Commerce Courses in the USA: Top Programs, Fees, Eligibility & Career Scope

Commerce courses in the USA remain a top choice for international students, with 8 of the top 10 business schools globally located in the country. Among Indian students, commerce programs saw a 28% enrollment increase in 2024-25, making it the most popular field of study.

The University of Pennsylvania maintains its #1 global position, with graduates commanding average starting salaries of $175K (INR 1.7 Cr). Other elite options include Harvard University, where 35% of MBA graduates enter consulting, and the University of Chicago, renowned for its finance specializations.

This blog will explore top programs and universities, assisting you in your plan to study in the US.

Commerce Courses in the USA: Overview

A commerce course in the USA is typically a 2-4 year program that prepares you with the skills needed to lead complex projects and teams. 

A degree from a top university, such as the University of Pennsylvania, not only equips you for a career in management but also enhances your strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership abilities. 

Below is an overview of the Commerce Courses in the USA.

Before exploring the details of universities and programs, let's first understand why pursuing Commerce Courses in the USA can be beneficial.

Why Pursue Commerce Courses in the USA?

The United States hosted a record 1,126,690 international students, marking a 7% increase from the previous years. Studying commerce courses in the USA offers you strong career prospects, high earning potential, and access to extensive global networks. 

Here's why Commerce courses in the USA can be beneficial.

• High Return on Investment: Graduates from U.S. business schools often see significant salary returns. For instance, the University of Michigan reports a median base salary of $170,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) for its MBA graduates, with 91% receiving job offers within 6 months of graduation.
• Global Recognition and Networking: Institutions like the University of Texas at Austin's McCombs School of Business have strong alumni networks. McCombs reports that 78% of its MBA graduates secured positions through school-facilitated resources.
• Practical Experience Opportunities: Programs such as the University of Washington's Foster School of Business offer avenues for gaining work experience. Foster's Full-Time MBA Class achieved a 97% employment rate within three months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $151,000 (INR 1.3 Cr)
• Diverse Specializations: U.S. universities provide a range of commerce-related programs. For example, the University of North Carolina offers STEM-designated MBA programs in areas such as data analytics and technology management.
• Cultural and Academic Enrichment: Studying in the U.S. exposes students to diverse cultures and ideas, enhancing personal growth and global awareness. Institutions such as the University of California and the Haas School of Business at Berkeley prepare students for leadership roles in various sectors.

After understanding the reasons for studying Commerce courses in the USA, let’s check out the top universities offering this program.

Top Universities For Studying Commerce Courses in the USA

Understanding the best universities and colleges in the USA helps you make an informed decision about where to enroll for your degree. 

A Master's in Project Management from the University of Denver can lead to roles like operations director at major companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and General Electric.

Below are the top universities offering Commerce Courses in the USA.

In addition to top universities, other institutions offer reputable programs for this degree.

Popular Universities for Commerce Courses in the USA

Apart from top universities, there are reputable institutions like Carlow University that offer affordable and career-oriented business programs in Project Management. These universities provide excellent alternatives for students who may not be able to enroll in top-tier schools.

The table below lists the most popular universities offering commerce courses in the USA.

Before applying in one of the top commerce courses in the USA, you need to check the eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria for Commerce Courses in the USA

Undergraduates need a high school diploma with a strong GPA and academic transcripts. Graduate students must hold a completed bachelor's degree, meet a minimum GPA requirement, and submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT.

International students must also demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL or Pearson Test of English score. After acceptance, you can apply for the F-1 US student visa.

Here are the eligibility criteria for commerce courses in the USA.

As you have explored the eligibility requirements, let's find out how the application process works.

Application Process for Commerce Courses in the USA

The best business schools in the world, such as Harvard Business School, have an acceptance rate of 11.5%, Wharton’s MBA program has a 21% acceptance rate, and MIT Sloan's acceptance rate is around 14%.

Typically, the process involves completing the application on the portal, submitting relevant documents such as academic transcripts, and attending interviews. Once you receive acceptance, you will need to apply for a student visa to the USA.

Here are the steps involved in applying for a Commerce Courses in the USA.

Step 1: Submit Your Application

• Complete your application through the university portal or platforms such as the Common Application (for undergraduates) or the graduate admissions portal (for postgraduates).
• Deadlines typically range from November to January for programs starting the following September.

Step 2: Provide Required Documents

Submit the following:

• Academic Transcripts: Official records from your previous institutions.
• Standardized Test Scores: GRE/GMAT (if required by the program).
• English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS (for international students).
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually two or three.
• Statement of Purpose: Your essay explaining why you are applying.
• Resume/CV: Required for most postgraduate programs.

Step 3: Attend an Interview (If Required)

• Some universities, like the University of Denver, may require an interview. Be prepared to discuss your academic background, career goals, and the reasons for your application.

Step 4: Track Your Application

• Keep an eye on the university portal for updates. Respond promptly if additional documents are requested.

Step 5: Apply for Your Student Visa

After receiving your acceptance:

1. Obtain Form I-20 from your university.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee ($350/ INR 30K for F-1 visas).
3. Complete the DS-160 Form for the visa application.
4. Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview:
   • Required documents include your passport, Form DS-160 confirmation, I-20, SEVIS payment receipt, academic records, proof of financial support, and visa application fee receipt.
   • Prepare to discuss your study plans and post-graduation intentions during the interview.

Next, you’ll explore the course structure to understand the subjects and specializations available in the top commerce courses in the USA.

Course details for Commerce Courses in the USA

The Commerce Courses in the USA include core subjects like Project Risk Management and Financial Planning, with options to specialise in areas such as Agile Project Management and Construction Management. 

In addition to the coursework, students have the opportunity to participate in internships with top companies or work on capstone projects, gaining practical, real-world experience.

Below is the course structure for the commerce courses in the USA.

Now, let’s find out how much it costs to study Commerce Courses in the USA.

Cost of Pursuing Commerce Courses in the USA

If you're considering enrolling in a top U.S. commerce program, expect a range of annual expenses. Tuition fees will vary significantly depending on the institution. In addition, you'll need to account for essential living costs, such as accommodation (USD 10k/ INR 8.6 L average), meals (up to USD 7K/ INR 60K), and study materials (up to USD 2K/ INR 1.7 L).

Here is the detailed cost of living in the USA for the commerce courses.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Students can apply for internal and external scholarships to manage their educational expenses in the U.S. Let's discuss this in detail.

Commerce Courses in USA: Scholarships for Students

International students are eligible to apply for both internal and external scholarships. For example, the MPOWER Financing Monthly Scholarship Series offers $1,000 (approximately INR 86K) scholarships to three international students each month.

While the Davis United World College Scholars Program, the world's most extensive privately funded international scholarship program, has supported over 10,000 students since its inception 

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships in the USA are offered by universities to support international students based on merit, need, or a combination of both. For example, the University of California, Berkeley offers scholarships up to $20k (INR 17 L) for both undergraduate and graduate international students. 

Here are some internal scholarships.

Next, you’ll learn about some external scholarships offered by agencies such as the government and foundations.

External Scholarships

Beyond university scholarships, you can explore external ones for business studies, typically offered by the government. For example, Indians can apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, which covers the cost of studying commerce courses in the USA.

Here are some of the most popular external scholarship options for Indian students.

Done with the scholarship part, let’s focus on what type of job opportunities you will get after studying a commerce course in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Commerce Courses in the USA

After completing a commerce course in the USA, you'll find a wide range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. For example, a Financial Analyst earns an average of $80,567 (INR 67 L), while a Project Manager can make $92,393 (INR 76.6 L) annually. 

The table below lists some of the top in-demand jobs in the USA. 

Source: Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

So, which companies will hire you with a complete commerce degree in the USA? Let's find out.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates in Commerce Courses in the USA 

Top recruiters offer lucrative jobs in the USA for Indian freshers across various industries. For example, McKinsey & Company hires Business Analysts with an average salary of $135,000 (INR 1.15 Cr), while Goldman Sachs pays its Financial Analysts around $106,459 (INR 91 L). 

Companies like Amazon, Google, and Deloitte also offer competitive salaries, with Operations Managers at Amazon earning roughly $101,376 (INR 89 L) and Marketing Managers at Google making $139,372 (INR 1.2 Cr). 

The table below highlights the top employers and the corresponding salaries.

Source: Glassdoor & Indeed

Enrolling in commerce courses in the USA requires careful planning and expert guidance. Let's understand how upGrad can assist you in this process.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Commerce Courses in the USA?

Studying commerce courses in the United States offers numerous career opportunities, but the process can be complex. You must select the right program, secure funding, and manage the application process effectively.

upGrad simplifies this journey by providing expert guidance at every step. From helping you select the best universities and assisting with your application, to finding scholarships and offering career counseling, upGrad ensures you're well-prepared for your graduate journey in the USA.

Ready to enroll for a Master's in Chemical Engineering in the US? Schedule a career counseling session with upGrad experts today, and let us help you plan the admission process smoothly. We will make sure you achieve your dreams of studying abroad smoothly!