Study in the US

One of the most popular study destinations and famous for its unique attitude of continual improvement: the US is the first choice for many hopeful international students. The large landmass ensures that students are able to find a state or city that suits their preferences, and the highly ranked universities guarantee an immersive study experience like no other. The US’s prioritisation of capitalism and social mobility allows students from all over the world to imagine a different future for themselves. But what is living and studying in the US actually like? 

Why study in the US?

There are many reasons why students dream of studying in the US. 

A major contributor to the creation of modern culture, the US offers newness and innovation in almost every industry. Its commitment to development and focus on productivity creates a culture of ambition and constant improvement that is not replicated anywhere else in the world. 

Another benefit to studying in the US is the size of the country and the number of different places there are to enjoy. There are several different regions in the US, each with their own culture and appeal. 

One of the most famous regions is the South. Southern States such as Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas and North and South Carolina blend big cities and modernity with history and tradition in the smaller towns. Universities in the southern states often have larger self-contained campuses which provide a unique university experience with plenty of events and social activities. 

One region in the US which is especially famous for great universities and academics is New England. States such as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont have plenty of picturesque small towns, often near the sea or a lake, with colonial style architecture and a quiet and homely feel. 

One city that many students dream of living and studying in is New York. New York City is a hub of business with a long history of innovation, investment, and financial prosperity. The city is large and diverse with plenty of opportunities and something to suit a variety of interests. 

Another US city that many students are attracted to with plenty of great university options is Los Angeles. Los Angeles is home to Hollywood and the hub of the entertainment industry. Any student interested in the arts or wanting to experience both the city and some beautiful natural landscapes would gravitate towards Los Angeles. 

There are plenty of other great cities to choose from in the US. Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Washington DC, Boston, and Houston all have their own distinct style and thriving industries with an abundance of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars which rival other major cities around the world.  

The abundance of great beaches on both the East and West coasts of the US give a beautiful backdrop to some of our highly ranked institutions and are another major attraction to many international students.  

The US’s natural beauty is not limited to its beaches. Mountainous regions, canyons, forests, lakes, and national parks can be found in each of the 50 states and are a must-see for those hoping to explore and immerse themselves in the US while studying. 

Life in the US

There are plenty of university options in the US and a very large student population of 15.8 million in 2022 according to Statista. Of these, over 1 million are international students, also according to Statisa, meaning that there is a thriving community of people studying abroad. 

One of the most attractive things about studying in the US, outside of its university and employment options, is the ability to explore everything the country has to offer. A US visa allows you to travel to any of the 50 states and experience everything they have to offer. If you are able to drive, road trips are popular with locals and tourists alike and provide a great way for students to explore and go sightseeing. Furthermore, the US university experience is unique as student life is completely self-contained on campus. It is common for students to live with their peers on campus until graduation with everything they might want (bars, cafes, restaurants, shops) all being provided on campus. School pride and a sense of community and belonging are made a priority in US universities. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the university experience and make the most out of, not only their studies, but also the extracurricular activities, social activities, networking opportunities and volunteering options on offer. 

Choosing a university in the US

Given the size of the country, it is no surprise that the US is home to the highest number of our top universities: 196. Many of these universities are highly regarded internationally with 25 in the top 100 worldwide and 4 in the global top 10. The highest-ranking university in the US, and the world, is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which received a perfect score for academic reputation, citations per faculty, faculty student ratio, employer reputation and employment outcomes. 

MIT aims to produce ingenuity and innovation in a variety of industries, producing graduates who can create jobs and have a positive effect on the American economy. They have a 168-acre campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with 19 student residence buildings, six dining halls, over 500 clubs and student organisations, 33 varsity sports teams and 3,500 noted pieces of art. 

To apply to study at MIT or any other university in the US, students will need to write a personal essay as part of their application describing their motivation to study at the school of their choice with a copy of their school or university transcript. Students will also need to submit their test scores for the SAT or ACT tests. 

Deciding which university in the US is best for you can be difficult. One great way to look into your options is to attend a QS Event. Representatives from universities all over the US and the world attend our Discover events and will be able to answer any questions you might have about the school or your application. To find more information about our upcoming events, visit the Event page on the Top Universities website. 

Tuition fees, visas and financial aid

International students can apply for a student visa via the US Government and their local US consulate. When applying for a student visa, students will need to provide: 

• A completed online application form 

• A photograph of themselves which complies with guidelines 

• An acceptance letter for a US university 

After sending in their application, the student will be called for a face-to-face interview at their local US consulate. If this interview is successful, their visa will then be issued. 

Tuition fees in the US can vary depending on the university. The most affordable option this year is the University of Central Oklahoma where students can complete an undergraduate degree for $8,817.60 per year (around £6,900 GBP). It is important to note that there are frequently additional fees required for accommodation, on-campus dining, and textbooks. The most expensive option in the US is Tulane University in New Orleans which offers undergraduate degrees with tuition fees of $68,678 per year (around £53,500 GBP). 

Many universities will offer scholarship opportunities to hopeful students. It is important that students assess their finances and collect as much information as possible on their options before submitting their application. Alongside university scholarships, many local governments, and private organisations, including QS, also offer scholarship opportunities. To find out more about our ImpACT scholarships, visit the website.

Career opportunities

Any student interested in working or training while at university should apply for Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) employment authorisations. Only OPT will allow you to work after graduation. There are several options for temporary work visas following graduation: 

• F1 visa – after graduation, students can apply to remain in the USA for up to 12 more months for professional training. This could include taking internships or apprenticeships to prepare for a career. 

• E visa – this is for traders, investors, employees and anyone working in commerce who is a citizen of a country that has trade agreements with the USA. 

• L visa – this covers internal company transfers. If someone works for an international company and gets transferred to a US branch, they will need this visa. 

• H-B1 visa – a temporary work visa that allows highly educated workers who are able to work in ‘speciality occupations’ in fields such as mathematics, engineering, technology and medicine to remain in the US. This visa generally has a duration of 3 years although it can be extended to 6 depending on individual circumstances. It is important to note that this visa is offered on a lottery-based system. Anyone who is eligible may apply but the specifics of an application will not guarantee a visa will be offered. 

• O-1A visa – for people with exceptional abilities in the fields of science, education, business or athletics with documented past achievements. This is a temporary visa which allows them to take part in a sporting event, conduct or present research, attend events, have meetings or work on a project. It is a short-term visa although the exact duration will be proposed and agreed upon while applying. 

• O-1B visa – for artists, actors and musicians with provable exceptional achievements who wish to work in the US short term, for example to take part in a performance or to hold an exhibition. 

There are also several options for permanent work visas: 

• EB-1 visa – offered to those with considerable achievements in the world of work or academics and those who have been offered a high-level position in a US company who is willing to sponsor them. 

• EB-2 visa – for those who have an advanced degree (such as master’s or doctoral degrees) and are looking for a job position. 

• EB-3 visa – awarded working professionals with an undergraduate degree, skilled workers and unskilled workers who are looking for a job position. 

The US has many job opportunities for students in almost any field. It is important that students who wish to work in the US after graduation do their research to find out which visa they need and which state, city or town would be best suited to their career ambitions. 

Student support

The US is a very popular study destination for international students and so student support is paramount in many institutions. Universities will often have both faculty and student mentors who guide new students through their time at university. This is particularly common in fraternity and sorority houses where new and younger members will be partnered with a more senior student to ensure that they are looked after.