Best Cities To Study in USA for Indian Students

  • Date Icon August 13, 2025
Best Cities To Study in USA for Indian Students

Opting to study in the USA is a milestone decision for students, but where you choose to settle will influence your success academically, as well as your overall development. If you are an Indian student aspiring to a graduate degree in the USA or looking to study an MBA in the USA for Indian students, it will be vital to choose cities that will give you the best possibility of an exciting experience with an a world-class education, make you feel comfortable with your culture, and provide financial assistance. 

Here are a few of the best states, with the reasons why these cities provide the very best for Indian students wanting to apply to study in USA, inclusive for those Indian students looking for scholarships for Indian students in USA and their supportive culture that eases their transition.

1. Boston, Massachusetts — The Academic Powerhouse

Boston is known to be the best place for Indian students to study in USA with scholarships. Many universities in this city, including Harvard, MIT and Boston University, have their own scholarship programs that include full tuition waivers, merit based grant/scholarship and research scholarships etc. Besides education, Boston hosts lots of events to celebrate the rich Indian culture and also help students feel like they are home. 

Additionally, many universities in the city support Indian students through assistantships that even cover tuition fees as well as living expenses hence makes it possible for Indian students to study an MBA in America or other masters degree courses in USA without worrying about heavy financial burden.

2. New York City, New York — The Global Melting Pot

NYC offers the best opportunities for Indian students wanting to study in the US and live at a level similar to a world stage. Universities – Columbia, NYU – offer many academic programs, and scholarships from donors/donors organizations supporting Indian & cultural causes. Scholarships such as the Indo-American Scholarship Foundation offer funds to deserving students from India going into masters degree US programs. 

NYC has one of the largest Indian student populations in the US, allowing for peer support, networking, and cultural connections. NYC is perfect for students wanting education and city experience.

3. San Francisco Bay Area, California — Innovation Hub

The San Francisco Bay Area is an exciting location for technology-oriented people and innovators. Universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley have numerous scholarships available for Indian nationals to study in USA particularly for STEM students. Many scholarships in this area also accommodate students looking to study in USA without IELTS, and they take a strong academic standing over a few test scores.

The region’s enjoyment of strong industry relationships allows students to gain internships or applied research projects that are funded by the industry’s major players. These scholarships and assistantships sometimes reduce the students’ out of pocket expenses.

4. Chicago, Illinois — The Heart of the Midwest

Chicago is becoming increasingly popular to Indian students pursuing masters degree in USA programs because Chicago’s cost of living is so affordable and there are many great scholarships available. Many universities like the University of Chicago and Northwestern offer great funding options such as merit-based scholarships, needs-based funding, and graduate assistantships. The large Indian population provides Indian students with a comfortable cultural environment with the kind of community they would be familiar with. 

For Indian students looking to study in USA for Indian students after 12th, Chicago’s rich education ecosystem offers excellent graduate and undergraduate studies, along with several scholarships.

5. Houston, Texas — Emerging Education and Business Hub

Houston is increasingly becoming an attractive choice for Indian students who want to study Business and Engineering. Universities in Houston, such as Rice University, provide scholarships that recognize academic merit and leadership, which is a good option for those seeking to apply for an MBA in America for Indian students or who want to apply for other masters degree courses in the USA. Houston’s relatively low student cost of living, in combination with these scholarships, is attractive for students who want to study abroad in the US on a budget. 

6. Seattle, Washington — The Perfect Blend of Nature and Education

Seattle has world-class education through University of Washington that is highly regarded by Indian students for both STEM and business programs. UW offers scholarships as well, including the diversity scholarships targeted at international students, so helpful for anyone wanting to study in USA with scholarship.

Seattle also has appeal for the way of life there – city amenities combined with nature’s serene escape, which many Indian students value while pursuing their intense masters degree US students.

Why Choosing the Right City Matters for Indian Students

In addition to academics and scholarships, the city that you choose will influence your social life, internship opportunities, and level of complexity in adjustment. Cities like Boston and New York offer incredible networking opportunities within the fields of finance, tech, and entrepreneurship. San Francisco and Seattle are portals to Silicon Valley’s tech ecosystem, making them the best fit for you, if you’re doing an innovation-focused masters degree in USA.  

Additionally, these cities have active Indian populations that hold cultural festivals, language classes, and are involved in career support groups, so you might feel some level of connection while living far from home. 

By selectively choosing which city to place yourself in, and equally utilizing the array of scholarships for Indian students in USA, your goal to study in USA with scholarship can be an enjoyable, and financially viable experience. The trick is knowing where to search for and how to apply to the opportunities while creating the process for US student visa.