General Information

Higher education in the United States is quite multi-faceted and decentralized. It is characterized by competition and autonomous institutions of higher learning. Presently, there are around 4,180 colleges and universities in the US. Of these, over 1,700 are so-called “two-year institutions,” and 2,450 are “four-year institutions.” In addition to the roughly 1,700 public institutions (which are operated by the states, cities, or counties in which they are located), there are also more than 2,480 private colleges and universities. “Community colleges” make up the bulk of the American two-year institutions and are quite practical for beginning students wishing to take introductory or general language courses.

There are currently over 14 million students registered at US institutions of higher learning, and the vast majority of these students – some 11 million – study at public universities and colleges.

The number of non-U.S. students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions during the 2006-2007 academic year rose by 3 percent to a total of 582,984, and new enrollments rose sharply, according to the Institute of International Education's (IIE) 2007 report on international education exchange.

"The increase in enrollments we see in this year's Open Doors statistics reflects the dynamism, diversity and excellence of U.S. higher education institutions in a competitive international environment, and demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. government and U.S. higher education leaders to welcoming international students," Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes said in welcoming the report, Open Doors 2007.

Most American universities and colleges have early deadlines. You must write to American universities a year before you plan to begin your studies and obtain application forms. Many schools have later deadlines. To go to a language school, you must write three months before you plan to begin your studies.

American universities and colleges will require you to fill their application forms and send it to them with the application fee before the deadline. Normally they will also require transcripts showing your G.P.A., reference letters from your teachers, results from TOEFL, SAT, or GRE or GMAT tests. If your English is not excellent, you will not be able to pass these tests.

American universities, colleges and language schools charge tuition. In order to study in America, you must be able to pay for your school and maintenance expenses. Total expenses (tuition + maintenance) for one year normally vary from $15,000 to $45,000 depending on the school and area.

In general, foreign students are not allowed to work off campus. Even if you are given permission to work after you go to America, what you might earn will not normally cover your expenses. Therefore, you should not count on financing your education by working in the United States. The exception is if your university offers you an assistantship.

In order to receive financial aid or assistantships from American universities and colleges, you must have excellent English and grades, must be one of the top students of your school or department, must score very high on the required tests and have your teachers send very good reference letters.

For more information about studying in the U.S. and Scholarships please visit: 

• U.S. Department of State Guide to Higher Education
• U.S. Department of State Exchange Programs
• Institute of International Education
• Fulbright Scholar Program
• The International Fulbright Science & Technology Award for Outstanding Foreign Students (Fulbright S&T)
• The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
• Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars
• American Councils for International Education
• Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute