5 Amazing Reasons to Study Engineering in the US

Sponsored by the University of Arizona

For many engineering students, the US is a natural choice when the time comes to setting their heart on a country of study.

The engineering sector in the US is booming, and according to US News, in fact, as many as 62% of all international graduates enrolled at US universities are enrolled in engineering courses.

Why?

Well, the scope and number of research opportunities and funding within engineering fields and STEM subjects in the US are simply unparalleled. But that’s not all.

Continue reading to  learn about  the most compelling reasons why many engineering students today choose the US over other possible destinations, to start their careers in engineering.

1. Specialize!

Students enrolled on engineering courses in the US are typically asked to specialize very early in their study cycle. Of course, some universities offer more specializations than others. One of the top engineering schools in the US, the University of Arizona offers as many as 14 engineering majors, including environmental, aerospace, biosystems, chemical and the optical sciences… So whatever your aspirations, you’ll be asked to cut to the chase by your third semester to focus on what really interests you.

2. Increase your chances of finding a job after you graduate.

To survive in today’s cut-throat graduate market, you’ll need to be doing everything you can to add value to your CV. But the engineering sector in the US is thriving, and opportunities for specialized graduates to enter the industry aren’t exactly lacking! From American Express to Apple, and even Amazon, many leading multinationals have offices in Arizona and regularly employ engineers.

3.  Use state-of-the-art equipment and get mentored by top researchers.

The US is at the cutting edge of engineering industry and research. Whether you’re all about using the latest high tech tools and technology or would like to be taught by top researchers in your field, studying in the US might be the best option for you.

The University of Arizona, for instance, conducts world-leading research in sustainability and infrastructures, biomedical systems and devices, defense and homeland security, and advanced manufacturing and materials.

With an annual expenditure of US$28 billion, faculty members and students at the university are currently working on over 100 complex projects, with hundreds of engineering undergraduates working in the university’s laboratories.

4. Turbo-charge your earning potential.

This is probably one of the most compelling reasons in this list… Engineers based in the US tend to earn much higher salaries than their counterparts in other countries.

According to PayScale, the average salary for an engineer in the US is US$76,061 – compared to US$64,000 in Germany, US$42,000 in the UK and US$15,000 in China!

Similarly, interns enrolled on engineering courses at the University of Arizona earn on average US$20.18 an hour – which brings us to our next point…

5. Get a chance to work in the US once you finish your engineering course.

The US government allows companies to employ foreign workers in ‘specialty subjects’ such as engineering, provided they hold an accredited undergraduate qualification from a US institution.

Under a Non-Immigrant H-1B Visa, you would be granted the right to work in the US for a period of six years. You would of course have to find an employer willing to sponsor you, but this method is generally quicker and more popular with engineering students than the procedure of applying for a Green Card.  

Think about it.