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Study in Boston in 2024: A Guide for International Students

Updated on 18 April, 2024

Pragya Sharma

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Study in Boston in 2024: A Guide for International Students

Boston is among the top study abroad destinations due to several top-ranking universities and high-valued education programs. If you seek to study in Boston in 2024, this article will unveil the important aspects that can help you make the right decision. 

Let us explore Boston as a study destination – its education system, best universities, top courses, average fees, cost of living, career prospects, and much more.

Overview of Education System in Boston

The Boston education system consists of:

  • Elementary school 
  • Middle school
  • High school 
  • Higher education (universities)

The public higher education in Boston, Massachusetts, consists of 29 campuses that are divided into three sections:

  • 15 community colleges
  • 9 state universities
  • 5 University campuses

In any institution the student joins, they earn credits for their courses. The courses are divided into core subjects, which provide the foundation of the degree program. The courses are also divided into majors that provide specialization in a particular subject. 

The students also have the opportunity to select "elective" courses. This way, they can explore other topics. The education calendar usually starts from September to May. 

Why Study in Boston

  • Boston has an academic atmosphere with around 50 colleges and universities.
  • It is a student-friendly city.
  • Boston is ranked 13 in America as one of the safest places to live. 
  • It has an extensive public transport network with 153 subway stations. 
  • It offers the best healthcare facilities with 25 hospitals.
  • Boston offers a diverse food scene with international and fusion dishes. 

Best Universities to Study in Boston

There are more than 100 colleges and universities in Boston. Around 250,000 students come from around the world to study at various Boston universities. 

The top-ranked universities are mentioned in the table below:  

UniversityNational University Rank (2024)
Boston University43
Northeastern University53
Boston College39
Simmons University151
Suffolk University249

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Best Courses to Study in Boston 

Since Boston has several colleges, universities, and community colleges, students have several course options. The top university in Boston offers a variety of courses for international students, some of these are: 

Business Administration & Management 

Students who want to understand business concepts and functions can opt for this course. 

The Business Administration and Management minor provides students with a robust foundation of business principles. Students are exposed to various management, marketing, accounting, and economic topics, which helps them cultivate diverse skills. They can start their careers in consulting, entrepreneurship, etc., or they can pursue higher studies. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With a BSN degree, the trained nurses can work anywhere, even internationally. The degree program allows students to learn from the best and most dedicated professors. The curriculum comprises a clinical education program, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and a clinical education program. 

The nursing students participate in clinical rotations, employment opportunities, and more. 

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 

In the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, students learn about software development, program design, computer organization, principles of language, advanced algorithms, and more. 

After graduation, students can start their careers as machine learning engineers, mobile app developers, UI/UX designers, IT project managers, etc, or they can opt for advanced studies and pursue a Master's degree.

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

It is a four-year program where the students work with experts in the field and advanced laboratories to gain advanced knowledge and experience in biological and pharmaceutical science. After graduation, students can either start their careers or join an advanced degree program.

Cost of Living in Boston for International Students

Boston's cost of living is 50% higher than the national average. This means living in Boston may be heavy on the pockets for international students. The table below showcases the estimated cost of living in Boston. 

ParametersCost of living
The living cost for a single person$1,442.5 
Transportation (Monthly pass)$90.00 
Utilities$205.66 
Internet$67.7
Fitness Club Monthly Membership$95.5

Cost of Studying in Boston

The cost of studying varies from university to university. For example, Northeastern University's tuition fee is $63,141. If you add the cost of room, supplies, books, transportation, etc, the total cost could reach around $81,432. Similarly, the Boston University tuition fee is around $65,168; the added costs can reach up to $82,760.

However, the amount can be decreased if the student is eligible for a scholarship. To get an accurate idea of the costs, you can visit the official websites of the universities to which you want to apply. 

Top Scholarships for International Students to Study in Boston

Different universities in Boston offer financial aid to international students. Some of the top scholarships offered by them to study in Boston are: 

ScholarshipBenefits

Trustee Scholarship 

 

US citizens, international students, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens are eligible for this scholarship. The students can get full remittance of their tuition & fees.
Presidential ScholarshipThe scholarship is given to first-year students who can get benefits of an annual Value of $25,000. 
Distinguished Scholar Award First-year students can get scholarships for up to $30,000 a year. It can be renewed for all four years.

Student Life in Boston

Boston is a vibrant and diverse city. For students, Boston can be an intellectual and innovation hub. The students can enjoy poetry slam events, community service, and the Redstone Film Festival. There are athletics programs for the students too.

Career Prospects for Students in Boston

After completing their studies, the students have several options in different fields, such as technology, healthcare, finance, education, etc. The table below shows some top job positions in Boston with their average salaries: 

Job TitleAnnual Average Base Salary 
Architect $115,494
Marketing Manager$87,401
Biomedical Engineer$79,072
Computer Programmer$74,849
Financial Analyst$62,414 

Source: Indeed, March 2024

The city of Boston gives students a mix of academic excellence, cultural engagements, and future career prospects. With renowned universities, multiple degree programs, scholarships, etc., students prefer to study in Boston and have an amazing educational experience.

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FAQs

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Boston?

You can apply for the visa and initiate the application process with the nearest US embassy or consulate. You must ensure that all your documents are proper for the visa interview. The  F-1 or J-1 Students and J Scholars have to submit additional documents: 

  • The immigration document 
  • Proof of F or J SEVIS fee payment
  • The university admission letter 
  • Original documents showcasing how you will pay and manage the expenses

Can I work and study in Boston?

Yes, international students can work and study in Boston. There are two options to work: on-campus and off-campus. The student must be registered full-time in a graduate or undergraduate program for each semester to work on campus. 

The student must have authorization to work from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). To work off-campus, the students must consult with an advisor at ISSO.

Which course is best to study in Boston?

One of the popular courses to study in Boston is offered by Boston University in social sciences, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Engineering, etc. Different universities offer a wide variety of courses, which course to go to depends on your preferences.

What support services are available for international students at universities in Boston?

Different universities have different student service programs. UMass Boston has International Student & Scholar Services that cater to all immigration matters, international students, and scholars. Boston University has different centers, such as the Yawkey Center for Student Services, the Center for Career Development (CCD), and the Educational Resource Center (ERC). You can check the support services on the university's official websites. 

What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Boston outside of my studies?

Boston is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States. The city is a mixture of different cultures and rich history. To enjoy the art scene of Boston, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts. 

Another vital part of the city's history is the Boston Tea Party. For baseball fans, Lansdowne Street is perfect. Boston is known to be the city of wisdom, and the number of museums around the town is evidence of that. 

Pragya Sharma

Sr. Content Editor

Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience. She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.

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