Your comprehensive guide to studying in America and everything you need.

Studying in America has been and continues to be the goal of students seeking excellence. This is not only because of its exceptional education and advanced universities but also due to its welcoming culture and the relatively open job market for everyone today; America is considered the country with the highest number of international students worldwide. This is because studying in America broadens students‘ horizons, enriches their knowledge, and enhances their life experiences.

Learning the English language

Learning and mastering the English language is a fundamental and crucial step to begin the journey of studying in America despite the numerous benefits offered by the American education system that inspire students, the cost of studying in America poses a significant challenge for many in this article, you will find comprehensive details about the cost of studying in America and what it includes, as we will shed light on these aspects later on.

The Academic Year in America

In the American education system, the academic year usually begins in August or September and ends in May or June. However, experts at Golden Gate advise students to start the college application process a year before the start of the academic program. For example, if you wish to study at the University of South Florida for the August 2024 session, we recommend applying for admission earlier than September 2023.

Requirements and Conditions for Studying in America

Admission requirements vary from one American university to another. However, some options suit all international students; therefore, we recommend contacting our experts at Golden Gate to evaluate your application and determine the most suitable American university based on your qualifications.

• Academic Certificates and Transcripts: The American education system transitions from high school to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. To start studying at any of these levels, you must have graduated from the previous academic level and provide transcripts for all years of study. Learning in America requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. However, it is possible to find American universities with easy admission processes and accept lower GPAs.
• English Language Proficiency: Most American universities rely on standardized English language tests to assess the student’s readiness. This includes tests like IELTS (score of 6 or higher), TOEFL (score of 78 or higher)
• Sufficient Financial Resources: You should understand the expected costs of studying and living in America as an international student. The United States requires no fixed amount, but as a general rule, the minimum necessary financial resources should cover tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year.
• Proof of necessary funds can be demonstrated by providing personal or parental bank statements or official acceptance letters for fully-funded scholarships or sponsorships. Suppose a parent or guardian financially supports the student. In that case, their name and relationship must be mentioned, and a document proving their commitment to covering all the student’s expenses in America must be provided.
• International Tests (If Applicable): Studying at many American universities may require submitting results of standardized tests such as the SAT, GMAT, ACT, or GRE. Therefore, it is essential to accurately assess the requirements of the university you are applying to.

Statement of Purpose and Recommendation Letters: When applying for graduate programs in America, international students may be required to submit a Statement of Purpose and recommendation letters from former professors or employers

Some master’s programs in America may also require prior work experience, which should be documented accordingly. Conditional Admission in American Universities: Some international students may face difficulty meeting all the admission requirements of their desired American university, such as GPA, English language proficiency, and required test scores.

Conditional admission is one of the fastest and easiest pathways to assist students in traveling and studying in America. We help our students enroll in an International Year One program in America to obtain conditional access to undergraduate studies in America. This preparatory year consists of one, two, or three semesters to prepare students for university studies without meeting initial admission requirements.

To obtain conditional admission for master’s studies in America, we enroll our students in Graduate Pathways. Upon completion and success in the program, students are granted conditional access, later converted into final admission.

Studying at boarding schools

The costs of studying in America at boarding schools in the United States vary depending on the region. Generally, the cost of looking at a boarding school in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year. These costs include tuition fees, accommodation, housing, meals, and health insurance.

However, it should be noted that these costs do not include transportation, extracurricular activities, personal expenses, or travel tickets, which typically require additional fees ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per year.

Community colleges in the United States

Community colleges in the United States are considered affordable for students who have difficulty bearing the costs of education. Community colleges are among the country’s cheapest options for studying in America.

The duration of study in American community colleges usually ranges from just two years. After completing these years, students can transfer the credits they have earned in community college to another university or college to complete a bachelor’s degree program that typically extends for four years.

The cost of studying in American community colleges in the United States typically amounts to around $5,000 per year only. By enrolling in a community college, students can save a lot of expenses and earn numerous transferable credits to complete their bachelor’s degree at another college or university. Due to the low tuition fees in community colleges, the required amounts in the bank account for applying for a study visa in America will be lower.

undergraduate studies in the United States

The cost of undergraduate studies in the United States varies between universities and majors. The average price of undergraduate studies for international students in public universities is around $26,000 per year, while it ranges from around $36,000 per year in private universities. It should be noted that the costs for specific majors, such as medicine, may be higher and can reach approximately $50,000 per year.

It is important to note that these costs include tuition fees only, and there may be additional expenses such as health insurance, accommodation, meals, books and study materials, and student activities. International students should also consider transportation and personal living expenses during their study period in the United States.

studying for a master’s

When considering the cost of studying in America for a master’s degree in the United States, the annual amount ranges from $10,000 to USD 80,000, depending on the university, its reputation, and the field of study. It is possible to find some universities that offer master’s programs with costs ranging from $10,000 to USD 20,000 per year. It is important to note that these costs include tuition fees only, and there may be additional expenses for housing, meals, books and study materials, health insurance, and student activities. These costs may vary depending on the city and the lifestyle chosen by the student.

Studying for a Ph.D. in the United States

The average cost of studying in America for a Ph.D. in the United States varies depending on the university and the chosen field of study. Generally, the estimated cost of looking for a Ph.D. in America ranges from $25,000 to USD 50,000 per year. The average prices at private universities typically fall between $30,000 and USD 50,000 annually.