hi
iam currently in h4, and tryin to pursue my higher studies in computer science.
let me tell u my story, it might be helpful
venue: illinois
univ: univ of chicago
degree: ms. computer science
fee: resident fee in h4 status: 2500 for 4 credits.
international student fee in f1 status: 5000 for 4 credits
h4 status: when u apply to the univ, u ve to request your application to be processed as a resident of your state.you are not eligible for any assistanship in h4. you are expected to pay full 2500/4 credits money by urself. you can complete m.s in h4 itself, but it ll cost more
f1 status: you have to get i20 from univ, which is used to apply for f1 to be a full time student. you are eligible for graduate assistanship, teaching assistanship, research assistaship, or whatever assistanship the college is offering. in assistanship, they will pay your 5000/4 credits fee, you might have to pay a small amount every semester.
these are the major differences between studying in h4 and in f1.
the fee structure of each college will be given in their website, or you can call up the univ and ask. each criteria depends on each univ.
i applied for fall 2007 and got admitted to uic.i took two subjects each for 2500 in h4 as a non-degree student during spring 07 and summer 07 so that i will have 2 subjects less during my full time course.
if u ve any other questions i ll be glad to answer