The United States of America (USA) is one of the preferred education destinations for students to pursue higher education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). It is home to some of the best STEM universities and colleges. These educational institutions offer scientific research and training opportunities to engineering students at the graduation level. An engineering degree at a university in America has the potential to enrich the career opportunities of international students. The top universities are known for renowned faculties, research, and innovation in the world.
The STEM background students planning to study in the US generally opt for various specializations under Engineering. It is a 4-year full-time course in the USA. The average cost of a BTech degree (commonly known as BE or B.Sc. Eng.) is around INR 34,00,000 to INR 45,00,000, and the living cost sums up within the range of INR 38,000 to 83,000 every month. Studying in the USA can be an expensive affair. If you are considering an engineering university or college in the USA, be sure to consider the cost of studying engineering in the USA for Indian students.
Living in the USA can be high. New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are the most expensive cities. The USA is one of India’s most popular study destinations for engineering aspirants. Living in the USA is costly compared with the top-ranked destinations like Canada and Germany. However, the living cost will depend on a few factors like location, apartment size, distance to university, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. On average, the applicants tend to spend between INR 40,000 to 85,000 every month, including food, accommodation, travelling, and utilities.
A degree in engineering in the USA costs something between INR 35,000 to INR 45,000 per year. Holding a degree in engineering from the USA is a lucrative opportunity to bag some of the highest-paying jobs in the market.
Here are some of the top-ranked Engineering Universities and colleges in the USA and their average annual fees –
Popular Engineering Specializations One Can Choose From
The below-listed specializations in engineering are the most popular ones with lucrative job opportunities and are recognized worldwide:
Software Engineering
Software Engineering is one of the most traditional fields of computer science. It is the study of codes, programming, and software systems. Career opportunities are immense in this industry. The areas of study are computer technology, management, and engineering economics.
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum Engineering includes the economic technology development and production of various subterranean reservoirs of gas, oil, hot water, and steam along with the design of underground waste disposal facilities. It is a lucrative career opportunity and creates ample job opportunities every year. Engineering graduates in this field usually get employment in the metal, oil, and gas industries.
Civil Engineering
According to US News Ranking 2020, civil engineering was ranked as the second-best engineering job. Civil engineering graduates are highly in demand as new construction projects are being built. The civil engineering course includes planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and supervising important infrastructures for various services and facilities.
Environmental Engineering
It is a young fold career with many growth opportunities worldwide. An environmental engineer is generally involved in developing alternatives to non-renewable and depleting energy resources, waste management, and recycling technology.
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical Engineering in the USA is a lucrative program with a huge ROI (return on investment). The course includes mechanical engineering, manufacturing, control, planning of machines, development of machinery, and various other aspects. It is a traditional, evergreen, and prestigious career option for engineering graduates.
Chemical engineering
The employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, making it a lucrative opportunity for engineering graduates. The chemical engineers plan, develop, and design the various chemical manufacturing processes.
English Language Exam Cost For Getting Admission To Engineering
The USA is an English-speaking country, with English as the only mode of communication and instruction of education. Non-native English-speaking applicants must take a valid English language proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS to take admission to colleges and universities. The US Government and top-ranked Universities accept TOEFL and IELTS scores. Hence, the tests are counted as a mandatory expense covered by the students. The cost of TOEFL is about INR 14,000 and the cost of IELTS is approximately NR 15,000 for Indian students. When you plan your study abroad budget, make sure you include the costs of the English language tests.
Engineering University Application Cost
The University application fee is not fixed. The public sector universities are affordable, whereas the private sector universities are very expensive. To apply for an engineering course, the cost of application varies from INR 5,500 to INR 7,000. The application cost is non-refundable. Along with the admission form, the test scores are also sent. Sending TOEFL scores to each university would cost around INR 1,500. So, when you apply to a single university, you would have to pay both the amounts to get the application form submitted.
Visa Application Cost
The student visa cost is about INR 13,000. Before making the payment, it is important to check the latest rates, as the rates are subject to changes.
Airfare Cost
The airfare cost to the US is usually between INR 40,000- 70,000, completely based on airline, flight class, destination, time, and city. It is better to book the tickets two months before getting the ticket at an affordable price.
Scholarships Offered by the USA Universities
Many universities offer scholarships to international students with a monthly stipend and covers tuition fee, accommodation charges, travel allowance, and health insurance. Here are details of some of the universities in the USA offering scholarships to international students:
Scholarship
Level of Study
Expenses Covered
Fullbright Scholarship USA
Masters/PhD
Tuition fee, living stipend, accommodation, air fare, health insurance.
Stanford University Scholarship
Masters/PhD
Academic expenses, travel allowance, tuition fee, living allowance
University of New Haven Scholarship
Masters
Work opportunity, tuition assistance on hourly basis
Yale University Scholarship
Undergraduate/masters/phD
fully-funded
University of Memphis Scholarship
Undergraduate/masters
fully-funded
University of Minnesota Scholarship
Masters
fully-funded
ACI Foundation Scholarship
Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Postdoctoral
fully-funded
Financial Aids Offered by the USA Universities
The universities in the USA are flexible while providing financial aid to international students in the country. Generally, students can find relevant information for financial aid on the individual university website that is based on certain segments:
Financial Aid through the Admissions Office: Most of the financial aid packages offered by colleges are either need-based or merit-based. Students must get clarity from the admissions office beforehand to understand the requirements of the college to offer financial assistance.
Financial aid through the athletic department: Many colleges offer full scholarships to students who participate in sports teams.
Financial Aid Through the Academic Department: As the name suggests, this aid is being provided to students basis on their meritorious capabilities and excellence in academics or subjects.
Tuition Waivers: Under this financial aid, the students are offered a waiver in partial or full tuition fees.
Campus Employment: Students are offered employment on campus to do some part-time work and earn. However, there are some limitations on working hours.
upGrad Abroad, through collaborations with overseas universities, offers a distinctive portfolio of study abroad programs delivered in a blended model. These programs present a golden opportunity for learners to leverage online learning in a flexible and affordable manner. To enrol in programs in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, or Australia, get in touch with our counsellors.
Conclusion
Engineering is an ever-evolving career with ample opportunities worldwide. When you choose the right specialization, you get the best-paying jobs. A good majority of Indian students from a STEM background, choose the US for a prestigious Engineering degree every year. The US is an expensive, yet rewarding study abroad destination, preferred by engineering students.
What is the average cost of studying engineering in the USA?
The average cost of studying engineering in the USA can cost between $40,000 – $60,000. However, factors like accommodation, location, and lifestyle expenses can affect the overall cost. But the candidates generally get job opportunities with lucrative packages after completing their course.
How can Indian students avail scholarships in the USA?
There are several scholarships offered by the universities and even governments in the USA. Indian students can apply and avail these scholarships if they fulfill the criteria. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, air fares, travel allowance, and a monthly stipend.
Do Indian students need to pay taxes in the USA?
Yes. All international students, including Indian students, need to file taxes in the USA if they do not fall under the exemption category. The tax needs to be paid for the income earned in the following forms:
Rakhee Talukdar is an edtech expert with five years of experience in the education technology sector, focusing on K-12 and higher education systems in various countries, including Canada, USA, Finland...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
