Applying to US universities

How do I apply to a US university?

To apply to universities in the USA, you will need to:

1. Choose a degree programme - there are many to choose from, so think about what you enjoy and what you want to do in the future for a career.
2. Choose a university/college - with over 5,000 universities and colleges to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you. Our guide will help narrow down your choices.
3. Contact the international admissions office at each university you wish to apply to, where you can check your eligibility and their application process
4. Gather the required documents. This will usually include a college admissions essay; references from two or three teachers; a TOEFL test if English isn't your first language; a written piece of work marked by a teacher; a ACT or SAT test.
5. Take and pass your ACT or SAT test.
6. Look at university application deadlines and fees.
7. Apply for your US student visa - please be aware that you can only do this if a US university has offered you a place on one of their courses.

Read through our detailed guides to each step above for more information on how to complete them.

Can I apply to a US university from the UK?

Yes, you most certainly can!

According to the Fullbright Commission, there are currently around 11,600 students from the UK enrolled at US universities.

America is home to many of the world's most resputable universities, including Harvard, MIT, NYU, Yale, Brown and Stanford.

Read our Common App and Universal College Application guides.

How many US universities can I apply to?

Unlike the UK, where UCAS limits students to only 5 universities, you can apply to as many universities as you want in the U.S.

However, we recommend you try to limit your choices to no more than 10, otherwise it can become a very expensive and time-consuming process!

Can I get a university scholarship in the USA?

Most colleges in the US offer scholarship programs specifically for international students attending the institution, so it's always worth contacting them directly to see what's available.

Our Scholarships guide has lots more information and advice on where to find funding for your degree and how to apply.

How much does it cost to study in the US?

On an average, a student spends approximately $10,000–$12,000 per year on living expenses.

However, this amount entirely depends on the location where a student is studying, as big cities will be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas.

According to research by College Board, published tuition fees for 2018/19 at state colleges are an average of US$10,230 for state residents, and $26,290 for everyone else (i.e. international students).

This compares to an average of $35,830 at private non-profit colleges.

What are the cheapest US universities?

Currently, the cheapset universities are as follows:

1. Sitting Bull College, ND $938
2. South Texas College $1,317
3. University of Texas-Pan American $1,646
4. Indian River State College $2,138
5. California State University-Dominguez Hills $2,451
6. California State University-Los Angeles $3,263
7. Elizabeth City State University, NC $3,335
8. Palm Beach State College, FL $3,490
9. Haskell Indian Nations University, KS $4,302
10. CUNY Lehman College, NY $4,335
11. Louisiana State University-Shreveport $4,364
12. Chipola College, FL $4,568
13. CUNY John Jay College Criminal Justice, NY $4,568
14. Texas A&M International University $4,594
15. Bellevue College, WA $4,749
16. Middle Georgia College $4,809
17. Oglala Lakota College, SD $4,871
18. California State University-Fullerton $4,874
19. University of Louisiana at Lafayette $5,042
20. University of Hawaii-West Oahu $5,201
21. University of Texas at El Paso $5,224
22. Dalton State College, GA $5,309
23. Oklahoma Panhandle State University $5,434
24. College of Coastal Georgia $5,449
25. Midland College, TX $5,471

However, remember that cheap does not always means you will get a good education! Check the course content carefully if you are considering studying at one of these institutions, and try to visit in person if you can, and/or speak to the tutors and admissions office for more information about what they have to offer.