Nearly 500,000 students from all over the world came to the United States last year to study at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Why do they travel so far when institutions in their own countries offer excellent programs, developed andadapted to the needs of their own citizens? Why have US consulate offices overseas been processing so many visa applications for study in the United States?

Without a doubt, America offers very high quality postsecondary education. Our partnership between students and their families, the states, the federal government, the private sector, individual philanthropists, and institutions of higher learning has created a system long recognised as a model of quality, diversity, and opportunity. Having more foreign students helps to create this high quality experience.

Size and Variety

There are more than 4,000 public and private colleges, universities, and community colleges in the United States, including over 600 public four-year colleges and universities and over 1,650 private four-year colleges and universities. These traditional institutions enrol nearly 15 million students. In addition, more than 6,250 other non-collegiate postsecondary institutions offer specialised vocational and technical training. You will find a size that fits you best, whether it is a small private institution with an enrolment of only several hundred students or a large state college or university system with tens of thousands of students.

Any student can find an appropriate program within the rich and diverse higher education system. This is true whether you are seeking career-oriented vocational and technical training from a community college, a liberal arts education from a small private college, an undergraduate science degree from a prestigious research institution, or one of a variety of programs offered by a multipurpose university. High quality educational programs are offered in all types of institutions at prices that vary as much as the programs and institutions themselves.

At graduate level, US colleges and universities offer both research and professional degrees. Foreign students are engaged in both types of program, studying a wide variety of subjects. Engineering, business and management, physical and life sciences, and mathematics and computer science are the most popular fields of study at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

'Research programs' are offered in most academic fields, including engineering, mathematics and computer science, physical and life sciences, and the humanities. These programs lead to either a master's degree or a doctorate, and also can include postdoctoral study and research. 'Professional programs' lead to a master's (MBA or MPA) or other degree, such as the JD or MD, which allows students to work in fields such as law, medicine, social work, or business.

Price and Return

The average tuition and fees per academic year at four-year undergraduate level can vary from less than $3,500 to over $15,000. Living expenses (called room and board) range from $4,700 to $6,000 each academic year. However, tuition and fees at selective private institutions may cost considerably more than these averages.

Why do foreign students pay the price to enrol in US institutions of higher education? We believe it is because they view the cost as an investment. They have determined that the necessary skills and experience they will gain by studying in the United States will reap a high return for their money, and a better paying job when they return home.

In addition, the vast majority of foreign students will return home as fluent English speakers. English proficiency is a tremendous asset and indeed, in some cases, a necessary skill if one is to work successfully in places such as Luxembourg, Tokyo, Pretoria, Abu Dhabi, or Ontario. The English proficiency can be gained as a result of US study, and that is one reason that American higher education is a wise investment.

Student Diversity

American institutions of higher education serve student populations that are becomingly increasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and age. Today, over 27% of undergraduate college students are members of minority groups. Such enrolments enrich campus environments and the educational experiences of all students. Studying at an American college or university can truly be an international experience.

Academic and professional programs, and social activities on campuses or at the corporate headquarters of possible employers provide additional enrichments. For example, cuisine, music, cinema and other customs are commonly shared with others during the semester or academic year, to contribute to a better understanding of each other's cultures. The language, skills and cross-culture environment can make the US learning experience a unique and rich one. With such a solid and broad background, the foreign student who has completed studies in the US is better prepared for successfully working in many locations around the world.

A number of other factors cause foreign students to choose study in the US. Most American faculty members are tenured and employed full-time by their institutions. While not as diverse as the student population, some 13% of US college and university faculty are members of minority groups. There is also a low student/faculty ratio of 15 students for every two instructors.

Higher education in the US has benefited from our healthy economy, the engine behind the rich development of our program offerings. Developing various services and products needed by American industries requires highly skilled and qualified workers. The federal, state and local governments have invested a great deal in policy development, research and training, all of which benefits the entire economy. Corporations and private institutions also play an important role, by needing more qualified workers and by funding laboratories, research, and study. Faculty, researchers and corporate CEOs have joined forces to become leaders in fields such as technology, communications, medicine, astronomy, and engineering.

In summary, studying in the US is an opportunity well worth pursuing. As Secretary of Education, I would like to heartily encourage foreign students to further investigate the possibility of an American education.

To learn more about the kinds of programs offered by US colleges and universities, view the US Department of Education's World Wide Web site at: http://www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/Search.asp

Author
Richard W. Riley

Former US Secretary of Education.

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