If you are planning to study undergraduate studies in the USA, you are joining many others who see the United States as a prestigious place to earn a higher education. Located between Canada and Mexico and bordering the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, the USA is made up of 50 states as well as the District of Columbia. The United States is made up of people from many different countries, which results in a rich and varied culture. The country is known for its freedom and democracy and its wide diversity of geographies. Types of Schools Available in the USA There are quite a few options for undergraduate studies in the United States. The country has many public universities as well as private colleges. Many of the prestigious Ivy League schools are located in the US including Yale, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford. For students who need more flexibility due to a job or family, many of the undergraduate schools also offer online classes that can be taken on students’ individual schedules. The Academic Year Each school will have its own unique start and finish date, but in general the academic year starts in the fall and ends in late spring/early summer. Some schools will plan their curriculums around four quarters, while others divide the school year into two semesters. Some may also choose to revolve the schedule around three trimesters. Most schools will have breaks during the fall, Christmas, spring, and summer, although students may choose to take summer school instead of taking a long break. Tuition Fees The costs associated with attending school in the United States will vary quite a bit from one place to another. Factors include the program duration as well as the type of school and its prestige. Tuition may also be less expensive for students who are currently living in the country, although this varies as well. It is best to contact the school directly to find out what tuition and other fees would be. Length of Time to Earn a Degree The duration of a degree program will vary depending on the degree being pursued. Some associate’s degrees can be earned in two years while bachelor’s degrees can take three to five years to complete. Benefits of Earning a Degree Earning a degree in the US is beneficial in many ways. During school breaks, students can travel and experience all that the country has to offer. A United States education is also recognized as prestigious in many areas of the world, which increases the chances of employment after graduation.
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Living
While the United States is one of the most popular study destinations, it also comes with high tuition fees and living costs. You shouldn't worry, though, as there are many forms of financial aid available (e.g. grants, scholarships, student loans). With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the average tuition and living expenses in the U.S.
Tuition fees at universities in the U.S.
In the U.S., tuition fees vary based on the state, the university funding model, and the student’s country of origin. So, listing an average is a rather difficult task. However, thanks to the folks at College Board, they’ve rendered an estimate of last year’s average tuition costs, which will roughly reflect the next few years.
Public four-year university for out-of-state/foreign students: 39,890 USD per year
Private four-year university: 49,320 USD per year
Cost of living in the U.S.
As with the tuition fees, living costs in the U.S. can vary dramatically based on your location. In a smaller city, you can get by with 800 USD per month. In a bigger city, you will need about 1,500 USD per month. But this largely depends on the type of accommodation and your spending habits.
Here is a breakdown of prices you’ll find in the U.S.:
3-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant: 55 USD
Milk: 0.85 USD
Loaf of bread: 2.73 USD
Monthly transportation pass (bus, metro): 72 USD
Taxi: 1.68 USD per km
Rent (private single or shared apartment): 1,000–2,100 USD per month
Utilities: 200–250 USD per month
Cappuccino: 4.25 USD
Beer: 5 USD
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About
Interesting facts about the U.S.
The USA has a law that allows citizens to occupy any unclaimed island in the world, as long as there is seabird or bat poop on it. And yes, every American dream of claiming an island on the basis of discovering bat poop. No wonder Americans feel so drawn to Batman!
Russia and USA are only 3.8km apart at the nearest point. So, practically neighbors.
The original name of the city of Atlanta was “Terminus“.
Montana has three times as many cows as it does people.
100 acres of pizza are served in the U.S. every single day.
The Library of Congress keeps an archive of every single tweet ever tweeted.