Study in United States
Tuition, visas, work rights, and settlement options explained.
Book free consultationWhy You Should Study In USA
The US has more universities than any other country in the world, and the gap between the best and the rest is wider than almost anywhere else. A degree from MIT, Columbia, or UCLA carries weight that opens doors globally. That is genuinely true and it is part of why the US remains one of the most sought-after destinations for international students.
But the reverse is also true. Not all US degrees carry equal weight. The institution you attend determines your internship access, your employer network, your post-graduation options, and the return on your investment. This is the central planning reality of studying in the US: school choice is the decision.
For students who have done that thinking and identified the right school and programme, the US offers exceptional academic depth, access to global employers, and through STEM OPT, up to 3 years of post-graduation work authorisation.
This page helps you decide:
- Whether your target institutions and programmes are realistic for your academic background
- How to understand the proof of funds requirement, which is school-specific not a single national figure
- What F-1 work rights actually look like and how OPT and STEM OPT fit into your post-graduation plan
- Whether the US is the right strategic choice for your field and career goals
- What the total cost of your specific situation actually looks like
Who USA is best for
Career-driven students
Students who have a clear programme in mind and have researched whether their target institutions are genuinely strong in that field
Students with funding strategy
Those with a structured funding plan: scholarship, family support, assistantship, or a financing arrangement
People who want program depth
People choosing on programme depth and career fit, not simply on the appeal of studying in America
Long-term seekers
Students who want up to 3 years of US work authorisation after graduation through STEM OPT
What it actually costs
Tuition range
Typically $20,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on institution type and programme. Public state universities are generally more affordable than private institutions.
Proof of funds
Based on the I-20 document from your specific school, which shows the estimated annual cost of attendance including tuition, fees, housing, and living expenses. There is no single national figure. Your school's I-20 determines what you must show.
Visa fees
Visa fees: The F-1 student visa process involves the MRV fee, the SEVIS I-901 fee, and from July 2025 a nonimmigrant visa integrity fee. Confirm the current total with the US embassy in your country before budgeting, as fees are subject to change. Visa processing times vary by country and time of year. Apply as early as possible and well ahead of your intended start date.
Living cost estimate
Typically $1,200 to $3,500 per month. New York and San Francisco are the most expensive. Texas and Midwest cities are considerably more affordable.
Note: We'll confirm your exact budget based on your city, school, and family size during your consultation.
Key things to note
- School choice determines everything. Employer networks, internship pipelines, and post-graduation outcomes vary dramatically between institutions. Choose the school because it is right for your field and goals.
- F-1 work rights are regulated. On-campus work is permitted up to 20 hours per week during term. Off-campus work requires specific authorisation.
- STEM OPT: F-1 graduates in eligible STEM fields can apply for up to 3 years of post-graduation work authorisation in total (12-month standard OPT plus 24-month STEM extension). This is one of the most valuable features of studying in the US for career-focused international students.
Schools / regions
We'll help you decide schools based on fit your budget
The Northeast
New York, Boston, Washington DC have the most concentrated corridor of elite universities, major employers, and industry access in the US. New York hosts Columbia, NYU, and global finance, media, and tech headquarters. Boston is home to Harvard, MIT, and over 50 universities, with ties to biotech, healthcare, and consulting. Washington DC offers Georgetown and George Washington University alongside access to government, policy, and international organisations.
California
California is the most popular state for international students in the US. The Bay Area and Silicon Valley are unmatched for computer science, engineering, AI, and tech entrepreneurship. Stanford and UC Berkeley are here. Los Angeles offers UCLA, USC, and a strong creative industries sector. San Diego has UC San Diego and strong life sciences institutions.
The Midwest and Pacific Northwest
Chicago is home to the University of Chicago and Northwestern, with strong finance and consulting ties at lower costs than coastal cities. Austin has the University of Texas and a rapidly growing tech sector. Seattle is the headquarters of Amazon and Microsoft, making it a strong option for software and computer science students.
The South
Texas and Florida are two of the most affordable states for international students with strong university options. Texas has Rice University, UT Austin, and SMU. Florida has the University of Florida and University of Miami. Neither state has a state income tax.
How Shuri supports you end-to-end
Timeline:
Profile review (budget, background, dependants, timelines)
Country and school pathway planning
Document and application support
Visa readiness and submission guidance
Pre-departure planning (housing, guidance and initial plan)
Profile review (budget, background, dependants, timelines)
Country and school pathway planning
Document and application support
Visa readiness and submission guidance
Pre-departure planning (housing, guidance and initial plan)
Are you ready to plan this properly?
We help you choose the right country, school and pathway based on your real situation.
Book a Free Consultation