The USA stands as the top destination for Indian students, with over 1 lakh already pursuing their academic dreams there. Home to more than 5,300 institutions offering several programmes, America provides unmatched course flexibility, world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities and global exposure. From STEM courses to liberal arts programmes, the USA opens doors to endless possibilities that help you build an international career and lifelong connections.
Before you plan to study in the USA after 12th, here is all you need to know.
Key highlights:
- Understanding the US Education System
- Top Courses in the USA after 12th
- Application Timeline: When and How to Apply
- Eligibility Criteria to Study in the USA for Indian Students after 12th
- Documents Required for Studying in the USA After 12th
- Cost of Studying in the USA after 12th
- Career & Job Opportunities After Graduation in the USA
- Tips for Students Planning to Study in the USA in 2025
Understanding the US Education System
The different types of universities/colleges within the US are:
| Type of Institution | Key Points |
|---|---|
| State Colleges/Universities |
|
| Private Colleges/Universities |
|
| Community Colleges | These institutions offer two-year certification or associate degrees to enter a university. |
| Liberal Arts Colleges | Here, students specialise in a chosen subject and also take a broad range of general education courses across different disciplines. |
Top Courses in the USA after 12th
Top Courses in the USA After 12th: Science
- BSc in Biology
- Bachelor of Pre-Medicine
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- BSc in Physics
- BSc in Computer Science
- BSc in Applied Mathematics
Popular Science Courses at the Top Universities in the USA
| University | Popular Courses |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
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| Harvard University, Massachusetts |
|
| Princeton University, New Jersey |
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| California Institute of Technology, California |
|
Top Courses in the USA After 12th: Commerce
- Bachelor’s in Economics
- Bachelor of Management
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
- BBA in Accounting
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
- BBA in Finance
Popular Commerce Courses at the Top Universities in the USA
| University | Popular Courses |
|---|---|
| University of Arizona, Tucson | B.S (Commerce) |
| Texas Tech University, Lubbock | BBA (Energy Commerce) |
| Denison University, Granville | B.A (Global Commerce) |
| University of Pacific, Stockton | B.A (International Affairs and Commerce) |
Top Courses in the USA After 12th: Arts
- Bachelor’s in English
- Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Fashion Design
- Bachelor of Hotel Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
Popular Arts Courses at the Top Universities in the USA
| University | Popular Courses |
|---|---|
| Yale University, Connecticut |
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| Harvard University |
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| University of California, Berkley |
|
Eligibility Criteria to Study in the USA for Indian Students after 12th
- Must have completed 12th grade from a recognised institution with at least 65% marks.
- Entrance exams, such as the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT)
- English language proficiency tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Documents Required for Studying in America after 12th
- Mark sheets or transcripts of class 10 and 12
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- SAT or ACTs
- English Language Proficiency test scores
- Proof of funds
Application Timeline: When and How to Apply
- There are two main intakes in the US: fall intake (starts from September) and the spring intake (starts in January)
- Take your first step by researching different universities and programmes
- Plan for all the required exams, such as SAT/ACT, IELTS, etc.
- Gather required documents, such as SOP, LORs, etc.
- Apply to your shortlisted universities with all the required documents.
- Appear for video interviews (if required)
- Once accepted into a university of choice, apply for the student visa
Cost of Studying in the USA after 12th
The cost of studying in the USA can vary depending on the university, location, and the study programme. Here is the average cost of studying in America after 12th:
| Expense | Average Cost in USD (per year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Private University) | ~ 7,000 - 94,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Public University) | ~ 5,000 - 64,000 |
| Housing | ~9,000 - 11,000 |
| Food | ~3,000 - 8,000 |
| Transportation | ~300 - 700 |
| Utilities | ~ 1,000 - 2000 |
| Personal | ~ 1000 |
Also Read: Tier 1 Universities in the USA
Career & Job Opportunities After Graduation in the USA
Here are some of the well-paying job roles in the USA:
| Job Roles |
|---|
| Management Consultant |
| Data Scientist |
| Investment Banker |
| Software Developer |
| Marketing Manager |
| Chartered Financial Analyst |
| Cost Accountant |
| Chartered Public Accountant |
Studying in the US after 12th grade can open doors to many opportunities. While the US can be expensive, finances shouldn’t be a barrier between students and their global academic aspirations.
At Avanse Financial Services, we support students to pursue their dream of studying in the USA by offering an education loan to study abroad. It comes with benefits like 100% financing, flexible repayment options, and quick sanctions. Our loans for students are designed to help students focus on their studies without worrying about finances. You can easily check your education loan eligibility today! For any queries, we are always a call away.
