USA

Everyone has heard about studying in the United States and has some idea of what it’s like. The best universities in the world, beautiful campuses, endless opportunities for growth, vibrant cities, and stunning nature.

Discover the 5 strongest reasons to choose America:

World-class universities
American universities have dominated global rankings for years. Studying at one of these prestigious institutions opens doors to an international career, as a U.S. diploma is recognized and highly valued worldwide.
Cultural diversity
While studying in the USA, you have a unique chance to meet people from different cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds. This diversity creates an exceptional opportunity to broaden your horizons and exchange experiences in an international environment. This global perspective is valuable not only for your education but also for your professional career.
Innovation and research
American universities are hubs of innovation and scientific research. This is where new technologies, inventions, and groundbreaking discoveries are made. In the USA, you not only gain theoretical knowledge but also have the chance to participate in research projects that change the world.
Extracurricular activities
U.S. colleges offer a wide range of extracurriculars – from sports teams and choirs to music bands and theater groups. Thanks to this, you can develop your passions, gain new skills, or try something completely new. Many of these activities are organized on a large scale, just like in American movies.
Flexible study programs
Another advantage of studying in the USA is the flexible curriculum. You can choose your own courses – for example, while studying economics, you could also take a class in astronomy. This approach allows you to acquire broad and versatile knowledge.
So, do you think studying in the United States is worth it? :)

Keep reading to discover more details!

The U.S. education system is distinguished by its flexibility and the ability to adapt study programs to individual needs. You can choose from different types of institutions, such as public universities, private universities, and community colleges. American universities place a strong emphasis on practical skills, creativity, and teamwork. You also have the option of choosing your own courses, which allows you to combine different fields – for example, Economics with Astronomy, or Computer Science with Art.

Undergraduate studies typically last 4 years – the first 2 years are dedicated to general education across multiple disciplines, while the following 2 years focus on specialization, known as a major. Master’s programs last 1.5–2 years, depending on the program, specialization, and your chosen pace of study. At the graduate level, there is greater emphasis on acquiring advanced knowledge and skills in a specific area.

The American education system also offers wide opportunities to continue learning at the doctoral level (PhD), which can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, depending on the program.

It is also worth mentioning the many internship programs, which allow students to gain professional experience already during their studies. Moreover, U.S. universities strongly support scientific development, offering access to modern laboratories and opportunities to participate in exciting research projects as part of coursework. The U.S. education system truly encourages expanding knowledge across different fields.

Universities in the USA offer diverse opportunities:

You can choose between prestigious private institutions like Harvard, Yale, or Stanford, which provide the highest level of education and access to world-class professors – though costs are higher.
An alternative is public universities, such as the University of California or the University of Texas, which offer excellent education at more affordable prices.
Another interesting option is community colleges – two-year institutions that allow you to save on tuition fees. After completing them, you can transfer to a university to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, these colleges offer great flexibility in choosing courses.

Below you will find a list of top universities in the United States, along with their QS World Ranking position and location:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Cambridge, ranked #1)
MIT is renowned for outstanding scientific research, especially in technology and engineering. It is a hub for innovation and cutting-edge technologies, with graduates often becoming top international experts.
Harvard University (Cambridge, ranked #4)
Harvard, the oldest university in the USA, is a global leader in law, business, political science, and medicine. Its alumni are leaders across many industries worldwide.
Stanford University (Stanford, ranked #6)
Stanford offers exceptional programs in technology, entrepreneurship, and natural sciences. It is also famous for its strong ties with Silicon Valley, providing students with excellent career opportunities.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Pasadena, ranked #10)
Caltech is known for its achievements in science and engineering, particularly in physics and astronomy. Despite being one of the smallest universities on the list, it has a tremendous impact on global science.
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, ranked #11)
UPenn offers world-class programs in business (Wharton School) and medicine. It is also recognized for innovative research in the social sciences.
University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, ranked #12)
UC Berkeley is one of the top public universities in the USA, excelling in technical sciences, biology, and politics. Its contributions to research and innovation are highly respected.
Cornell University (Ithaca, ranked #13)
Cornell, a member of the Ivy League, offers a wide variety of programs ranging from humanities to engineering. It emphasizes research and interdisciplinarity, attracting students with diverse interests.
University of Chicago (Chicago, ranked #21)
The University of Chicago stands out in the humanities, social sciences, and economics. Its strong research tradition and focus on critical thinking make it unique on a global scale.
Princeton University (Princeton, ranked #22)
Princeton is among the best universities for humanities and natural sciences. It is highly regarded for its research in mathematics, physics, and politics.
Yale University (New Haven, ranked #23)
Yale is a prestigious institution with excellent programs in law, arts, humanities, and political science. Its campus and academic culture are famous for their unique intellectual atmosphere.
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, ranked #32)
Johns Hopkins is a global leader in medical research, public health, and sciences. Known for its medical school and research excellence, it also offers strong programs in social sciences and engineering.

Cost of Studies and Living

Cost of Studies
The cost of studying in the USA depends on several factors, such as the choice of university, the number of credit hours per semester, and the location of the institution. Tuition fees range from about $12,000 per year to as much as $80,000.

Here are some examples of tuition fees at two prestigious private universities:

Harvard University: $56,550
Stanford University: $65,127
And for comparison, tuition fees at two public universities:

University of California, Berkeley: $16,608
University of Florida: $28,658
There are also less well-known universities located in smaller towns, where tuition fees start at just $12,000 per academic year, making them more financially accessible.

Cost of Living
In addition, you need to consider costs such as accommodation, books and study materials, food, student activities, and personal expenses. Some universities offer packages that include housing and meals in dormitories and dining halls, which can make budgeting easier.

It’s also worth noting the differences in living costs across various parts of the United States. Studying in large cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco can be significantly more expensive due to higher rent and service prices. Meanwhile, living costs in smaller towns are usually more affordable.

Accommodation:

Dormitory: $700 – $1200 per month
Renting a room off-campus: $500 – $850 per month (depending on location)
Renting an apartment off-campus: $800 – $1400 per month (depending on location)
Other costs:

Food: $300 – $500 per month (depending on lifestyle and location)
Books and study materials: about $100 per month
Public transport: about $100 per month
Additional expenses: $200 – $500 per month
Average monthly student living cost: $1000 – $1800 (depending on city and lifestyle)

Working During Studies
Working while studying is also a good idea. Most international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks between semesters. The average hourly wage ranges from $8 to $15, which can allow you to save between $640 and $1200 per month.

Popular student jobs include campus cafés, restaurants, or libraries. Another benefit of working in the USA is the opportunity to get to know the culture better, meet people from all over the world, gain your first professional experience, and enrich your CV.

Scholarships
Studying in the USA can be expensive, but there are numerous scholarships available that can significantly help cover costs. It is worth starting with scholarships offered directly by universities, which may include both full and partial funding. Universities such as Harvard, Stanford, or MIT offer various forms of support for international students, including scholarships based on academic achievement and financial need. Besides university scholarships, many external organizations also provide funding for studies.

Sports scholarships are also very popular. They are awarded in various disciplines such as soccer, basketball, track and field, and many others. In the USA, sports scholarships are especially common at universities that belong to the following leagues:

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): The most prestigious league, where many future professionals start. NCAA offers scholarships in three divisions, with the largest financial support available in Division I.
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): A smaller league than NCAA, but still provides many athletic scholarships, especially for international students.
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association): A league for two-year colleges (junior colleges), which offer athletic scholarships for shorter study programs.
The amount of scholarships depends on the university, the sport, and the league level. In top NCAA programs, a full scholarship may cover the entire cost of studies, which can be as much as $50,000 – $70,000 per year. Often, however, partial scholarships are granted, covering selected expenses such as tuition or housing.

Are you wondering what the application process for studying in the USA looks like?

It is a process that requires careful preparation. Choosing the right university and program is crucial – American universities differ significantly in many aspects (location, requirements, competitiveness, etc.). You should make the best possible choice because you will be spending several years of your life at that university.

Depending on the institution, an application may consist of many elements. The most common requirements include:

Entrance exam (SAT/ACT)
Language certificates (mandatory)
Motivation letter
Letters of recommendation
CV
Admission interview
Proper preparation of all these elements will have a key impact on the success of your application.

Application deadlines vary depending on the university, and in some cases, you can apply earlier by choosing the Early Decision option. The earliest deadlines can be as soon as November, one year before the start of studies.

When should you start preparing?
The earlier you start, the more time you will have to properly prepare your application and take on additional activities that can strongly influence its success. One thing is certain – if you know that studying in the USA is the right choice for you, the sooner you begin, the better.