Choose your Education
With more than 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States, the options are almost endless. One of the best characteristics of the American higher education system is that there are many great school options for just about everyone, from community colleges to career schools to private, liberal arts colleges to large, public universities. Yet, because the choices are so varied, deciding which program to attend is not an easy choice. Other factors you must also consider are the geographic location of a school, its size and the degree programs it offers.
- Do you want to study in the city or in the country?
- Do you want to study at a small or large college or university?
- Is it important that you live somewhere warm or cold?
- What level qualification do you want? (certificate, diploma, degree etc). You will probably find that the course you want to study is offered at several places in the USA.
- You will also need to consider the institution’s academic entrance requirements, as each college or university and each course has its own standards. If you don’t have enough English, you will need to think about English Language too.
Tuition Fee
While the US remains the world’s most popular destination for international students, it’s also among the most expensive choices. However, although the headline costs of studying in the US may be daunting, often involving a string of five-digit numbers, it’s worth checking all the facts on fees and funding options before you make up your mind, as it may work out cheaper than you initially think.
The following is a guide only:
| Public Two-year (In-district) | Public Four-year (In-state) | Public Four-year (Out-of-state) | Private Four-year | |
| Tuition | $3,750 | $9,970 | 25,620 | 34,740 |
Average tuition cost by degree type:
- Bachelor’s:$8,230 (Public Four-year); $33,450 (Private Nonprofit Four-year)
- Master’s: $8,670 (Public Four-year); $29,960 (Private Nonprofit Four-year)
- Doctoral: $10,830 (Public Four-year); $42,920 (Private Nonprofit Four-year)
English Language
The United States is the most popular destination for international students interested in learning English or improving their English skills. Consider a variety of factors and make sure you find the right Intensive English Program (IEP) for you. Courses range from a beginning level for those who have never studied English, to advanced courses for students who are preparing to enter a college or university in the United States. The typical curriculum is designed to improve your understanding and use of English in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Hundreds of U.S. educational institutions have courses that range from academic English for university-bound students to language and culture courses for travelers. You may also hear English language programs in the United States called “ESOL Programs,” or English for Speakers of Other Languages. The most common types of ESL program offered in the United States are Intensive English Programs (IEP) or American Language and Culture Programs (ALCP).
Some language programs focus exclusively on English for academic purposes. Other programs concentrate on preparation for examinations such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.
Intensive English Programs (IEPs)
- Can be taken for personal or professional reasons and not for academic credit.
- May also be taken to prepare for U.S. college or university admission, and some IEPs offer “bridge programs” that help students transfer into an academic program.
- May include classes designed for any level of English proficiency.
- Usually require 20-30 hours per week of intensive English language study.
- Are offered at U.S. colleges and universities and at independent English language institutions.
American Language and Culture Programs (ALCPs)
- Are usually taken for academic credit to prepare for, or as part of, a U.S. college or university degree program.
- Often require an intermediate or advanced level of English language proficiency before enrollment.
- May be taken to improve a specific academic skill, such as reading, writing, or grammar.
- Will assist with adjustment to U.S. culture and campus life.
Education Providers
Community colleges offer two-year programs leading to the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree. These colleges also have technical and vocational programs with close links to secondary/high schools, community groups, and employers in the local community.
Undergraduate students studying at community colleges can earn academic credit towards a bachelor’s degree. Earning academic credit at a community college, which is usually less expensive, can help lower the overall cost of a bachelor’s degree. Community colleges may also have a more flexible admissions process.
Community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities often develop special agreements for the transfer of credits and degrees between the institutions. In this “2+2 process,” you can earn a bachelor’s degree with two years of community college, followed by two years of university study.
U.S. undergraduate education is based on the concept of liberal arts and sciences. You can take classes in a wide variety of subjects in addition to your major field of study. The bachelor’s degree is awarded after completing a specified number of credits in a major field of study. Think about credit hours as the number of hours spent per week in a classroom. Every course earns a certain number of credits, and each institution has its own requirement for the number of credits needed to graduate.
The bachelor’s degree is usually completed in four years of full-time study. U.S. colleges and universities have student advisers who guide students in their choice of courses to reach the credit hours needed for graduation.
There are over 1,000 universities in the United States that offer graduate degrees, so be sure to allow yourself enough time to conduct thorough research about potential graduate schools and programs. You should begin your search at least 12 to 18 months prior to the academic year in which you hope to enroll at a U.S. college or university.
The two main graduate degrees in the United States are the master’s degree and the doctoral degree. Both degrees involve a combination of research and coursework. Graduate education is characterized by in-depth training and specialized instruction. Study and learning are more self-directed at the graduate level than the undergraduate level.
Australian schools offer quality education at world class standards. Each State or Territory in Australia is responsible for its own schools however the Australian Federal Government ensures the standards and quality of teaching are maintained throughout the country.
The majority of Australian schools are public and approximately one quarter are private and charge full fees. Many private schools are run by religious institutions. Some schools offer boarding facilities.
There are thousands of schools in Australia, far too many to list here. You need to consider your individual needs (large school or small school, is religious education important, which city or town would you like to live in, etc).
Popular Majors in the USA:
• Accounting
• Biological & Biomedical Sciences
• Biology, General
• Business Administration & Management
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice & Corrections
• Engineering
• English
• General Psychology
• Health Professionals
• Liberal Arts & General Studies
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Teacher Education
Length of Courses
The following is a guide only. Each course and each college or university may be slightly different:
Associate Degree 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 4 years
Graduate Diploma/Certificate 6 or 12 months
Master’s Degree 2-3 years
PhD 4-6 years
How to Apply
Make your Decision
Once you have read through the information on the Popular Education website, you must consider:
• What kind of course you would like to study.
• What level qualification you would like to study.
• In which American city or town you would like to live and study.
Generally, in order to apply, you will need to provide details of your previous study, including copies of qualifications you already have. You may also need to have proof of your level of English (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) as well as the name of the person responsible for paying your tuition fees.
Consult with Us
Contact us and send us information about your educational needs and goals.
• We will then give you free counselling via email and will advise you of your choices and opportunities in the USA.
• When you have decided on a particular university, college or school, Popular Education will help you make an application. We will advise you of the academic and English language requirements as well as other documentation you need to provide with your application.
• When you are accepted into a course, Popular Education will advise you and send you a Letter of Offer from your school, college or university.
• You must read the Letter of Offer and understand any conditions such as upgrading your English language skills. You will be asked to pay the first semester tuition fees as well as the compulsory medical insurance fee (if applicable) to pay for any medical or hospital treatment which you may need during your stay in the USA.
We Guide You All The Way!
• When we receive your fees, we will send you a Letter of Confirmation of Enrolment. You need the Letter of Offer, Confirmation of Enrolment and receipt for your first semester’s (or first year’s) tuition fees to apply for your student visa for USA.
• Popular Education will give you advice about how you make a visa application. You will be asked to have a medical examination in order to get your student visa, and your doctor will fill out information on special forms.
• After all this, you will be told if your visa application is successful. The length of your student visa will be the same length as your course in the USA.
• Popular Education can assist you arrange homestay accommodation and airport pickup and we will tell you when you should arrive in USA to start your studies.
Student Visa
Popular Education will give you advice about how to apply for your visa. To be given your visa, you will need to show the following:
• Letter of Confirmation of Enrolment from the school, college or university
• Letter of Offer Receipt showing you have paid your tuition fees Valid passport
• Medical report showing your good health
• Biometric Appointment and Interview Appointment
You should be aware of the conditions of your visa:
• You must leave the USA when your visa has expired
• Your visa is not valid for permanent residency of the USA
• You must satisfy course requirements and continue your enrolment
• While studying you can work up to 20 hours per week and up to 40 hours during vacation time