Top courses to study in the USA for international students 2025-26
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Every year, thousands of international students pack their bags and head to the US for one simple reason: with top courses in the USA, career opportunities, and cultural experiences in the world. You will find programs that not only prepare you for top-paying jobs but also give you global recognition. On top of that, with scholarships, STEM advantages, and practical exposure through internships, it’s easy to see why the US stays at the top of every student’s list. And yes, finding the right student accommodation near universities makes the whole journey smoother and more exciting.
Why Should International Students Choose to Study in the USA?
The US has always been a favorite for students. And it’s not hard to see why. It has famous universities, amazing career options, research facilities, and cultural diversity. Add in scholarships, alumni support, and the STEM advantage, and you’ve got plenty of reasons students keep heading there. Here is the deep dive about the same:
- Top Universities: Places like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard are known worldwide. Having their name on your CV? They all speak for themselves.
- STEM Advantage: There are many programs that are STEM-designated. This means you can stay longer in the US for work under OPT. That’s a big win.
- Industry Connections: You will find various tech jobs in Silicon Valley. Plus, there are many options in finance and healthcare as well. For that, you will have cities like Boston and New York. Does not matter the place, you will find the right hub for your field.
- Research Opportunities: Labs, funding, and projects are available at most of the top universities. This will give you early exposure to real work.
- Scholarships and Aid: Many universities offer financial support. They either do this through merit scholarships or part-time assistantships.
What Are the Top Courses to Study in the USA for International Students?
The top courses to study in the USA are Computer Science, Data Science & AI, Engineering, Business & Management, Health & Medicine, and Media & Communication. They’re popular because they connect you directly to strong job markets. Plus, you will have global recognition, and in many cases, immigration benefits like STEM OPT. Here’s why each one stays at the top:
- Computer Science & IT: Always in demand. From software development to cybersecurity and AI, tech companies keep hiring. It’s also one of the highest-paying fields.
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Data runs everything today. These programs train you for jobs like a data analyst or an ML engineer. Here, the growth curve is steep, and salaries are solid.
- Engineering degrees like electrical, mechanical, etc.: Engineering degrees are practical and respected worldwide. Many unis here also link students with industries like aviation, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
- Business Management, like MBA/Finance/Analytics: The US is home to top business schools. These courses build leadership skills and connect you to companies like Amazon or Goldman Sachs.
- Health & Medicine courses like Public Health, Nursing, etc.: Healthcare workers are required at every place. Studying in the US gives students access to world-class hospitals and research labs.
Computer Science & Information Technology
Tech runs the world right now. From the apps on your phone to the AI tools shaping industries, Computer Science is behind it all. No wonder it’s the go-to choice for thousands of international students heading to the USA every year. The course comes with solid salaries, top-ranked universities, and great work opportunities under OPT. The following are the key highlights for Computer Science & IT courses in the USA:
| Category | Details |
| Average Salary | $85,000–$120,000 per year (varies by role and location) |
| Eligibility Criteria for doing Computer Science in the USA | Strong background in Math & Science; TOEFL/IELTS; SAT/ACT or GRE (some universities); SOPs, LORs, and prior coding knowledge preferred |
| Top Universities | MIT, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, UC Berkeley |
| Common Job Roles | Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, IT Consultant |
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
If there’s one field that feels like the future, it’s this one. From predicting what you’ll watch on Netflix to helping doctors analyze medical scans, Data Science and AI are everywhere. That’s exactly why students are coming to the US for these programs. They’re exciting, future-proof, and come with strong salaries and extended work options under STEM OPT. The following are the key highlights for Data Science and AI courses:
| Category | Details |
| Average Salary | $90,000–$130,000 per year on average |
| Eligibility Criteria for Data Science and AI in the USA | Strong foundation in Math, Statistics, or Computer Science; TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo; GRE (sometimes required); SOPs, LORs, prior coding or project experience |
| Top Universities | Carnegie Mellon University, UC Berkeley, MIT, New York University |
| Common Job Roles | Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Researcher |
Engineering
Engineering has always been one of the safest bets for international students in the US. Whether it’s designing chips in Silicon Valley or working on planes in Seattle, engineering connects directly with industries that never stop growing. On top of that, salaries are strong, and the courses are STEM based. US universities also give you access to some of the best labs and internships in the world. The following are the various reasons why Engineering is considered one of the top courses to study in the USA for international students:
| Category | Details |
| Average Salary | $80,000–$115,000 per year (varies by engineering field) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Strong background in Math & Physics; TOEFL/IELTS required; GRE (for Master’s in some universities); SOPs, LORs, project portfolio, or work experience add value |
| Top Engineering Universities in the USA | Stanford, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, Purdue University |
| Common Job Roles | Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Civil Project Manager, Aerospace Design Engineer |
Business & Management
If you want to go for leadership roles or dream of building your own startup, Business and Management courses in the USA are hard to beat. The US has some of the most prestigious MBA programs and specialized master’s courses. These combine classroom learning with practical projects, internships, and networking opportunities. Following are the key highlights of doing a Business Management course in the USA:
| Category | Details |
| Average Salary | $100,000–$140,000 per year (varies by industry and location) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Good academic record + Bachelor’s degree (any discipline); GMAT/GRE (many schools test-optional); TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo; work experience preferred; strong SOPs & LORs |
| Best schools to study Business and Management | Harvard Business School, Wharton (University of Pennsylvania), Stanford GSB, Chicago Booth, MIT Sloan |
| Common Job Roles | Management Consultant, Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Marketing Manager, Business Analyst |
Health & Medicine
Healthcare in the US is massive, and there’s always a need for skilled professionals. That’s why international students see Health and Medicine programs as a smart choice. From hospitals to biotech labs, these courses open doors to jobs that are both stable and respected. Many of them are also STEM-designated, which gives students extra time to work in the US under OPT after graduation. Following are the key highlights of doing a Health and Medicine course in the USA:
| Category | Details |
| Average Salary | Public Health Specialists: $60,000–$90,000; Registered Nurses: $75,000–$85,000; Biomedical Scientists & Healthcare Managers: $95,000+ |
| Eligibility Criteria | Strong background in Biology, Chemistry, or related sciences; TOEFL/IELTS required; GRE (for some research tracks); SOPs, LORs, prior training/clinical experience (for certain programs) |
| Top schools for Health and Medicine courses | Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Emory University, University of Pennsylvania, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine |
| Common Job Roles | Public Health Officer, Registered Nurse, Biomedical Scientist, Epidemiologist |
Conclusion
At the end of the day, choosing the top course to study in the USA for higher education is about more than just getting a degree. It’s about opening doors to top careers, building global networks, and living in cities. Just remember, your student life isn’t only about lectures and internships, it’s also about finding a comfortable place to live. That’s where University Living comes in.
With verified options for student accommodation near top US universities, you can book your housing stress-free. Ready to take the next step? Start your USA study journey the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which courses are the best to study in the USA for international students?
The most popular courses to study in the USA include Computer Science, Data Science & AI, Engineering, Business & Management and Health & Medicine.
Why is the USA such a popular destination for higher education?
USA has got many top unis like MIT, Standford and Harvard. Plus it offers excellent career opportunities and research exposure.
What are the some of the highest-paying courses in the USA for international students?
Computer science graduates can earn around $85,000–$120,000/-year. On the other hand an MBA graduate can earn anywhere between $100,000–$140,000/-year.
Which US universities are best for international students in 2025–26?
Some of the top unis in the US include MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard and many others.
What is the average cost of studying in the USA for international students?
Tuition fees for studying in the USA usually is between $25,000–$60,000/- year. On top of that, you will also need to budget for student accommodation, food, travel, and other living expenses.
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