France vs USA: Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Living Expenses

If you have entered the France vs USA debate while choosing a country to study abroad, you must know several facts before deciding the best choice. Geographically, France lies in Western Europe, and the US lies in North America. The unemployment rates are 3.6% and 7.4% in the US and France, respectively, while the average income is US$76,770 and US$45,290. But what about higher studies? Here's looking at the USA vs France debate from this perspective. 

Top Universities: France vs USA

France vs USA- which is better in higher education? If this question hovers in your mind, here is a list of the leading universities in both these countries based on the QS World University Rankings for 2024. 

USA:

France:

France vs USA: Eligibility and Admission Requirements 

When it comes to France vs USA for international students, checking the admission and eligibility requirements is crucial. Here are the usual requirements for the US (which may vary across institutions). 

• Academic transcripts (high school or undergraduate transcripts for bachelor’s or master’s programs). Some institutions may insist on specific percentages/GPAs for admissions into particular courses. 
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Personal essay or statement (SOP) if required
• References or Letters of Recommendation if required
• Proof of Funds
• Passport/Identity Proof

 Here are the usual requirements for France (varies across universities). 

• Applications are completed via Campus France, the national platform for higher education pre-registration. 
• Secondary school diplomas are required for undergraduate applicants. 
• Identity proof
• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter 
• Postgraduate applicants must add their bachelor's degree certificates to the list mentioned above. 
• Proof of English/French language proficiency may be required, depending on the course that you are studying. 
• They may also require professional references, research projects details, work-study contracts, and other documentation linked to professional experience/internships. 
• Some courses may require entrance examinations. 
• Certified language tests may be necessary for some courses/institutions. 

France vs USA: Tuition Fees

Another aspect worth considering in the France vs US debate is the cost of tuition in the country. The average tuition costs in France may hover around €2,770 annually for undergraduate degrees and €3,770 for postgraduate programs. Some universities, including the private Grandes Ecoles institutions, may charge tuition fees up to €10,000 per year, while private management, business, or engineering institutions may charge up to €30,000.

Fees for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the US may vary across universities. On average, they can be approximately $58,000 yearly for an undergraduate program at a top-tier university, while the postgraduate courses may be between $5,000-$34,000 per year. 

Living Expenses in USA and France

The cost of living in a country plays a crucial role when choosing to study or reside there. Here is a glimpse of the living expenses for both the US and France to provide you with a clearer picture of the budget you will need in both countries: 

Work Permit and PR 

International students on the F-1 visa may undertake practical training during or after their degrees. There are two kinds of training programs: OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training). The former allows you to work for up to 12 months after graduation. Those with science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degrees can increase this to 24 months. CPT is a part of the degree requirement and is usually done before graduation. 

Foreign nationals can attain PR (Permanent Residency) in the US through several means. Immigrant visas are necessary to become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). These applicants get alien registration cards or Green Cards. 

Permanent residency can be applied for through sponsorship by a US citizen or permanent resident who is a relative, an offer of permanent employment, and other means. Permanent residents can remain indefinitely, with green cards issued for ten years. Lawful permanent residents can apply for citizenship five years after becoming a resident via employment or three years after getting residency by marrying a US citizen. 

For France, you can apply for a non-renewable temporary residence permit after graduation. This will help you find employment in the country. You may apply for a post-study work visa up to a year after graduation. You can apply for a work permit upon getting a permanent job.  

You can officially apply for a residence permit at the Ministry of Interior. When it comes to permanent residency, it depends on the number of years that you have stayed in the country. You may get permanent residency during renewal if you already have a 10-year residency card. It will allow you to work and stay in the country. 

Average Salaries: France vs USA

Below are the average salaries for several popular job roles in France and the US. 

Source: Glassdoor and Indeed, January 2024

Conclusion: Which Country Should You Choose to Study Abroad

It is hard to settle the France vs US debate since both countries offer their own advantages to international students. Both countries offer high living standards, excellent educational standards, and welcoming communities. The cost of living may be marginally higher in the US, although it has more top-ranked higher education institutions. You must choose by considering various factors like the country's living expenses, university rankings, your budget, and lifestyle preferences. 

Read More:

• Cost of Living in France
• Reasons to study in France
• Masters in France
• Intakes in France
• Highest Paying Jobs in USA After MBA
• Why USA for Masters
• Top requirements for studying in USA
• Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students