Upvote:2
Any time you apply for a visa, you need to (as you've shown you're aware) declare any previous rejections, for that or other countries.
IF (as you do), you have a rejection, this simply raises a question for the official to ask - 'Why?'. Many people may have a simple and not unreasonable reason for rejection - incomplete application, not enough funds shown, or no evidence that you weren't going to hang around in the country. It's fair, there are rules, and when there's a question it needs to be asked.
What you need to do in this case is convince the official that there's no reason to hold this against you. So for example, in your case, you can and should clearly show it wasn't for criminal reasons.
So:
Basically, be open, clear and honest about your intent. If you can clear the concerns the officer has - that you're not a criminal, that you can support yourself (or will be supported), and that you have a plan and funds in the US, that's what they're focusing on for your application.
After that, it's in the hands of the official. As with all applications, nothing is definite - we can't say for certain 'yes' or 'no' as to whether they'll approve, but you can give yourself the best possible chance by having no questions or issues with your application.