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In recent years, studying for a bachelor's degree in the United States has become an especially popular option among Israeli students. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, Veterans looking for a career direction, or someone looking for the chance to start an international career, this guide is for you. In it, we'll review the most popular fields, the top universities, and most importantly, admission requirements and costs.
Why the United States?
American universities offer unique advantages that are hard to find anywhere else in the world:
- Academic flexibility – Unlike the Israeli system, in the U.S. you don't have to choose a specific major in your first year. The Liberal Arts model lets you explore different fields before you specialize, and even combine a Double Major or a Minor.
- An international network – Studying in the U.S. opens the door to connections with students, professors, and companies from all over the world. It doesn't just look good on your resume; it matters for your future career.
- Career opportunities – OPT (Optional Practical Training) programs allow graduates to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years (in STEM fields), and from there the road to a work visa or a green card is shorter.
For Israelis, there's an extra advantage: our post-army age is considered an asset. American universities value more mature applicants with life experience, and a military background (especially in technology units) is seen as a significant asset.
Which track is right for you? A guide to the most popular fields of study
Choosing a field of study is one of the most significant decisions in the application process. To help you understand where to aim and what the admission requirements are, we've gathered today's leading and most sought-after fields:
- A bachelor's degree in computer science in the United States (Computer Science) – The most in-demand field, covering algorithms, data structures, cybersecurity, and complex systems. Top institutions include MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon, alongside excellent public universities like UC Berkeley and UIUC. The field suits people with strong analytical and mathematical thinking (with a clear advantage for veterans of IDF technology units), with an average starting salary of $75,000–$95,000 a year and the potential for rapid growth at the tech giants.
- A bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence in the United States (AI & Machine Learning) – At most top institutions (such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Michigan), this track is taught as a dedicated specialization within computer science. Studies focus on machine learning (ML), deep learning, neural networks, and natural language processing (NLP). It requires a strong math background (linear algebra and calculus) and enjoys record demand and some of the highest starting salaries on the market.
- A bachelor's degree in data science in the United States (Data Science) – A track that combines computer science, statistics, and business decision-making. Unlike pure software development, a bachelor's degree in data science in the United States (at schools like UC San Diego, NYU, and UC Berkeley) focuses on big data analysis, data mining (SQL, Python), and generating business insights (Business Analytics) for the finance, healthcare, and tech sectors, with a starting salary of about $70,000–$90,000 a year.
- A bachelor's degree in economics in the United States (Economics) – An especially popular track among Israelis aiming for finance, investment banking, strategy consulting, and entrepreneurship. Top programs at the University of Chicago, Harvard, Princeton, and NYU combine macro and micro theory, econometrics, and game theory, and serve as a direct springboard to Wall Street or an MBA.
- A bachelor's degree in business administration in the United States (BBA / Business Administration) – A degree that provides a broad management toolkit in marketing, finance, accounting, and human resources at the world's top business schools (such as Wharton at UPenn, Ross at Michigan, and Stern at NYU). The programs offer a strong alumni network and wide career flexibility, and are often combined as a double major with computer science or data.
How much does a bachelor's degree in the United States cost? The full breakdown
Type of institution | Annual tuition (for an international student) | Room & Board | Estimated annual cost | Estimated total cost of the degree (4 years) |
Community colleges and affordable tracks | $10,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $12,000 | About $20,000 – $25,000 | About $80,000 – $100,000 |
Public universities | $18,000 – $35,000 | $10,000 – $13,000 | $28,000 – $48,000 | $112,000 – $192,000 |
Private universities | $45,000 – $58,000 | $12,000 – $15,000 | $57,000 – $73,000 | $228,000 – $292,000 |
These figures don't include mandatory health insurance ($2,000–$4,000 a year), flights, books, or personal supplies.
Good to know: health insurance for international students is usually estimated at about $3,000 a year. However, you can lower this cost significantly through leading insurance companies we work with professionally, and we refer our students to them to handle it directly.
Scholarships and funding: how can you lower the costs?
- Merit scholarships (Merit-Based) – Awarded by universities based on high academic achievement and an outstanding SAT score. Scholarships range from $10,000 to $35,000 a year, and in some cases can reach full tuition.
- Need-based scholarships (Need-Based) – Leading elite institutions (such as Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, Bowdoin, and Amherst) apply Need-Blind / Need-Met policies to international students as well, covering up to 100% of tuition, housing, and living costs depending on the family's financial situation.
- Foundations and philanthropic organizations dedicated to Israelis – Private foundations, leadership programs, anddedicated scholarships for Israeli students and veterans of military or national service that fund university studies abroad.
- Permitted on-campus work (F-1 visa) – U.S. law allows international students to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during breaks (at an average of $15–$20 an hour), which helps cover ongoing living expenses.
- Post-graduation work authorization (OPT / STEM) – The student visa allows you to work legally in the U.S. in your field of study for one year after graduation, and for up to 3 full years for STEM graduates (science, technology, engineering, and math), a significant advantage for the return on your degree.
The U.S. university admissions process: required components
Admissions committees evaluate applications holistically, including the following components:
- Translated Israeli matriculation certificate (GPA) – An official transcript translated into English, usually with a required average of 85 or higher (and 90+ for top institutions).
- The SAT – A valid test score that demonstrates analytical and quantitative skills and command of academic English (a critical component for strengthening your application and qualifying for merit scholarships).
- English proficiency test (TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo) – A minimum requirement for international students whose native language isn't English (usually TOEFL 80–100+ or IELTS 5–7.5+).
- Personal Essay – A main essay that presents your personal story, your goals, and the added value you'll bring to campus.
- Letters of Recommendation – 2–3 official letters from teachers or supervisors who know your academic and personal abilities.
- Resume and extracurricular activities (Extracurriculars) – Details of unique achievements, community involvement, leadership, and significant roles and projects from your military or national service.
Answers to common questions about a bachelor's degree in the U.S.
What's the difference between the application deadlines (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision)?
Early Decision (binding) and Early Action (non-binding) deadlines usually close in early November and give applicants statistically higher chances of admission and an early answer as soon as December. The Regular Decision deadline usually closes in early January, with answers arriving during March.
Can I get academic credit and course exemptions based on my Israeli matriculation exams?
Yes. Many universities in the U.S. grant exemptions and academic credits (Transfer Credits) for Israeli matriculation exams at the 5-unit level with high scores (especially in math, physics, chemistry, and computer science), which can shorten your degree and save on tuition.
What is the process for getting a student visa (F-1) after you're accepted?
After you receive your acceptance letter and show proof of funding, the school issues you an official form called the I-20. With this form, you pay the SEVIS fee, fill out the DS-160 form, and schedule a personal interview at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or the branch office in Tel Aviv to receive your F-1 visa.
Is studying at a community college a recommended path for transferring to a university?
Absolutely. The Transfer pathway (two years at a very affordable community college, then two more years at a university like UC Berkeley or UCLA) is a popular, cost-effective solution that lets you get into prestigious institutions based on your academic achievements in college.
USAcademy: guiding you on the path to a bachelor's degree in the U.S.
Applying to U.S. universities is a complex process that includes strategic school selection, meeting strict deadlines, and achieving the highest possible SAT score. At USAcademy, we provide a complete 360° package to ensure your admission to the school you want:
- Academic mapping and personalized school selection – Building a balanced university list (dream, target, and safety schools) based on your personal profile, interests, and budget.
- Leading prep for the digital SAT – One-on-one lessons with tutors who graduated from elite U.S. universities, scored in the top percentiles, and have proven experience guiding Israeli applicants.
- A complete digital learning platform – An online practice system that precisely simulates the Bluebook test, with no need for physical books or separately translated study materials.
- Complete handling of paperwork and test registration – Opening your official College Board account, reserving a seat at a test center in Israel, and handling accommodation requests (SSD).
- Application guidance and finding scholarships – Professional help writing your personal essays, translating documents, finding merit scholarships and financial aid, and preparing for your visa interview.
Ready to open the door to an international career?
Studying for a bachelor's degree in the U.S. is an exceptional springboard into the global world. With an organized work plan and close guidance from USAcademy's experts, your academic dream is within reach.
Contact us today to schedule a free personal consultation call and a customized study plan by phone 1-813-498-8664+ or by email [email protected], and let's start paving your path to success together.