10 Best Courses to study in USA in 2025

International students who wish to study abroad prefer to choose USA as a study destination since majority of the top universities in the world are located in the US. With an enrolment of over 1.1 million international students, the United States holds a prominent position in global education. The best courses to study in USA are engineering, math, science, and business management. These courses continue to be the most popular subjects of study over time. 

Selecting the best course to study in the USA can be complex. Individuals may choose the course considering various factors, also based on preferences. In this article, we'll explore the top ten best courses to study in USA that are currently trending among international students and offer high-paying job opportunities in the USA.

What are the top courses to study in USA for international students?

In order to help you choose the ideal course, we have given a list of the top programs for international students to study in the USA.

The top 10 courses to study in USA for international students are:

1. Business and Management
2. Engineering
3. Mathematics and Computer Sciences
4. Communication & Media Studies
5. Medicine
6. Physics
7. Data Science and Business Analytics
8. Social Science
9. Finance
10. Physical and Life Science

1. Business and Management

Business management stands out as the favoured choice for Indian students among various fields in the USA, with over 20% of international students opting for related courses. The nation boasts a significant representation of universities in the top-tier rankings for business schools, as recognized by the Financial Times and The Economist. Impressively, five US business schools hold positions within the FT's top 10 MBA programs. The names Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia alone stir excitement among international students aspiring to become future business leaders.

The USA, being the world's largest economy, significantly contributes to the wealth of job opportunities available to students. This extends beyond the US market, as an MBA degree earned from a prestigious US institution becomes one of the highest-paying job prospects both nationally and internationally. These graduates are among the top paid professionals in the USA. Check out the popular business management fields mentioned below:

• Human Resource
• Banking and Insurance
• Finance
• Marketing & Sales
• Organisational Management
• Digital Marketing
• International Business

The mid-career wages for MBA graduates from institutions like Stanford are $200,287, while those from Harvard are $177,895. 
Given below are the top business schools for MBA in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Stanford Graduate School of Business	6	USD 80,374 per year	INR 66,34,769 per year
2	Penn Wharton	11	USD 85,493 per year	INR 70,57,273 per year
3	MIT	1	USD 84,200 per year	INR 69,50,562 per year
4	Harvard Business School	4	USD 74,910 per year	INR 61,83,689 per year
5	Columbia Business School	34	USD 80,472 per year	INR 66,42,822 per year

2. Engineering

Fields like engineering, take the lead as the preferred disciplines for Indian students seeking education in the USA, offering not only the best courses but also the most financially rewarding careers. Engineering holds a significant position and is among the highest-paying professions in the country. When considering student enrolment figures, international engineering students come second only to those pursuing business-related courses.

Similar to business schools, the USA excels in engineering education, boasting the largest representation of engineering colleges within the top 10 rankings by QS. Notably, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) enjoys worldwide acclaim as the foremost destination for engineering studies, consistently holding the pinnacle of ranking lists.
Undoubtedly, engineering stands out as one of the highest-paying professions not just within the USA but globally as well. Specializations such as civil and mechanical engineering are particularly lucrative, offering some of the most substantial salaries in the field. Check out the popular engineering fields mentioned below:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Engineering Management

The mid-career wages for Engineering graduates from institutions like Stanford are $156,500, while those from MIT, are $167,200
Given below are the top engineering universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 58,009 per year	INR 47,88,609 per year
2	Stanford University	6	USD 56,898 per year	INR 46,96,894 per year
3	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 41,496 per year	INR 34,25,447 per year
4	Harvard University	4	USD 49,500 per year	INR 40,86,138 per year

3. Mathematics and Computer Sciences

Math and Computer Science, significant subsets of the STEM domain, notably draw a substantial number of international students, coming right after the business and engineering fields.

Consequently, the collective influence of STEM fields constitutes a notable 30% of the total international student population in the USA, solidifying their status as the preeminent courses and highest-paying career paths within the nation. Recognized institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard hold distinguished positions as top-tier destinations for both Mathematics and Computer Science studies.

Moreover, opting for education at US universities presents an added advantage: ample opportunities for engaging in research endeavours within the country, further enhancing the academic experience. Check out the popular Math and Computer Science fields mentioned below:

• Computer Engineering
• Cyber Security
• Database Administration
• Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Web Development
• Pure Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics
• Algebra and Number Theory

The mid-career wages for Computer Science majors from institutions like Stanford are $ 183,100, and from UCB is $181,100.

The mid-career wages for Mathematics majors from institutions like Harvard are $205,600, and from MIT is $ 158,900.

Given below are the top Computer Science universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 82,730 per year	INR 68,43,752 per year
2	Stanford University	6	USD 56,364 per year	INR 46,62,652 per year
3	Harvard University	4	USD 54,269 per year	INR 44,89,346 per year
4	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 29,730 per year	INR 24,59,411 per year
5	Columbia Business School	34	USD 80,472 per year	INR 66,42,822 per year

Given below are the top Mathematics universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 59,750 per year	INR 49,42,756 per year
2	Stanford University	6	USD 52,659 per year	INR 43,56,160 per year
3	Harvard University	4	USD 54,269 per year	INR 44,89,346 per year
4	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 29,578 per year	INR 24,46,808 per year
5	Princeton University	22	USD 57,410 per year	INR 47,49,181 per year

4.       Communication & Media Studies

Communication & Media Studies stands out as one of the top 10 most popular majors in USA. This field offers a captivating exploration of how individuals engage with media and the profound effects these interactions have on audiences.

In this discipline, you'll delve into the domain of information technology and its far-reaching societal impacts. Moreover, you'll gain insights into the influential domain of propaganda and advertising, understanding how they impact the choices people make. In the exciting media field, various job possibilities like reporting, producing, and editing are ready for you to explore. Check out the popular Communication & Media Studies fields mentioned below:

• Contemporary visual narratives
• Ethics and journalism
• Information governance, security and legislation
• Introduction to digital storytelling
• Media entrepreneurship
• Print and digital production and design
• Records, society and accountability
• Understanding the media landscape

The mid-career wages for Communication & Media Studies majors from institutions like Stanford are $ 143,600, and from UCB is $ 148,300.
Given below are the top Communication & Media Studies universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Northwestern University	50	USD 61,498 per year	INR 50,87,357 per year
2	University of Pennsylvania	11	USD 54,700 per year	INR 45,25,000 per year
3	Johns Hopkins University	32	USD 45,100 per year	INR 37,30,850 per year
4	Cornell University	16	USD 61,015 per year	INR 50,47,401 per year

5.       Medicine

With high-paying jobs and excellent benefits available after graduation, medicine is one of the most popular majors among overseas students. You can choose from several top medical schools that will give you the knowledge and abilities need to succeed in this industry both domestically and internationally. Check out the popular Medicine fields mentioned below:

• Medicine and health studies
• Anatomy, physiology, and pathology
• Pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacy
• Complementary medicines
• Nutrition
• Dietetics
• Optometry
• Medical technology

The Average Income of US Doctors are $ 337,000.
Given below are the top Medicine universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Harvard University	4	USD 65,203 per year	INR 53,93,849 per year
2	Stanford University	6	USD 61,821 per year	INR 51,14,156 per year
3	Johns Hopkins University	32	USD 62,850 per year	INR 51,99,200 per year
4	Duke University	61	USD 63,000 per year	INR 52,11,608 per year
5	Columbia University	34	USD 87,618 per year	INR 72,48,186 per year

6.        Physics

The study of matter's behaviour at smaller scales of existence is the focus of physics. It contains everything, from atoms and molecules to stars and galaxies. This course is for you if you want to learn why things happen the way they do. By examining things from several angles, physics aids in our understanding of the world.

People who want to pursue a college degree in physics have a wide range of options and professional routes at their disposal. These careers can span numerous industries and work situations and require varied talents in addition to a general knowledge of physics. Check out the popular Physics fields mentioned below:

• Mathematical techniques
• Quantum
• Newtonian and relativistic mechanics
• Plasma and fluids
• Special and general relativity

The average salary earned by MS in Physics graduates is 152,430 USD per year.

Given below are the top Physics universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Stanford University	6	USD 61,996 per year	INR 51,28,612 per year
2	Columbia University	34	USD 58,440 per year	INR 48,59,286 per year
3	New York University	43	USD 50,307 per year	INR 41,61,663 per year
4	University of California Los Angeles	42	USD 11,760 per year	INR 9,72,855per year
5	Georgia Institute of Technology	114	USD 65,203 per year	INR 53,93,849 per year

7.        Data Science and Business Analytics

Businesses now need business analysts and data scientists more than ever before. Data Science & company Analytics is quickly approaching the top spot as the most well-known course in the US because every company decision is now supported by data and forecasting is examined across all data points.

Data scientists and business analysts are not only in high demand on the job market, but they are also given one of the best compensation packages.

The average salary earned by business analysts and data scientists ranges from USD 70,000 to USD 89,000.
Given below are top business analysts and data scientist’s universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 86,300 per year	INR 71,39,076 per year
2	Stanford University	6	USD 74,540 per year	INR 61,66,243 per year
3	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 66,700 per year	INR 55,17,687 per year
4	University of Pennsylvania	11	USD 44,990 per year	INR 37,22,180 per year
5	Carnegie Mellon University	58	USD 59,244 per year	INR 49,01,463 per year

8.       Social Science

Social Sciences emerge as prominent choices among international students seeking education in the USA. Disciplines like Economics ranking among the premier courses, leading to highly rewarding careers within the nation. This academic domain encompasses a wide array of subjects, ranging from anthropology and journalism to international relations and economics.

In addition to engineering and MBA programs, students frequently gravitate toward social sciences due to the expansive research prospects available in the USA. Unlike many other countries, this sector also presents readily accessible job opportunities, often offering some of the most lucrative employment positions in the USA. Kent D Thomas, Assistant Vice President of International Programs at Missouri State University, emphasizes the attractiveness of social sciences for these reasons.

Check out the popular Social Sciences fields mentioned below:

• Economics
• Political science
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• History
• Psychology

The mid-career wages for Social Science fields from institutions like Harvard are $ 159,600, and from MIT is $ 166,800.

Given below are top economics universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 53,450 per year	INR 44,22,105 per year
2	Stanford University	6	USD 55,473 per year	INR 45,89,475 per year
3	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 39,516 per year	INR 32,69,296 per year
4	Harvard University	4	USD 54,269 per year	INR 44,89,864 per year
5	Princeton University	22	USD 66,070 per year	INR 54,66,202 per year

9.        Finance

For those seeking top-notch postgraduate programs in the USA, pursuing an MS in Finance is an excellent choice. Numerous US universities provide a STEM-designated MS in Finance course, equipping graduates with skills essential for roles in corporate finance, investment banking, and investment management.

International students find this course particularly appealing due to its distinctive STEM classification. Moreover, the prime epicenters of the stock exchange and investment banking, notably New York City, offer an ideal setting for MS in Finance graduates, with iconic institutions like the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.
 
The average salary earned by Finance Majors ranges from $19,509 to $515,794. 

Given below are the top finance universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 87,600 per year	INR 72,47,454 per year
2	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 62,976 per year	INR 52,10,224 per year
3	Columbia University	34	USD 54,144 per year	INR 44,79,522 per year
4	University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	42	USD 22,890 per year	INR 18,93,798 per year
5	University Of Southern California	125	USD 56,730 per year	INR 46,92,691 per year

10. Physical and Life Science

Biology and Medicine stand out as prime choices among international students for top physical and life sciences courses in the USA. Biotechnology has become even more popular after the outbreak of covid. Notably, an increasing number of students are transitioning from conventional disciplines to enroll in integrated programs within these courses.

Given below are the top physical and life sciences universities in USA with the QS rankings 2025:

S.No.	University	QS Ranking	Fees	Fees in INR
1	Harvard University	4	USD 52,456 per year	INR 43,39,868 per year
2	Johns Hopkins University	32	USD 26,050 per year	INR 21,55,207 per year
3	Stanford University	6	USD 57,693 per year	INR 47,73,143 per year
4	University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)	42	USD 43,522 per year	INR 36,00,727 per year
5	Yale University	23	USD 59,950 per year	INR 49,59,873 per year

Related Resources

• Intakes in USA
• Cheapest Universities in USA
• Student life in USA

FAQ

1.     Which course is best in USA for Indian students?

The best courses to study in the USA for Indian students are math and computer science, which are among the STEM fields that attract the most international students after business and engineering and produce the highest-paying jobs in the country.

2.     Which US course offers more jobs?

International students pursuing different courses in the USA have a range of job opportunities available to them. Particularly, fields such as Medicine, Business Management, Computer Engineering, and IT are highly favoured. The healthcare sector is projected to experience a 15% growth in employment between 2019 and 2029, making it a promising option for those completing their studies in the US. Additionally, careers in IT and management are also expected to see a notable rise of 10%-15%.

3.     What is the hardest degree in US?

The top 3 hardest college majors in US are:

• Architecture
• Biology
• Chemistry

4.     How much money is required to study in USA?

For international students, the cost of studying in USA covering tuition and living costs typically falls within the range of $25,000 to $45,000 (INR 20,67,093 – INR 37,20,768), an estimated annual expenditure. However, it's important to note that even with the relatively high average tuition fees, pursuing education at prestigious American universities remains financially affordable.

5.     Which stream is highly paid in US?

If you are looking for high-paying streams in US then the medical industry is at the top of the list. The majority of the BLS's top 20 highest-paying professions are in the healthcare sector.