Are you planning to study abroad? Feeling overwhelmed by the number of international destinations to choose from? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! When speaking of the top study destinations for international students, in our opinion, we believe the USA stands out. Why do we say this? Here are two reasons to study in USA for higher education.
Top-ranked universities: If you believe that getting an education from a top-ranked university leads to better job opportunities, the US is the place to be. With 55 universities ranked in the top 200 globally, the US has the highest number of top-ranked institutions in the world.
STEM Programs: Are you aiming to secure a high-paying job? If so, you would probably choose a STEM program. Guess what? The US attracts the most international students in the STEM field, making it a top destination for STEM education.
Both are compelling reasons to study in the US, aren’t they? If you agree with us, we would like to highlight other compelling reasons why studying in the US could be a life-changing decision.
Get Admission in Top USA Universities
Benefits of choosing studyHQ
- Guaranteed admission to elite global institutions.
- StudyHQ provides complete support to the students.
- Unlimited complimentary counseling sessions with StudyHQ professionals.
- Receive advice from seasoned experts to master the IELTS.
- Complete knowledge base in obtaining scholarships, loans, foreign exchange, travel advice, student housing, and much more.
Top 10 Compelling Reasons to Study in USA
From world-class universities to high-paying jobs, the US offers many compelling reasons to pursue higher education. Here are the 10 reasons to consider the US as your study destination:
1. World-Class and Top-Ranked Universities
Did you know that the US has the most universities ranked in the top 100 on global ranking lists? The US has 36 universities in the top 100 list beating countries like China, the UK, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Not only does the US have the most universities ranked in the top 100, but it also has the highest representation overall, with 169 universities out of a catalog of 2,000 institutions. Also, the US is considered one of the largest spenders on education among the North American and European nations, allocating 5.4% of its GDP to the education sector.
What does this mean for you? It means the US is a leader in education, offering the best universities and a substantial investment in the education sector, giving international students the best environment to pursue their education.
2. Top Destination for International Students
What would be the one metric that indicates a country is the top destination for international students? In our opinion, the number of international students studying in a country is a clear indicator of its global appeal. Don’t you agree? When it comes to the US, it hosts the largest number of international students in the world. A key finding from the 2023-2024 academic year indicates that 1,126,690 international students from more than 200 places of origin are studying in the US, a 7% increase from the previous academic year. In addition to this, the number of new international students enrolling at universities was more than 290,000 in 2023-2024, which is significant.
This indicates the US’s attractiveness as a destination for higher studies and reflects the country’s ability to offer career opportunities.
3. Excellent Job Prospects in the Future
If we ask you, “What would be the one reason for choosing a foreign country for studies?” you would say – job opportunities and a good salary. The US is the ideal destination to achieve both. The employment projection in the US is expected to grow by 6.7 million jobs from 2023 to 2033, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that after graduation, you will have access to a diverse range of job opportunities.
When it comes to salaries, the US average salary stands out at an average of $77,500 per year. This salary is second only to Luxembourg among all the OECD countries. This means international students studying in the US can expect high-figure salaries and lucrative job opportunities.
4. US Offers an Excellent Post-Study Work Visa
After completing your studies, you would look for work opportunities. To find work, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is a valuable option for international students. The program is specifically designed for international students on F1 visas to work in the US for 12 months after graduation (a 24-month extension is given to STEM students). Altogether, STEM students have 36 months to explore job opportunities in the US. This makes the US OPT program one of the most advantageous due to its long duration.
Not only does the US offer a long-duration work authorization visa (OPT), but it also offers it in large numbers. The number of international students who received the OPT visa was a record high of 242,782 students in 2024, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year, as per a recent finding. This suggests that the OPT program is widely accessible and used, making it one of the top reasons to study in the US.
5. Financial Aid and Scholarships
As an international student, one of the major challenges of studying in a foreign country is dealing with financial constraints. Don’t you agree? Don’t worry! The US offers the largest number of scholarships, over 100,000 for international students every year. These scholarships come in the form of government aid, private institutions, universities, and others, making the US a leading destination for financial aid for international students. This means the US is a more financially accessible destination for international students.
6. Significant Number of Businesses
You may ask “What does having a significant number of businesses have to do with international students?”. Having a significant number of businesses in a country suggests that the country provides a wide range of job opportunities and diverse career paths for graduates. The US provides exactly that. It is widely recognized that the US has the largest number of businesses in the world, with approximately 33 million businesses, as of 2024. This includes everything from small businesses to multinational companies. Moreover, the US is home to 59 of the top 100 firms in the world and these companies hold more than half of the total market value in the world.
This means international students have access to diverse career opportunities, more job opportunities, and the possibility of working in some of the top firms in the world.
7. Access to Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities
R&D is important to students because it enhances critical thinking, deepens knowledge, and fosters innovation and creativity. All these are important to prepare for future careers. The US is considered one of the leading academic R&D spenders in the world. According to a report, in 2020, the US spent $81 billion on academic R&D more than any other country. In comparison, Germany spent $28 billion, the UK spent $20 billion, and Japan spent $20 billion. That’s not all. The R&D expenditures at the universities have increased significantly, totaling $97 billion in 2022, an increase of $8 million from 2021.
This means the US is not only allocating a significant amount for academic R&D, but it is also increasing its budget, year after year. International students who are looking to pursue PhD in the US can benefit from this investment and make groundbreaking innovations in their fields.
8. The US is Diverse and Inclusive
Imagine a scenario where you are living in the home of a family friend. What would you expect from them? To be valued and accepted. Isn’t it? Similarly, when you are studying abroad, you expect the country to be inclusive of other cultures. The US is inclusive of many cultures. The US is home to about 20% of the world’s international migrants, which is more than any other country. This fact supports that the US is an inclusive country in terms of welcoming migrants, including international students.
9. Globally Recognized Degrees
Imagine you have completed your studies in the US and you want to take up a job in your home country or another country. The one question that would likely pop up in your mind would be, “Will my degree be accepted?”. Yes, American degrees are widely accepted in other countries because the US values high standards of education, rigorous academic curriculum, and research-driven approaches. All these qualities make a US degree more attractive to employers globally.
Moreover, the likelihood of securing a job with an American degree in developed countries like the UK, Japan, Germany, and Canada is particularly high as US degrees are highly regarded in these nations.
10. Earn While Living
Tuition fees, daily expenses, and personal expenses are likely some of the major considerations on your mind when planning to study abroad. You might ask yourself, “How would I manage all these?” Don’t worry! The US allows international students to earn while studying. International students on F1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus and during holidays up to 40 hours per week. However, the F1 visa allows part-time work only on campus. For off-campus work, you need to get permission from the US immigration authorities.
According to a recent report, around 28.05 million people were employed in part-time jobs in the US. This highlights the availability of part-time work opportunities in the US, which can be significant for international students seeking to support themselves while studying.
Why Study in the USA Rather Than the UK?
Did you know that the UK has the second-highest ranked institutions with 90 ranked institutions, after the US, as per QS World University Rankings? This makes comparing the US and the UK an essential consideration for international students.
| Aspect | United States | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Number of universities | The US has the most number of universities compared to the UK. It is estimated that the US is home to more than 4,000 universities with diverse educational courses and programs. | The UK has a smaller number of universities, around 288 universities, as of 2022. That said, the number of universities is gradually increasing, year after year. |
| Post-Graduation Work Opportunities | If you are choosing a Master’s or undergraduate STEM program, the US allows international students to work up to 12 months, with an additional 24 months being given after the OPT expires. In total, STEM students can work up to 36 years in the US, which is longer than many other countries, especially the UK. | In the UK, a Master’s student is eligible for a Graduate visa, which allows international Master’s students to work up to 2 years without extension. |
| Length of Programs | The undergraduate program in the US typically takes 4 years to complete. Although lengthy compared to the UK, the undergraduate program in the US allows international students to pursue internships and personal development. This gives a broader educational experience, which is important, particularly when the student enters the job market. | An undergraduate program in the UK typically takes 3 years to complete. This is shorter compared to the US but does not provide a broader educational experience. |
| Top-ranked universities | According to the QS World University Rankings, the US has around six universities ranked among the top 15 in the world. | According to the QS World University Rankings, the UK has around four universities ranked among the top 15 in the world. |
| Unemployment rate | The US has managed better when it comes to the unemployment rate, with a 4.1% unemployment rate in Q3 2024. | The UK has a slight increase in its unemployment rate compared to the US, with a 4.3% unemployment rate in Q3 2024. It is estimated that the unemployment rate is going to increase in the coming years. |
Conclusion
Choosing reasons to study in USA is about more than earning a degree – it is an investment in a country with a significantly high ROI. With top-ranked universities, many job opportunities, diverse courses, and a globally recognized education system, the US is the ideal place for international students to pursue their education.
FAQs
The US education system is quite flexible. It allows international students to change their field of study if they are interested in other courses. The US education system offers a wide range of study programs, including majors and minors, and interdisciplinary courses.
The cost of living in the US depends on the location you live. In big cities like New York and San Fransisco, the cost of living is high while there are other places where the cost of living is much affordable. You can manage the costs by working in a part-time job.
Yes, you can work while studying in the US. The US allows students on F1 visas to work in a part-time job only on campus. Some of the on-campus part-time jobs include waitress at a cafe, librarian, and so on.
Yes, US universities offer internships to international students. Many universities offer students to intern in labs or research projects.
Yes, you need additional standardized tests like the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS for admission to US universities.