Study in United States of America
Home to the world's top universities and unmatched career opportunities
Why Study in United States of America?
Top reasons students choose this destination.
4,000+ Universities
Including MIT, Stanford, Harvard — the largest higher education system globally
STEM OPT Extension
Up to 3 years of post-study work for STEM graduates through Optional Practical Training
World's Strongest Degree
A US degree carries the strongest brand value and recognition worldwide
Research Excellence
Unparalleled research infrastructure, funding opportunities, and innovation ecosystem
Indian Diaspora
268,000+ Indian students with strong community support networks
Diverse Programs
Widest range of programs from community colleges to Ivy League research universities
Best Cities in United States of America
Top destinations for international students to study, live, and build careers.
Boston
Home to MIT and Harvard, Boston is a global hub for education, biotech, and healthcare. The city has a massive student population with strong internship pipelines to companies like Moderna, Raytheon, and Boston Consulting Group. Excellent public transit and a walkable city center make it ideal for students without cars.
New York City
The financial and media capital of the world, NYC offers unmatched networking and career opportunities in finance, tech, media, and consulting. Columbia, NYU, and dozens of other institutions create a vibrant student ecosystem. The city's diversity means Indian students find familiar food, culture, and community easily.
San Francisco Bay Area
Silicon Valley is the global epicenter of technology and startups, home to Stanford, UC Berkeley, and headquarters of Google, Apple, Meta, and thousands of startups. STEM graduates have the highest concentration of job opportunities anywhere in the world. The diverse, innovation-driven culture is extremely welcoming to international talent.
Los Angeles
LA is a powerhouse for entertainment, aerospace, tech, and healthcare, with UCLA and USC as anchor institutions. The city offers a sunny climate, diverse culture, and a large Indian community. Growing tech ecosystem ('Silicon Beach') provides strong job prospects for graduates.
Chicago
A major financial and business center with the University of Chicago and Northwestern nearby, Chicago offers big-city opportunities at a lower cost of living than the coasts. Strong industries in finance, consulting, manufacturing, and tech. The city has a vibrant food and cultural scene with affordable neighborhoods.
Seattle
Home to Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and the University of Washington, Seattle is a top destination for tech and engineering graduates. No state income tax makes take-home pay higher. The city offers a high quality of life with access to nature, a thriving food scene, and a growing Indian community.
Top Ranked Universities
Reputed institutions ranked by trusted global agencies.
QS World 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
QS World 2025
Harvard University
QS World 2025
Stanford University
QS World 2025
University of California, Berkeley
QS World 2025
Columbia University
QS World 2025
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
QS World 2025
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
QS World 2025
University of Washington
Tuition Fee Ranges
Cost comparison by institution type — shown in both local currency and INR.
Public (State) Universities
₹16.7L–₹37.5L
$20,000–$45,000
- UC System
- UT Austin
- University of Michigan
Private Universities
₹41.7L–₹54.2L
$50,000–$65,000
- MIT
- Stanford
- Harvard
- Columbia
Community Colleges
₹6.7L–₹12.5L
$8,000–$15,000
- Santa Monica College
- De Anza College
Liberal Arts Colleges
₹45.8L–₹54.2L
$55,000–$65,000
- Williams
- Amherst
- Swarthmore
Employment
Work opportunities for students.
During Studies
On-campus work up to 20 hrs/week during sessions, unlimited during breaks. Off-campus via Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
After Graduation
12 months OPT for all graduates. STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months (total 36 months for STEM graduates). 60-day grace period after program completion.
Expected Salaries
Average salary ranges by field.
Visa Process
Step-by-step visa application for United States of America.
Get Admission
Receive Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified institution
Pay SEVIS Fee
Form I-901 — $350 (₹29,000)
Complete DS-160
Fill online visa application form
Pay Visa Fee
MRV fee — $185 (₹15,400)
Schedule Interview
At US Embassy/Consulate (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata)
Attend Interview
Maximum 120 days before program start date
Receive F-1 Visa
Passport returned with F-1 visa stamp within 3–5 business days
Estimated Expenditure
Breakdown of costs in both local currency and INR.
| Item | Local Currency | INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (average) | $20,000–$55,000/year | ₹16.7L–₹45.8L |
| Living Expenses | $12,000–$20,000/year | ₹10L–₹16.7L |
| Health Insurance | $1,500–$3,000/year | ₹1.25L–₹2.5L |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000–$1,500/year | ₹83K–₹1.25L |
| SEVIS + Visa Fees | ~$535 (one-time) | ~₹44,600 |
| Total Per Year | $35,000–$80,000 | ₹29L–₹66.7L |
Chat with an NKE Alumni in USA
Get real, first-hand insights from our students who are already studying or working in United States of America. No sales pitch — just honest advice from someone who walked the same path.
United States of America FAQs
Commonly asked questions about studying here.
Only through CPT (during studies) or OPT (after/during studies). General off-campus employment is not allowed.
Varies by university. Typically, proof of funds for 1 year's tuition + living expenses (~$35,000–$80,000).
Many programs have waived it post-COVID, but top universities still prefer or require it.
F-2 dependents cannot work or study full-time in the US.
Fall (August–September) is the main intake. Spring (January) is secondary. Summer intake is limited.
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