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Studying in the USA
Would you like to study in the USA? Find out how to enroll in an American university, what to look out for during your studies in the United States, and how to significantly reduce tuition costs.
Take the chance of living in the USA and apply for the official US Green Card Lottery!
Reasons for studying in the USA
According to U.S. News & World Report, 48 of the world's top 100 universities are located in the United States. Therefore, American students are guaranteed the best career opportunities in a global comparison. Personal development is also particularly encouraged in the American study system.
US universities allow their students to take several majors simultaneously and all kinds of general education courses. This enables college students to discover their talents and passions at their leisure before finally deciding on a major - two years after starting their studies. In addition, practical experience is emphasized at American universities: several internships in US companies provide each student with excellent contacts in the American business world.
What does it cost to study in the USA?
The biggest challenges for international students in America are the cost of living and the often expensive tuition fees. However, choosing where to live in the USA can make a big difference in cost, as can the type of residency permit.
Study cheaper in the USA with a Green Card
A major part of the cost problem can be solved by having a Green Card. Those who come to the USA as permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders) can save up to 80 % on tuition fees, depending on the university.
The reason: There is a distinction between inexpensive in-state fees for locals and more expensive out-of-state fees for non-local students in the USA.
With a Green Card, you can study in the USA for up to 80 % cheaper.
Your choice of university also makes a big difference. If you enroll at a community college, you'll pay a fraction of the money you'd have to put on the table at an elite university. In the middle ground between these two extremes are public universities.
The cheapest universities in the USA
If you can't afford (or don't want to pay) Harvard or MIT, with their tuition of $ 50,000 and more, you're not alone. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable universities in the United States with excellent educational offerings.
Among the most affordable universities in the United States in the 2021-2022 cohort, according to collegeboard.org, were:
| US University | In-State Tuition Fees for Green Card holders | Out-of-State Tuition Fees without a Green Card |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming | $ 6,100 | $ 20,650 |
| University of Florida | $ 6,380 | $ 28,660 |
| University of Montana | $ 7,490 | $ 28,480 |
| University of Idaho | $ 8,340 | $ 27,580 |
| University of New Mexico | $ 8,510 | $ 25,240 |
| University of Nevada | $ 8,590 | $ 24,680 |
| University of Mississippi | $ 8,930 | $ 25,780 |
| University of North Carolina | $ 9,040 | $ 36,900 |
| University of Alaska | $ 9,070 | $ 26,730 |
| West Virginia University | $ 9,140 | $ 25,820 |
By the way, the type of degree you're pursuing also makes a price difference when studying in the US: an MBA costs more than a bachelor's degree, and even the cost of books and service fees varies.
Requirements for studying in America
From the initial research to the actual start of your studies, you should allow at least 1-1 ½ years because, in addition to choosing the right place and field of study, you will also need to obtain a residence permit.
Each university has individual admission standards. However, in general, you will need:
- a technical college entrance qualification or a high school diploma
- for master's programs: a bachelor's degree
- proof of a valid language test such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, etc.
- sufficient financial means to cover tuition, rent, etc.
- a US student visa or Green Card
- transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation and motivation international
- insurance
Although the Green Card is not a mandatory requirement for studying in the United States, we strongly recommend working towards obtaining a US Immigrant Visa.
The reason: not only will the Green Card save you tuition fees, but you will not have to worry about getting a work permit for a student job in the United States. Only a Green Card gives you an unrestricted residence and work permit for the USA.
Therefore, you are allowed to work "off-campus" already in your first year of study and thus have a much wider choice of job opportunities than your fellow students with J-1 or F-1 student visas.
How to get a Green Card
The easiest way to get a Green Card is to enter the annual Green Card Lottery, in which the US government gives away 55,000 US immigrant visas.
Scholarship to study in the USA
If you cannot finance your studies in the United States on your own, you may be eligible for a scholarship. Offers for international students can be found, for example, at the Fulbright Commission, Stanford University, and others.
The way to a scholarship usually leads through a written (digital) application, including a letter of motivation, resume, work samples, references, and letters of recommendation.
Tips on living in the USA
Do you need more information about moving to and living in the United States? Then you will surely find what you are looking for in our guides:
