Study in United States
Brief Background: The higher education system features a large number of institutions that vary in the types of degrees awarded, the number of students attending, the degree of funding and control from the public sector, and their status as nonprofit or for-profit entities. International students are typically attracted to the US because of the quality of instruction, the robust offerings, and the flexibility of the educational approach.
There are about 4,500 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the US. Of these, just over 2,300 confer bachelor’s degrees, following a four-year study model (referred to in the chart below as four-year colleges). Many of these institutions also offer graduate degrees, such as master’s or doctorate degrees. There are also just over 1,300 institutions that offer associate degrees, and these are sometimes referred to as two-year colleges, community colleges, or junior colleges. Students attend two-year colleges either to gain skills for employment, or as a pathway to continue their studies at a four-year college and earn a bachelor’s degree.
In the 2018-2019 school year, nearly 1.1 million international students enrolled in US colleges and universities, representing 5.5 percent of the students in higher education. The largest number of students come from China, followed by students from India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. International students typically pursue a bachelor’s or graduate degree, in about equal numbers, though some are pursuing non-degree educational paths.
US colleges and universities (the terms are often used interchangeably) hold 16 of the top 25 spots in the Times Higher Education University World Rankings, with 40 institutions in the top 100. While international attention has historically focused on eight private institutions that make up the Ivy League athletic conference, quality runs deep throughout US higher education, at both private and public institutions.
US higher education, unlike that of many other countries, lacks national oversight. Instead, the 50 individual states are responsible for educating students at the primary and secondary level, and higher education institutions are accredited through regional or national entities. Students can check an institution’s status through the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Compared to private institutions, public universities tend to have larger enrollments and admit students with a wider range of academic profiles. Because of the state funding they receive, these institutions may also restrict the percentage of out-of-state students they enroll.
Good to Know: Students attending secondary school study a broad range of topics and are not tracked by aptitude or interest. Higher education follows a similar model, with a liberal arts and sciences emphasis. Students explore their strengths, interests, and aspirations before determining a major, or course of study. There are exceptions, such as engineering or nursing, where students apply for a specific major or program. Generally, however, changes between majors are common and most students do not need to declare their major until their second year of college. Professional studies, such as medicine, architecture, and law are not typically direct-entry undergraduate subjects.
Many four-year colleges or universities offer on-campus living options, based on the idea that living away from home fosters independence. On many campuses, residential academic communities are designed to provide significant learning opportunities outside the classroom. Traditionally, athletic competitions have been a central aspect of social life on US campuses, and many also feature Greek life (fraternities for men and sororities for women), a form of social organization that may include a residential component as well.
International students may be surprised by the residential nature and strength of the university community found at many US institutions. Students are often highly engaged in their college or university, regardless of whether they live on campus. There are hundreds or even thousands of student-run clubs and organizations, including some particularly targeted to the needs and interests of international students. Intramural, club, and varsity sports teams provide athletic and social opportunities, and formalized volunteer and leadership activities are common.
Academic Calendar: Most universities run from mid-August until the end of April or early May, but there is no national calendar. The academic year is typically split into two semesters: August to December and January to May, but some universities run on a quarter or trimester system with shorter terms, while still others use a 4-1-4 calendar, with a month-long concentrated session sandwiched between two more traditional four-month terms. A few offer a block plan of studies in which one subject is studied for three to four weeks. Many offer optional summer terms.
Search: With so many colleges and universities to choose from, students should consider their educational objectives before beginning their search. There are numerous tools available to use, and data is regularly published on admission rates, retention rates (showing the percentage of students who return for a second year of study at an institution), and graduation rates.
Education USA’s website, run by the US Department of State, provides an overview for international students considering studying in the US. The organization also has 425 advising centers for international students in more than 125 countries.
The US Department of Education’s College Navigator is a search tool students can use to find colleges by location, course of study, degree type, institution type, admission selectivity, and other factors.
Students with a particular region in mind may want to review the US Department of Commerce’s listing of educational state consortia.
The Big Future website, sponsored by the non-profit College Board (owners of the SAT and Advanced Placement tests), provides another search tool.
Apply: Students are not limited in the number of colleges and universities to which they can apply. The majority of first-time freshmen apply to at least three colleges, with a significant percentage (approximately 35 percent) applying to seven or more colleges.
Though there is not a single, universal application platform in the US, in the most recent application cycle, more than 1 million students submitted applications to almost 900 colleges and universities through the Common Application. Students can also apply to about 150 colleges through the Coalition for College application. Additionally, many universities have their own applications, or participate in a state application platform, such as in California or Texas.
Most institutions have no preference for applications submitted through one application platform over another.
The applications specify which information is to be included for each institution; what documents are to be uploaded (either by the student, a counselor, or a teacher/recommender); which are to be self-reported (sometimes test scores and/or grades); and which are to be sent separately (often ACT or SAT scores). The requirements may differ by institution, and it is important to double-check the individual institutions’ websites for further direction.
Admission Deadlines: Deadlines vary by institution, by application type, and occasionally by major, but generally the early deadlines are mid-October to mid-November for students applying for the following fall. These early deadlines are for binding early decision applications or non-binding early action applications, and for both, students are informed whether they are admitted between mid-December and mid-January. Under regular decision deadlines, which generally fall sometime between Jan. 1 and March 1, students submit their application by a specific deadline and then are notified within a specified period of time (which can be as late as April 1 for fall entry).
ADMISSION PLANS
- Regular Decision: Students submit an application by a specified date and receive a decision in a clearly stated period of time.
- Rolling Admission: Institutions review applications as they are submitted and render decisions throughout the admission cycle.
- Early Action (EA): Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date.
- Early Decision (ED): Students make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enroll. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early. • Restrictive Early Action (REA): Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED, EA or REA to other institutions. If offered enrollment, they have until May 1 to confirm.
Some institutions practice rolling admission, which means that students can apply as soon as the application opens, with admission decisions released on a rolling basis as the applications are reviewed, rather than on a single date. Still other institutions utilize open admission policies—as long as students meet the college’s entry requirements, they will be admitted. Rolling and open admission schools may continue to accept applications up until the term begins, on a space-available basis.
Application deadlines for financial aid (either merit or need-based) are specified by institution. Certain scholarships are only available to students who apply by a stipulated early deadline. The availability of aid varies considerably for domestic or international students, by institution, and even by state, for US citizens. Students seeking need-based aid are asked to provide significant documentation of their family’s financial situation as part of the application.
Application Fees: Application fees vary by university, ranging from US$0 to US$100 and averaging US$50. Fee waivers may be available, typically with support from a school counselor. Institutions also sometimes have application events where they waive the application fee for a particular date or range of dates. NACAC, the Common Application, and other organizations have further information for counselors about fee waivers on their websites.
Admission Requirements: Many colleges and universities utilize what is referred to as “holistic admission” processes, looking at academic performance, background, personal qualities, activities, and other factors when considering which students to admit. On average about two-thirds of applications receive favorable decisions, but admission rates vary widely by institution (and in some cases, major) from 4 percent of students admitted at the most selective institutions to nearly 100 percent at schools with open admission policies.
Each university or college sets its own admission requirements, process, and decision-making criteria. For some institutions, admission is based strictly on high school grades (generally grades 9 – 11, and depending on the time of application, the first half of grade 12) and/ or standardized test scores. Generally, the institutions with lower admission rates (more selective institutions) require more information from students. Policies change frequently and vary widely between institutions, making it imperative that students check each institution’s individual policies throughout the application process.
Students must submit their grade reports or transcript upon application, and then supply a final transcript and/or proof of diploma/completion before matriculation.
Historically, most four-year colleges have required ACT or SAT test scores, though more recently, many have adopted test optional policies, where scores can be submitted if desired but are not required. These policies change frequently. In addition, an institution’s testing requirements may differ for domestic and international students and may differ for admission and scholarship purposes. Refer to The National Center for Fair and Open Testing for an overview and visit individual university websites for the most up-to-date testing information.
International students, particularly those coming from countries where English is not the native language, may be required to submit proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores.
Some of the most selective institutions may require or recommend further testing in two or more subject areas to help differentiate between candidates, although this requirement is becoming less common. This requirement is typically met through SAT Subject Tests.
Many colleges or universities may require students to submit one or more personal essays as part of their application process. Some may also require or recommend admission or alumni interviews, and certain programs, such as those in performing or visual arts, may require submission of a portfolio or an audition.
Many universities also accept Advanced Placement, International Baccalauareate, and other advanced course exam scores for academic credit or placement. They may also grant credit for a college course that a student takes either at their high school (dual enrollment) or on a college campus.
Upon Acceptance: Students receive one of four responses to each application: admitted, not admitted, deferred to regular decision (for early action or early decision applications), or waitlisted. Acceptance is typically contingent upon a student continuing to perform at a level consistent with previous academic performance.
Students who are admitted may attend assuming that their final transcript (or proof of completion through exams) is in line with their previous grades, they submit any required deposits (usually due May 1, a well-established National Candidate Reply Date), and obtain a student visa.
Students who are deferred may be asked to provide additional information such as updated grades or test scores, a letter of continued interest, or an update on non-academic achievements. Deferred students generally receive more information on their application status by April 1. Students can also be waitlisted. This means the institution might accept the student at a later date, depending on whether spaces open up in the incoming class. Waitlisted students will typically be notified sometime between May and August if they are being offered a place for fall entry.
Students typically receive all their admission decisions by April 1 and will need to choose among their options and submit a deposit by a date specified by their selected university, typically May 1 for enrollment the following fall.
Tuition and Fees: Each college sets its own tuition, housing, meals, and other fees. Generally, published costs are lower at public universities, however, private universities may provide more generous financial aid, though policies on aid to international students vary widely.
Public universities charge tuition based on whether a student resides in the state. For out-of-state students, including international students, the average undergraduate tuition at a four-year public school is approximately US$16,000 per year. Private universities do not differentiate tuition based on residency, and the average cost is approximately US$37,000 per year. At both public and private universities, international students may be charged additional fees.
Cost of attendance is a term used to describe an estimate of the full costs of attending a specific college for one year. Universities include this information on their websites, both for domestic and international students. Total cost of attendance (factoring in tuition, housing, required insurance, mandatory fees, books, and miscellaneous expenses), can approach US$80,000 at some institutions, though it can be much lower at others.
EducationUSA provides information about paying for college in the US. Scholarship and award programs for international undergraduates vary greatly by institution.
Housing: Many four-year colleges and universities, and some two-year institutions, have their own housing, and may require students to live on campus and purchase a university meal plan, at least for the first year. First-year students have historically been housed in residence halls, with multiple students sharing a bedroom/study area. Styles vary, but generally feature shared bathrooms, laundry facilities, and other common areas. Some universities have suites or apartment-style living, though this is often reserved for upperclassmen. Application for on-campus housing generally occurs after a student has chosen their institution and paid an enrollment and/or housing deposit.
Many students move off campus to private accommodations after their first or second year, if the university allows it. Some institutions provide a list of off-campus housing, but the rental agreements are transacted solely between the student and the property owner.
The fees for housing and meals are referred to as room and board and should be accounted for when planning for study in the US. Students should refer to individual university websites for cost estimates for on- and off-campus living, as the rates vary by institution and location.
Visa and Other Permits: Nonimmigrant international students usually enter the United States using one of three visa types: F-1, J-1, or M-1. The F-1 status is for international students who wish to individually enroll in a more traditional academic program, such as a two- or fouryear college or university. International students with M-1 status usually are enrolled in a shorter-term program at a vocational school that teaches a technical skill like culinary, cosmetology, or aviation. J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States to participate in a program specifically geared toward cultural exchange, including academic exchanges. J-1 exchange visitors must be sponsored by an organization designated by the US Department of State. Students can learn more about the Exchange Visitors Program on the Department of State website.
The US Department of Homeland Security website has useful information for students on visa types, applications, and requirements. Federal regulations require that all F-1 and M-1 international students attend a school or program certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students can search the SEVP website to confirm their school’s status.
Subject to approval from their university’s international student office, international students on F-1 or M-1 visas may be able to work on campus up to 20 hours a week their first year and can apply to work off campus in subsequent years.
Advice from the Field: In part because of the number and variety of higher education institutions, there is emphasis on “fit” as students select a college or university. The definition of fit varies and is personal, but includes factors such as academic approach and areas of study, social and extracurricular life, affordability, size, location, and more. And through the holistic admission policies practiced at many colleges, the concept of fit goes both ways: admission officers reviewing student applications are assessing what the student would bring to the residential and social community in addition to evaluating their academic credentials and ability to succeed in the classroom. Accordingly, university admission can appear arbitrary, and admission decisions are often difficult to predict. It is very important for students to apply to a balanced list of schools, with a range of admission selectivity.
University rankings can be controversial in the US, as it would be incredibly difficult to create a systematic way to measure educational quality delivered by institutions that vary on so many dimensions. The most well-known ranking is produced annually by U.S. News & World Report. Other media outlets have created college rankings, including Forbes, Money Magazine, and Princeton Review. Colleges that Change Lives, both an organization and book of the same name, provides in-depth information on some innovative small liberal arts and sciences colleges.
US colleges and universities often have strong alumni networks throughout the states and the world. Alumni can often provide career advice, connections, and other opportunities to graduates.
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