A unique curriculum, multicultural environment, advanced technology, and a plethora of work opportunities are some of the reasons why you wish to study in the USA and not in India. Along with Indian students, learners from across the globe pursue higher education in the USA. Let’s look at the top reasons why the USA is one of the most sought-after study destinations globally.
Top Universities in USA
Studying abroad is an experience in itself but where you are studying matters a lot. Therefore, you need to select a college or university very carefully, so that it adds value to your course and later helps you in shaping your career.
The top five universities in the USA along with the popular programs are given in the table below:
| University | QS WUR 2024 | Popular Programs |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 | Architecture and Planning, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Management |
| Harvard University | 4 | Computer Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, History and Literature |
| Stanford University | 5 | Archaeology, Anthropology, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Arts, Biology, Chemistry |
| University of California, Berkeley | 10 | Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, Business Analytics, Education, Law, Biological Sciences, Biostatistics, History, Economics |
| University of Chicago | 11 | Media Arts and Design, Neuroscience, Environmental Science, Economics, Computer Science |
Top Reasons to Study in USA
USA is one of the most sought after counties in the world due to its lifestyle, career opportunities and the varied courses offered by the colleges and universities. Let us discuss some more reasons that make it worth studying in the USA:
1. World-class education in the USA
You wish to study in the USA and not in India because of its education system. The USA has over 5,000 universities and houses some of the world’s best educational institutions listed high in the QS world rankings. The universities offer a variety of higher education degrees, promoting research opportunities to transform every industry. Here’s the list of Ivy League universities in the USA:
- Harvard University (Massachusetts)
- Yale University (Connecticut)
- Brown University (Rhode Island)
- Princeton University (New Jersey)
- Columbia University (New York)
- University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)
- Dartmouth College (New Hampshire)
- Cornell University (New York)
2. Internationally-Accepted Degrees
The excellent academic qualities and transforming curriculum have attracted students and helped them find exceptional career opportunities all over the world. The high in-demand programs that the USA provides are mentioned below:
- Business Management
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medical Science
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Social Science
- Legal Studies
- Fine & Applied Arts
3. Flexible Education System
US universities offer a wide range of subjects per students’ interests. The universities also provide flexibility to students to make a subject choice. For instance, there is no pressure on the students to declare the field they want to major in the first year of their bachelor’s. They can decide their major in the second year as well. This flexibility gives students time to figure out their field of interest. Students might not get this flexibility in their home countries.
4. Diverse Career Opportunities
An international degree expands global exposure and opens multiple opportunities. Many students, after studying abroad, return to their home countries in search of highly payable jobs. US universities also offer internships to students looking for permanent work opportunities. Most students find an internship and get hands-on experience to access better-paying jobs.
5. Get Higher ROI on your Investment
The rapid change in the education system is constantly leading to worldwide transformation. Maximum students take study loans, which further mount up with increasing interest rates. It becomes necessary to choose a university based on the ROI, which not only adds to your skill sets but also equips you with better returns post studies. Below are a few benefits of choosing universities based on the ROI:
- It helps you to survive the economic downfall.
- You can pay off your debts and student loans in a shorter span.
- Job security becomes high.
- You get wider job opportunities.
6. Excellent Support for International Students
The US universities support international students in adjusting to a foreign country. They conduct workshops, webinars, training, open days, orientation programs, and more to ensure students feel connected. So as to align oneself better with the new culture, universities organize language workshops for international students. Few universities also aid international students with proper support and facilities.
7. Research and training opportunities
One of the major benefits of studying in the US is that the students at the graduate level can avail themselves of opportunities for research and training in the universities. A student can even take the role of a Teaching Assistant to assist a Professor. This also helps them in funding their education and broadens their knowledge and skill set.
8. Cutting-edge technology
The US is known for its cutting-edge technology, and all the universities are equipped with the latest technology. This makes the life of the Professors as well as students much simpler where they can have easy access to data along with technology. It is because of the latest technology that the students learn new skill sets and methods so easily.
9. Diversity in programs
In addition to the diversity of fellow students, universities in the USA also provide a wide range of top-notch programs and courses. Universities provide a wide variety of specialty degrees, whether at the undergraduate or master’s level.
10. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are two opportunities available to international students studying in the United States to get experience in their chosen fields of study.
Training is an integral component of your degree program and is directly related to your area of study is known as curricular practical training (CPT). As long as you are enrolled in your degree program full-time, including during the summer months, you are eligible to engage in CPT part- or full-time during the regular academic term.
OPT is another form of temporary employment authorization that enables F-1 students to work in a field that is directly related to their main area of study. You are allowed to work for up to a year before, after, or both before and after graduation. There are two types of OTP: pre-completion (which takes place prior to graduation) and post-completion (which takes place after graduation).
11. Experience Vibrant Campus Life
To the main question, “Why do you wish to study in the USA and not in India?” many students answer that it is for the excellent and lively student life there. The student community holds various events and create exclusive life experiences for cultural exchange. These events eventually help students make better connections.
12. You can Earn While Learning
The US facilitates students to get F1 visas that allow them to work on-campus for 20 hours per week during a semester. And during holidays, the students are allowed to work 40 hours per week. Students can work in their university’s cafeteria, library, etc. At the same time, F1 visa holders are not allowed to work off-campus. If they still wish to work off-campus, then permission from US Immigration Services is required. Students can connect with their university’s career office to know their eligibility to apply for a permit