Universities in the United States

Why American universities

• Reputation: US universities dominate world rankings and invest billions in campuses and research
• Flexibility: the liberal-arts approach lets students try different fields, take interdisciplinary courses, a double major or a major plus a minor
• Campus life: hundreds of clubs, from journalism and sport to quidditch and people-watching
• A high ratio of staff to students, thanks to strong funding

Scholarships and financial aid

US education is expensive, but there are real chances of a grant or scholarship — for academic, athletic or artistic achievement, or based on financial need. Need-based aid subtracts what a family can afford from the full cost; outside organisations also fund students by nationality, background or other criteria. Aid is never guaranteed, and the most generous universities are the most competitive, so a strong, above-average profile matters.

Cost

Tuition varies widely — from around $25,000 a year at some public universities to $60,000 or more at leading private ones. A bachelor's lasts four years, and housing, food and books add significantly to the total, though aid can cover these too.

Applying

Unlike the UK's single application to five universities, in the US you apply to each university separately, each with its own requirements, components and fee. More than 1,000 institutions accept the Common App, but many still ask for extra essays and documents. Students can be admitted as "undeclared" or directly into a field such as engineering or business.

The application includes a form, essays, sometimes an interview, SAT/ACT scores where required, school grades and recommendations. A US offer is generally unconditional — unlike most UK offers — because the detailed application lets universities know candidates well. The flip side is that applications take a great deal of time and effort.

Scale and choice

There are more than 4,000 accredited institutions with very different philosophies, sizes, locations and resources — so every student can find a university that fits academically, personally and financially.