Best Courses to Study in USA for International Students

Best courses to study in USA help international students access high-demand careers, better salaries, and visa-aligned job roles. In 2023–2024, over 331,000 Indian students enrolled in USA universities—a 23% increase from the previous year—driven by the rise in STEM courses, management programs, and job-oriented degrees.

Most students choose programs with a clear return on investment and post-study work access. This article covers the top degrees to study in USA, including the best UG and PG courses in USA, in-demand programs in USA 2025, and high-paying degrees with OPT and H-1B potential.

Explore In-Demand Tech & Science Programs
 MPS in Applied Machine Intelligence – IIITB + NU, USA
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Browse Other High-Value Graduate Programs
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 Master’s Programs in USA – Full List

Explore Top U.S. Universities
 Harvard University – Programs & Rankings
 Cornell University – Admissions Info

Highlights – Best Courses to Study in USA

Want to Know How USA Education Works?

Education System in USA – Explained

Public Universities in the USA

Explore All US Universities

Types of Courses to Study in USA for International Students

Undergraduate options like bachelor degrees in demand in USA offer flexibility through general education and majors. Postgraduate degrees such as MS or MBA provide research or career-based tracks. Associate, diploma, and professional programs serve different goals—entry, upskilling, or licensure.

Program Types – Top Degrees to Study in USA

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Top Course Specializations to Study in USA for International Students

The best courses to study in USA span across computer science, engineering, management, and healthcare—all backed by globally ranked universities. These programs offer job outcomes, CPT/OPT opportunities, and access to industry connections through research, internships, or co-op tracks.

Best Courses to Study in USA: Computer Science

Computer Science is the most in-demand program in USA 2025. It covers systems design, AI, cybersecurity, and backend development. Most MS CS programs are STEM-certified and offer 3-year OPT. You’ll need a good undergrad GPA, coding background, and competitive SOP.

Top recruiters include Google, Amazon, Meta, and fintech firms. Starting salaries average $100,000+ (₹83 lakh). Most programs waive GRE for 2025.

Best Courses to Study in USA: Engineering

Engineering degrees in the US are structured for career mobility. You can specialize in civil, mechanical, electrical, or robotics. These are job-oriented courses in USA with lab-based curriculums and CPT pathways.

Many programs allow research assistantships. Entry-level engineering roles in the US start at $75,000–$90,000 (₹62–₹75 lakh).

Best Courses to Study in USA: Business & Management

MBA and MS Management programs are structured around leadership, analytics, and global markets. The US offers 1–2 year options with good placement networks. These are among the top degrees to study in USA for students with prior work experience.

Recruiters include BCG, McKinsey, and Big 4 firms. Starting salaries often exceed $100,000 (₹83 lakh), especially in consulting and finance.

Best Courses to Study in USA: Data Science

Data Science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the US job market. MS in Data Science blends statistics, machine learning, and big data tools. These programs often fall under STEM, giving students up to 3 years of OPT.

You’ll need coding skills (Python/R), a stats/math background, and ideally project experience. Starting salaries are around $95,000–$120,000 (₹79–₹99 lakh) for roles like data analyst, ML engineer, or data consultant.

Visa and Admission Requirements
 Student Visa for USA – Full Process
 USA Study Visa Requirements
 Spring Intake in the USA – When & How to Apply

Best Courses to Study in USA: Health & Medicine

Health and medical courses in the US include Public Health (MPH), Nursing (BSN/MSN), and Clinical Research. These are among the top healthcare programs in USA for international students looking at long-term careers or further licensure in USA.

Many of these programs are CPT/OPT eligible and include hospital-based training. NCLEX or USMLE may be required post-study, depending on your path. Public health and clinical roles start at $65,000–$80,000 (₹54–₹66 lakh).

Best Courses to Study in USA: Psychology

Master’s in Psychology abroad is ideal for careers in counseling, research, or mental health services. Specializations include clinical, cognitive, behavioral, and organizational psychology. These are high-impact programs for students from BA/BSc backgrounds.

GRE is optional at many schools. Clinical placements or thesis work are often required. Starting salaries range from $60,000 to $75,000 (₹50–₹62 lakh), higher if licensed in USA.

Best Courses to Study in USA: Law

Law degrees in the US—primarily the JD (Juris Doctor) or LLM (Master of Laws)—are intensive and require academic and language credentials. LLM is ideal for international students looking to specialize or qualify for the US Bar in select states.

Most LLM programs are 1 year long. Law graduates can work in legal consulting, compliance, or international arbitration, with starting salaries around $90,000–$110,000 (₹75–₹91 lakh).

Best Courses to Study in USA: Arts & Design

For creative students, USA offers top-ranked degrees in graphic design, visual arts, fashion, and interaction design. These are some of the most popular courses in USA for Indian students looking to blend creativity with tech.

Roles include UX/UI designer, art director, or creative strategist. Starting salaries: $55,000–$70,000 (₹45–₹58 lakh).

Best Courses to Study in USA: Economics

Economics remains a high-paying degree in USA and opens doors in finance, policy, and analytics. You can pursue it as a BA, BS, or MS—each with different math and research expectations.

Many top programs value research internships and quant skills. Graduates work in economic consulting, think tanks, or financial services. Starting pay ranges from $75,000 to $95,000 (₹62–₹79 lakh).

Understand Cost Before You Decide

Master’s in USA – Cost Guide

Cost of Living in the USA

Intake Cycles for Best Courses to Study in USA

USA universities offer multiple admission cycles, but most top degrees to study in USA have Fall intake as the primary window. Application timelines vary by level and course. Fall intakes provide better scholarship availability and wider program choices. Spring is a secondary option with fewer seats and limited course offerings.

Major Intakes for Best UG and PG Courses in USA

For job-oriented courses in USA, applying in the Fall ensures access to full course lists, on-campus jobs, and structured internships. Plan 10–12 months ahead for competitive STEM courses, management programs, and best IT courses in USA.

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Eligibility for Best Courses in USA

Eligibility depends on the level (UG/PG) and the type of program. Most bachelor degrees in demand in USA require 10+2 with a relevant background and test scores like SAT or ACT. For the best master’s programs in USA, a 4-year UG degree, English proficiency, and in some cases GRE/GMAT are expected. Creative or research-heavy fields may also need portfolios or prior experience.

Entry Criteria – Best UG and PG Courses in USA

Top universities for international students in USA also look at extracurriculars, clarity of goals in SOPs, and consistency in academics. For most high-paying degrees in USA, competitive test scores improve scholarship and visa chances.

Exam Requirements and Prep

What Exams Are Required to Study in USA?

5.5 IELTS Score Accepting Universities in USA

GRE – Section-wise Breakdown

GMAT Preparation Guide

SAT Overview & Strategy

Application Process for US Courses

To get into the best courses to study in USA, you must apply through the university’s official portal or the Common App (UG only). Most top-ranked universities don’t accept incomplete or generic applications. You need academic records, a clear SOP, well-written LORs, and a resume with relevant activities or internships. For courses like MS in Computer Science, MBA, or Public Health, you may also need GRE/GMAT scores and interviews.

Step-by-Step Application Process for US Courses

Start applications 10–12 months in advance. Deadlines differ by intake and course type. UG usually closes by Jan; PG varies from Nov to Mar.

Scholarships for Best Courses in USA

Scholarships are available, but they’re competitive. USA universities offer merit-based awards, program-specific aid, and fee waivers. For Indian students applying to job-oriented courses in USA—especially in STEM, business, or healthcare—you can also access Indian government grants. Most PG scholarships are linked to your admission, so early applications with high academic and test scores matter.

Scholarship Options for Indian Students in USA

Most top universities for international students in USA have internal deadlines for scholarships that close 1–3 months before final admissions. Check course-specific criteria and apply early.

Scholarships & Funding Help
 Scholarships for MS in USA
 Fully Funded Scholarships – USA

Career Scope After Studying in USA

The best courses to study in USA are structured to help international students enter high-growth industries like tech, healthcare, and business. With CPT and OPT opportunities, students can gain work experience that often leads to H-1B visa sponsorship. Demand remains high for STEM courses, high-paying degrees in USA, and in-demand programs in USA 2025 across CS, data science, and health.

Job Roles and Starting Salaries by Degree Type (2025)

STEM graduates receive a 3-year OPT period, which improves job search timelines and visa conversion prospects.

Career Services at Top Universities in USA

USA universities they help students build careers. Students from top degrees to study in USA often secure roles within 3–6 months after graduation, especially if they leverage internships and campus networks early.

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