Engineering in USA – Fees, Scholarships & Top Universities

Students across the globe preferred to attend college in the United States since years. United States is said to offer top rank universities that help offer students cutting edge research facilities combined with an industry-alignment of the curriculum and wide disciplines available within engineering-aerospace computer science-biomedical, which provided both theoretical experience to excel their professional fields. In addition, the USA offers many scholarship opportunities, post-study work options, and a multicultural environment, which makes it a dream USA for aspiring engineers.

The demand for engineering graduates in the USA is quite high, owing to technological advancements and innovation. From Silicon Valley to the top-tier research hubs, students are exposed to real-world applications in ways unmatched anywhere else. Let us discuss the critical aspects of studying engineering in the USA.

Engineering in USA Highlights 

Types of Engineering in USA

Bachelor’s Degree

• Generally 4 years.
• Foundational subjects with an ability to specialize in various disciplines such as software engineering and environmental engineering.
• Examples: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University are well known for their solid undergraduate programs in engineering.
• Students will be trained in developing the problem-solving skill, thinking critically, and working with others.
• Internship opportunities with companies Google, Boeing, and Tesla, among others.

Master’s programs

• Usually 1-2 years.
• Provides specialized and advanced knowledge.
• Programs include MEng and MS. For example, Stanford offers an MS in Electrical Engineering with strong industry connections.
• It usually has provision for research projects, practical training, and collaboration with industry experts.
• Suitable for students who wish to take up leadership positions or acquire technical skills in particular fields.

Doctoral Programs

• Research-focused 3-5 years.
• Leads to a PhD.
• Universities like MIT and the University of California, Berkeley, are renowned for their doctoral research in robotics and artificial intelligence.
• It focuses on innovation, where students can contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
• Offers state-of-the-art labs and access to funding opportunities through research assistantships.
• Students frequently collaborate with faculty members for industry-sponsored projects.

Associate Degrees

• 2-year program offered in the community colleges.
• Prepares students for entry-level engineering roles or transfer to a 4-year degree program.
• Focuses on practical skills and technical knowledge.
• Ideal for students seeking affordable access routes to a baccalaureate degree.

Certificate Programs

• Short-term courses related to a skill set, like CAD or data analytics.
• Offered by institutions like Purdue University and online platforms.
• Beneficial for professionals seeking skill enhancement or specialization.
• Often used for skill enhancement in niche roles within such areas as Cybersecurity or IoT.

Top 10 Engineering Colleges in USA

The top 10 Engineering Colleges in USA are as follows:

Eligibility criteria to pursue Engineering in USA

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Programs: High school diploma with strong grades in mathematics and science.
• Master’s Programs: Undergraduate degree in engineering or related fields with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Doctoral Programs: Master’s degree preferred, although direct PhD admissions are possible for exceptional candidates.
• Many universities offer bridge programs for students with non-engineering backgrounds to fulfill prerequisite requirements.
• Collaborative learning environments encourage students to adapt to the rigorous academic standards in the USA.
• Dual degree programs are also available, combining engineering with business or data science.

English Language Proficiency

• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80-100.
• IELTS: Minimum band score of 6.5-7.5.
• Preparatory courses are available for students needing to meet language proficiency standards.

Standardized Tests

• Bachelor’s: SAT or ACT scores
• Master’s/PhD: GRE scores (not mandatory for all universities).

Supporting Documents

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) highlighting career goals.
• Letters of Recommendation from professors or employers.
• Resume/CV detailing academic and extracurricular achievements.
• Portfolios for fields such as architectural or design engineering.

Engineering in USA – Student Visa

International students wishing to study in the USA have to obtain an F-1 student visa. Requirements include:

• Valid passport
• I-20 issued by the school
• Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living costs
• Receipt of payment of SEVIS fee
• Academic transcript and test scores
• Confirmation of appointment for the visa interview.

Tuition Fees

How much does it cost for studying Engineering in USA?

• Undergraduate Programs: $20,000-$50,000 per year.
• Postgraduate Programs: $25,000-$55,000 per year.
• Doctoral Programs: $20,000-$40,000 per year (with many receiving full funding).

Cost of living in USA

• Accommodation: $500-$1,500 per month.
• Transportation: $100-$200 per month.
• Food and Groceries: $250-$600 per month.
• Entertainment: $100-$300 per month.
• Utilities: $100-$200 per month.
• Internet and Mobile Phone: $50-$100 per month.

Students can reduce costs by sharing accommodations and utilizing public transportation. Additionally, student discounts on transport and food are widely available.

Work Permit after pursue Engineering in USA

Post-study work options

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows 12 months of work in the field of study (up to 24 months for STEM graduates).
• H-1B Visa: Employer-sponsored visa for long-term employment.

Eligibility criteria for work permit

• Graduation from a SEVP-approved institution.
• Employment must be related to the field of study.

Engineering Scholarships for USA

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

• Fully funded scholarships for master’s or PhD programs.
• Covers tuition, airfare, health insurance, and living expenses.
• Visit Fulbright Program.

AAUW International Fellowships

• Supports women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies.
• Award amount: $18,000-$30,000.
• Visit AAUW Fellowships.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program

• For graduate studies at Stanford University.
• Covers tuition, living stipend, and academic expenses.
• Visit Knight-Hennessy Scholars.

STEM Scholarships by the Institute of International Education (IIE)

• Funding for STEM-related programs.
• Amount varies by award.
• Visit IIE Scholarships.

University-Specific Scholarships

• MIT Graduate Fellowships
• Berkeley Engineering Scholarships
• Michigan Engineering Scholarships

Universities also provide assistantships for research and teaching roles, which help offset tuition costs.

Career prospects

Post-Study Work Options

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows 12 months of work in the field of study (up to 24 months for STEM graduates).
• H-1B Visa: Employer-sponsored visa for long-term employment.

Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit

• Graduation from a SEVP-approved institution.
• Employment must be related to the field of study.

Salary after Studying Engineering in USA

(Source: Glassdoor, Payscale)