B.Tech in USA 2026: Top Universities, Colleges & Fees

B. Tech Specialisations in the USA

Simply put, B. Tech is the common acronym for Bachelor of Engineering and is offered as a 4-year undergraduate degree program. The USA stands as the top choice for Indian students, given its driving force in technology and its home to many technology companies that often deliver cutting-edge products and solutions to parts of the world.

With a range of specialisations to gain expertise in, the flexibility and application-based learning are core aspects that make B. Tech in USA a highly rewarding opportunity for students. Here is the list of cutting-edge specialisations offered to students.

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mechanical/ Aerospace Engineering
• Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biomedical Engineering

Note: You can use our course finder tool, an AI-based algorithm that will help you explore details for your preferred specialisation with the help of various filters.

B. Tech Intakes & Timeline in USA

For aspiring engineers from India, there are two major intake options to study B. Tech in USA, categorised as fall and spring intake.

Fall Intake

1. It is the primary and highly preferred intake by the majority of students for B. Tech admission.
2. Applications for this intake open from November to February.
3. The fall intake runs from September to December and is highly competitive, with an almost 70% of admission rate.
4. A range of specialisations is offered in this intake, making it one of the most sought-after choices for students.

Application timeline for Fall intake:

Spring Intake

• This is the secondary intake for admission in USA, offering students low competition and an additional chance to prepare their application.
• Applications for this intake open from July to October.

Application timeline for Spring intake:

B. Tech vs BS Engineering

While Indian students often confuse B. Tech with BS Engineering USA, it is important to understand that the majority of the US universities offer Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering certification. These certifications are equivalent in offering professional values, but greatly differ in terms of focus, curriculum, and various other aspects.

Top Universities for B. Tech in USA

With access to advanced technology and unparalleled research, as reflected in global rankings, studying B. Tech in US universities simply puts students’ way ahead at the global level. Here is the list of the top engineering colleges in USA for Indian students with their QS rankings 2026.

Note: You can use our university finder tool, an AI-based algorithm that will simplify searching for your preferred B. tech institution in USA with the help of various filters.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for B. Tech in the USA

Students planning to study in the USA must understand the eligibility criteria and other requirements that qualify them for top universities.

1. Academic Records: Grade 12 completion certificate with a minimum of 80%.

2. SAT/ACT Scores: Indian students must focus on demonstrating their academic brilliance through scores in standardised tests. This includes:

• SAT: 1400-1600
• ACT: 29-36

3. English Proficiency: As a student from India whose first language is not English, providing proof of language proficiency is mandatory. This includes

• IELTS: 6.5+
• TOEFL: 90 to 100+

4. Visa Requirements: Securing an F-1 Student visa allows Indian students to legally enter the US to study. However, students are required to plan accordingly, given the rising visa rejection rate, reaching around 41% in 2024.

Required Documents

Getting a seat at university of your choice requires a list of documents including:

• Academic Records
• English Language Test Scorecard
• SAT or ACT Score Card
• A Personal Essay
• A Valid Passport
• Statement of Purpose
• Letter of Recommendation
• Proof of Financial Resources

Admission Process for B. Tech in USA

For admission to a USA university, a holistic profile is essential, unlike a heavy dependence on entrance exams. The admission committee assess students based on their extracurricular activities, essays and other achievements. Here’s how the admission process looks.

1. Explore and Shortlist: The US boasts more than 90 globally-ranked engineering institutions, research thoroughly and make a list of a few colleges that matches with your academic interests and career goals.

2. Appear for Mandatory Tests: For successful admissions, having strong scores in standardised tests are crucial. Take tests like SAT/ACT and IELTS/ TOEFL to make sure you showcase academic and language proficiency.

3. Collect the Documents: The next important step is to prepare and gather a list of documents mentioned in the application form.

4. Get Your Certifications Evaluated: Indian students planning for B. Tech admission in US must get their certificates assessed from official agencies like WES or ECE. It will help ensure that all the credentials are properly translated for STEM courses in USA.

5. Understand Eligibility and Admission Requirements: Every year, 20 to 30% of applications are rejected due to incomplete applications or requirements not met. Thoroughly understand the eligibility and requirements to craft a compelling application.

6. Online Application: Submit your application to the official portal of the chosen university.

Cost of Studying B. Tech in USA

Studying B. Tech in the USA costs Indian students around $20,000 to over $60,000, depending on the chosen university, and the cost of living further adds to these costs based on the lifestyle. Let us look at the detailed breakdown.

Tuition fee

1. Studying at public universities can cost you around $25,000-$40,000 (INR 22.43 L to 35.88 L), with a few even ranging around $15,000 (INR 13.46 L).
2. Private Universities for B. Tech in USA are more expensive, with fees ranging between $40,000 to $65,000 (INR 35.88 L to 58.31 L+)

Cost of Living

1. An Indian student studying B. Tech in USA must expect their annual cost of living to be around $10,000 to $25,000+ (INR 8.97 L to 22.43 L+). It generally includes housing costs, food, rent, transportation, utilities, health insurance, books & supplies, etc.
2. Living expenses widely vary by location and lifestyle preferences. Living in high-cost-of-living (HCOL) cities like New York City, Boston, and San Francisco is expensive, while low-cost-of-living (LCOL) cities like Houston, Atlanta and Texas offer comparatively affordable living.
3. For your living expenses, you are generally required to spend

• Rent: $500 (shared) - $1,200+ (single/campus).
• Food, Transport & utilities: $500 - $900
• Health Insurance: $500 - $1,000+ annual
• Books & Supplies: $500 - $1,000

Also read: Cost Of Studying in USA

Scholarships for B tech in USA

Winning a scholarship for B. Tech students in the USA can reduce the financial burden by 50-100%, with prestigious awards covering living expenses, research stipends, and more.

Job Opportunities after B. Tech in USA

Recruiters from Microsoft, Siemens, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and many other top employers regularly recruit B. Tech graduates with rewarding packages. Here is the list of B. Tech salary in USA for better understanding.

B. Tech in USA vs B. Tech in India

According to the reports of the National Centre for Science and Engineering, the universities in the US spend more than USD 80 billion on research and development every year, far surpassing Indian institutions. Similar to this, various other aspects that make B. Tech in the USA a more rewarding choice compared to India are:

Benefits of Studying B. Tech in USA

With over 25 of the world's top 100 universities offering B. Tech programs, the opportunity to study in the US offers numerous benefits for students.

• World-Class Universities: The Ivy League, Public Ivies, and the Association of American Universities (AAU) are common names for the group of research-focused universities that rival academically, offering exceptional educational quality.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: The opportunity to study engineering in USA after 12th offers you unparalleled access to advanced labs, interdisciplinary projects, and other initiatives that lead to ground-breaking creations.
• Valuable Work Experience: Indian students can stay and work in the US after their graduation through optional practical training (OPT), generally for 12 months. However, for STEM students, there is an extension of about 24 months, offering a total of 36 months.
• Access to Innovation Centres: The best engineering colleges in USA are located near the major innovation centres of Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin. This offers students easy access to internships, start-ups, and other events.

Final Thoughts

All things considered, studying B. Tech in USA will definitely help you land a career almost 10 times more rewarding than in India. The participation of STEM talent in OPT is increasing by more than 50%, which shows a unique opportunity for Indian students to stay and gain valuable work experience. It is not just an academic decision but a long-term career investment, which prepares you to work with global leaders.

Confused about where to start from? Connect with our study abroad consultants today, get your profile reviewed and receive guidance tailored to your profile.

FAQs

1. How much does B. Tech cost in the USA?

Studying B. Tech (Engineering) in the US varies widely, generally ranging from $25,000 to $65,000+ (INR 22.4L to INR 58.25L) annually for tuition, with public universities generally cheaper than private ones.

2. How many years is B. Tech in the USA?

Studying B. Tech in the USA is typically a 4-year undergraduate degree, structured over 8 semesters, focusing on practical and application-based learning.

3. What is the salary of B. Tech graduates in the USA?

The B. Tech Graduates in the USA earn varied salaries, with entry-level jobs averaging $70000-$130,000+ (INR 62 L to INR 1.16 Cr), while senior roles can earn around $150k-$200k+ (INR 1.34 Cr to INR 1.79Cr).

4. Which university is best for B. Tech in the USA?

According to QS rankings 2026, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) are considered the perfect options.

5. How much GPA is required for a B. Tech Scholarship in the USA?

To win a B. Tech scholarship in the USA, students are generally required to have a strong GPA, often 3.5 or higher.