How Much Percentage is Required to Study in USA for International Students? Eligibility Criteria 

Studying in the USA is a dream for many Indian students, offering exposure to world-class education, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a dynamic global network. However, before embarking on this journey, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and the minimum percentage required for USA admissions. Different universities in the USA have varying academic expectations, and students must ensure they meet the set benchmarks for a smooth admission process.

This guide covers everything from academic requirements to standardized tests, application processes, and financial considerations for students aspiring to study abroad. By the end of this article, you’ll have a study guide to USA, including all the necessary details on how to get admission, required documentation, and insights into the USA education system for international students.

Why Study in the USA?

The USA as your study abroad destination has been a preferred choice due to its institutions in the USA, diverse student communities, and vast career prospects.

Some compelling reasons why students who want to pursue higher education consider this study destination include:

• Quality Education – The universities in the USA are globally ranked and renowned for research and innovation.
• Flexibility – The courses of study permits students to explore interdisciplinary fields before selecting a specialization.
• Cultural Diversity – The student cities in the USA are home to a diverse population, offering a truly global experience.
• Career Growth – Completing a degree in the USA significantly boosts job prospects in various industries.

What is the Minimum Percentage Required to Study in US Universities for International Students?

The minimum percentage required for USA admissions varies university to university, based on the field of study and program type. While some institutions in the USA have strict GPA and academic requirements, others offer holistic admissions, considering extracurricular activities and personal statements.

General Academic Requirements for Indian Students:

Field of Study	Minimum Percentage Required
Engineering & Technology	75%-85%
Medicine & Healthcare	80%-90%
Business & Management	65%-75%
Arts & Humanities	55%-70%
Science Programs	60%-75%
Law Programs	60%-75%

Did You Know? The academic requirements for some universities are not strictly based on percentages but also consider standardized test scores, work experience, and personal essays.

How Indian Students Can Convert Percentage to GPA?

The USA education system primarily evaluates academic performance using a GPA (Grade Point Average) rather than percentages.

Below is a common university application conversion scale used for students in high school:

Percentage Score	Equivalent GPA
85-100%	4.0
70-84%	3.0 – 3.9
60-69%	2.0 – 2.9
50-59%	1.0 – 1.9

Pro Tip: Many U.S. universities have their own GPA conversion policies, so students must pass their high school curriculum and verify their exact requirements.

What are the Mandatory Exams Required to Study Abroad in Colleges in USA?

Apart from academic scores, students applying to graduate schools or undergraduate programs in the USA must take standardized exams. These admission test is a standardized way of assessing applicants globally.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is generally required to be taken by students applying to undergraduate programs. A competitive SAT score is 1200-1400.
• ACT (American College Testing) is an alternative to the SAT, commonly required to appear for U.S. college admissions. A strong ACT score is 26-30.

Graduate Programs (Master’s & MBA Programs)

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is generally taken by students pursuing MS and Ph.D. programs. A minimum score of 310+ is competitive.
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is also taken by students applying to business and management schools, with a recommended score of 650+.
• LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is taken by students who want to study Law in the USA. A good LSAT score is 155+.

English Proficiency Tests (For International Students)

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is mandatory for international students, with an average required score of 80+.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) minimum overall band requirement is 6.5.

What are the Application and Visa Requirements to Study in USA for Indian Students?

To study in the USA for Indian students, securing a student visa is essential. The U.S. government offers different visa categories, ensuring that students in USA meet program-specific requirements. A guide to USA for international students to study helps applicants understand the process, including financial proof and admission confirmation.

A student visa is required for USA after 12th, especially for undergraduate studies. Strong writing skills that are needed for academic success are crucial for SOPs and essays. Students who are planning must apply early, as students to get a visa need to meet strict deadlines. Choosing a top study destination requires careful visa preparation.

Types of U.S. Student Visas:

Visa Type	Purpose
F1 Visa	For full-time international students enrolled in a degree program
J1 Visa	For students doing exchange programs or research work
M1 Visa	For vocational or technical training programs

Important Note: Indian students in the US must adhere to all visa regulations, including maintaining full-time student status and complying with work restrictions.

What is the Application Process and the Documents Required to Study in the US?

The university application process requires thorough preparation. Students who have completed their education must meet all requirements. International students must follow guidelines when choosing the US as your study abroad destination.

Universities prepare students holistically, with the time required varying by program. A standardized exam is required for most courses. Knowing USA country highlights helps in decision-making. Those who have completed their schooling or students in high school must check deadlines and required documents.

Step-by-Step Application Process for U.S. Universities

• Research colleges in USA and shortlist options based on academic interests and career goals.
• Prepare for standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT.
• Gather required documents like academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, and resume.
• Submit online applications before university deadlines.
• Apply for a student visa and arrange finances (scholarships, loans, etc.).

Fact: Some institutions allow students to give conditional admission if they meet academic requirements but still need to improve English proficiency.

What is the Cost of Living in Student Cities in the USA?

Apart from tuition fees, students need to consider the cost of living in USA while planning their finances. Whereas some institutes allow students to give the exams, requirements may vary. Students can check university-specific costs and funding options. Different regions in the USA are located in varied cost brackets, affecting expenses.

Balancing work or study is essential for budgeting effectively. Understanding the USA lifestyle helps in managing daily expenses. Students choose to study in cities with affordable living costs. Universities assess financial stability as students are evaluated during admissions. Proper planning allows students to make informed financial decisions over their years of study.

Expense	Approximate Cost (Per Year in USD)
Tuition Fees	$20,000 – $50,000
Accommodation	$8,000 – $15,000
Food & Groceries	$3,000 – $6,000
Transportation	$1,500 – $3,000
Health Insurance	$2,000 – $4,000

Scholarships to Study: Students also require a letter of recommendation for scholarship applications. Many universities offer financial aid to students pursuing higher education.

Top 20 Best Universities in the USA for Indian Students and their Eligibility Criteria

Studying at a top university in the USA from India offers world-class education, research opportunities, and global career prospects. However, students to thoroughly check admission requirements, as each institution has unique criteria. If the applicant is Indian, they must meet visa and financial proof conditions.

Most universities require holistic applications where essays are generally required, and not all accept students based solely on grades. The USA require standardized test scores, recommendations, and personal statements.

International students cannot work full-time but can take on-campus jobs. Any study interruption due to visa or financial issues can impact progress.

Below is a list of the top 20 universities in the USA for Indian students, including eligibility criteria, tuition fees, and starting salaries.

University	Eligibility Criteria	Estimated Annual Tuition Fees	Average Starting Salary
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	High SAT/ACT, strong academics, TOEFL/IELTS	$53,790	$85,000 – $105,000
Stanford University	Excellent grades, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$56,169	$80,000 – $100,000
Harvard University	Competitive academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$51,000 – $53,000	$75,000 – $95,000
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	High SAT/ACT, top science/maths scores, TOEFL/IELTS	$50,000 – $52,000	$85,000 – $105,000
University of Chicago	Strong academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$55,000 – $57,000	$70,000 – $90,000
Princeton University	High GPA, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$50,000 – $52,000	$75,000 – $95,000
Yale University	Excellent academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$53,000 – $55,000	$70,000 – $90,000
Columbia University	Strong academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$54,000 – $56,000	$75,000 – $95,000
University of Pennsylvania	High grades, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$53,000 – $55,000	$70,000 – $90,000
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	Competitive academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$43,000 – $45,000	$65,000 – $85,000
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	Strong GPA, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$51,000 – $53,000	$65,000 – $85,000
Cornell University	High GPA, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$55,000 – $57,000	$70,000 – $90,000
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	Strong academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$44,000 – $46,000	$65,000 – $85,000
Duke University	Competitive GPA, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$53,000 – $55,000	$70,000 – $90,000
Northwestern University	High grades, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$54,000 – $56,000	$70,000 – $90,000
University of Texas at Austin	Good academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$40,000 – $44,000	$60,000 – $80,000
New York University (NYU)	High GPA, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$52,000 – $54,000	$65,000 – $85,000
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Strong academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$40,000 – $42,000	$60,000 – $80,000
Carnegie Mellon University	Excellent grades, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$55,000 – $57,000	$70,000 – $90,000
University of Southern California (USC)	Competitive academics, SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS	$50,000 – $53,000	$65,000 – $85,000

Conclusion

The decision to study in USA is a transformative experience that opens doors to global opportunities. While meeting the eligibility criteria to study in the U.S. requires meticulous planning, the long-term benefits of quality education, global networking, and career growth make it worthwhile.

Students are advised to check university-specific requirements, deadlines, and financial aid options to streamline their application process. Whether you have already decided to study or are still exploring options, thorough research and preparation are key to securing a successful admission.

Dream big, study smart, and let your journey to the USA begin! Schedule a call with the study abroad experts at Ambitio now and watch your dreams come true!

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