When you decide to study in the United States, you are making an incredible decision for your future and will be joining more than one million international students in the USA. There are many reasons to study in America, including career support and cultural diversity.
If you are an international student seeking help in making your college decision, keep reading our guide to US universities — we will go over all the basics on how to study in the USA and apply to US colleges and universities.
Why Study in the US?
The US is one of the most popular destinations for international students, with an all-time high of more than 1.1 million students hosted by US higher education institutions in 2024. It is home to roughly half of the world’s best-ranked universities, and students have access to first-class academic programs across all fields of study.
In the US, there are more than 5,000 colleges and universities to choose from, with each offering unique strengths in academics and international support. Another major advantage is the flexibility US colleges provide, as students can explore different subjects before choosing a major and benefit from general education requirements that enrich their learning experience.
Beyond academics, US universities also offer excellent career development opportunities, equipping international students with the practical knowledge to find success in their chosen fields. Most programs include internships or co-op options alongside career fairs, networking events, and workshops that help students connect with industry leaders. Many schools are equipped with cutting-edge labs and research facilities, offering hands-on experience that helps international students stand out to potential employers.
The US hosts international students and residents from different backgrounds, making it one of the best destinations to experience cultural diversity. US campuses have many diverse communities where students from different backgrounds can connect with each other, share their experiences, and form lifelong friendships. Many universities host multicultural clubs and events, making it easy for international students to adapt to their new environment, and find a community where they feel at home.
How to Study in the USA
As an international student, your journey to the US will begin with selecting the university where you want to study and the academic program you want to pursue. An associate’s degree from a US university typically takes two years to complete. A bachelor’s degree usually requires four to five years of study in the USA, though this may vary depending on the university you choose. If you want to continue your studies after getting a bachelor’s degree, you can consider graduate school.
The options for graduate or postgraduate programs are a master’s degree (two years of study) and a doctorate or PhD (four or more years). Graduate master’s and doctorate programs are focused on a specific academic subject, while associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are typically more general.
Contact a College Advisor
Speaking to a US higher education expert can help you learn more about how to study in the USA and find colleges that match your academic interests, personal preferences, and professional plans.
EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State’s network, has over 430 educational advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories, so you can visit a center in or near your home region for more information. Also, Shorelight offers sessions with enrollment counselors to help foreign students in the US find universities that meet their needs.
If you want to meet American universities’ representatives in person, you can attend college or university fairs in your city, town, or school featuring several US higher education institutions. There may also be virtual webinars with university experts that you can attend online from home.
Choose a University Program
For many international students in the USA, your major (or the focus of your academic studies) might be the most important factor when choosing colleges to apply to in the United States. If you have multiple academic interests, you may be able to complete a double major at a particular college or university. Or, you may decide to add a minor (a secondary academic focus that requires about half the total classes taken for a major).
If you are unsure about what you want to study in the USA, do not worry: In the United States, most students change their minds on what their intended major will be during their time in college, and 20 to 50% of undergraduate students begin their first year in college with an undeclared major.
Academics are important, but when you think about where to study in the USA for your bachelor’s degree, consider the kind of university experience you want in the United States. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Do I want to attend a large university or a small college?
Should I go to a public college or a private college?
Would I be happier at a college campus that is in the countryside, a small town, or a city?
What do I want to study?
Which types of campus activities and student organizations do I want to join?
How you answer these important questions will help you to make a truly informed decision, and keep these preferences in mind as you research colleges in the US.
Additionally, you can also look at each college’s location in the US, climate (weather), tests required (academic standardized and English proficiency tests), costs, scholarships, international student services, campus facilities, and internships and job placement rates to target colleges and universities that meet your needs.
For graduate program rankings, there are listings like U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools that can help you identify quality degree programs. But just like undergraduate degrees, you will have to look beyond the rankings and ask yourself some key questions:
When can I start my graduate degree program? Does the university bring in new students in the fall (August-September), spring (January-February), or even the summer (May-June)?
Will the application require any standardized tests, like the GRE or GMAT?
Is graduate student or married student housing available on campus?
Can I get an internship or co-op while in the program?
Are there international student services?
Apply to the University
Once you have selected the program you want to pursue and have prepared a short list of universities to choose from, it is time to begin applying.
To begin applying for a program at a US university, your application can be completed online either through each school’s own website or through a third-party system like the Common App (which more than 1,000 colleges accept). (Depending on the university, you may also be able to apply directly through Shorelight.) No matter which method you choose, you will be required to submit specific documents listed by the university.
Best Courses in the USA for International Students
You can pursue a wide range of academic programs at these universities. Here are several popular majors among international students.
Top US Universities for International Students (2025 Rankings)
Rutgers University - New Brunswick (#41 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
Stony Brook University (#58 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
University at Buffalo (#76 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
University of Illinois Chicago (#80 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
American University (#91 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
Florida International University (#98 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
Gonzaga University (#98 in National Universities, U.S. News & World Report)
US Student Visa: Requirements and Application Process
Once you have made the all-important decision of where to study in the US, the next step is getting your visa. There are three main types of visas to choose from, each with their own student visa requirements:
F-1: This student visa permits you to study at US universities or colleges with funding from friends, family, or yourself. You are also permitted to work part-time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week when your academic term is in session. F-1 visa students may be eligible to work off campus during their first year on a case-by-case basis depending on special circumstances such as financial hardship. After their first year, F-1 visa students may engage in certain types of off-campus work which include:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
STEM OPT
J-1: With this student visa, you can participate in study- and work-related exchange programs at US colleges or universities approved by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Your program must be funded by an educational or nonprofit sponsor. On a J-1 visa, you may be authorized to work part time on campus according to the terms of your visa or off campus after receiving permission from the responsible officer mentioned on your DS-2019 form (based on serious economic hardship). The duration of work may be limited to a maximum of 18 months (or for PhD students, a maximum of 36 months).
M-1: If you want to pursue vocational studies, you can apply for a M-1 visa which permits you to study at institutes certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Program funding may come from friends, family, or yourself. On a M-1 student visa, are allowed to engage in practical training only after completing your studies, and any off-campus work should be related to your studies and approved by your Designated School Official. Note that you will need an Employment Authorized Document (EAD) before starting work and you can only work for a maximum of six months.
To apply for a F-1 or M-1 visa, you will need an I-20 form, and for a J-1 visa you will need a DS-2019 form. While each form is slightly different depending on the visa, they all cover personal information (full name, birthdate, SEVIS ID numbers, academic program, English proficiency standard, start date, and funding sources).
Some colleges will send you an I-20 or DS-2019 with your admission letter, especially if you have documented that you have the funding available for at least one year of academic study and are not required to pay a deposit. Other US universities will only send an I-20 or DS-2019 after funding is documented, any institutional financial awards are made, and a deposit is paid.
Once you have received the I-20 or DS-2019 from your college or university, there are four important steps you must complete:
Pay a $350 SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 type and M-1 type visas and $220 for J-1 type visas online (and keep your electronic SEVIS fee receipt)
Apply for your non-immigrant visa (online DS-160 form)
Schedule your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate
Complete the interview
To learn more about the DS-160 form, check out our DS160 form explained article or speak to a Shorelight advisor. Our advisors can act as your guide to US universities and help you learn how to study in the USA for international students, provide personalized visa assistance, and prepare you for the student visa process.
Best Cities in the USA for International Students
Choosing the right city for your university degree in the US can be just as important as selecting the school itself. Well-known cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York offer easy access to career opportunities like internships, networking events, and postgraduation employment. They also have a high concentration of top-ranked universities and offer plenty of cultural diversity, but may be a bit more costly for living expenses.
Mid-sized college towns like Bozeman, Montana, or Laramie, Wyoming, are centered around their local universities and cater to large student populations, with diverse, welcoming environments for students. International students can benefit from a balance of quality degree programs, lower cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and access to local businesses that are open to hiring young talent. Additionally, some students prefer the slower pace of smaller towns compared to busier big cities, giving them space to focus on their studies and personal development.
Average Cost of Studying in the USA
In the United States, the cost of college is charged annually or per semester, and this covers college tuition, fees, living expenses, books and supplies, and health insurance.
Simply put, studying at American universities is expensive. But what is different about paying for college in the United States is that there may be academic, athletic, artistic, and even service-based scholarships available, or need-based financial aid (like grants for international students), depending on the university or college.
Tuition Fees for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Graduate programs are generally shorter than undergraduate studies (e.g., one to two years for master’s degrees), with costs that are similar, and maybe even less per year. While undergraduate students usually fund their bachelor’s degree with the support of their family, most higher education in USA international students fund their own education for a graduate degree or receive some financial assistance from the universities they plan to attend.
If you have limited funds to pay for your undergraduate and graduate degree(s), make sure to ask the advisors at the colleges where you apply about the kinds of scholarships, grants, assistantships, and fellowships that are available to foreign students in the US. If you are applying for a master’s degree program, there may be academic merit scholarships and/or graduate assistantships. For doctorate programs, funding assistantships and fellowships could also be an option.
When it comes to paying for college, do not rule out certain universities based on their total costs. Check and see if these colleges offer any financial aid for international students in the USA to help cover expenses.
Housing Options for International Students
Depending on your university, you will likely know about your options and assignment for student housing before your departure. Many universities offer on-campus housing in dormitories, or have both on- and off-campus options including apartments, complexes, shared houses, and more. Carefully research each option prior to leaving and choose the option that best suits the needs of your lifestyle.
At Shorelight colleges and universities, you will take part in an orientation on arrival and ongoing advising sessions throughout your first year to ease the campus transition process. Sessions on international student housing, health insurance plans, on-campus work options, student activities and organizations, and much more will make you feel welcome.
Average Cost of Living in the US
The cost of living for international students in the US can vary widely depending on location, lifestyle, and housing choices. Urban areas like New York City or Los Angeles tend to have significantly higher expenses compared to smaller towns or suburban communities. Generally, students living in the Midwest may find lower living costs, while those in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast regions face more expenses. Several key factors you need to look out for that could influence costs include accommodation, transportation options, food preferences, and entertainment habits.
To better plan for these expenses, you can research a more accurate cost of living for your specific university’s location. Many universities provide detailed living cost estimates and support through their international student offices, and these resources can help you prepare a realistic budget and explore options like part-time jobs or student discounts to manage your finances more effectively.
Scholarships for International Students in the USA
To help ease the financial burden of tuition costs and living expenses, international students aiming to gain admission in USA have many scholarship opportunities available, from partial tuition coverage to full-ride offers. US universities offer a variety of scholarship programs including merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, need-based aid for students with limited financial resources, and program-specific scholarships tied to certain fields of study or departments. Some schools automatically consider international students for scholarships during the admissions process, while others may require a separate application.
Not all scholarships work the same, so it is important to pay close attention to eligibility criteria, deadlines, and other requirements. Since not all scholarships are open to non-US citizens, it’s crucial to carefully check eligibility requirements and deadlines, and to prepare complete applications with all required materials. While undergraduate scholarships are more common, graduate students also often have access to assistantships, fellowships, and research stipends that can significantly help in reducing costs, often by a comparatively higher amount than for undergraduates.
To maximize your chances for funding, consider applying for multiple scholarships and look for those that offer support throughout your degree program duration. With careful research and preparation, you can make your dream of studying in the US a reality, and with support from Shorelight, you can work toward your goals in confidence with support every step of the way.
Learn more about how scholarships and financial aid work in the US for international students >
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Help
If you’re ready to take the next step, Shorelight can guide you through your journey, whether you are just starting your undergraduate studies or advancing as a graduate student. Shorelight’s expert advisors help international students find top universities, navigate the application process, and more.
To learn more about how to study in USA, consider visiting the USA.gov website.
Your next steps for how to study in the USA? Go to classes, study hard, and make friends from around the world. Here’s to a rewarding experience as international students in the USA!
How can we help? Talk to an advisor today about applying to a Shorelight university >
