Study in the USA: Costs, Universities, Life & Funding Options

Explore options on top universities, tuition costs, no-collateral loans, visa guidance and much more only for Indian students to get started on their dream to study in the USA.

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Why USA is the Top Study Destination for Indian Students

The USA hosts over 330,000 Indian students, more than any other country, because of its world-renowned universities, innovative education system and a thriving job market.

Students can explore different subjects, participate in cutting-edge research projects and gain practical experience through internships with leading companies. There are excellent career opportunities for professional growth in dynamic industries. With supportive Indian communities in major cities and access to global career networks, the USA offers both exceptional education and promising career prospects for ambitious students.

Quick Facts

  • Indians represent 30% of all international students in the USA.
    Indians represent 30% of all international students in the USA.
  • 60% of Indian students pursue graduate degrees, mostly STEM.
    60% of Indian students pursue graduate degrees, mostly STEM.
  • Indian students contribute $10+ billion to the US economy annually.
    Indian students contribute $10+ billion to the US economy annually.
  • Nearly 100,000 Indian students currently work through OPT
    Nearly 100,000 Indian students currently work through OPT

Universities in the USA

  • California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
    California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
    United States
    STEM
    Private
    Avg Tuition:
    $68,000/year
  • Harvard University
    Harvard University
    United States
    Ivy League
    Private
    Avg Tuition:
    $56,000/year
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
    United States
    Private
    STEM
    Avg Tuition:
    $64,000/year
  • Stanford University
    Stanford University
    United States
    Private
    STEM
    Avg Tuition:
    $67,000/year

Post-Study Work Visa & Job Opportunities

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Regular OPT

12 months of work authorization after graduation

Available to all international students on an F-1 visa

STEM OPT Extension

Additional 24 months extension (total 36 months of OPT )

Available if you’re graduating from a STEM-designated program

Great for Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, and more

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Lets you gain work experience during your degree

Can be full-time or part-time depending on university rules

Important 2025 Update (Effective May 27)

A 60-day grace period is now allowed after OPT ends

Accurate job reporting is now strictly enforced — students must report employment status to avoid SEVIS termination

Average Starting Salaries

  • Computer Science$85,000/year
  • Engineering$80,000/year
  • Business/MBA $120,000/year
  • Data Science$95,000/year

Cost of Studying & Living in the USA

  • Tuition Fees
    Tuition Fees
    Varies by university type & program
    $28,000 - $90,000/year
  • Accommodation
    Accommodation
    On-campus or off-campus housing
    $12,000 - $24,000/year
  • Living Expenses
    Living Expenses
    Food, transport & personal expenses
    $12,000 - $24,000/year

Estimated Total Costs

Public Universities
  • Tuition & Fees:$28,000 - $35,000
  • Accommodation: $12,000 - $17,000
  • Living Expenses: $12,000 - $18,000
  • Annual Total: $52,000 - $70,000
Private Universities
  • Tuition & Fees:$38,000 - $90,000
  • Accommodation:$15,000 - $24,000
  • Living Expenses:$16,000 - $24,000
  • Annual Total:$69,000 - $138,000

Life & Culture in the USA

Campus Life & Internships

American universities offer vibrant campus experiences with 400+ student organizations, sororities, and year-round activities. Internships not only provide practical experience but also increase your employability. Many Indian students find that internships often lead to full-time job offers.

Indian Communities
Areas like Jackson Heights in New York, Devon Avenue in Chicago and Little India in Artesia, California offer authentic Indian groceries, restaurants, and cultural centers. Most universities have active Indian Student Associations organizing Diwali celebrations, cricket tournaments, and networking events with 500+ members.
Food & Lifestyle
Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers, Apna Bazaar are everywhere in student areas. Campus dining halls increasingly offer Indian vegetarian options, and cities like Boston and Seattle have amazing Indian food scenes. Weekend farmer's markets, food trucks, and international festivals keep life exciting while apps like Instacart deliver Indian groceries to your doorstep.
Cities to Live In
Living costs include accommodation, food, utilities, and transportation with cities like Austin, Raleigh, and Atlanta offering great university towns at 30-40% lower costs than New York or San Francisco. These cities also have growing tech scenes and strong Indian professional networks.
Transportation
Students can use MUNI Pass, Metro card, ORCA card, and passes to reduce their travel expenses in the USA. Monthly passes cost $50-120, and ride-sharing apps like Uber/Lyft are widely available. Many students also buy used cars for $5,000-8,000, which is often cheaper than public transport for longer stays.

Education Loan Options for USA

Loan Types Available

INR Loans (Indian Lenders)

  • Interest rates start from 8.25%* p.a.
  • Max loan: Up to ₹1.5 crore
  • Some require collateral

  • Co-borrower usually required


USD Loans (Global Lenders)

  • Interest rates start from 3.39%* p.a.
  • Maximum Loan amount: 100% of Education Cost
  • No collateral required
  • Some require US Co-borrower

How Lorien Helps

  • Free loan eligibility check across 17+ lenders
  • Higher approval rates through lender matching
  • No-collateral loan options
  • End-to-end application support
  • Faster processing times
SBI
Union Bank of India
ICICI Bank
IDFC Bank
Axis Bank
Punjab National Bank
Credila
Auxilo
Avanse
InCred
Tata Capital
Ascent
Earnest
Prodigy
MPOWER Financing
SBI
Union Bank of India
ICICI Bank
IDFC Bank
Axis Bank
Punjab National Bank
Credila
Auxilo
Avanse
InCred
Tata Capital
Ascent
Earnest
Prodigy
MPOWER Financing
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International Alumni Network of 500+ Students

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Destination
Destination: USA
Loan Received: $30,000
Int. Rate: 6.45%
"I had a smooth and hassle-free experience securing a loan with Lorien Finance. They were professional, approachable, and transparent throughout the process, explaining all terms and conditions clearly. I highly recommend Lorien finance and Nishant for reliable financial assistance."
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Harsh
Montclair State University
5
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Destination
Destination: USA
Loan Received: $28,000
Int. Rate: 7.24%
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lorien Finance for their outstanding support in assisting me with my loan process. The team took the time to explain all the details, answer all my questions, and provide valuable advice throughout the entire process."
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Vaidehi
University of New Haven
5
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Destination
Destination: USA
Loan Received: $35,000
Int. Rate: 4.70%
"I had a great experience with Lorien Finance while securing my student loan. The process was smooth, transparent, and efficient, making it stress-free for me. Lorien’s dedication to helping students achieve their educational goals is truly commendable."
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Ayush
University of North Carolina
5

Frequently Asked Questions

01
How does Lorien Finance help me secure the best education loan?
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01
We partner with India’s top banks and NBFCs to match students with optimal loan options. Our team assists with document collection and negotiates for favorable loan terms.
02
How does Lorien Finance help me get the best education loan offer?
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02
Lorien Finance works with top banks, NBFCs, and international lenders to secure the best loan terms for students. We assist with documentation, coordinate with lenders, and negotiate favorable loan options.
03
Are there any tax benefits or deductions available on study abroad education loan interest?
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03
Yes, the Income Tax Act of 1961 permits the deduction of interest paid on an education loan under Section 80E.
04
When do I start repaying my education loan?
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04
Repayment usually starts after the moratorium period, which covers your course duration plus 6 to 12 months. You can choose repayment options like EMI, simple interest, or partial interest, based on your loan terms.
05
What is the interest rate on study abroad education loans?
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05
The interest rate starts as low as 3.39% and varies as per lenders.
06
What documents are required for a study abroad education loan?
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06
You need to submit KYC documents of both the student and cosigner, academic records, work experience (if any), and the cosigner’s financial documents to assess loan eligibility and repayment capacity.
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