Study in USA

San Francisco is not all about foggy mornings, cable cars, and stunning Golden Gate vistas—it's also where you can find some of America's most elite colleges. With all these universities, it could be very confusing to select the best one. Don't worry, we are here to assist you!

This blog will guide you through the best colleges in San Francisco for 2025 so that you can make a well-informed decision about your academic path.

University of San Francisco (USF)

Tucked away in the heart of San Francisco, the University of San Francisco feels like a hidden gem with a rich history. Founded in 1855 by Jesuits, it’s the city’s oldest university and blends that classic Catholic tradition with a progressive Bay Area vibe. Many students opt for student housing in San Francisco to stay close to campus and enjoy the vibrant city life

Location: 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

Most Popular Courses:

• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Nursing
• Data Science
• Law

What Makes It Unique?

• USF is a Jesuit Catholic university founded in 1855, making it San Francisco’s first university.
• Its Lone Mountain campus offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco due to its hilltop location.
• The university’s Koret Health and Recreation Center houses the only indoor pool with a retractable roof in San Francisco.

Average Tuition Fees:

• Domestic Students: Around $54,980 per year.
• International Students: Similar to domestic fees, with additional living expenses estimated at $20,000 per year. 

San Francisco State University (SFSU)

San Francisco State University is the kind of place that’s unapologetically bold and diverse, sitting just a bit off the beaten path in the city’s southwest corner. Born in 1899, it’s got an activist spirit, student strikes and boundary-pushing programs. It’s a bustling public university that’s all about real-world impact and creative energy.

Location: 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132

Most Popular Courses:

• Cinema Studies
• Engineering
• Business & Marketing
• Journalism
• Environmental Science

What Makes It Unique?

• SFSU is home to the only College of Ethnic Studies in the United States, established in 1969 after a historic student-led strike.
• The campus features the J. Paul Leonard Library, which contains the Frank V. de Bellis Collection of rare Italian manuscripts and musical instruments.
• Its Creative Arts building includes the Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts (BECA) department, one of the few programs in the country offering hands-on TV and radio production training.

Average Tuition Fees:

• Domestic Students: Approximately $7,500 per year (in-state).
• International Students: Around $19,000 a year. 

Stanford University (Just Outside SF, But Worth the Mention!)

Stanford’s the heavyweight just down the road from San Francisco, sprawling across a massive chunk of land near Palo Alto. Since 1885, it’s been a powerhouse of innovation, practically birthing Silicon Valley with its tech-savvy grads. It's got that mix of laid-back California charm and intense academic prestige—think palm trees, red-tiled roofs, and world-changing ideas brewing everywhere.

Location: 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305 (near Palo Alto, about 35 miles south of San Francisco)

Most Popular Courses:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Business (Stanford GSB)
• Medicine
• Law

What Makes It Unique?

• Stanford’s campus spans 8,180 acres, making it one of the largest university campuses in the world, with its own zip code.
• The university’s Hoover Tower, standing at 285 feet, houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives.
• Stanford co-founded the first computer science department in the U.S. in 1965 and played a key role in Silicon Valley’s development, with alumni founding companies like Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Google.

Average Tuition Fees:

• Domestic & International Students: Around $62,484 per annum. 

California College of the Arts (CCA)

California College of the Arts is where the Bay Area’s creative weirdos thrive. Started in 1907 by an Arts and Crafts pioneer, it’s split between San Francisco and Oakland, but the SF campus is the real heartbeat now. Housed in an old bus depot turned art haven, it’s small, scrappy, and all about turning out artists who actually make a living doing what they love.

Location: 1111 Eighth Street, San Francisco, CA 94107 (main campus; additional facilities in Oakland)

Most Popular Courses:

• Industrial Design
• Animation
• Illustration
• Graphic Design
• Architecture

What Makes It Unique?

• CCA’s San Francisco campus is housed in a renovated former Greyhound bus maintenance facility.
• It’s one of the few U.S. art schools offering a degree in Glass, with a dedicated glassblowing studio on campus.
• The college has a historic connection to the Arts and Crafts movement, founded in 1907 by Frederick Meyer, a key figure in that artistic tradition.

Average Tuition Fees:

• Domestic & International Students: Around $53,376 per year. 

Golden Gate University (GGU)

Golden Gate University is the downtown San Francisco spot for people who’ve already got a foot in the working world. Since 1901, it’s been laser-focused on practical stuff—law, business, taxes—catering to folks juggling jobs and night classes. It’s not flashy, but its campus and off-campus housing is near the financial district, making it a no-brainer for career climbers.

Location: 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

Most Popular Courses:

• Law
• Business Administration
• Data Analytics
• Accounting
• Human Resource Management

What Makes It Unique?

• GGU primarily serves working adults, with over 80% of its students enrolled part-time and a focus on professional degrees like law, business, and taxation.
• Its downtown location places it within blocks of major financial institutions, including the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
• The university’s School of Law operates the Women’s Employment Rights Clinic, one of the few legal aid programs in the U.S.

Average Tuition Fees:

• Domestic Students: Approximately $16,095 per semester.
• International Students: The same plus added visa-associated costs.

Conclusion

San Francisco is much more than just a city of culture and innovation, with one additional feature, adding an element of academic flair. Through a truly impressive combination of elite private universities, economical public universities, and schools of specialization: business, technology, or that vibrant art scene—the city has it all.

How can Amber help you?

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About author

Bhavna.S is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure - only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.

Disclaimer: This content is a promotion. The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of getmyuni.com. GetMyUni is not responsible for the content or any claims made in this blog.

Studying in the USA is one of the dream destinations for many students. There are a few tips and tricks that a student can use to study in the USA for free.  

Aspiring students can enroll themselves in fully funded universities that do not charge for international students and offer them a wide range of courses. They can also opt for some scholarships and some other opportunities that can be availed of by international students to study in the USA for free or at minimal cost. 

Methods to Study in USA for Free

Some methods that the students can opt for to study in USA for free are listed below. 

• Full Scholarships: Various universities in the US provide full scholarships to international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. A full scholarship allows the aspiring student to study in the USA for free, covering all the tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
• Joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship: The joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship program. It allows scholarships to students from developing countries, including full tuition fees, monthly stipends, and travel expenses.
• Clark Global Scholarship: This is offered by Clark University, which provides financial aid to international students who have a record of outstanding academic achievements.
• Pursue tuition-free universities: There are several US institutions which provide tuition-free education to international students. 
• Participate in work study programmes: The federal work study program in US allows the students to do part-time work in order to cover their tuition or living expenses. Many US universities provide on campus job in administration, libraries and research positions to help the students in their expenses. International students can easily apply for these programs to universities, financial aid office . You can also look for opportunities like research, assistants or teaching assistants which can help you which types or tuition reductions.
• Look for financial aid: Many US based universities provide financial aid to their international students. These universities only demand fees which the students can afford based on their families income, resulting in sustainable reductions or even complete waivers of tuition fees.
• Apply for government funded scholarships: You can also apply for government funded scholarships, which can help you study in US for free. 

Also Read: Financial Planning for Studying Abroad: Scholarships, Loans, and Budgeting Tips

Top Universities to Study in USA for Free 

Some universities in the USA allow free tuition fees, accommodations and travel charges. The list of top universities to study in the USA for free is listed below. 

• College of the Ozarks: To apply for Ozarks, students must have a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores. The English language proficiency requirement is waived for students in some countries, including India. International students must submit the Institutional Financial Need Application to be eligible for financial aid. 
• Berea College: Berea College offers full-tuition scholarships worth more than $25,000 to every student. It also assists students with expenses related to food, accommodation, etc., by offering a work-study program. A total of USD 55,389,392 was awarded for need-based scholarships and grants to students of the 2020 batch.
• Alice Lloyd College: To apply for ALC, students need a minimum ACT score of 17 or an SAT score of 810 and a high school GPA of 2.25. International students must also submit their TOEFL scores and a certificate of finance, which must be supported by a bank statement. For international students to be eligible for the Student Work Program, they must hold an F1 visa and obtain a US-issued Social Security number before enrollment.
• City University of New York: CUNY takes pride in its substantial international student population and provides various resources to help foreign students adapt to life in the United States. The university also offers full-tuition scholarships to students enrolled in their teacher academy.
• U.S. Academies: Tuition-free universities in the USA include the US Service Academies. In all, there are five US Academies. These five academic are the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy, and US Coast Guard Academy.
• There is no tuition charge for students attending any of these U.S. academies. Additionally, they receive a monthly stipend in return for their service. As part of the application process, candidates are required to pass a physical fitness test. Other admission requirements may differ from one program to another.
• Deep Springs College: Established in 1917, Deep Springs College offers a unique higher education experience to its students. Around 12-15 students are enrolled every year. Each student receives a full scholarship, and costs like tuition, board, room, etc., are covered. Deep Springs students are expected to devote themselves to serving humanity in exchange. 
• While international students apply similarly to domestic students, there is one major difference. For applicants who have not attended an English-speaking secondary school or college, the college will require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent exam). 

Also Read: Best 5 Scholarship Essay Examples that Works in 2024

Top Institutions in the US Providing Scholarships

Some top institutions providing scholarships in US are given below. 

Read More: Part-Time Jobs for Students in USA

The USA is known to be the study abroad education hub for students from all over the world to pursue their higher education. It is one of the most sought after countries in the world for higher education for the quality of education it offers and the job opportunities it provides after completing studies. The top universities in the US attract a lot of Indian students through various programs and courses. The US education system is one of its kind and offers a comprehensive education to international students with equal emphasis on practical and theoretical learning. 

One of the prerequisites for all international students willing to pursue studies from the US is the Student Visa. The international students are given a visa based on their age and type of study they wish to pursue in the US. The international student should first be accepted by any school/ university under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The international student office of the respective institution then sends the Form I-20 to the student which is the paper record of their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. Form I-20 is one of the most important documents needed to apply for a student visa. 

Visa Options for International Students:

The US Government issues three different student visas such as F1 Visa, J1 Visa, and M1 Visa for international students coming to the US to pursue their higher education. 

F1 Visa: The F1 Visa is offered to students pursuing a full-time degree or academic program in the US and is valid for the entire duration of the course of study. It is the most common type of student visa offered to international students. The students with the F1 Visa are allowed for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months after completion of graduation. This gives the students a temporary employment permission to get practical experience in their respective field of study.

J1 Visa: The J1 Visa is an Intern category visa of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program given to international students and recent graduates for a temporary stay in the US to gain knowledge of US business practice and culture. It is designed with the purpose of taking part in an internship or exchange program and is not for a full-time regular employee. 

M1 Visa: The M1 Visa is provided to international students willing to engage in non-academic activities in the US such as vocational study or training at a U.S. institution. The students with an M1 visa for vocational and technical programs are not eligible to work during the course of their studies. Students applying for this visa should have financial proof to cover all the tuition fees and living costs for the duration of the intended stay.

MS in Computer Science in the USA is usually a one or two-year course in US universities. More than 400 universities in the USA offer this popular course. The minimum qualification required for this program would be the completion of a 4-year bachelor's from a recognized university. Some of these courses are offered part-time, online, or through distance learning. 

Computers and technology have become an essential part of our everyday life. It is used in various public areas such as the economy, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. This opens up a wide range of career prospects in the computer science field.

The US has been a leading choice among International students for decades. Its modern technologies, flexible study system, and great specializations make it an ideal haven for students who wish to make a career in technology.

Table of Contents

• Top Universities in the USA to Study MS in Computer Science
• MS in Computer Science in the USA: Curriculum
• Admission Requirements to Apply for an MS in Computer Science in the USA
  
  • Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required
• Cost for Studying MS in Computer Science in the USA
• Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in USA
• What are the Career Options after an MS in Computer Science?

Top Universities in the USA to Study MS in Computer Science

Most of the universities are highly rated in terms of higher studies across the whole world. But the top 10 recommended universities to study courses in computer science are:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Stanford University
3. Harvard University
4. Carnegie Mellon University
5. The University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
6. Princeton University
7. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
8. Georgia Institute of Technology
9. Cornell University
10. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

MS in Computer Science in the USA: Curriculum

Computer Science is an area of study dealing with computer frameworks using specialized and appropriate methodologies. A Master of Computer Science degree from the USA offers students a wide array of specializations. 

There are a number of areas within the software market that are in high demand, such as AI, IT, programming, ethical hacking, virtual and augmented reality.

In today's world, computers are being used in every field, from software to engineering to financial markets to biological research to designing. They are the ultimate solution to today's problems.

Admission Requirements to Apply for an MS in Computer Science in the USA

A 16-year education is a mandatory requirement for all US universities for an MS in computer science. Apart from this, there are some other eligibility criteria and documents required for postgraduate courses in computer science in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required

The eligibility criteria for applying to an MS program differ for each university. However, the general requirements remain the same across US universities and have been discussed as follows:

• GRE/ TOEFL/ IELTS/ GMAT score proofs.
• Recommendation letters
• Work Experience certificate, if applicable.
• Photocopies of Passport
• Certificates of extracurricular activities mentioned in the application form.

Here is a table showing the university-specific cutoff scores for the GRE and English language proficiency:

Cost for Studying MS in Computer Science in the USA

The two main expenses that the students have to bear while studying are Tuition fees and living costs.

1. Tuition Fees - This cost varies as per the university or the course. On average, the Indian students have to spend $40,000 or INR 29,60,000 for a two-year MS program. The scholarships and financial aids provided can help reduce these costs. The students can also opt for an education loan. 
2. Living Expenses: The living expenses depend on factors such as location, apartment size, number of roommates, and proximity to the university. Generally, MS students spend between $500 to $1100 per month. So for a 2 year MS course, the students will be spending $15,000 (INR 11,10,000) on an average.

Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in USA

While studying in the USA is expensive, many scholarships are available to assist and support international students' education financially. These scholarships can either be fully-funded or partially funded. 

Your scholarship amount is directly influenced by your entrance exam scores. Scholarships are also offered based on co-curricular activities, achievements, and recommendation letters. The following scholarships are among the more popular options for masters students in the United States:

What are the Career Options after an MS in Computer Science?

There is a great scope in the field of technology for students who complete an MS in computer science from a recognized US university. The average salary increment for MS in computer science graduates is around 9% every 15 months.

An analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be a 16% rise in demand for professionals in this field between 2018 and 2028. Here are some of the most popular jobs available for international students after studying MS in computer science from the USA, along with their average salary:

The USA is one of the most sought-after educational destinations for students worldwide. However, when talking about the cost of living in USA for students, the North American country is one of the most expensive study destinations in the world. The tuition fees in the USA are quite costly, ranging from between USD 25,000 and USD 50,000. Apart from the tuition fees, students have to account for the cost of accommodation and living expenses.

Table of Contents

• Recommended Budget
  • Housing Charges in the USA
    
    • Monthly Cost of Living in Different Parts of the USA
  • Transportation Charges
  • Food Expenses
  • Entertainment Charges
  • Mobile and Internet Charges
  • Miscellaneous Living Expenses for USA Students

Recommended Budget

Studying in the USA is not a cheap affair. While the cost of education in the USA is among the most expensive in the world, the cost of living is also quite expensive. Students have to account for accommodation, transportation, food, entertainment, mobile and internet, and miscellaneous living expenses while studying in the USA. Therefore, students need to keep a recommended annual budget of between USD 14,660 and USD 29,860 for living in the USA.

The table below shows the various costs of living in the USA for international students:

Housing Charges in the USA

Students have various options when it comes to accommodation in the USA. Students can choose to live on-campus, in private accommodations, or at homestays. Usually, international students prefer to live on campus in their first year as it makes assimilating into campus life seamless. Generally, students have to shell out between USD 300 and USD 600 per month for campus accommodation, but this amount may vary depending on the location and institution.

Many students also opt for private residences (either single or shared) or homestays. The cost of private accommodation may vary from city to city, but the average price amounts to between USD 6,000 and USD 14,000 per annum. Students may also opt for homestays, an arrangement where the student will spend their academic tenure living with a local family in the USA.

Monthly Cost of Living in Different Parts of the USA

For international students in the US, the cost of living is approximately USD 900 to USD 1,050 per month. The cost of living can vary from student to student depending on their lifestyle, location, type of accommodation, etc. 

In determining the average cost of living in USA for students, the location of the university is a significant factor. The cost of living will be higher for students living near a well-established city such as New York or Columbia. In contrast, university students who are studying in suburban areas like Ohio or Indiana can expect lower living costs. On an average, living costs are lower in Midwest regions, while they are higher in the East and North-East. Several factors play a significant role in determining living costs, including:

• Renting an apartment outside the campus or staying on campus
• Meal plans, grocery shopping, or eating out
• Travelling by car or public transport
• Entertainment expenditures
• Consumption habits of individuals
• Working part-time or not

The following tables provide an overview of the estimated monthly costs of living in different parts of the US:

South

North Central

Central

West Coast

East Coast 

Transportation Charges

Students have to account for transportation costs while studying in the USA. In this regard, they have to prepare budgets for short or long-distance travel. In terms of short distances, students can avail public transport facilities like public buses and metro services. For long-distance travel, students can use cross country bus services, railway services or air travel. On average, transportation charges in the USA will amount to between USD 500 and USD 1,000 per month.

Food Expenses

Students living by themselves have to figure out the most efficient ways of feeding themselves while studying in the USA. However, students living on-campus and in homestays don’t have to source their food externally as all dining costs are included in the accommodation charges.

For students living by themselves or flat-sharing, shopping for groceries becomes a monthly affair, and budgets must be made for expenses related to the same and costs associated with dining out (or ordering). On average, students in the USA have to shell out about USD 150 a month on groceries and USD 75 a month on dining out.

Entertainment Charges

A student’s life in the USA isn’t complete without leisure and entertainment. There are plenty of things and activities for students to indulge in while studying in the USA. Students may wish to go to the movies, go out with friends, or participate in an airsoft game. Whatever a student may choose, decompressing from the intense schedule of the university sessions is crucial for holistic development. On average, it makes sense for students to keep a budget of USD 100 every month as entertainment charges.

Mobile and Internet Charges

The USA falls in the upper echelons when it comes to mobile and internet charges. However, communication is essential for any international student living in the USA, whether for phone calls back home or finding course reference materials on the internet. It helps to have a constant and steady internet connection, especially for students who rely on the internet for their course work or term projects.

Mobile data charges, on average, amount to USD 3.33 per 1GB of data. However, Internet charges are more expensive in the USA, keeping into account the installation charges. On average, the internet charges amount to between USD 30 and USD 50 per month.

Miscellaneous Living Expenses for USA Students

Apart from all the expenses mentioned above, students need to buy clothes, toothbrushes, detergents, toiletries and personal grooming items. Without these miscellaneous expenses, students will not be able to function. Therefore, while budgeting for living expenses in the USA, students must make it a point to create a separate budget for miscellaneous living expenses. Students can keep a one-time budget of USD 500 for miscellaneous expenses. However, the costs may vary depending on the requirement of specific items.

The USA attracts many students every year when it comes to pursuing higher studies or seeking job opportunities. There are various part time jobs for students in USA pursuing their higher education in the country. A part-time job will help you pay your bills or student loans and help in honing your interpersonal and technical skills. 

While searching for part-time jobs for students in the USA, you need to be aware of the regulations followed in the country. In addition, you should find a job that does not hamper your lifestyle and education. The most common part-time job options for students in the USA involve on-campus and off-campus jobs. Let us explore the options available under each of these jobs in detail.

Table of Contents

• On-Campus Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA
  
  • Campus Ambassador
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Research Study Assistant
  • Library Assistant
  • Peer Tutor or Mentor
  • Barista
• Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA
  
  • Tour Guide
  • Customer Support Representative
  • Translator
  • Store Associate
  • Babysitter
• Part-Time Job Regulations for International Students in the USA
  
  • On-Campus Part-Time Job Regulations
  • Off-Campus Part-Time Job Regulations
• How to find Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA? 
• Pay-Scale for International Students in the USA 
• Taxes for International Students in the USA 
• Top 10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students in USA

On-Campus Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA

On-Campus jobs are one of the easiest options available for an international student in the US who is seeking part-time job opportunities. It is the only way for a student to work part-time during their first academic year. Students can work in different university departments, including college libraries, cafeterias, bookstores, gyms, computer labs, and laboratories. The most popular on-campus part-time jobs for students in USA are listed below:

• Campus Ambassador
• Teaching Assistant
• Research Study Assistant
• Library Assistant
• Peer Tutor or Mentor
• Barista

Campus Ambassador

Campus ambassadors are responsible for the promotion of the university and help students understand why they should apply to a particular university. This job is suitable for someone who possesses excellent communication skills and loves interacting with new people. Under this role, you will also be asked to give guided tours of the campus and share interesting facts and details about the university. 

Teaching Assistant

A teaching assistant has to supervise classroom activities and tasks and give special attention to students who struggle with studies. Having prior experience in this field will allow you to work directly as a higher-level teaching assistant.

Research Study Assistant

It is regarded as one of the most well-paid on-campus part jobs for international students. Almost every university in the US has an opening for a research study assistant. 

For this job, the student should be good with his interpersonal and organizational skills. Some of the responsibilities under this role involve working on multiple projects, understanding and explaining the purpose of the research, interacting with new participants, managing lab equipment, etc.

Library Assistant

The responsibilities of library assistant involve shelving books, assisting customers in finding books and providing recommendations for books. In addition, you will be required to provide administrative assistance to the librarians and help in planning library-related activities/events during term time.

Peer Tutor or Mentor

Rather than a teacher, a peer tutor is more like a friend. They help a fellow student by creating a mentee schedule, maintaining confidentiality with the mentee, providing study materials, etc. A peer tutor may also have to make student referrals to universities whenever required.

Barista

Students can work as baristas in the university cafe. The duties of a barista are making coffee and serving customers, maintaining proper sanitization in the cafeteria, and working as a cashier. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who likes meeting new people.

Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA

After completion of the first academic year, a student can opt to work off-campus as well. Most international students in the USA prefer on-campus jobs over off-campus jobs. However, some of them find off-campus jobs to be more beneficial and convenient. 

The most popular off-campus part-time jobs for students in USA are listed below:

• Tour Guide
• Customer Support Representative
• Translator
• Store Associate
• Babysitter

Tour Guide

Travel agencies hire tour guides responsible for guiding the travellers by being fully informed about the tour and the place of travel. In this role, your interpersonal and communication skills will come into the picture. In addition, you will be required to work under a senior tour guide who would guide you regarding work-related tasks.

Customer Support Representative

A customer support representative has to help people by providing them information related to the products or services of the company that they are working with. He is also responsible for solving issues related to the product/service that the customer has already purchased and helping them in understanding what better products can be purchased.

Translator

The main job of a translator is to translate one language into another. He should translate so that the original ideas, facts and tone remain the same as the original text.

Store Associate

Some of the duties of a store associate involve cleaning the store, carrying out administrative tasks and upselling products by giving recommendations to customers if required. A store associate can also be asked to work in shifts by their store manager.

Babysitter

Babysitters generally work under a short-term verbal contract. The main job of babysitters is to take care of children while they are away from their home or parents.

Part-Time Job Regulations for International Students in the USA

There are some regulations that students need to understand before taking up a part-time job. An international student at a US university is issued with an F1 visa. Given below are the regulations for on-campus and off-campus part-time jobs in detail:

On-Campus Part-Time Job Regulations

• Students should have a valid F-1 status.
• Students would be permitted to work only for 20 hours per week during the ongoing term of the school.
• Students would be allowed to work for up to 40 hours a week during the university breaks and holidays.

Off-Campus Part-Time Job Regulations

There are three options under off-campus jobs that a student can explore:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT)

 A student can go for this option if he/she wants to work in their area of study. OPT can either be a job or an internship.

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension

 This option is quite helpful for students who have completed their graduation from STEM fields. They get an opportunity to extend their OPT for an additional period of 24 months.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

 Under this option, an international student can work off-campus only when the course/degree that they have enrolled in demands it. There are two types of OPT. One of them is pre-completion OPT, which is for students who are yet to graduate, and the other is post-completion OPT for students who are immediate graduates. The post-completion OPT allows students to work in the US for a duration of 12 months post their graduation.

How to find Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the USA? 

Finding a part-time job in the US might seem to be a complex task, especially if you are an international student and do not have a professional network. However, there are a plethora of resources available to aid you in finding a suitable job. Some of these resources include:

• University offices/ Student unions/ Career Services
• Online portals
• Career assistance teams in universities

Pay-Scale for International Students in the USA 

In the US, part-time jobs are primarily offered in the service and sales industries. Such jobs are entry-level, and a student can expect approximately $7 to $9 per hour. However, a highly skilled job would pay around $10 or more per hour. An international student in the US usually earns an average salary of $34,737/Year, depending on their profile, organization, and other factors. The nature of the job that a student is offered in the US depends not just on their prior work experience but also on their academic background, language proficiency, skills, etc. 

Taxes for International Students in the USA

It is a requirement for all international students to file a tax return in the U.S. as part of their visa requirements, regardless of whether they work while studying. There are, however, certain exemptions and benefits available to them as well. In addition to this, unless international students file a proper tax in the US, their income will not be taxed from the home country.
An international student needs either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Social Security Number (SSN) to prepare a tax return. This allows them to fill out a W-7 form and file their tax return.

Top 10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs for Students in USA

The following table outlines the top 10 highest paying jobs for international students in the USA, along with their average wages: