Top Courses to Study in USA after 12th for Indian Students

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Aarushi Jain
Updated on Apr 30, 2023 09:57 AM IST

Many international students and aspirants from all over the world are seeking to study in the USA after completing their 12th grade. If you also wish to pursue Bachelors in USA after 12th from India, this is your one-stop shop!

Top Courses to Study in USA after 12th for Indian Students

Courses in USA after 12th: Studying in the United States after the 12th grade is a goal for many Indian students, and making that dream a reality requires hard work, diligence, and merit. The US is a developed country and one of the best study abroad destinations for international students.

The country is home to some of the world's best institutions and colleges. Every year, almost 1.1 million international students choose to study in the US because of the country's rich diversity, high-quality education, highly skilled teachers, and vibrant atmosphere.

The majority of Indian students who study a course in USA after 12th obtain a bachelor's degree, indicating that they go to the US immediately after finishing the 12th grade. If you are one among thousands of aspirants who wish to pursue popular courses in USA after 12th, then stick to this article till the very end!

Benefits of Studying in USA for Indian Students after 12th

For any student, flying abroad for higher education is a major step. If you choose to study at an American university, you should think about all of the advantages as well as the disadvantages and problems you may experience. Here are some of the advantages of studying in USA for Indian students after 12th:

Excellent Academic Opportunities

Unlike in most other nations, the education system in the United States allows students to pursue jobs and degrees that are consistent with their interests and objectives. It enables students to investigate several possibilities and disciplines of study before deciding on a career.

Opportunities for Employment

Whether you want to return to your native country after receiving an education degree from the United States or stay there permanently, an American academic degree has great potential and can help you broaden your professional opportunities.

International Exposure

Aside from the academic and employment options that an American degree provides, it is important to highlight that studying abroad allows for significant personal development for every student. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures, network with individuals from all over the world, and comprehend the dynamics of different languages and perspectives.

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Top Universities to Study in USA after 12th

Several top-tier universities in the United States offer bachelor's degrees to Indian students. Many of these universities are among the top ten in the QS World University Rankings 2022. Here are some of the most prominent universities for international students aspiring to pursue top courses in USA after 12th:

Top Universities to Study in USA after 12th

QS World University Rankings

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

Stanford University

3

Harvard University

5

California Institute of Technology

6

The University of Chicago

10

University of Pennsylvania

13

Yale University

14

Columbia University

19

Princeton University

20

Cornell University

21

Types of Undergraduate Courses in USA after 12th

Students planning to study in USA, have two options to choose from. Either they can study for two years or four years of undergraduate programmes. The key differences between the two types of programmes are:

Two-Year Undergraduate Programmes

The two years undergraduate degree is provided by community colleges in USA. Once students complete the course, they are awarded an Associate degree such as an Associate of Science and Associate of Arts. A typical associate degree takes 60 hours to complete and contains

  • General topics

  • Primary subjects that focus on the main area of the study

  • Elective subjects which students select based on their choice

Students who have an associate degree can transfer themselves to a four-year programme.

Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes

The US state colleges and universities often offer four-year undergraduate programmes to students. After they complete the course, they are granted a degree such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. A typical undergraduate programme requires 120 credit hours to complete. Students who have already earned an associate degree are given 60 credit hours when they transfer to a bachelor's degree.

The post-secondary education is centred around the concept of liberal arts and sciences. Students can undertake various popular bachelors courses in USA after 12th. 

Generally in US universities, students get two years to decide their majors which is a significant benefit. In the final two years, they take up the majors. Besides, the colleges do not devote law and medical degrees at the undergraduate level. One can pursue these courses after completing a bachelor's degree and meeting other required criteria.

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Top Courses after 12th Commerce in USA

Commerce is a popular major among Indian students since it leads to employment in accounting, finance, business, management, and economics. If you wish to pursue your bachelor's degree course in USA after 12th, you must get a minimum of 70% on your class 12 exam. Given below is a list of popular commerce courses to study in USA after 12th grade:

Top Courses in USA after 12th Non-Medical

Students who do not desire to study natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, or physics might pursue a BSc in Pure Sciences. The courses in the United States are not just intellectual, but they also give considerable research output and practical experience. Following completion of 12th grade science, the following courses are available in the United States:

Top Courses in USA after 12th Medical

In contrast to the four-year bachelor's degree in India, MBBS in the USA is a four-year postgraduate program equivalent to that of an MD (Doctor of Medicine). MBBS in the USA after 12th grade is possible for Indian students who take the SAT exam and apply for a four-year undergraduate course in medicine. The two main medicine courses in USA after 12th are:

Top Courses in USA after 12th Arts

If you are an artist, there are several job prospects in the United States. After 12th grade, there are numerous courses to look forward to studying in the United States, ranging from Hospitality and Tourism Management to Humanities, Architecture, and Fine Arts. The following are some of the top courses in USA after 12th for Indian students:

Admission Intake in the USA

Indian colleges and universities have only one admission intake a year for a bachelor's degree. In comparison, the USA colleges and universities offer admissions in three intakes: fall, winter and summer. These entrance intakes are also referred to as semesters. The applications have to be submitted within the given application deadlines so that the offer letters can be sent out in time. The admission intakes in USA are as follows:

USA Intake

Duration 

Intake Month

Fall

August to December

August

August

January to April

January

Summer

May to August

May

Admission Requirements to Study in USA after 12th

After the 12th grade, certain conditions must be met in order to pursue an internationally recognised degree in the United States. These qualifying standards evaluate prospective students' knowledge and help colleges or universities to pick suitable candidates. These criteria are important in the application and admissions process.

The following are some of the basic eligibility requirements that students must meet to study in USA after 12th:

  • Applicants must have graduated class 12th from a recognised institution with a minimum of grades determined by the university and programme. Most of the courses need a minimum GPA of 2.50 to 3.60.

  • To show their ability to converse in English, students should have taken an English language proficiency exam, such as IELTS or TOEFL.

  • Students should perform well on standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT.

  • In order to study in USA after 12th grade, candidates must have a well-written Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation from appropriate authorities.

  • The candidate must be at least 18 years old.

  • The student must have obtained an application letter from a university in the United States.

  • The student must have a valid passport and student visa.

  • The student must present bank statements as proof of adequate financial resources.

  • Experience letter for work (if applicable).

Costs of Studying in USA after 12th

Those interested in attending a university and pursuing a course in USA after 12th grade should first learn about the average cost of education in the country. The majority of your spending will be for tuition and living expenses. In the United States, the average tuition rate for undergraduate and graduate courses is roughly USD 25,000 (and even more sometimes) for public colleges and USD 37,000+ for private universities.

Aside from that, the typical cost of food will be around USD 500- USD 1000 per month, and accommodation will be around USD 1,500-2,000 per month, or even more sometimes. Your monthly transportation charges will be between USD 100-200.

Part-Time Job Opportunities in the USA

American universities promote a work ethic and a sense of self-sufficiency. Students who will be studying in USA after 12th grade are recommended to work part-time while studying. Part-time work is nevertheless subject to various restrictions that must be strictly adhered to.

  • F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week on campus. Only those with a valid F-1 visa will be considered for job opportunities.

  • Students can work up to 40 hours per week during vacations and holidays.

  • After finishing a single academic year and with the agreement of the Designated School Official (DSO), off-campus jobs may be applied for.

  • Those on F-1 visas who are taking full-time studies may pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their courses. They can stay for a year after finishing their education in the United States and work in their fields of study under this system.

  • International students studying at American colleges can also apply for post-study work visas.

There are several bachelor's courses in USA to study after 12th for Indian students including science, commerce, medical, non-medical, humanities and engineering courses. The degrees earned are lucrative for future career prospects and students must fulfil the minimum requirements for getting admission to universities. Thorough and extensive research helps in understanding the eligibility criteria and how one is suited for the course. Also, the courses provide in-hand training that prepares them for the outer world. 

Still wondering whether or not to study in USA after 12th? Get in touch with our high expert mentors who can guide you at every step! Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com!

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FAQs

What is the duration of a Bachelor’s degree in USA after 12th?

Unlike in India and the UK, a Bachelor’s degree in the US after 12th lasts four years. While two years are spent studying a wide variety of disciplines, the remaining two years are spent studying subjects in which a student desires to major. Students can also choose to do a two-year intermediate course at a community college, which is less expensive and prepares them for the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree programme.

What is a 2-year degree course in USA after 12th is called? Is it worth investing in?

In the US, a two-year degree from a Community College is known as an intermediate or Associate Degree. When compared to the four-year Bachelor's degree, it is a realistic choice. The Associate degree is substantially less expensive and permits students to transfer their acquired course credits to a full four-year programme at a public or private institution.

What are the requirements to study an undergraduate course in the USA after 12th?

Having competitive SAT or ACT scores is among the most important requirements to study an undergraduate course in the US after 12th in India. Other key requirements for studying in USA after 12th include:

  • IELTS/TOEFL scores

  • Evidence of financial stability

  • A student visa 

  • Academic certifications demonstrating 16 years of formal study 

  • A competitive GPA/percentage

What are the popular courses that Indian Bachelors applicants in the USA pursue?

Some of the most popular fields of study or courses to study in USA after 12th for Indian or international students include:

  • Management and Business

  • Engineering 

  • Mathematics

  • Computer Science

  • Pure Science

  • Social Sciences

  • Life and Physical sciences

  • Medicine 

  • Architecture 

Do international students pursuing a bachelor’s course in USA after 12th have the option to work part-time?

Yes, international students can work part-time or on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. Students can also work outside of campus. However, off-campus work can only be undertaken after completing one academic year and with the prior approval of the DSO.

Can students study on scholarships and pursue their undergraduate courses in USA after 12th?

Yes, international students can earn and study on scholarships to pursue their undergraduate courses in USA after 12th. There are various fee exemptions, scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, federal work-study programs, and loans available to help with tuition. Scholarships and financial aid are the most sought-after choices for international students interested in enrolling in bachelor's programs. Government-funded scholarships, program-based scholarships, departmental scholarships, and external organisation-provided scholarships are the most common forms of scholarships.

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