How does the US university system work?

After secondary school, students usually begin a four-year undergraduate programme leading to a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the programme, this might be a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. The curriculum includes a major field of study, additional requirements and elective courses.

Three terms often appear in programme descriptions:

• Major – your main field of study, such as economics, psychology or computer science.
• Minor – an additional field of specialisation, studied in less depth than a major.
• General education – courses that broaden your knowledge beyond your major, in line with the institution’s requirements.

The degree of flexibility varies between institutions. Some admit students directly to a particular school or programme, and switching to a highly sought-after major may involve another selection process. After a bachelor’s degree, you can continue at graduate level, which includes master’s and doctoral programmes.

University, college and community college – what is the difference?

The word college often refers to an institution offering undergraduate degrees or a school within a larger university. It is not the equivalent of a secondary school. A university, meanwhile, usually combines undergraduate teaching with graduate programmes and research.

Community colleges are a separate category, offering programmes such as two-year associate degrees. One possible route is the 2+2 model: starting at a community college and then transferring to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree. The transfer of course credits and admission to your chosen programme depend on transfer policies and any agreements between the institutions.

Which subjects can you study?

The choice includes both established disciplines and programmes combining several areas of knowledge. Studying in the USA offers opportunities in engineering and technology, business, social sciences, the humanities and the arts. Examples include:

• Computer science and data analysis – programming, algorithms, statistics, artificial intelligence and working with data.
• Engineering – including fields related to electronics, mechanical engineering, aviation and biomedical technologies.
• Economics and business – from economic analysis to finance, management and marketing.
• Psychology and neuroscience – the study of behaviour, cognitive processes and how the nervous system works.
• Social sciences and humanities – including political science, law, history, sociology and literature.

Well-known business and medical schools may feature within a university’s wider offering, although not all of their programmes are available straight after secondary school. For example, Wharton offers undergraduate business degrees, while the route to an American medical school usually starts with completing a bachelor’s degree first.

Well-known universities in the United States

Harvard University

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard offers a broad range of subjects across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Undergraduates study at Harvard College, choosing a field of specialisation known as a concentration. Available subjects include economics, psychology, neuroscience and government, Harvard’s field of study focused on politics. The liberal arts and sciences model allows students to complement their main subject with courses in other disciplines, while the university’s facilities include laboratories, libraries, museums and research centres.

Stanford University

Stanford gives students time to explore different subjects: they can declare their major by the end of their second year. The university promotes learning through interdisciplinary study, research and solving practical problems. Small seminars give students beginning their degrees the chance to work with faculty from different schools within the university. Alongside classes, there are opportunities to get involved in research, and selected courses include collaboration with organisations and partners outside the university.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT

MIT in Cambridge is particularly appealing to people who want to learn through experimentation and project work. An important part of its education is the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program – UROP, which enables undergraduates to collaborate with faculty on research. Participants can join an existing project or propose their own, and their work may be paid or count towards academic credit. It is a way to experience the research process, from formulating a question to analysing and presenting the results.

University of Pennsylvania – UPenn

One of Penn’s distinctive features is the Wharton School, which offers business education at undergraduate level. Its curriculum covers the foundations of economics, quantitative subjects and how organisations work, with opportunities to develop a chosen specialisation as the programme progresses. Students also take some courses outside Wharton, drawing on the offerings of other Penn schools. This allows them to combine business studies with broader academic interests, research projects and international experiences.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley is a public university with an extensive academic offering, including more than 300 programmes at different levels of study. It is home to numerous schools and departments, and students have access to research opportunities from undergraduate level onwards. The university combines academic life with student organisations, sport and campus events. Its programmes span technical disciplines, social sciences and the humanities, creating an environment where different interests and approaches come together.

Admissions – what matters beyond grades?

School records and exam results are important parts of an application, but many universities look at applicants more broadly. Applying to study in the USA may involve essays, recommendations and a description of extracurricular activities, while selected programmes also require a portfolio or audition.

An application may include:

• School documents – transcripts, details of the subjects you have studied and any required translations.
• Exam results – SAT or ACT scores if required by the university, and the appropriate evidence of English proficiency.
• An essay and additional written responses – pieces of writing that show how you think, your experiences and your motivation.
• Recommendations – references from teachers and a school representative, in line with the programme’s requirements.
• Activities and achievements – projects, work, volunteering, sport, artistic activities or other forms of involvement.

Many universities use the Common App, but it is not the only application system. Each institution sets its own requirements and deadlines. At Tuteer, we help you organise these elements and plan your preparation for your chosen universities.

SAT, ACT and English language tests

There is no single set of tests required of every applicant. Some universities require the SAT or ACT, while others allow applications without scores or do not consider them in their assessment. For example, Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, with specified exceptions where the tests are inaccessible, whereas the University of California does not consider these scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships.

Language proficiency is a separate matter. A university may require a TOEFL, IELTS or another accepted test score, but the process is not identical everywhere. Previous education in English may also be relevant. Your preparation plan therefore needs to cover both academic tests and the language requirements of individual programmes.

When should you apply?

For an autumn start, many application deadlines fall between November and January before you leave, although other schedules also exist. It is worth preparing documents, recommendations and essays in advance, especially if you are applying for financial support at the same time.

Early Decision is a binding application route, subject to the conditions set out in the application agreement. Early Action allows you to receive an earlier decision without the same commitment, although some versions restrict other early applications. Regular Decision is the most commonly chosen standard admissions round, though it may come with a slightly lower chance of admission to certain universities. This is why we recommend applying relatively early and taking advantage of opportunities to improve your chances. At Tuteer, we help you create a timeline tailored to your chosen universities and financial needs.

How much does it cost to study in the United States?

Tuition fees at public universities

A university’s public status does not mean tuition is free. State universities often charge different rates to residents of their state and to other students. Someone arriving from abroad will usually not qualify for the lowest tuition rate available to local residents.

College Board data gives a useful indication of the scale: in 2025/2026, average tuition and fees at public four-year institutions were around $31,900 per year for out-of-state students. This is a reference point, rather than a uniform price for all international applicants. Costs at individual universities may be considerably lower or higher.

How much do private universities cost?

Harvard, Stanford, MIT and UPenn are private institutions, but the sector also includes many smaller colleges. According to College Board, average tuition and fees at private non-profit institutions were around $45,000 per year in 2025/2026. At some of the best-known universities, tuition alone exceeds $60,000.

At the same time, selected private universities offer substantial financial aid, including support for international students. As a result, the cost of studying in the USA after financial aid can differ significantly from the published price. Your final budget depends on the specific aid package you receive, rather than simply on whether the institution is public or private.

Accommodation and everyday expenses

Housing, food and other living expenses make up a substantial part of the budget. As an initial guide, allow from the low tens of thousands of dollars to over $30,000 per academic year, excluding tuition, depending on the location and your living arrangements. This is not a rate that applies across the country: universities’ published budgets show considerable variation.

You also need to account separately for items such as study materials, personal expenses, travel and the required health insurance. A university’s cost of attendance often covers the academic year, so staying over the summer may require additional funds.

Scholarships – what support is available?

The key distinction is between need-based aid, which depends on your family’s financial circumstances, and merit-based scholarships, awarded for achievements. Not every university offers both types of support, and the rules for international students may differ from those for US citizens.

It also practises need-blind admissions regardless of citizenship, meaning that the family’s financial resources are not considered when deciding whether to admit a student. This does not automatically mean free tuition for everyone: the amount of support depends on an assessment of the family’s circumstances.

A different model is offered by achievement-based scholarships, such as those available to international applicants at the University of Alabama. These may take grades and SAT or ACT scores into account. At Tuteer, we help you consider funding opportunities when building your university list and application plan.

Student visas and preparing to leave

After securing a university place, there are still formalities relating to your stay. Students travelling from Poland to undertake a full academic degree usually apply for an F-1 visa. An important document is Form I-20, issued by an authorised school, and the process also involves SEVIS registration and the relevant fees.

You may need to demonstrate how you will fund your education, living expenses and travel. Admission to a university does not automatically mean you will receive a visa. Immigration and financial documentation therefore form the next stage of preparation after the admissions process.

Working during your studies and after graduation

Employment opportunities depend on your immigration status and the type of work. Students in F-1 status can generally work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided the relevant conditions are met. Off-campus employment is subject to separate rules and requires the appropriate authorisation.

One route to gaining experience is Optional Practical Training — OPT, which is related to your completed or current field of study. Eligible students can receive up to 12 months of OPT at a given level of education, and graduates of qualifying STEM programmes can apply for an additional 24 months if they meet the requirements. A degree alone does not, however, confer unrestricted work rights or permanent residency.

Plan your application with Tuteer

Choosing universities, preparing for exams, organising documents and planning your budget all take time. At Tuteer, we help you prepare to study in the USA, tailoring the plan to your interests, educational background and goals. Together, we will organise the requirements and identify what you should work on before submitting your applications.

Get in touch to discuss your options and next steps.