The US Still Leads the World in Higher Education Amy Smith, July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 Many people around the world choose to study in the United States because they value the many things our country has to offer as far as higher education goes. Whether it’s an Ivy League school, community college, or trade school, there are plenty of ways to get a degree in America that you can’t get elsewhere. It does not matter what type of vocation you want to go into, either. That is one benefit that comes from seeking a college degree in the United States. You can find schools within its borders that specialize in anything from music to business, and anything in between. Whether you are going to school to pursue law or become a chef, America is still the land of opportunity. According to The Country School, “Parents see the benefits of pursuing higher education here directly. Higher Education right here in the US allows there children to work with some of the best and brightest and collectively work for the American Dream. All the while often staying just a few hours away from home.” How does the cost of College Compare in the US Vs Other Countries? One factor to consider when comparing colleges in other countries is that you may have to go overseas for college. Many countries offer attractive scholarships or fellowships for foreigners, but these may not always be available. When evaluating schools in other countries, ask about their financial aid policies, as well as what kinds of scholarships are available. It’s also important to look at how much your family will have to pay out-of-pocket in addition to any grants and scholarship money you receive. What types of Degrees can I Pursue in the US and Abroad? The United States has plenty of educational options for both domestic and international students. Whether you’re pursuing a high school diploma, technical or vocational education, or bachelor’s degree, you can rest assured there are many accredited institutions ready to help. And because accreditation is a formal recognition given by an independent agency that an institution meets particular standards, students can also feel confident in knowing their degrees will be recognized by employers. Some states, like Wisconsin and Washington, even go out of their way to welcome students from foreign countries, so it all depends on what a student wishes to pursue and where they want to attend school. How easy is it to get into An American University as a Foreign Student? It’s relatively easy to gain admission into many American universities, thanks to generous admission standards and application policies. Foreign students can often be admitted as freshmen even if they don’t meet requirements for other U.S. students, such as having scored well on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. International applicants usually only need to submit high school transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation to gain acceptance. Sometimes an interview may be required, too. Is Higher Education more Respected in the US than Other Places in The World? One of many benefits of studying in America is that its education system is considered by many to be one of best in world. There are only two countries (Switzerland and Canada) with higher rankings than the United States. Businesses also consider degrees from American universities to be valuable; according to one survey, 45% prefer candidates with an international bachelor’s degree over those with a more local option. How do Foreigners pay for School In America? Each foreign country has an education office with information on how to apply for financial aid. For example, applicants from China can find information from Chinese Student and Scholar Services, while applicants from India can find resources through NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Many countries have similar services, so it’s worth exploring. The Variety of Programs that help International Students Excel There are several unique aspects of American higher education that make it particularly attractive to international students. In many countries, universities are not free or are much more expensive than in America. Colleges also tend to be more specialized and focus on niche topics, which means it can be difficult for an undergraduate student to gain access to a well-rounded education. At U.S. institutions, courses often have fewer students and may feature guest lecturers from other fields as well as professors who work on research projects alongside their teaching duties. This additional breadth is ideal for undergraduates looking to explore new areas. According to The Institute of International Education’s annual Open Doors report, in 2014 there were around 974,000 international students enrolled at colleges across the United States—828,000 of them pursuing bachelor’s degrees. The US is a Great Country for Those Seeking a Recognized Higher Education The United States has some of the best higher education options in one package, which is why it makes for such an attractive option for people who want to learn more about something or improve on skills and abilities. Many studies show that going to college—even if you don’t earn a degree—makes you more likely to be successful at work. Image Source: Freepik Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Education