Ranked the #1 country for international students (U.S. News & World Report 2025), the USA is an ideal location to earn a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree.
With world-class learning environments, top-tier faculty, and connections to a variety of thriving STEM-related industries and employers, you’ll earn a degree that equips you to succeed in today’s dynamic and evolving global economy.
Keep reading to learn more about why you should get a STEM degree in the US. Or, if you’re ready to apply today, just fill out the form below!
Develop key skills for the future
By studying a STEM degree in the USA, you’ll gain skills that are in global demand, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, data literacy, coding, systems analysis, and the ability to work across disciplines. These aren’t just useful skills — they’re essential in a world where over 90% of jobs require some form of tech knowledge (National Skills Coalition 2024).
However, STEM degrees offer you much more than just technical knowledge. At Arizona State University (ASU), for example, there are various interdisciplinary degrees that bridge STEM with business and other fields, such as:
- Business Analytics
- Financial Engineering
- Global Logistics
- International Trade and Technology
These degrees equip you with skills in leadership, a global perspective, and entrepreneurial thinking — giving you control over your future in a rapidly changing job market.
High earning potential
STEM degrees are in such high demand that the starting salaries for STEM graduates in the USA average at around $103,580 per year — over twice as much as non-STEM jobs! (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024)
In some cases, the amount can be even higher. For example, software engineers with a bachelor’s STEM degree from a US university earn an average of $131,450 per year, with data scientists earning around $112,590 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024).
Alongside high salaries, STEM careers often offer faster career progression and greater job security. Employers in fields like technology, engineering, healthcare and research are actively seeking skilled graduates, so you’ll have access to a growing, dynamic job market that opens doors to exciting roles worldwide!
Spotlight
Why earn a STEM Business degree at ASU?
A US STEM degree is worth more
You can earn a STEM degree anywhere — but in the USA, it carries the most weight. 30% of the top 50 global universities for engineering and technology are from the USA (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), which shows that the country sets the benchmark for teaching quality in STEM.
And when you apply to study in the USA with Kaplan, you can choose from a range of high-ranking universities and STEM degrees. For example, at Arizona State University — ranked #1 in the USA for innovation for 10 consecutive years (U.S. News & World Report 2016-2025) — there are 250+ different STEM degrees!
With top rankings and a wide range of degree options, the USA offers exceptional value for your STEM education — strengthened by outstanding industry connections. Whether you study on the East or West Coast, you’ll have opportunities to work with local industry and tackle real-world challenges as part of your degree.
And after finishing your degree, you’ll be graduating into a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. For example, at the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) Stamford Campus, you’ll be near major employers and potentially join other graduates who have gone on to work for global companies like Goldman Sachs, KPMG, and IBM.
Meanwhile, in Phoenix — a fast-growing hub for manufacturing, high tech, and logistics — ASU graduates are perfectly placed to connect with industry leaders and tap into a thriving job market after graduation.
Benefit from Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in the USA for an initial period of 12 months. However, if your degree is STEM-designated, you can apply to extend your OPT by 24 months. This means you could enjoy working in the USA for up to three years!
Another key advantage of OPT is that you don’t need a job offer in place to secure an OPT extension. This sets it apart from the H-1B visa, which requires employer sponsorship. Instead, you simply need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before starting work.
Earn a US STEM degree through Kaplan
With Kaplan, you can get friendly expert support with your application to a range of STEM degrees at our US partners.
Want to learn more? Fill out the contact form below and one of our Education Advisors will get in touch to explore your options with you.
