US degree: In 2025, QS World University Rankings, the top 10 of the top 20 universities in the world are in the USA. This demonstrates USA and USA universities’ global recognition and global leadership in higher education.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The USA is a hub of innovation and capital. The US education system offers a wide range of opportunities for students from an early level of education to take part in innovative activities like Hackathon, Clubs, Incubators and Business competitions, which help students pursuing Business Administration to get a touch of the real world apart from the theoretical foundations of the discipline.
• Research Prospects: The USA has a lot of public and private funding to explore a plethora of research analyses in various fields, starting from sciences, policy prescriptions and new fields of quantum physics and interdisciplinary subjects. The USA brings academia and top professors and students onto the table for the transformation of the world.
• Myriad of Educational Opportunities: The USA is home to more than 4,000 higher education institutions, including many vast research universities and small colleges of liberal arts. The USA presents a broad spectrum of academic, social, and professional environments that cater to the development of students’ interests and career opportunities.
• A Mixed Bowl of Diversity: The USA has a large immigrant population, especially the Indian Diaspora, South Asians, Africans, and Black Americans. The cultural diversity in the USA offers multiple challenges and opportunities for students to learn about this multicultural society and work for their future. The USA has over 1 million foreign students, and the cobweb of social networks one can build is tremendous.
• Ocean of Career Opportunities: The USA is a place of reputed recruiters, starting from IT students Google, Microsoft, Apple, etc., and Business Analytics companies like Boston Consulting Group (BCG), McKinsey, IBM, Apple, Facebook, and BMW offer a wide range of career opportunities for students who study in the USA and can work anywhere in the world. This is also boosted by university programs like internships and project development, which help students get first-hand experience at their university level only, which will help during placements.
• Flexible Curriculum: The USA universities generally promote an interdisciplinary approach while catering to the discipline’s in-depth focus. The students are often provided with flexible course structures and electives that they can choose according to their interests. The student’s autonomy in choosing subjects helps them pick courses that align with their goals and gives them comprehensive educational experience and creative thinking.
• Support Services for International Students: With a substantial immigrant population and international students, the USA universities offer robust support systems for international students. It stems from the deep demand in the country for people to come and study there. They provide various orientation programs, visa assistance, scholarships, English language classes, and employment opportunities. Many universities also offer scholarships, grants, and assistantships to international students to reduce the financial burden on the students. They prioritize your smoother transition in the USA, which is very distant from your own country. 

Top courses to study in the US

The USA is well-known for its IT empire, which has been boosted by Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Google, and many others, which impact our daily lives. Courses like business and management, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and social sciences are popular in the USA. It has also been a top destination for students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses like MS. Here is a list of top courses to study in the USA:

• Life sciences- Biotechnology
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science and Analytics
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Business Analytics
• Finance

Top universities to study in the US (QS Ranking 2025)

Here is a list of Top Universities to Study in the US based on the QS World University Rankings 2025: 

Intakes available in the USA

The US education system is very different from the Indian education system in terms of intake. The Indian universities take students only in one cycle in June-July, and post-graduation might be in 2 cycles. However, American colleges and universities accept students in three intakes. In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The three intakes available in the US are:

• Fall Intake: This is the September intake, which is very popular among Indian students. Indian students can apply for this in the month of September each year, and applicants begin preparing in July. Around 90% of the US universities have admissions open during the Fall intake.
• Spring Intake: This second intake is for those who have missed the Fall intake due to some issues; this generally takes place in January, and the application process starts in October and November. However, this intake comes with limited courses and universities; hence, you should look for the courses you want to choose and apply for. 

If you feel stuck, you can reach us, and we will guide you and secure a place for you in this competitive world, in the top university you want to join in the USA.

• Summer Intake: The Summer intake usually starts around May. It has very few full-time course options, mainly for short-term courses, commonly known as summer programs. 

Admission Requirements to Study in US Universities

Students and working professionals who aspire to be a part of esteemed US universities should check the eligibility criteria before proceeding with their application. Even the admission requirements for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs differ from one university to another; these are general admission requirements in the US. To set your application apart, one should make these documents more precise and inquisitive, like your Statement of Purpose, and aim for good scores in eligibility tests like the GRE/GMAT.

• Academic transcripts- Provide your interesting academic transcripts in the application along with your schooling, grades, significant extracurricular activities, sports, and any other activities that display your leadership skills and creativity. Compile them systematically!
• Academic qualifications– A bachelor’s or undergraduate degree or equivalent, with a GPA of more than 3.5, is an influential factor in the application procedure. A high GPA can help your application get processed more quickly.
• Standardized test scores – SAT or ACT for UG admissions
• GRE/GMAT score– You may need to share your GRE/GMAT test scores for PG admissions.
• English language proficiency– TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic or Duolingo – both UG/PG
• Essay- The common app essay or any prompt essay, stick to the question being asked and incorporate your personal experiences into it.
• Statement of Purpose– You will be asked to submit an essay of intent or SOP, which is a crucial part of your application. Make sure you stick to the university guidelines, format, word limit, and technicalities, formulate your purpose precisely and passionately, and make it your best.
• Letter of recommendation (LOR) or References- Some universities ask you to provide the mail IDs of the referee for your application process. It would help if you were keen on choosing who should be giving your referral and who saw the potential in you and writes for you honestly.
• Current or updated resume or CV
• Copy of your valid passport
• Proof of finances
• Work experience– Work experience is an additional point for those applying for a PG course. But still, many top universities take freshers, so there are no disappointments for those without experience. The top institutes in the USA offer seats to a dedicated candidate with the above-said conditions and a good SoP, as given below.

Cost of studying in the USA

The cost of studying in the US depends on which type of university you are going for! There are two categories of universities: State public-funded universities and private universities. Like India, private universities’ education costs are relatively higher than public universities. The cost is also dependent on the course you are opting for. If you are choosing MSBA or Sciences, the fees will vary from $20,000 to $45,000 per year, which differs from other courses. Hence, it is advisable to visit the university websites and contact the university administration for greater clarity over these aspects, or you can also book a session with us!

Generally, to cover tuition fees, you will need approx. $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) a year. 

Cost of living in the USA

The cost of living in the US is comparatively higher than in India, but the services they offer are also of good quality. The expenses differ from region to region, given the vast territory and the USA’s tier 1 and 2 cities. Generally, urban areas or Tier 1 cities are more expensive, and smaller towns or suburban regions have decent living costs. To get an overview of your cost of living, let us consider some essentials on your list, and you can add your items and check the budget. 

These expenses might vary from one city to the other. Still, this is the general trend. 

Student Visa in USA

There are different types of visas offered by the US for students pursuing various courses, and here is a brief overview of the same.

The processing time might vary for the students applying for study visas. Hence, the applicants should avoid last-minute rush and interview scheduling, procure the I-20 in time, and checklist other aspects like submitting the DS-160 Visa application within the timelines, paying the SEVIS fee, and relevant documents or biometrics like OFC appointment. So that you can have a smooth transition and fly to the US. 

Scholarships to study in the USA

Here is a list of scholarships for students to study in the US:

How Can Rostrum Education Help you Get Admission to top USA Universities?

Rostrum’s counselors work with you and do all the groundwork, so you don’t have to worry about the semantics. Contact us for a free consultation!

We will aid you in university selection that aligns with your academic interests and goals.

Academic Excellence– Our tutors specialize in preparing you for crucial exams like the SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, UCAT, and LNAT.

Detailed Admission Guidance- We demystify complex admission processes, tailoring your application to meet the high standards of globally recognized universities.

Personalized Essays- Our guidance helps you create impactful Statements of Purpose (SOP), reflecting your unique experiences and aspirations.

Global Perspective- Our approach ensures your application exhibits a broad worldview, demonstrating your preparedness for prestigious universities’ diverse and global environment.

FAQs on Study in USA 2025

1. When can Indian students apply for admission to US universities?

Ans. You can apply for three intakes: July for the September intake, November for the January intake, and early March for the summer intake.

2. How do you study in the USA from India?

Ans. You must fulfill certain criteria like a visa, admission to a US university, or an exchange program to study in the USA. 

3. How much does it cost for Indian students to study in the USA?

Ans. Generally, to cover tuition fees, you will need approx. $8,000 to $55,000 (USD) a year. 

4. Who is eligible to study in the USA?

Ans. The US education system is open at all levels, including schooling, UG, and PG, but you must fulfill certain criteria like English proficiency test, GMAT or GRE or SAT exams, etc. 

5. What are the popular scholarships for studying in the US?

Ans. Nehru Fullbright scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation scholarship, and UEFA are some popular ones. 

6. What is the duration of foundation or diploma programs in the US?

Ans. Generally, it ranges from 8 to 16 months, depending on the course and the university.