You ask Alexa about studying abroad, chances are she will tell you about a blog from Yocket. 😉 But - how did this happen? You talking to a device and it giving you answers? This is just one of the MANY technological advancements! But what lies at the bottom of all these technological advancements? STEM.
With STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), there are a variety of specialisations that come under these 4 broad subject areas and can be chosen according to your interests. STEM programs in the USA are one of the most desired among international aspirants for several reasons - making it a hard nut to crack when it comes to getting into top universities.
Well, not for our Premium Yocketers! With a dedicated counsellor supporting and guiding you throughout your study abroad journey, you get counselling curated JUST FOR YOU. And where does this take you? Ivy Leagues Schools, Carnegie Melon, Cornell, and more! If your dream is to pursue STEM from the best universities in the US then Yocket Premium takes you there. 🏛️
Become a Premium Yocketer pursue your dream to study STEM from the US! 🚀
There is so much to consider for STEM education USA, right? As long as you are here, you do not have to worry about finding out about all of it on your own. Let’s take you through the details on STEM degrees in the USA including the best STEM courses in the USA, top universities for pursuing STEM in the USA, eligibility criteria, placements, and answers to your most commonly asked questions regarding STEM programs in the USA.
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Table of Contents: |
Why Study STEM Courses in USA?
Epicenter of technological evolution, top infrastructure supporting research, world-class education, lucrative jobs, and a lot more reasons for studying STEM programs in the USA. Let’s go through them all!
Top universities
Talking about the rankings of top universities in the USA, institutions perform extremely well both in world rankings and subject rankings. Among these, Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley, etc. occupy one of the top 10 positions in all categories of QS rankings.
Scope of STEM Courses
There is abundant scope both in terms of jobs and research after pursuing STEM courses. Universities in the US also have a dedicated career team that is very useful to help you land a high-paying job.
World-Class Education
The US fulfils its promise to provide unmatched quality of education with state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and global opportunities. Education from the US is recognized and valued by institutions and employers around the world which is why international students are drawn towards studying in the US.
Silicon Valley
The US is home to the largest hub for IT i.e. Silicon Valley in California which is a major added advantage for aspiring IT professionals. This is what gives the US access to highly developed infrastructure, resources and skilled labour.
Diverse Student Body
One of the most well-known features of universities in the US is the diversity in the student body. The student population represents the culture of different countries and you will find it easy to adjust to the social environment, make new friends and gain the experience of a lifetime.
List of STEM Courses in USA
Some of the most sought-after specializations for STEM degrees in the USA are in Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Take a look at the top STEM courses in USA list discussed below:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics and Statistics
Top STEM Colleges & Universities in USA
Top 5 STEM accredited universities in the USA, you ask? Here’s what they look like ⬇️
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ranked #1 university worldwide, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the most coveted institution worldwide. Home to personalities like Buzz Aldrin and Richard Feynman, the university is naturally most well-known for its programs in Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
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University Type |
Private |
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QS World Ranking 2024 |
#1 |
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Acceptance Rate |
4% |
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Admission Requirements |
Average GPA of 4.17 and SAT score of 1530-1570 and ACT score of 34-36 |
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Average Annual Program Fees (per year) |
USD $40,000 - USD $60,000 |
Harvard University
Undoubtedly the most-sought-after university in the US, Harvard is a leader in STEM programs related to Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
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University Type |
Private |
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QS World Ranking 2024 |
#4 |
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Acceptance Rate |
4% |
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Admission Requirements |
Average GPA of 4.0 and SAT score 1520-1580 or ACT composite score of 35 |
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Average Annual Program Fees (per year) |
USD $25,000 - USD $55,000 |
Suggested: How to Get into Harvard University?
Stanford University
Right after Harvard, if there is any university one would know about in the US, more often than not it will be Stanford. The university is highly sought-after for its programs in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences.
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University Type |
Private |
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QS World Ranking 2024 |
#5 |
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Acceptance Rate |
3.9% |
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Admission Requirements |
Average GPA of 3.95 and SAT score of 1450-1570 or ACT composite score of 32-35 |
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Average Annual Program Fees (per year) |
USD $30,000 - USD $55,000 |
University of California Berkeley
UCB is a public university, offering rigorous programs in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. The university ranks in the top 10 in all categories. It has a relatively higher acceptance rate than other universities on this list.
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University Type |
Public |
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QS World Ranking 2024 |
#10 |
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Acceptance Rate |
14.4% |
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Admission Requirements |
Average GPA of 3.9-4.0; average SAT score of 1450-1530 |
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Average Annual Program Fees (per year) |
USD $35,000 - USD $50,000 |
California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology in Pasadena is one of the most prestigious institutions in the field of STEM. The university has 46 alumni and professors Nobel laureates, bringing home 47 Nobel prizes to the university to date.
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University Type |
Private |
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QS World Ranking 2024 |
#15 |
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Acceptance Rate |
4% |
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Admission Requirements |
Average GPA of 4.0 and SAT score of 1545 or ACT composite score of 36 |
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Average Annual Program Fees (per year) |
USD $20,000 - USD $60,000 |
Looking for a specific course you wish to pursue and want to see the best universities for that subject? You get that too!
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Course |
Universities |
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Chemical Engineering |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) California Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #15) Princeton University (QS World Ranking #17) |
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Civil Engineering |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) University of Texas at Austin (QS World Ranking #58) University of Illinois at Urbana (QS World Ranking #64) |
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Biological Sciences |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Harvard University (QS World Ranking #4) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) University of California San Diego (QS World Ranking #62) |
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Computer Science |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Harvard University (QS World Ranking #4) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) Carnegie Mellon University (QS World Ranking #52) |
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Chemistry |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Harvard University (QS World Ranking #4) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) California Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #15) |
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Physics |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Harvard University (QS World Ranking #4) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) California Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #15) |
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Mathematics and Statistics |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (QS World Ranking #1) Harvard University (QS World Ranking #4) Stanford University (QS World Ranking #5) University of California Berkeley (QS World Ranking #10) Princeton University (QS World Ranking #17) |
Still can’t find the university that suits your aspirations? It is a task to find the perfect list of universities for you. But not here! With Yocket’s College Finder, you get a list of universities that match your profile the best!
Yes! Starting your study abroad journey just became easier. Start your journey with Yocket’s College Finder, get the universities that suit your profile, and with Yocket Premium, you get a dedicated seasoned counsellor helping you with university shortlisting and paving the way for you to study abroad.
Eligibility Criteria for STEM Programs in USA
With the most sought-after program comes eligibility criteria to meet. While the exact admission requirements such as GPA, English language test scores, or entrance test scores may vary from university to university, here is what the general eligibility criteria look like:
Educational Qualifications
Entry to bachelor’s level STEM programs requires completion of high school education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. For admission to master’s level STEM courses, a standard 3 or 4-year bachelor’s degree is required. The minimum requirement for admission to STEM-approved universities in the USA is a GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 i.e. above 90% in Indian standards.
Entrance Tests to Study STEM Degrees in USA
Entrance tests for admission to STEM bachelor’s degrees in the USA include SAT or ACT which are generally not required by US universities anymore. If you are planning to apply for a master’s degree, you will have to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Submitting scores of English language proficiency tests is a must for seeking admission to US universities as international students. You can submit IELTS, TOEFL or any other accepted test scores to fulfil this requirement. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or 90 on TOEFL is recommended. However, requirements may vary depending on the competitiveness of the program.
Work Experience
Although not a mandatory requirement at most universities, some prior professional experience is highly recommended for pursuing STEM courses in the USA in certain fields and getting an edge over the other applicants.
Student Visa to Study in USA
Finally, an F-1 student visa is the most important document which you must have before entering the US. Therefore, complete your application process as early as possible to have enough time for visa processing.
Admission Process for STEM Programs in USA
Applying to one among the list of STEM courses in USA is nothing different for students who have a general idea about the process for applying to universities abroad. Here is how you can apply for admission to STEM programs in USA:
- Prepare a list of universities that you wish to seek admission to and go ahead to check its eligibility criteria, deadlines, admission requirements, etc.
- Complete the online application for international students available on the university website and submit the necessary application fee within the specified deadlines.
- Gather and submit all relevant documents to support your application.
- After receiving a confirmation of your application, you can track the status of your application through the university website.
- If accepted, you will receive an official correspondence from the university with your acceptance letter. Make sure you reply to the email to confirm your acceptance and complete the enrollment process on time.
- You can apply for a F-1 student visa to study at STEM accredited universities in USA after receiving your letter of acceptance.
Placements for STEM Courses in USA
Careers in STEM are one of the most rewarding options as there is always a need for skilled professionals. You can expect to be hired for job titles with lucrative packages with average annual salaries of around USD $125,000 - USD $130,000 in various sectors especially after completing a postgraduate program. There is a huge scope to grow even financially with the increasing years of experience.
Let’s take you through some of the most popular positions for which STEM graduates are hired and their average annual salaries:
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Job Title |
Average Annual Salaries (USD) |
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Civil Engineer |
$88,700 |
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Chemical Engineer |
$98,700 |
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Mechanical Engineer |
$86,500 |
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Computer Scientist |
$157,000 |
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Physicist |
$204,000 |
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Statistician |
$134,000 |
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Biochemist |
$189,000 |
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Chemist |
$192,000 |
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Architect |
$120,000 |
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Aeronautical Engineer |
$101,000 |
Naturally, pursuing STEM abroad has one of the highest ROIs on your study abroad venture. 😉
From the Desk of Yocket
Not only are universities providing the best STEM courses in the USA ranked high in terms of education, teaching, and similar parameters but also known for their graduate employability rankings. In fact, the top 4 out of 5 positions in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022 are occupied by US universities. Definitely, STEM education in the USA is challenging and will put your skills to the test at every level but it does not have to be difficult to pursue - not at all when you are a Premium Yocketer. With a holistic counselling process that is curated JUST FOR YOU, getting into the top universities in the US with the best STEM program becomes nothing short of a cakewalk.
From India to Silicon Valley, turn your study abroad dreams into reality with Yocket Premium! 🚀