Best Courses to Study in USA Universities in 2024
America is the land of opportunity for thousands of international students every year. From Hollywood to Times Square, there is much to see and explore across this massive country. More importantly for students, the USA is home to hundreds of the best education providers in the world. You can choose from the best courses to study in USA universities across over 4000 institutions.
The top quality of US universities extends far beyond the Ivy League. The US is home to 27 of the top 100 universities in the world. In fact, it is the country with the highest number of world-ranking universities compared to other destinations! With the huge range of choices ahead of you, what are the programs that can uplift your academic and professional career in the USA?
Why Study in the USA?
Studying in the USA is one of the most popular options for international students around the world. This is evident in the more than 1 million students enrolling in America in 2023 alone. More than 250,000 of these were Indian students, setting a record high last year. Indian students represent the largest international student group in the USA, second only to China.
So, what makes the USA such a paragon for higher education excellence and appeal? The reasons range from the presence of top-class universities to excellent future prospects. In many cases, it is also possible to secure funding through scholarships. All this sweetens the deal for students pursuing the best courses to study in USA universities.
Top Universities
The Ivy League universities have a reputation that precedes them. Their names are synonymous with the best universities in the world. However, the quality of US education extends far beyond the prestigious and exclusive Ivy League universities. In fact, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), QS World University Rankings’ #1 university, is not an Ivy League institution. And you will quickly discover that many of the best courses to study in the USA are from exceptional universities occupying hundreds of spots in the world rankings.
| University | QS World Ranking |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | #102 |
| University of Southern California | #116 |
| Michigan State University | #136 |
| Dartmouth College | =237 |
| University of Arizona | =285 |
With over 190 universities in the QS World University Rankings and tens of thousands of programs across them, there is no shortage of choices for the best courses to study in USA universities.
Great Flexibility in Program Choice and Access
The USA offers a multitude of flexible options for students to tailor their higher education journey to suit their needs. For example, students don’t have to commit to a major right away. They can take a variety of different classes in their first year of bachelor’s, before declaring their major in their second year after getting personal insight into what they prefer their degree to be.
If budget is a concern, the USA also offers many opportunities to manage the costs of your education. State-owned (public) universities often charge much lower fees in comparison to private universities. Many also offer attractive scholarships to international students.
The US community college system also creates an interesting possibility to explore. Students have the option to complete a shorter, two-year associate bachelor’s degree at a community college. They can then transfer these credits to a full-time four-year university and graduate from there! Community college is more affordable than many university degrees. You get to graduate with a degree from your target university while also managing your costs.
Global Hub of Education and Research
The USA is an international center of education. The most brilliant minds in the world gather in the country. For you, this means opportunities to experience the best education and take part in the best research.
Some of the foremost innovations and inventions of the world are from US universities. The Hepatitis B vaccine, for example, was the product of a collaboration between the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the University of Pennsylvania. The University of Cincinnati records among its history of inventions the first antihistamine, oral polio vaccine, and heart-lung machine. In 2023 alone, the Regents of the University of California collectively were granted 546 patents! You not only get to learn from the foremost advancements in your field – you also get the chance to be part of them.
The USA is also home to incredible professors, several of them leading scholars, inventors, professionals, and experts in their fields. Over 400 Nobel Prize winners were Americans, studying and doing their research in the USA. Under their guidance and mentorship, you can expand your horizons and access diverse opportunities in your area of expertise.
Availability of Scholarships
The cost of tuition for universities in the US can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually. This varies depending on your choice of university and programs. Fortunately, you can avail of a number of scholarships to make the financial aspect of studying in the USA more manageable. From the US Fullbright scholarships to thousands of university-funded waivers, there are plenty of options to explore and consider.
Variety of Course Options
With more than 4,000 universities, it is no surprise that you can access programs from practically any discipline in the USA. The best part is the incredible quality of education across the best courses to study in USA universities.
The most popular US programs among Indian students are in the fields of math, computer science, engineering, and business and management. You don’t have to limit yourself to these fields, though! From filmmaking to the fine arts, you will find courses that are sure to pique your interest.
If that’s not enough, these courses develop in alignment with relevant industries. The US has the largest and most diverse economy in the world. You’ll be graduating with job-ready skills with the most up-to-date competencies in your field.
Best Courses in the USA for Popular Disciplines
From the large selection of options, it can be a big task to find the perfect course for you. Some programs are consistently popular among domestic and international students. And some are quickly gaining in popularity as new fields and sub-disciplines develop and grow. Below are some of the best courses to consider to study in the USA – taking into account growth prospects and career outcomes.
Applied and Pure Sciences
Applied and pure sciences are courses that pique the interest of every young scientist. Applied sciences refer to the application of scientific knowledge to practical use. For example, engineering and technology are examples of applied science. Pure science refers more to the theoretical aspects of science, more geared towards research and theory-building than experimentation.
Both fields are incredibly popular among international students, and align with huge growth sectors. Sciences, both the theoretical and practical elements of them, are core to our everyday lives. From medical developments to technological innovations that power everything from smartphones to satellites, these are necessary disciplines that keep the world turning.
University recommendations for pure sciences include:
| University | Course Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Biology | #56 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Chemistry | #38 |
| Pennsylvania State University | Geography | #41 |
University recommendations for applied sciences include:
| University | Course Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject |
| University of Pennsylvania | Chemical Engineering | #33 |
| Brown University | Computer Science & Information Technology | #106 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering | #72 |
Architecture
Architecture is the dream of many young students. The field is ideal for those with an affinity for both creative and scientific concepts, bringing together design and engineering. An accredited Architecture degree from the USA opens up opportunities not just in North America but worldwide. While incredibly technical and rigorous, architects contribute to developing and designing buildings and other man-made structures.
Some of the best universities for architecture include:
| University | Course Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject |
| University of Pennsylvania | Architecture & Built Environments | #40 |
| Princeton University | Architecture & Built Environments | #42 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Architecture & Built Environments | #49 |
Business and Management
Business degrees are the most popular anywhere in the world. BBA and MBA degrees are available in most universities and have global demand. Degrees from US universities ensures you a head start in the corporate ladder. This is especially the case with some of the world’s best business schools calling the USA their home. The best courses to study in USA universities for business also align closely with the country’s thriving industrial sectors and business trends.
Some of the best business schools include:
| University | Course Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject |
| New York University (NYU) | Marketing | #19 |
| University of Texas at Austin | Accounting & Finance | #12 |
| Boston University | Business & Management Studies | #14 |
Health and Medicine
The USA is home to some of the best medical schools in the world. These schools offer cutting-edge facilities and industry-leading research-informed curricula. As a result, graduates of the best courses to study in USA universities in the field enjoy high salaries, job security, and the self-actualization of knowing they are making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Some great suggestions for health and medicine courses include:
| University | Course Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject |
| Emory University | Medicine | #50 |
| University of Florida | Anatomy and Physiology | #32 |
| University of Iowa | Dentistry | #39 |
Humanities
Humanities is a relatively broad field encompassing a large variety of popular subjects. Your research and writing skills are transferrable to a variety of fields, making graduates of humanities a valuable asset to any profession. The study of human nature, history, and culture expands your horizons and broadens your perspective of the world and its people. Programs in humanities can also develop your communication skills, media proficiency, creative and critical thinking, and more!
Some of the best humanities courses are taught at:
| University | Course Name | QS World University Ranking by Subject |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Philosophy | #40 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | English Language & Literature | #54 |
| Princeton University | History | #10 |
Rounding Up
For both undergraduate and postgraduate students, choosing the right programs will determine your career prospects and outcomes. Thankfully, the best courses to study in USA universities offer you endless possibilities. It is because of the vast variety of options available – we’ve barely made a dent in the list in this article – that it is important to make an informed decision. Research your program, professor, university, graduate outcomes, and more, before making your decision!
