Last Updated on August 28, 2024
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in the USA is a program that offers many challenges and opportunities for students to prepare them to excel in life. It is the perfect choice with the world-class universities and innovative programs in America, making it an amazingly attractive education destination. B Tech in the US is generally referred to as Bachelor of Science Engineering (BSc Eng.) or Bachelor of Engineering (BE) and is a four-year course. With the high demand for this field, international students get ample job opportunities that can help them achieve their career goals with the best international outlook. According to a survey, more than 192,270 BTech graduates are currently employed in the the USA.Â
BTech in USA Highlights
Let’s delve into some of the highlights about BTech in USA from the following table-
| Total number of Universities offering BTech in the USA | Approximately 750+ |
| Common Locations of these institutions | California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida, Washington |
| Duration of the course | 4 years |
| BTech cost in USA | INR 20-40 L or above |
| Top specialisations | Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Electrical Engineering, IT & Networking, Mechanical Engineering |
| Exams required | am SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
Perks of studying BTech in the USA
Applying for a BTech degree in the US offers –
- several career prospects beyond quality education
- top-ranked universities globally
- wide range of specialisations
- hub of scientific research and technological innovation
- access to research facilities, advanced laboratories and collaboration opportunities with known researchers in the field enhancing their skills and expanding their knowledge
- English as the language of instruction, and hence, Indian students will not face a language barrier there.
- degree from these institutions enhances a student’s credentials and increases their employability across the world.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted 140,000 new opportunities for engineers till 2026, with a median salary of INR 1.05 crores.
Top Universities Offering BTech in the USA
There are several universities in the USA that offer BTech courses in varied specialisations. Here is a list of the popular universities ranked as the best in the USA for BTech programs based on the QS world university ranking by subject 2024.
| Name of the University | Tuition Fees (INR) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 49-50 L |
| Stanford University | 51-54 L |
| Harvard University | 45-49 L |
| East Tennessee State University | 11-24 L |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | 33-34 L |
| University of California, Berkeley | 25-40 L |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 37-41 L |
| California Institute of Technology | 50-53 L |
| University of Bridgeport | 29.9 L |
| Duquesne University | 39-40 L |
| Yale University | 54-56 L |
| Columbia University | 50-57 L |
| University of Chicago | 39-55 L |
| University of Nevada, Reno | 20-21 L |
| Oregon State University | 27-32 L |
| Cornell University | 54-57 L |
| Princeton University | 49- 52 L |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 27 L |
| Illinois State University | 20-23 L |
The tuition fees of these universities range from 13 to 54 lakhs annually. As these are subject to change, candidates are advised to check with the sites of these universities for better reference.
Admission Process for BTech in the US
Colleges in the UK for BTech accept applications thrice a year for Fall, Summer and Winter semesters. Some of them even accept applications on a rolling basis. A student can easily apply to these universities by visiting their official website. However, to stay ahead of the competition in this high-demand course, applicants are advised to get all the necessary details and make a timely application. Steps to apply for BTech in the USA are as follows-
- Start planning and research well at least 9-10 months before the start date of the program.
- Contact study abroad consultants to search and shortlist universities that match your interests and other requirements.
- Check the admission requirements and the deadline. If you do not satisfy the eligibility requirements, then explore other universities.
- Give all necessary standardised tests required for admission. These are mainly the English proficiency tests, so choose any one of the IELTS, or TOEFL tests wisely. Then you might have a choice between the SAT and ACT, too.
- Get your academic credentials evaluated through WES or ECE. Keep the application fee ready.
- Arrange and collect all the documents required to make the application, like the SOP and LOR, from the teachers at your passed-out school.
- Make an online application for BTech in the university of your choice and submit the necessary documentation like academic transcripts, exam scores and supporting documents.
- If you are selected, you’ll receive an acceptance letter from the university. You must confirm your admission by paying the applicable tuition fees.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission
Admission into US universities to pursue BTech requires students to be prepared with all the relevant documents to secure a seat in their preferred engineering college in the USA. Students must fulfil the following requirements-
- Academic requirements- Students must have a solid academic record in their secondary education or its equivalent
- English language proficiency scores- English being the primary language of instruction, applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the language by taking tests such as IELTS with an overall minimum of 6.0- 7.0or TOEFL 80-100
- Standardised tests- Some universities require students to submit their test scores on either the SAT (1450-1590 score) or ACT with a score ranging between 32 to 36
- Course requirements/prerequisites- Some programs in universities require prospective students to complete coursework in chemistry, physics or mathematics
- Visa requirements- You must apply for an international student visa. It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 3 months before the start date of your course in the USA.
Other documents required for BTech in the USA include –
- High School transcripts of Grade 12
- A valid passport
- Proof of financial resources
- 2 Letters of Recommendation from high school teachers
- English language proficiency test report
- SAT or ACT Test scores
- Personal Essays, portfolio, academic work samples
- Statement of Purpose
Kindly ensure you visit the official university website to check if any additional documents are required for admission.
Popular BTech Specialisations in the USA
A few of the most sought combinations and specialisations in BTech programs are listed below-
| Computer Science Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| Computer Science | Mechanical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering | Information Systems |
| Biomedical Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
| Electronics Engineering | Industrial Engineering |
Cost of Pursuing BTech in the USA
Pursuing a BTech can be expensive in the USA. Tuition fees, living costs and other associated costs should all be considered when applying for higher education in Technology. However, students interested in doing so might find the investment pays dividends with career and earning potential. On an average, a student is required to spend between INR 1-2 L per month on their living costs. This cost varies by state, city, residence type and lifestyle.
Indian students can live both on and off campus in USA, wherein most of the universities allow on campus residence only during the first year of the study. This provides an affordable housing option in contrast to the off campus accommodations. If given a choice, you can select a shared room to reduce the living expenses.
BTech Scholarships in the USA
When choosing a university, international students can often try to avail themselves of a scholarship to pursue and manage their funds during their coursework. There are different types of scholarships that a student can obtain. The following is the list of the scholarships one can avail of-
| Name of the Scholarship | Details |
| First Year Grant | Offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology for low-income first-year students with a benefit of INR 1,59,462 |
| OPEC Fund for International Scholarship | Offered by Stanford University for international students with exemplary academic achievements to waive the entire academic fees |
| Eric J. Gennuso and LeRoy D Roy, Jr. Scholarship Program | Offered by Carnegie Mellon University for students with good academic records. A benefit of INR 1,99,327 is provided |
| Yale Scholarship | Offered by Yale University for students with good academic records with INR 39 86, 550 |
| International Education Fee Scholarship | Offered by the University of Texas at Austin that covers tuition and other fees |
Career Opportunities after BTech in the USA
Most students prefer to go for higher education like M.Eng or an MBA which could not only help the student have a specialised knowledge of the course but also helps with endless career opportunities. Having a masters degree likely increases your salary upto 29%.
The USA is home to innumerable tech companies offering ample job opportunities to engineering graduates. Some of the job roles one can opt for after BTech in the USA are listed below-
- Staff Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Process/Manufacturing Engineer
- Software Engineer/ Developer
- Project Engineer/ Manager
- Environmental Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Automation Engineering Manager
On average the starting salary could be around 45 lakhs, which can go up to 79.35 lakhs in the long run.
Conclusion
Opting for a BTech degree in the USA can be both an enlightening and enjoyable experience for engineering, science and technology enthusiasts. By attending one of the prominent institutions in the USA, students can gain access to world-class facilities, expert faculty members and an international network of peers around the globe. While the journey requires significant preparation and investment, the returns can be transformative. Therefore, when selecting your ideal university, ensure you explore all available options thoroughly to find one that matches both your personal goals as well as educational requirements.
FAQs
What are the different specialisations or courses of BTech degrees in the USA?
Bioengineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer engineering are some of the various specialisations offered in the BTech programs.
Who are the top recruiters for BTech in the USA?
The top recruiters or employers hiring BTech graduates in the US include Amazon, Intel, Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Microsoft, etc.
Can I work while studying for BTech in the USA?
International students can earn by working part-time while studying BTech in the USA. However, you can only work on campus during your undergraduate years of study and only work for 20 hours per week. During vacations, you can work 40 hours weekly, with a wage ranging between 600 and 1500 INR.
How many intakes does the USA have?
There are three major intakes in the USA: spring intake in January, Summer intake in May, and fall intake in September. The majority of intakes happen in the fall.
How much is the tuition fee for BTech in the USA?
The cost of a BTech in the USA ranges from 22 to 54 lakhs INR across the top universities offering the course.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
