Let’s find out how the American education system works
Home to the maximum number of international students, the US provides a diverse range of courses for all study levels. However, the US education system for international students can be a bit confusing. So, here’s a rundown of the education system of the US.
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Table of contents
Divisions in the US education system
Qualifications available in the US
Types of institutions
Exploring the Categorization of USA Universities
Fee structure of institutions in the USA
Financial aid for international students in the USA
Pedagogy in American classrooms
Academic year in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Divisions in the US education system
In the USA, students must start their education from the age of 6. The USA education system is bifurcated into four categories:
Education | Level | Age | Class or grade | Duration |
Primary | Elementary school | 6-11 | 1-4 | 5 |
Middle | Middle or junior high | 11-14 | 6-8 | 3 |
Secondary | High school or senior high school | 14-18 | 9-12 | 4 |
Tertiary | Higher education | 18 onwards | University | 4 |
Read more: Grading System in the USA
Qualifications available in the US
The US offers a wide range of qualifications across various fields of study. Here's an overview of the qualifications available in the US:
Qualification | Duration | Description |
Associate degree | 2 years | Job oriented programs that allow a graduate to launch a career, it is also equivalent to the first two years of a 4-year bachelor's degree |
Bachelor's degree | 3 - 4 years | An undergraduate degree that includes core courses, major, minor, and elective. The four years are known as Freshman, Sophom*ore, Junior, and Senior. |
Master's degree (Professional) | 1 to 3 years | Leads students from first degree to particular profession; duration depends on the field of study |
Master's degree (Academic) | 2 years | Generally awarded in traditional disciplines of humanities, arts, and science; may lead students to doctoral programs |
Doctorate or PhD | 5 to 8 years | Completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor, PhD is awarded on completion of a dissertation and successful defence before a panel of faculty members |
Types of institutions
There are various types of educational institutes in US that provide quality education. These can be categorised into:
State colleges or universities: These are run by the state or government. All the 50 states in the US, run at least one university and several colleges. The institutions are mostly named after the state like the University of Michigan.
Private colleges or universities: These function independently, and the tuition fee is usually more than the state colleges. These institutions are mostly smaller than state universities. Also, religiously affiliated colleges come under this category, although they welcome students of all religions and beliefs. Yet certain colleges prefer students with the same belief system.
Community colleges: Community colleges are also referred to as junior colleges and play a key role in preparing students to participate in the economic workforce. These colleges are affordable, and the highest degree offered is an associate degree. The course duration in community colleges is usually 2 years.
Caption: Many international students opt for US as their study destination. Here’s why pursuing higher studies in the US is a life-changing experience.
Exploring the Categorization of USA Universities:
Type of university | Description |
Ivy League | Ivy League, which is actually a sports conference of eight private colleges in the Northeast includes some of the oldest American institutions. These are perceived to be some of the most esteemed places to study and therefore extremely competitive for admissions. |
Public Ivies | Group of over 30 state-funded or public universities in the US. Although this is not an official classification of universities, these universities have earned their reputation and are considered prestigious and academically rigorous. Education costs are slightly lower than those Ivy League universities. |
Liberal Arts Philosophy | This philosophy promotes a well-rounded academic education that develops the overall thought process of students. The courses begin with a wide variety of courses in humanities, languages, arts, and the social sciences before specialising in a particular field. The primary focus of faculty is on undergraduate teaching rather than research, with a small student population and high student to faculty ratio. |
Specialist institutions | universities and institutes that specialise in providing degrees in a certain field such as degrees in music, visual and applied arts, etc. |
Land Grant Colleges and Universities | Large, publicly funded universities |
Research-Intensive Institutions | Universities that offer the highest level of research are a good starting point for students seeking a doctoral degree. |
Fee structure of institutions in the US
Tuition fee solely depends on the type of qualification and university or college you choose. Courses in medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The tuition fee spent annually can range anywhere between USD10,000 and USD 55,000.
Read more about the cost of studying in the US.
Financial aid for international students in the US
Financial aid options for higher studies in the US can vary widely and there are a lot of options available to international students. You can fund your studies by availing various kinds of financial aids available. These can be classified into:
Need-based aid
Athletic Scholarships
Scholarships / Tuition Waivers
Fellowships / Grants
Teaching Assistantships
Research Assistantships
Administrative / Residence Assistantships
These aids may be provided by the government, private organisations, or educational institutions. Keep in mind that the competition for such aids is high and thus you must apply for them in advance.
Read more : Financing your US education as an international student
Pedagogy in American classrooms
US universities place great significance on diversity, meaning classes will consist of students of different ages, religions and ethnicities. This provides a stimulating and interesting learning atmosphere that motivates cross-cultural understanding and socialising.
Most classes will have no more than 20 students and the faculty member will take the time to get to know students and their strengths. Interactive and practical learning is the basis of American teaching. Campuses in the US also offer an active social life with many clubs and organisations for students to meet other students with similar interests and further career opportunities.
Read more: Grade Point Average (GPA) scale in the US for international students
Academic year in the USA
Most American universities and colleges commence their classes in August/September usually known as the Fall session. A few others also provide a January/February intake, called the Spring intake that goes on till April. In fact, a Summer intake is also available for limited programs and colleges between May and August.
The duration of each course depends on the university and specialisation. Most bachelor’s degrees take three to four years, master’s take one to two years and doctoral degrees may take four to seven years. The academic year at many colleges comprises two terms called semesters. Some may have a three-term calendar which is referred to as the trimester system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques 1: What type of education system is the US?
Ans: In the US, the education system is structured as K-12, which encompasses Kindergarten through 12th grade, including elementary (K-5), middle school (Grades 6-8), and high school or secondary education (Grades 9-12).
Ques 2: What is the 10th class called in the US?
Ans: Tenth grade commonly marks the sophom*ore year in high school within the U.S. education system. During this year, students often study geometry as part of their mathematics curriculum.
Ques 3: What is the 12th grade called in the US?
Ans: Seniors are the term used for twelfth-grade students. Often referred to as the senior year of high school, the twelfth grade is seen by many students as a time to unwind and ready themselves for the shift from their familiar routines to college, university, or the workforce.
Ques 4: What is the usual age for going to college in the US?
Ans: In the US., a college differs from a high school or secondary school. College and university education begins in the thirteenth year of schooling, typically when a student is 17, 18, or older. Two-year colleges provide associate degrees and certificates, while four-year colleges and universities confer bachelor's degrees.
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Updated on Sep 19, 2023
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