Undergraduate curricula often allow exploration before a major is finalised; the degree structure varies by institution.
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STUDY IN AMERICAS
Undergraduate & postgraduate study
Undergraduate & postgraduate study
Study in United States
A wide range of university styles, flexible undergraduate study and specialised graduate research.
Undergraduate tuition
US$31,880–US$45,000
annual sector averages · 2025/26 · USD
Sector averages
Per academic year · 2025/26
Postgraduate tuition
No reliable average
2026 national average unavailable · USD
Country average unavailable
2026 national average unavailable
Living budget / month
US$2,179–US$3,253
Reference budget · see conditions below
Why students choose USA
Graduate applicants can shortlist by department, laboratory, faculty and research fit rather than reputation alone.
Public and private institutions differ greatly in price, aid and campus life, so comparing actual offers is essential.
Explore strengths in
Technology
Engineering
Business
Health
Design
Universities & courses
Undergraduate courses
- Computer science
- Business
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Biological sciences
- Media & design
Postgraduate courses
- Computer science
- Data science
- Engineering
- Business administration
- Public health
- Economics
Universities & institutions
QS World University Rankings 2027 · Overall
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
QS 2027 · 1 overallStanford University
QS 2027 · =2 overallArizona State University
QS 2027 · 172 overallIntakes & start dates
When can you start?
August/September (fall) is the main intake. January (spring) is available on some programmes, with fewer summer starts. Funded research programmes often have one annual cycle.
Start dates vary by programme.
Tuition & living costs
Sector averages
Per academic year · 2025/26
Country average unavailable
2026 national average unavailable
What these tuition figures coverUndergraduate sector averages for 2025/26 are USD 31,880 at public four-year institutions for out-of-state students and USD 45,000 at private nonprofit four-year institutions. These are two different sector averages, not a single international-student average. A verified national 2026 postgraduate average was not identified.
National low-to-moderate off-campus living budget guidelines for independent students: USD 26,150–39,030 over 12 months, or about USD 2,179–3,253 monthly. Planning guidelines, not measured average student spending; campus housing budgets can differ.
Part-time work & careers
Up to 20 hours / week on campus
Eligible F-1 students may generally work on campus up to 20 hours weekly while school is in session. Off-campus employment is separately regulated and normally needs specific authorisation; CPT and OPT have distinct rules. A general student visa is not an unrestricted right to work.
After your degree
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for up to 12 months of degree-related OPT. Qualifying STEM graduates may apply for a further 24 months under additional conditions. Approval, timing and employer requirements apply.
Career fields to investigate
Notable student cities
Boston / Cambridge
A dense university and research ecosystem with substantial housing costs.
New York
Finance, media, technology and arts, with an especially competitive rental market.
Tempe / Phoenix
Large-campus study and connections to technology, engineering and business.