Study Abroad in the USA: Applying, Costs, and Funding
Are you thinking of pursuing your education in the United States? With some of the highest-ranked universities in the world, the USA provides excellent opportunities for international students. However, before you make a final decision, it is essential to know how to apply, the costs of studying in the country, and options to fund your education.
How to Apply to Schools in the United States
After finding the right school, it is time to apply. Utilizing online resources like SchoolFinder can assist in finding universities that fit your interests. Most schools use the Common Application, which simplifies the process of applying to multiple institutions. Additionally, some of the universities require standardized test scores like SAT, ACT, among others, and appropriate visas and other necessary paperwork. Therefore, it is essential to understand all requirements for admission.
Costs of School in the United States
One of the most challenging parts of pursuing higher education is the cost. Tuition fees vary depending on the school. Publicly funded universities are typically less expensive compared to private institutions that charge more. According to estimates, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10,000 and $60,000 a year to study in the USA.
Tuition Costs in the United States
Tuition fees are dependent on the university. Publicly-funded universities usually cost less than their privately-funded counterparts. Based on calculations, you can expect to pay anywhere between $10,000 to $60,000 a year to study in the USA.
Cost of Living in the United States
The United States has varying costs of living since they vary across states. Places like the Northeast and California have a higher cost of living than some southern states. To learn more about what these costs are like across the USA, check out this state-by-state cost of living map. For accommodation, it is essential to keep in mind that most schools only guarantee residence placements for first-year students. Therefore, budgeting for off-campus options such as apartments or share-housing would be essential. Students can also consider joining fraternities or sororities that have the benefit of value inclusion, but also come with associated costs.
How to Pay for School in the United States
Funding your education can be challenging; however, have no worries because several routes can help you pay for your tuition and living expenses. One possibility includes using student loans or financing through institutions like banks and other financial agencies.
Schools with Tuition Discounts for Canadian Students
Some universities provide Canadian students with discounts or incentives. It is crucial to research and check out some of the prestigious institutions offering scholarship opportunities. They include Florida-Canada Linkage, where Canadians can apply for reduced tuition at any of Florida’s 40 public universities and colleges, University of Maine, where Canadian students pay a reduced rate at any of the seven campuses, and Manitoba-Minnesota Tuition Reciprocity where Manitobans pay the same rate as Minnesotans in any college or university in Minnesota. For more information, Canadian students can check the PDF from EducationUSA or reach out to an EducationUSA advisor.
Scholarships from American Schools
International students pay higher tuition fees than American students and are eligible for some scholarships. You can get awards based on grades and your resume. You can consider searching on search sites like ScholarshipsCanada, IEFA.org, among others. American schools have a stronger focus on athletics and are highly likely to offer scholarships to high-performing athletes.
Provincial Student Loan Assistance
You can use student aid through your province to finance your education in the United States. You will need to understand if your school is approved by using resources like OSAP, which has an eligible school search, Alberta Student Aid that has school and program eligibility, and Student Aid BC by checking school designation. Note that Canadian students aren’t eligible to apply for FAFSA, the United States’ federal student aid program.
Scholarships from the Canadian Government
The Canadian government provides scholarships for citizens to earn an education abroad. The Organization of American States (OAS) scholarships are available to master’s or PhD-level students studying in the USA, and they must agree to return to Canada for two years after graduation.
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarships
Participating American schools offer tuition discounts of up to 50% to eligible Canadian students. The #YouAreWelcomeHere initiative provides this opportunity for international students who want to take their studies to the US. Eligibility is determined by a list of schools available on their website.
Fulbright Scholarships
The Canada-US Fulbright program provides scholarships to Canadian graduate students in the USA. The Traditional Fulbright Student Award is worth $20,000 USD over nine months, making it an excellent financing option for students at the graduate level.
Humphrey Fellowship
Professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree and some years of experience can benefit from the Fulbright initiative for academic research in the USA through the Humphrey Fellowship program.
Bank Loans and Financing
Students can approach banks for loans or lines of credit to finance their studies. For instance, Canadian banks like BMO Bank of Montreal and Scotiabank provide lines of credit to Canadian students who wish to study in the USA. You may also opt for organizations like MPOWER that offer no-cosigner loans to international students up to $100,000 USD, but the interest rates can be steep.
Working as a Canadian Student in the United States
Canadian students can work part-time during the semester and full-time during breaks to fund their education in the United States. Students interested in working have to obtain a social security number and a letter from an on-campus official like the registrar or an academic counselor. Canadian students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during breaks, but can only work on-campus.
The Pros and Cons of Studying in the United States
Pros:
- Wide Range of Programs: The United States offers a vast array of academic programs and majors, giving students a broad range of options to choose from. This allows flexibility in exploring different fields of study before committing to a specific major.
- Fraternity and Sorority Culture: American universities are known for their vibrant fraternity and sorority culture, which can provide a strong sense of community and opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and networking.
- Focus on Athletics: Sports play a significant role in American universities, with a strong emphasis on athletic programs. If you are interested in sports or want to be part of a competitive team, studying in the US can provide ample opportunities for athletic involvement.
- Prestigious Institutions: The United States is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities known for their academic excellence, research opportunities, and renowned faculty. Attending a prestigious institution can enhance your academic credentials and open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
- Cultural Diversity: The United States is known as a “Melting Pot” due to its diverse population. Studying in the US allows you to experience different cultures, interact with people from various backgrounds, and gain a broader perspective on global issues.
Cons:
- High Tuition Costs: Tuition fees at American universities are often higher compared to other countries. This can put a significant financial burden on students, requiring them to secure scholarships, grants, or take on substantial student loans to fund their education.
- Visa and Immigration Challenges: Obtaining a student visa for the United States can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, changing immigration policies can create uncertainty and challenges for international students during their studies or post-graduation.
- Cultural Adjustment: Moving to a different country can be a significant cultural adjustment. Adapting to a new education system, social norms, and cultural practices may take time and effort. Homesickness and feeling disconnected from one’s home culture can also be a challenge.
- Lengthy Academic Programs: Undergraduate programs in the US typically span four years, which is longer compared to some other countries where three-year programs are common. The extended duration can increase the overall cost of education and delay entry into the workforce.
- Limited Work Opportunities: International students studying in the US may face restrictions on work opportunities due to visa regulations. While some part-time work options exist on-campus, securing internships or off-campus employment can be more challenging, limiting practical experience and financial support.
It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons when considering studying in the United States. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal goals, academic interests, financial circumstances, and willingness to embrace a new cultural experience.