Bachelor Degree in USA: Top Universities, Costs, Requirements, Scholarships & Scope

Pursuing a bachelor degree in the USA for international students can be a life-changing experience, offering significant academic, personal, and professional benefits.

Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider pursuing your bachelor’s degree from a US university:

Top Ranked Universities: 

The US is home to a number of world-class universities, many of which consistently rank at the top in global university rankings. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 27 US universities are ranked in the top 100, and 4 US universities are ranked in the top 10.

Flexible Academic Education: 

US universities and colleges offer a wide range of courses and programs to choose from, giving students the freedom to select their course content and academic structure. You can also explore different courses before declaring your major in the second year, which helps you find your passion and pursue a meaningful academic journey.

Career Opportunities: 

Having an international degree on your resume can be a major asset in the global job market. A degree from a top university like Harvard or MIT can give you an even greater competitive edge. Many companies are looking for graduates with master’s degrees in their field and a global perspective, which can help them to contribute to the company’s global operations and success.

Read: Guide to study in USA after 12th

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the USA can also lead to significant career growth and open up a world of opportunities for international students.

Now, let’s have a look at the types of bachelor’s degrees available in the USA for international students.

Following are the types of bachelor degree in USA for international students.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA degree)
• Bachelor of Science (BS degree)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)

Let’s explore them in detail:

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA degree)

This degree is designed for the students who wish to build a career in the liberal arts. You can further choose to pursue it in the following fields.

• Communication
• Education
• English
• Foreign Languages
• Philosophy
• Psychology, etc.

Suggested: Study in USA

2.     Bachelor of Science (BS degree)

This is one of the most common degrees in US that includes science-related courses. Let’s check the fields that one can choose from.

• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Physics, etc.

3.     Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)

BFA degree is a perfect option if you want to study visual or performing arts. Here are a few domains to choose from:

• Creative Writing
• Film and Photography
• Visual Arts
• Music
• Theatre and Dance

Read: Best Courses in UK after 12th

Next, let’s check out the eligibility criteria to pursue these undergraduate courses in USA.

To study at the universities in the USA for bachelors, you must meet some specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Although, the actual one varies based on the university and the program you apply for. Here is a list of admissions requirements you must have to apply to undergraduate courses in USA universities.

• Higher Secondary
• English Language Proficiency
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Study Visa

Let's discuss the requirements in detail for bachelor in USA for Indian students.

Higher Secondary

To pursue a bachelor’s degree in the USA, you’ll need to have completed 12 years of formal education in a relevant field. Top US universities typically require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which is equivalent to an 80% average in most Indian school systems.

English Language Proficiency

To get admission to a bachelor’s degree program in the USA, you must demonstrate your English proficiency. The minimum score of some popular English language proficiency (ELP) tests include:

• TOEFL: 80-100
• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0

To ensure that you meet the English language proficiency requirements for your desired program, you should check with the university admissions office directly.

Statement of Purpose

An SOP, or statement of purpose for the USA, is a required document that you must submit if you wish to get admission to universities abroad. A well-written SOP should be specific, informative, and persuasive. It should be tailored to the specific program to which the student is applying, and it should highlight the student’s unique strengths and qualifications. The SOP should also be well-written and free of errors. SOP can express your qualifications, hobbies, achievements, etc., which can help show your interest in the field.

Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation is a great way to showcase your interest and expertise in a particular field. A well-written recommendation letter from your academic professors will provide insights into your sincerity, character, and potential, which can impress university admissions officials.

Study Visa

Studying at US universities requires a valid passport and visa. After receiving an admission letter, you must apply for a student visa at your nearest US embassy or consulate.

Suggested: Profile Building to Study in USA

Enrolling in USA Bachelor degree courses is quite straightforward. Once you have shortlisted your desired institutions, you have to apply online through the university's official website.

Most US universities offer applications for admission in three different intakes, which include Winter (January), Fall (September), and Summer (May). Some of them accept applications on a rolling basis too. To get admission to bachelors in the USA you must.

• Check out the eligibility criteria of your desired course and university.
• Appear in the standardised entrance tests such as SAT or ACT and in English language tests i.e. TOEFL or IELTS.
• Apply online through the official website.
• Submit all the required documents such as transcripts, test scores, academic scores, etc.
• Once you get the confirmation letter, apply for a student visa to the US.

Read: Spring Intake in USA

The United States has dominated among the other top study abroad destinations for being the most popular choice for students across the world. The top universities in the USA have continued to maintain a strong presence in the top rankings surveys. The type of institutions that offer undergraduate courses in USA include—universities, community colleges, and liberal arts colleges. Here we have listed some of the best universities in the USA for bachelors degrees.

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• University of Chicago
• University of California, Berkeley

Let's discuss it in detail along with the popular courses for bachelor in USA for Indian students in these top universities in USA for bachelors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is one of the top universities in the USA for bachelors, and this university is focused on making a better world through its world-class education, research, and innovation. MIT’s bachelor’s degree programs are designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of modern society. MIT’s education combines the power of a specific discipline with a concern for social values and goals. Computer science, humanities, and engineering are some of the popular undergraduate programs offered by MIT.

Stanford University

Stanford University is one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. It offers bachelor’s degree programs that broaden the students’ knowledge and awareness in each of the major areas of human knowledge, which significantly deepens their understanding of one or two areas. This prepares students for a lifetime of continual learning and applying their knowledge to their careers and personal lives.

Harvard University

Harvard University offers admissions to around 97 distinct undergraduate degrees, which are 57 majors within the 19 broad fields of study. The undergraduate courses at the university are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to set their academic goals to ensure that they receive a broad education in their specialization. Popular bachelor’s degree majors include social science, mathematics, history, computer, information science, and information science.

University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers more than 50 majors and 40 minors, along with a dozen areas of specialized study and pre-professional programs. The university is committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom, which draws path-breaking scholars to its global campuses. Popular majors at the university include econometrics, biology, mathematics, computer science, public policy, and statistics.

University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, offers bachelor’s degree programs in a variety of majors and minors, offered by different colleges within the university. Available include chemistry, engineering, environmental design, letters and science, natural resources, and business. The university is committed to serving as a center of higher learning and providing long-term societal benefits through its advanced functioning knowledge.

Read: US Travel Checklist

The overall cost of bachelor degree in USA for international students comes with two different categories which include, the tuition fees and the costs of living. Let’s explore the cost of bachelor degree in USA.

• Tuition Fees

The cost of a bachelor’s degree in the USA for international students varies depending on the university and the program of study. The average tuition fee ranges from 15,000 USD (INR 11,94,157) to 45,000 USD (INR 35,82,472) per year.

• Costs of Living

The cost of living in the US depends on your lifestyle and the location of your university. On average, you can expect to spend between 1,200 USD and 1,875 USD per month on accommodation, or INR 95,532 to INR 1,49,269. Apart from that, you may also need to budget around 800 USD per month for personal expenses.

Now you know the approximate cost of a bachelor’s degree in the USA, let’s explore scholarships that can help you pursue your studies without financial burden.

If you are worried about the cost of bachelor degree in USA, then don't worry about the high tuition fees. US universities also offer a number of scholarships for international students. Here we have listed some bachelor scholarships that you can look for before applying to the university.

There are several other scholarships too for international students to choose from. Make sure you can go through the official website to apply for the university scholarship.

Read: One-year STEM Course in India

The job market for bachelor graduates in the USA is very competitive yet welcoming too for international students. As per the academic structure, if you have completed any internship while your bachelor, then you will get an edge over your competitors.

Below we have given some of the job profiles in the USA along with their average salaries.

Suggested: On-campus Jobs in USA

There are many other job profiles that you can look for after completing a bachelor’s degree from one of the top universities in the USA. However, in addition to getting a job, you can also choose to pursue a master’s degree in your field of interest. This can further help you get more job opportunities in the future.

The USA is a popular destination for international students and a great investment to pursue a bachelor’s degree. There are many reasons for this, including the high quality of education, top universities, the wide range of universities and programs to choose from, a strong job market, post-graduation opportunities, and the opportunity to live and study in a culturally diverse country.

However, it is important to be prepared for the high costs, competitive admissions process, and visa requirements. Students should also consider their personal preferences and career goals when choosing a university and program of study.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the US is a personal one. Students should carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

If you want to learn more about higher education in the USA after completing your bachelor’s degree and the career opportunities available to you, connect with our expert counselors and get end-to-end guidance by subscribing to Yocket Premium services.

Also Read: