Want to study in USA? More than 3.3 L Indian students were registered in American universities during the 2023–24 academic year, a 23% rise from the previous academic year. However, uncertainties about future immigration laws were brought up by the recent U.S. presidential election in 2025.
Despite these concerns, the United States post-work visa, Optional Practical Training (OPT), allows students to work up to 12 months after studying in US universities and a total of 36 months for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates.
Here are some intriguing facts and figures shared by The Student Helpline study abroad USA consultants.
Parameters | Overview |
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Admission Intake In the USA |
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English Language Proficiency Test Requirement |
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Standardized Test Requirement |
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USA Universities Acceptance Rate | Highly Competitive |
Graduate Employability Ranking 2023-24 | 88% |
Part-Time Working Hours |
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US Student Visas |
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USA Study Visa Approval Rate in 2023 | 63.74% |
Top Study Destinations in the US (Based on QS Best Cities 2025) |
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Table 1 : Key Highlights About Studying in the USA For Students (Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, DHS.gov, US Department of State.gov)
Some of the world's most prominent and high-ranking institutions, known for their academic excellence, innovative research, and varied learning environments, are located in the United States. Studying at prestigious universities in the USA may lead to a world of opportunity owing to its cutting-edge facilities, competent faculty, and abundant networking opportunities.
List of Top 10 High-ranking Universities in the USA (Updated List 2025)
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified universities in the USA hold government approval. It collects, maintains, analyzes, and provides information so that only legitimate foreign students or exchange visitors gain entry to the United States.
Opportunities for internships, job placements, and long-term employment in the United States are enhanced by enrolling at SEVP-certified universities.
List of Top 10 SEVP-certified USA universitiesConsidering high tuition fees, expensive flight tickets, and Visa fees, studying in the US can cost a fortune for some students. Fortunately, some US universities offer quality education with comparatively lower tuition fees than others to make studying in USA affordable.
List of best affordable universities in the USA and their maximum total cost of study:Compared to direct admission, universities sometimes offer flexible admissions guidelines for transfer students. According to the immigration department in the USA, the transfer of international students from community colleges to a college providing a four-year professional degree has increased by 8% since 2024. Additionally, foreign students are eligible for visas through transfer options.
List Of USA Colleges That Enrolled The High Number Of Transfer Students In 2024USA is one of the most competitive study-abroad destinations with high-ranking universities selecting students based on rigorous selection criteria. Fortunately, some universities in the USA offer comparatively higher acceptance rates.
Below are the top US universities with a high acceptance rate:Finding a job in the USA becomes easy if you are aware of which field of study is in demand. In the year 2023-24, nearly 368,333 jobs were given to international students, with Computer Science, Business Management, and Engineering being the top sectors in demand.
List of most popular courses to study in the USA in 2025S.No. | Popular Courses to Study in the USA | Number of Students Enrolled in 2024* |
---|---|---|
1 | Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science | 108,438 |
2 | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 86,235 |
3 | Bachelor in Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 37.322 |
4 | Masters in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 27,899 |
5 | Masters in Biological Sciences | 19,797 |
6 | Masters in Information Technology | 28,881 |
Table 2: Most Popular Courses To Study In USA for Students in 2025
*The data is gathered through an extensive online survey conducted by experienced study abroad consultants at The Student Helpline, reflecting current trends and student preferences.
Pursuing short-term courses in the US is one of the popular ways international students opt to get job-ready in just a short period. These courses are usually completed within a year or even less.
List of popular short-term certification courses to pursue in the US for Indian studentsWith 42.9% of students studying mathematics and computer science, 24.5% studying engineering, and 11.2% studying business and management, a sizable percentage of Indian students choose to pursue STEM disciplines.
California, Massachusetts, Texas, and New York offer students the best placement and internship experience, offering an average INR 68.8L/year salary to a graduate.
List of 10 high-paying job courses to study in USA for Indian studentsS.No. | Education Path | High-Paying Job Roles In USA | Upper-end Annual Salary* |
---|---|---|---|
1. | MBBS | Anesthesiologist | INR 2 Cr. |
2. | MBBS | Psychiatrist | INR 1.9 Cr. |
3. | MBBS | Pediatrician | INR 1.6 Cr. |
4. | Master’s in Computer Science or Information Technology | IT Manager | INR 1.4 Cr. |
5. | MBA in Marketing | Marketing Manager | INR 1.2 Cr. |
6. | Master’s in Finance, or Accounting | Financial Manager (CFA certified) | INR 1.1 Cr. |
7. | LLM | Lawyer | INR 1.1 Cr. |
8. | Master’s in Data Science, Analytics, or AI/ML specializations | Data Scientist | INR 1 Cr. |
9. | Master’s in Software Engineering | Software Developer | INR 98 L |
10. | Bachelor’s in Statistics, or Actuarial Science | Actuary | INR 97L |
Table 3: High-paying job roles in the USA and their upper-end annual salary (in INR) based on 2024 data on Glassdoor, Indeed, and US News and World Report
*Note: It represents the salary earned by the top 10-20% of professionals in that career path.
The majority of the top-ranking universities in the USA are very competitive and have lower acceptance rates, students might find it difficult to apply for such universities on their own. We, at The Student Helpline have expert counsellors who are well-equipped with all the study in USA requirements.
Be it writing your academic SOPs or guiding you for your visa interviews and verifying your documents, our counselors will assist you with everything.
MS in USA for Indian students is one of the most coveted choices for every student who wants to fly abroad for higher studies. Its universities and the quality of education it imparts to its students ...
Why MBA in USA? The USA has over 650+ high-ranking business schools, offering over 50+ MBA specializations. According to the GMAC Application Trends Survey 2025, 46% of MBA students are international, ...
Find the complete list of requirements for Indian students to study in the USA after 12th grade, from academic qualifications to visa essentials.
Learn the step-by-step admission process to study in the USA, from selecting universities to visa applications. Simplify your journey with essential tips and guidance for international students
INR 6.8L-42.9L per year.
Some of the best courses for Indian students in USA after 12th include options that offer global exposure and excellent career prospects, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.
Explore popular universities in the USA for students after 12th, offering diverse programs and excellent opportunities for higher education. Discover top institutions that help shape successful careers.
INR 8.5L-47.2L per year
Find the most popular master's courses in the USA, offering diverse opportunities across various fields.
List of some popular universities in the USA offering top master's degree, renowned for academic excellence and global recognition.
INR 20L-60L (may vary based on funds, discipline, and duration)
Some of the top research programs in the United States for international students include:
Some of the most popular universities for research programs for international students in the United States include:
List of scholarships, fellowships, and grants in the USA for international students, including eligibility, deadlines, application process, selection criteria, and more.
Note: Top scholarships for Indian Students in the USA and their coverage/reward amounts.
(Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Ministry of External Affairs India, DHS.gov, US Department of State.gov)
Planning to study in the USA? Learn about the post-admission process in U.S. universities, including visa applications, accommodation, and preparing for your academic journey in USA.
Type: Student Visa
Description: Allows students to study full-time and work part-time on campus and Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities for post-graduation.
Type: Student Visa
Description: Allows students to study full-time nonacademic, vocational, and technical programs in the USA.
Type: Exchange Visitor visa
Description: Exchange Visitor visa
Type: USA Work Visa
Description: Given by US employers to foreign employees to work in the US under specified occupations for up to 6 years.
Type: Post-completion work authorization
Description: Allows temporary employment to F-1 student’s major area of study for up to 12 months
Type: Work authorization
Description: Permits students to apply for internships that are directly related to their discipline for up to 12 months.
Get a breakdown of students monthly living expenses while studying in the USA, including housing, food, transportation, and other essentials. Plan your budget effectively for a hassle-free experience to study in USA.
$800 - $1,500
$300 - $500
$50 - $100
$200 - $300
Students visiting the United States of America for study purposes and job opportunities are required to be aware of the part-time work opportunities. After study in USA, they must be informed about the post-study work visa provided by the beautiful country.
The OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows the graduates of USA universities to work in their area of specialisation after they finish their course in USA University and obtain a post-study work visa in the United States. OPT enables one to work up to 12 months with the possibility of an extension to 36 months for STEM graduates, which can be useful in gaining experience after study in USA.
There are various part time jobs available for the students in the United States that can be beneficial for the Indian students studying in USA colleges. Generally, F-1 visa holders are allowed to work on-campus during study abroad in USA but not more than 20 hours per week and they are allowed to work full-time during the vacation periods. Students can check the job opportunities and apply accordingly.
Columbia University is the US University with the highest number of Indian students with over 1300 Indian students enrolled in the academic year 2023-24.
Yes, after your graduation you are eligible for an Optional Practice Training (OPT) visa. This training will help you work and live in the USA for at least 12 months after graduation and can be further extended upon request.
M.A. in History, B.Ed, M.Ed, and B.A. in Social Sciences are some affordable courses in the USA for international students. Generally, courses offered in Humanities, Education, and Arts are cheaper than any other courses.
A 1-year gap is accepted at the universities in the USA. Always make sure that you explain your gap year briefly and positively in your statement of Purpose. Connect with The Student Helpline study abroad consultants to draft a compelling SOP justifying your gaps.
Yes, US universities like Rice University, California State University, Drexel University, State University of New York, and the University of Lowa accept admissions without IELTS. Instead, these universities look for a university-affiliated English Language Preparation Programs (ELP) before starting the degree or provide evidence that previous education was conducted in English.