Study in USA after 12th: Top Courses & Universities for Indian Students

If you are aspiring to study in the USA after 12th?, then you have made the right choice, as the United States of America is the leading popular study abroad destination preferred by Indian students. According to the Department of Education USA, 2,68,923 Indian students are enrolled in the United States, out of which 31,954 students have registered for undergraduate courses. This marks a 35% increase from the previous year. Indian students are preferring the US over other counties as the country has a boundless plethora of over 2000 courses to study after 12th. There are over 5300 prominent universities, out of which 230 universities are highly ranked in QS World University rankings 2025.

Additionally, there are numerous scholarships, financial aid programs, and grants available to help alleviate the financial burden of studying in the USA. Beyond academics, students can enjoy a vibrant and diverse life in the USA. With its quality education system, prestigious universities, and emphasis on research and innovation, the USA stands as a top destination for higher education. Continue to read more about the details of the courses, universities, eligibility, tuition fees & scholarships for Indian students to study in USA after 12th.

Table of Contents

• Education System in USA
• Benefits of Studying in USA after 12th
• Popular Courses in US Universities for Indian Students after 12th
• Top 10 US Universities to Study after 12th
• Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students to Study in USA after 12th
• Documents Required to Study in USA after 12th
• Course Duration in USA
• Job Opportunities after Studying in USA
• Cost of Studying in the USA after 12th
• Scholarships in USA for Indian students after 12th
• Watch Video: How to Study in USA after 12th?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Education System in USA

There are 4500+ recognised colleges in the USA providing undergraduate courses for international students after their 12th. The duration of most UG courses is 4 years. There are different types of institutions in the US offering bachelor courses. They are:

Education System in USA
Types of Institutions	Details
Public university (State university)	They are funded through public taxes and the tuition fee is subsidised by the government. Ex - University of Florida
Private university	They are run by private organisations and their tuition fee is higher. Ex - Northwestern University
Ivy League university	They are the most reputed universities in the US. Ex - Brown University
Technical School	They offer degrees and courses in engineering, science, and research. Ex - Georgia Institute of Technology
Liberal arts college	They provide undergraduate courses in humanities, science and social science. Ex - Amherst College
Community College	They offer 2-year Associate Degrees. Ex - De Anza College

What are the Benefits of Studying in USA after 12th?

Apart from the research focussed education system, USA has other numerous benefits for Indian students to study after 12th. They are:

• The US universities have a wide range of bachelor's degrees providing education to students in diverse academic fields.
• The majority of the top universities in the world are from the USA. American universities have a strong reputation across the world.
• Universities have a flexible credit system. You have the freedom to choose your curriculum based on your interest and career goals.
• US universities invest in research and innovation and are at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Universities in the USA have the most cultural diversity. They have students coming from almost all countries.
• You have the highest employability in the global job market once you graduate from a US university.

Popular Courses in US Universities for Indian Students after 12th

The US provides diverse range of bachelor courses once you finish your 12th grade. You can choose from a variety of courses like IT, medical, business management, diploma, certification and short term courses in USA. Let's explore some popular courses and universities in USA that offer bachelor's courses for Indian students.

Science

Top Universities	Course Name
Harvard University	Bachelor of Biology Earth and Marine Sciences BSc in Biological Chemistry Astrophysics Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	B.Sc Chemistry BSc in Physics Architecture BSc in Applied Physics Aerospace Engineering
California Institute of Technology	BSc in Chemistry
Cornell University	Engineering Physics Agricultural Sciences Biological Engineering

Also Read: High Salary Courses After 12th Science

Commerce

Top Universities	Course Name
Arizona State University	Accountancy Entrepreneurship
University of Pennsylvania	Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Finance
Texas A & M University	Accounting Agribusiness Applied Economics

Arts

Top Universities	Course Name
University of California - Berkeley	BA in English BA in History
Yale University	Graphic Designing Filmmaking
Dartmouth College	Economics Studio Art Film and Media Studies History

Medical

Top Universities	Course Name
New York University	Doctor of Dental Surgery Bachelors in Biomedical Sciences
King's College London	Bachelor's in Health Sciences Bachelor's in Physiotherapy
University of Michigan	Bachelor's in Nursing Bachelor's in Medicine and Surgery

Engineering

Top Universities	Course Name
Carnegie Mellon University	Computer Engineering
Purdue University	Civil Engineering
California Institute of Technology	Chemical Engineering

What are the Top 10 US Universities to Study after 12th?

The top 10 universities to study in USA after 12th are

Top 10 US Universities to Study after 12th
S. No.	University Name	QS World University Rankings 2025	Top Bachelor courses
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1	Computer Science and Engineering Biological Engineering Economics Media Arts and Sciences Architecture
2	Harvard University	4	Applied Mathematics Psychology Engineering
3	Stanford University	6	Engineering Human Biology Symbolic Systems International Relations
4	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10	Astrophysics Geology Humanities and Social Sciences
5	University of Pennsylvania	11	Business Law Medicine Engineering Nursing Education
6	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	Architecture Environmental Studies Astrophysics
7	Cornell University	16	Cornell University Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Marketing
8	University of Chicago	21	Computer Science Mathematics Comparative Literature Physics
9	Princeton University	22	Molecular Biology Archaeology Psychology
10	Yale University	23	Engineering & technology Life sciences Physical sciences Social sciences Business & Economics

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students to Study in USA after 12th?

Find the requirements to be eligible to study in the USA after 12th. There will be variations in the eligibility criteria depending on the university.

• Should have completed a secondary education equivalent from a recognized institution. The minimum percentage required is 60% and that may be higher for different university and courses selected.
• Good score in standardised tests like SAT(600 - 800) or ACT is required for admissions in prestegious institutions. 
• Good scores in English language competency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• You should have completed a minimum 18 years of age.
• Bank statement showing the proof of funds. 
• Students should have an acceptance letter from an US university
• F-1 visa allowing students to study in USA.

What are the Documents Required to Study in USA after 12th

The documents required to study in usa after 12th are

• Academic Transcripts
• Scores of English Language Proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL
• Scores of standardised tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT
• Letter of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Passport
• Acceptance letter
• Proof of funds

What are the Course Duration in USA?

The duration of courses in the USA is as follows:

• Bachelor's degree - 4 years
• Associate degree - 2 years
• Master's degree - 1 to 2 years
• Doctoral degree - More than 4 years

Check the different intakes in USA.

What are the Job Opportunities after Studying in USA?

Studying in USA can open up a wide range of job opportunities for Indian students. You have to research the job market in your field to find the right jobs in USA for Indians. Here are some major employment fields in the USA with good salaries:

Job Opportunities after Studying in USA
Job Fields	Average Annual Salary (in USD)
Information Technology	$50,000 - $180,000
Engineering	$60,000 - $150,000
Finance and Accounting	$50,000 - $200,000
Healthcare	$50,000 - $300,000
Business and Management	$50,000 - $200,000
Research and Development	$50,000 - $150,000
Education	$40,000 - $120,000
Sales and Marketing	$60,000 - $200,000
Legal Services	$50,000 - $300,000

What is the Cost of Studying in the USA after 12th?

The cost of studying in USA varies according to the course, university, location and other factors. You can study in public universities in USA starting from Rs. 20 lakhs. Private universities are comparatively expensive to study. For detailed information on the cost of studying in USA for Indian students, you have to visit their official website.

Tuition Fees

Courses	Average Annual Tuition Fee (in USD)
Engineering and Computer Science	$10,000 - $60,000
Business Administration	$8,000 - $60,000
Health Sciences	$10,000 - $60,000
Social Sciences and Humanities	$8,000 - $60,000
Nursing	$10,000 - $40,000

Cost of Living

Expenses	Cost per month (in USD)
Accommodation	$1,000
Study materials	$110
Transportation	$150
Food	$700
Shopping	$100
Other expenses	$200

What are the Scholarships in USA for Indian Students after 12th?

There are several scholarships available to assist the education of Indian students in USA after 12th. There are government-funded scholarships, program-based scholarships, departmental scholarships, and private scholarships. Most of the scholarships are awarded based on the student’s merit. The best scholarships for Indian students in USA are:

• Clark Global Scholarship Program
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
• Cornell University Tata Scholarship
• United World Colleges International Youth Scholarships
• American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
• AAUW International Fellowships
• #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

Watch Video: How to Study in USA after 12th?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I go to the USA to study after the 12th?

Yes, you can study in USA after 12th. You have to check your eligibility, complete the standardised tests and have sufficient funds to support your studies.

2. How much does it cost to study in the USA after the 12th?

On average, a 4-year undergraduate course in the US would cost around $25,000 - $60,000. The fees in private universities are higher than in public universities. Factors like course, college, and location affect the tuition fee.

3. How many bands are required for the USA after the 12th?

Indian students need to have a minimum of 6.5 bands in IELTS to study in the USA. For admission to top universities in US, you need to score at least 7 bands.

4. What is the eligibility to study in USA?

For proof of English proficiency, you have to submit scores of tests like IELTS or TOEFL. For undergraduate degrees, you need to clear tests like SAT or ACT. For a medical degree, you should have an MCAT score.