The USA
Introducing university study in the USA
This is a huge topic, and we will develop more detailed resources on it over the coming months. For now, here is a summary of our take on the fantastic opportunities for university study in the United States of America.
As you would expect from the nation with the world's largest economy and a massive worldwide cultural influence, the opportunities for university study in the United States are exceptional and unrivalled. Year on year, universities in the USA top world rankings, and the depth of their offer and the quality of the student experience continue to attract a vast amount of interest and huge numbers of applications.
Applicants from beyond the USA are attracted by the world-class nature of the education on offer. This is provided by universities with exceptional depth of research and resources, offering a wide array of courses. Given the remarkable financial strength of the majority of these universities, the student experience is exceptionally strong. This is combined with a cosmopolitan and inclusive atmosphere.
Typically a university in the USA is a campus university, set in extensive grounds with outstanding facilities. Even a city centre university such as Columbia University in the heart of Manhattan is a university on a large scale, setting an inspirational tone and a focus on the highest academic standards.
Driving the international reputation of universities in the USA is the quality of their research and innovation. In practical terms, this means that students come into contact with some of the world's leading academic experts.
The student experience at a US university is typically holistic. Whilst campuses have a massive range of facilities, activities and societies, the focus of campus life is on making friends and developing professional connections for life. Students develop strong bonds with their universities, becoming lifelong supporters - the culture of alumni donations is highly developed, leading to the exceptional level of financial resources underpinning university life (and this includes very generous levels of financial support to students who need it).
Exceptional universities tend to generate exceptional opportunities for internships and employment - this is another reason for the appeal of university study in the USA.
All these extraordinary advantages come at a price. Whilst the USA has a hybrid 'system' of private and public universities, costs of tuition are generally high. A range of generous scholarships and financial support is available at each university, however, and the individual university websites supply information on this topic.
Public universities are funded by the states in which they are established, and generally offer tuition for lower fees, but the low rates are normally restricted to residents of the state in which they operate. International students are regarded as out-of-state students, and thus liable for high tuition fees, typically from between $20,000 USD per year to $40,000 USD per year.
Private universities have higher tuition fees, but due to their exceptional wealth, can often offer very generous financial support to eligible students. Tuition fees can range from between $30,000 USD per year to $70,000 USD per year. Applicants to private universities tend to spend a lot of time researching scholarships and other forms of financial support, as what is available in terms of scholarships differs at each university.
Student living in the USA is generally expensive, and this is another important factor to consider.
Applying to top universities in the USA is exceptionally competitive (see below for a link to acceptance rates), and is also complex. Normally entrance testing is required, and this testing requires careful preparation and practice. Students normally write a statement of purpose with their application, and this also requires very careful focus. Application deadlines are not standardised, so this adds another complexity to the application processes.
University study in the USA is an amazing experience, but is one which requires detailed and careful work in the application process, and an understanding that institutions at the top of the rankings are exceptionally difficult to enter.
Acceptance rates at universities in the USA *
Fascinating statistics, underlining just how competitive it is to enter a top university in the USA.
A league table featuring 'top 100' universities in the USA *
Further information
US government website with comprehensive information for international enquirers about all aspects of education in the United States, including college and university entrance. Here's a link * to the excellent section on how to choose a university.
Administers admissions tests for universities in the USA, including SAT, PSAT, etc.
Website supporting applications to many (but not all) US universities.
Unifrog *
A 'one-stop shop’ website supporting UK university applications, as well as apprenticeships and further education colleges in the UK; also US and Canadian universities, and degrees taught in English in Europe, Asia, and Australasia.
Website from the USA which features comprehensive information about college and university courses as well as careers. See the 'plan for college' * section.
National Center for Education Statistics *
Searchable statistics and other information and tools to help you make up a shortlist of universities in the USA.
Photo - Columbia University, New York City, USA. Photo - © Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons