USA · CHAPTER 2
US universitiesand degrees explained.
US bachelor's degrees take four years, master's one to two years and PhDs five to six. Universities are public (state-funded) or private. Make sure your institution is regionally accredited and certified by SEVP to issue the I-20. The main intake is Fall (August–September) with a smaller Spring (January) intake.
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Degree levels
| Degree | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Associate (community college) | 2 years | Can transfer to a 4-year university |
| Bachelor's | 4 years | Major chosen in year 1–2 |
| Master's (MS, MA, MEng, MBA) | 1–2 years | STEM-designated programmes qualify for STEM OPT |
| PhD | 5–6 years | Usually funded through assistantships |
Check before applying
- SEVP certification (needed for the I-20)
- Regional accreditation
- STEM designation (CIP code) if you want STEM OPT
- Total cost of attendance on the I-20
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Types of institutions
| Type | What it means | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| R1 research universities | Very high research activity | PhD, research-based master's, funding |
| Public state universities | Lower fees for state residents, large campuses | Value master's, engineering |
| Private universities | Higher fees, more scholarships | Brand, networks |
| Liberal arts colleges | Small undergraduate colleges | Bachelor's with close teaching |
| Community colleges | Two-year associate degrees | Low-cost start, transfer to a university |
Credits and grading
US courses use credit hours (a master's is typically 30–36 credits) and a GPA on a 4.0 scale. You need to keep a minimum GPA (often 3.0 for graduate students) to stay in good standing. Assignments, quizzes, mid-terms and projects all count — not only the final exam.
STEM-designated programmes (by CIP code) qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check the CIP code on the programme page or ask the department before you apply.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
A programme whose CIP code is on the DHS STEM list. Graduates can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT in addition to the standard 12 months.
Universities either evaluate your transcript themselves or ask for an evaluation from WES or ECE. Do not convert it yourself unless the application asks you to.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
USA GUIDE
Admission requirements
Transcripts, GRE/GMAT, SAT, TOEFL/IELTS, SOP, LORs and deadlines for US bachelor's and master's admission from India for Fall 2027.
USA GUIDE
Fees & cost of living
US tuition at public and private universities, health insurance, SEVIS and visa fees and monthly living costs for Indian students in 2026–27.
DIRECTORY
University directory
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PROGRAMMES
Programmes
Researched programmes with published fees, deadlines and entry requirements.
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FRANCE
Study in France
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