Home to the world's top universities and tech companies. The USA offers unparalleled opportunities for education, research, and career growth for international students.
1M+
International Students
4,000+
Universities & Colleges
3 Years
STEM OPT Duration
$100K+
Avg Tech Salary
Primary visa for full-time academic students at accredited universities
Work authorization for F-1 students to gain practical experience
Specialty occupation visa for skilled workers
For students participating in exchange programs
Total Estimated Cost: $50,000 - $100,000+ per year depending on university and location
Massachusetts
Top Programs: STEM, Engineering
California
Top Programs: Tech, Business, AI
Massachusetts
Top Programs: Law, Business, Medicine
California
Top Programs: Science, Engineering
Illinois
Top Programs: Economics, Business
Pennsylvania
Top Programs: CS, Robotics, AI
| Role | Entry Level | Mid Level (5+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $100,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Data Scientist | $90,000 - $130,000 | $130,000 - $200,000 |
| Product Manager | $110,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $70,000 - $90,000 | $100,000 - $150,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $60,000 - $80,000 | $90,000 - $140,000 |
| Consultant | $80,000 - $120,000 | $150,000 - $300,000 |
Yes, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic semester and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work is restricted to CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training) programs.
Regular OPT provides 12 months of work authorization after graduation. STEM OPT is a 24-month extension available for students who graduated from STEM-designated degree programs, allowing a total of 36 months of work authorization.
During OPT, you can apply for H-1B through an employer. The H-1B lottery occurs annually in March. If selected, you can transition from F-1/OPT status to H-1B by October 1st of that year.
Most US graduate schools require a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (approximately 75% or 7.5 CGPA on Indian 10-point scale). Top programs typically expect 3.5+ GPA along with strong GRE/GMAT scores and research experience.
Total costs range from $40,000 to $80,000+ per year depending on the university and location. This includes tuition ($25,000-$75,000), living expenses ($12,000-$25,000), health insurance, and other costs.
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Reviewed by
Sproutern Global Mobility Review Team
Reviewers for study abroad, visa, and international career guidance
Last reviewed
March 6, 2026
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