Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
Studying Bachelor’s Degree in the USA are greatly welcomed due to the presence of reputable universities in this country. Applicants who have completed their 12 years of education and obtained their diploma can think of immigration to the USA and also for bachelor’s studies in the USA.
It can be stated that applicants aged 20 to 22 have a higher chance of getting accepted and studying in the USA. The bachelor’s program is taught for 4 years and in English. Therefore, students need to have a language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6 or TOEFL 80 for studying at this level. The tuition fees for bachelor’s programs in the USA are estimated to be around 25,000 to 35,000 dollars.
If you wish to obtain more information, you can contact the experienced advisors of Malekpour Immigration Institute and benefit from the initial free consultation of this institute. In the comments section, you can ask your questions and receive answers in a short time.
Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
The admission requirements for universities in the USA depend on the university and the educational program in question and may vary. However, the general requirements for admission to undergraduate programs in American universities are as follows:
- Have a 12-year high school diploma
- Have a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS score of 6
- Have a letter of motivation and recommendation
- Take the SAT or ACT exam and obtain the required score
Documents Required for Admission to Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
The documents required for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA vary based on the desired university and field of study. Applicants should study and review universities and select the university and program they desire, then refer to the university’s website to obtain the necessary information. Some of the documents required for obtaining a student visa for the USA include:
- Submit previous year’s academic documents (diploma with transcripts) along with translation
- Letter of recommendation (if available)
- Passing score in the SAT or ACT test
- Passing score in the IELTS 6 or TOEFL 80 language tests
- Pay the application fee for the admission form (40 to 100 US dollars)
Language Requirement for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
According to the explanations provided and the necessary documents for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA, it can be concluded that providing a language certificate or passing exams that universities conduct to determine the applicant’s level is necessary and essential. To apply for a bachelor’s program in the USA, proficiency in the English language is one of the most important factors for gaining admission.
Usually, for undergraduate studies, an IELTS score of 6 or a TOEFL score of at least 80 is required. In general, the required TOEFL language score for studying at various universities in the USA is as follows:
| Regular Universities | Average Universities | Top Universities |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 80 | 90 |
GPA Requirement for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
Another essential factor for obtaining admission and studying for a bachelor’s degree in the USA is having a strong academic resume, good grades, and GPA. The GPA (Grade Point Average) in the US ranges from 0 to 4, with a minimum GPA of 3 required for admission. Every applicant for a bachelor’s program in the USA must meet the minimum GPA requirement.
However, some applicants with a GPA of 2 or 2.5 may also gain admission, depending on the standards and conditions of the chosen university. In general, there are two types of GPAs for studying in the USA:
- overall GPA
This includes general and specialized courses and is considered the overall GPA. - Major GPA
In this GPA, only specialized courses are considered, and fundamental and general subjects are not included.
Age Requirements for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
Age plays a key role in applying for a Bachelor’s degree in the USA and obtaining a student visa. After completing 12 years of education, students aged 17–21 have higher chances of university acceptance. Private universities often enroll older students, sometimes up to age 30, while public university students are typically 18–24.
How to Obtain Admission from American Universities for Bachelor’s Degree
The most important factor in the process of obtaining admission from universities in the USA is being fully aware of deadlines and application dates. Typically, applications for the fall semester are in September or October, while applications for the spring semester are in February or March. To obtain admission for undergraduate studies in the USA, the following steps should be carefully followed.
- First of all, before anything else, you should check the American universities for the field of study you are applying for.
- After finding the desired course of study, you should check that you meet the requirements for admission.
- If you meet the requirements, you can submit your application to one or more universities in the United States and pay the necessary fees.
- Finally, you should wait for the result from the university and, if necessary, participate in a university interview.
Best Universities in the USA for Bachelor’s Degree
The USA leads the world in terms of having the highest number of top universities. Of course, other countries, including the UK, are not exempt from this fact. The high quality of education and educational facilities in American universities have attracted many individuals worldwide to study for bachelor’s degrees in the USA.
Below, we will introduce some of the best universities in the USA for undergraduate studies:
| University Name | International Ranking | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 3 | stanford.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 4 | mit.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 5 | caltech.edu |
| Harvard University | 6 | harvard.edu |
| Princeton University | 7 | princeton.edu |
| Yale University | 8 | yale.edu |
| University of Chicago | 10 | uchicago.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University | 12 | jhu.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania | 13 | upenn.edu |
| University of California, Berkeley | 15 | berkeley.edu |
Entrance exams for American universities for bachelor’s degree
In the undergraduate admission process at universities in the United States, standardized tests play an important role. While some universities have adopted “optional” or “test-optional” policies, it is essential for international applicants to be aware of the types of tests and their respective admission conditions.
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): The American SAT is one of the most common standardized tests for admission to American universities. This test consists of two main sections, namely reading and writing, as well as mathematics.
- ACT (American College Testing): The ACT is also similar to the SAT and consists of four sections: reading, English, mathematics, and science. Some universities, such as Johns Hopkins University, consider the scores of the highest sections of the SAT or ACT and use a “superscoring” policy, meaning that they combine the highest scores from each section of different tests.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): For international applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score is required to prove English proficiency.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): The IELTS test is also designed to assess English proficiency and consists of four sections similar to the TOEFL. Some universities may also accept scores from this test.
Some universities have specific policies regarding admissions. For example, Harvard University has made SAT or ACT scores mandatory for admission starting from 2025, except in exceptional cases where applicants cannot access these tests.
Tuition Costs in the USA for Bachelor’s Degree
Tuition costs in the USA for bachelor’s and other levels are important factors that can play a decisive role in determining the university and field of study. Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs in the USA vary based on the field and university. Annually, a large number of individuals, despite high tuition costs, are applying for bachelor’s studies in the USA.
We have mentioned the living and educational costs in America in the table below.
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition for international students in public universities | $25,000 – $35,000 per year |
| Annual tuition for international students in private colleges | $30,000 – $45,000 per year |
| Average annual tuition for a bachelor’s degree | Approximately $33,215 |
| Average total tuition for a 4-year bachelor’s degree | Approximately $132,860 |
| Monthly living expenses for a student | Approximately $1,000 – $1,500 per month |
| Average annual living expenses for a student | $12,000 – $18,000 per year |
Scholarships for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
Scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce tuition and living costs for studying a Bachelor’s degree in the USA. Eligibility often depends on strong academic records and achievements. While many scholarships focus on graduate and PhD programs, some are available for undergraduates, offering full or partial funding.
Below, we will review some of the scholarship options:
| Type of Scholarship | Description |
|---|---|
| Scholarships offered by U.S. universities and colleges | These scholarships are provided by U.S. universities, such as Clark University Scholarship, Colby-Sawyer College Scholarship, Berea College Scholarship, Columbia College Scholarship, Amherst College Scholarship, etc. |
| International institutions offering scholarships | Includes AAUW International Fellowship, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, and Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship. |
| U.S. government scholarships for international students | Includes the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program and the Fulbright Program for international students. |
Duration of Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
Bachelor’s degree requirements in the USA vary by university but generally include a 4-year program, minimum GPA, transcripts, extracurriculars, and passing entrance exams like the SAT or ACT. Proper documentation and meeting age criteria are also essential for admission.
In some cases, an interview with the student may also be required by the selected university. Part-time work and income generation during this 4-year bachelor’s period is possible. If you have a strong resume including international publications, high language proficiency, high GPA and grades, etc., you may also have access to available scholarships. Students during this period can travel with their families (spouse and children under 21).
Deadlines and Start Dates for Bachelor’s Degree in the USA
University requirements for a Bachelor’s degree in the USA vary, so always check the official university website for accurate details. Generally, application deadlines fall in early January, commonly January 1 or 15. Most students apply then and receive acceptance by March or April. Some universities have later deadlines from February to September, depending on the program.
Some of these universities are as follows:
| University | Fall/Summer Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Abilene Christian University | February 15 |
| Meredith College | February 15 |
| Massachusetts College of Art and Design | February 1 |
| Catholic University of America | February 15 |
| Boston Baptist College | March 15 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | March 1 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | March 1 |
| Appalachian State University | March 15 |
| University of Minnesota, Morris | March 15 |
| Briar College | April 30 |
Best Fields of Study in the USA
There are various fields available for applicants wishing to study for a bachelor’s degree in the USA, which offer good job opportunities for students. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes over 80 types of bachelor’s degrees. Below are some of the best fields to immigrate to the USA:
| Bachelor of Divinity (BD) | Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) | Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Business (BB) | Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) |
| Bachelor of Common Law (BCL) | Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) | Bachelor of Science in Business (BSB) | Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd.) | Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) | Bachelor of Engineering (BE/B.Eng.) | Bachelor of Wireless Engineering (BWE) | Bachelor of Engineering Science (BSE/BSEN.) | Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (BSAE) |
| Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering (BSAE) | Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems (BSBS) | |||
Documents Required for a Student Visa in the USA for Bachelor’s Degree
After completing the application for the bachelor’s program in the USA and obtaining acceptance from the desired university, the next step is to prepare for obtaining a USA visa for studying. Some of the required documents for obtaining a student visa for undergraduate studies in the USA include:
- A letter of acceptance for undergraduate studies in the USA from the desired university
- An valid passport that is at least valid for 6 months.
- Completion of the online form DS-160
- Submission of printout of paid application fees
- One online downloadable photo.
- Receiving the I-20 form (this form must be signed by both the student and the desired university; if the student has companions, this form must also be issued and signed for each companion).
- Providing a letter of financial sufficiency
- Depending on the circumstances, additional documents such as a language certificate or passing scores on the GRE exam may also be requested from applicants.
Student Employment in the USA for Bachelor’s Degree
One of the benefits that a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the USA can have is the right to work while studying. The best advantage of student employment in the USA is earning money, which helps cover living expenses for the student, and individuals who work in their field of study can gain valuable work experience.
There are various student work permits available during undergraduate studies in the USA, which we will analyze further.
| Visa Type | Duration of Study | Work Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| F-1 | Part of main program. Students can work part-time or full-time (no work allowed in the first year). | Curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
| F-1 | One-year programs, also part-time with work allowed. | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |
| J-1 | Work allowed up to 20 hours per week under certain conditions. Duration varies by program and level, e.g., PhD students can extend over 1.5 years. | Academic Training (AT) |
| M-1 | No work allowed during study. Duration usually about 6 months. | Practical Training (PT) |
Companion Visa for Students in the USA for Bachelor’s Studies
In the USA, the F-2 visa allows spouses and children under 21 of international students to stay as companions during their study. After obtaining the student visa, they must apply for the F-2 visa at the U.S. embassy. Children on F-2 visas can attend American schools without needing a language certificate, as language support is provided.
Residency in the USA After Completing Bachelor’s Degree
Many students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in the USA aim to work and eventually gain permanent residency or citizenship. After graduation, their student visa expires and must be changed—options include work visas (with a job offer), further studies, investment, or marriage. Marriage to a U.S. citizen can lead to citizenship after 3 years, while a work visa can lead to a 10-year US Green Card. After 5 years of legal residence, students may apply for U.S. citizenship if they meet the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What language certificate and what GPA is required for studying in the USA at the bachelor’s level?
Usually, for bachelor’s studies in the USA, an IELTS score of 6 or a TOEFL score of at least 80 is required. The minimum GPA set for admission is also GPA 3.
- Describe the average costs of bachelor’s studies in the USA?
The average annual tuition for a bachelor’s program is approximately 33,215 USD, thus the average four-year tuition for a bachelor’s degree in the USA is about 132,860 USD. Of course, living costs are also an important factor that students must consider. The living cost in the USA is estimated to be around 1,000 to 1,500 USD for a student.
- When are the deadlines to apply for a bachelor’s in the USA and when does the semester start?
The most common deadlines in the USA are January 1 and January 15. Most applicants submit their applications in early January and will receive acceptance confirmations in March or April. A few universities have their application deadlines in February, March, April, May, June, July, and even September.
Generally, undergraduate studies in the USA typically start in the first semester from August until the end of December, including exams. The second semester runs from January/February to May to June. Most colleges and universities typically operate from early September to late April or early May.
Conclusion:
Studying for a bachelor’s degree in the USA offers access to top-ranked universities, but tuition for international students is high. However, students are allowed to work during their studies, which helps cover expenses. Key requirements include language proficiency and submitting a language certificate. Benefits of studying in the U.S. include the possibility of a companion visa and options to change visa types later.
For full guidance on bachelor’s studies in the USA, Malekpour Institute’s expert consultants are ready to assist.
