Do I have any free official way to compare US universities for my major?
Yes. Use 3 free official US tools: College Scorecard to compare schools, College Navigator for programs, tuition and enrollment data, and Study in the States to understand SEVP certification, since your Form I-20 comes from an SEVP-certified school. Also ask each school's international office your questions.
You can build a solid US shortlist with free government resources. College Scorecard and College Navigator give you comparable school data, and Study in the States explains the SEVP and Form I-20 process. Use them to move beyond rankings.
Official US tools to compare universities
| Tool | Use it for |
|---|---|
| College Scorecard | Federal tool to compare schools; open each school's page for cost and outcome data |
| College Navigator | NCES database to search programs, tuition and enrollment |
| Study in the States | Explains SEVP-certified schools and the Form I-20 you receive after admission |
What to compare for each US university on your list
- Total yearly cost for international students, including tuition, housing and insurance.
- Strength of your specific major or department, not just the university name.
- Internship and employment outcomes for graduates in your field.
- Scholarship and assistantship availability for international students.
- SEVP certification, which is needed for the Form I-20, and the support the international office offers.
- Your admission chances, so your list has ambitious, target and safe options.
The cheapest or most famous option is not always the best fit. A school with strong support for international students, good outcomes in your major and generous funding can deliver far better value than a higher ranked one.
My Advice
Cap your list at eight to ten schools and sort them into ambitious, target and safe. Use the official data tools for cost and outcomes, and read each department page for funding details. Never pay anyone for a promise of admission or a visa decision.
This information is available on: collegescorecard.ed.gov, nces.ed.gov, studyinthestates.dhs.gov
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