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20-09-2022
Masters (MS) in the USA: Colleges and Courses, Deadlines, Eligibility, Fees & Eligibility

Masters or MS in the USA

Master in the USA, or MS in the USA, is a 2-year degree that is offered at around 70% of US universities. The US MS program focuses primarily on STEM courses (Science Technology Engineering Management). Students from abroad who are looking for an MS often choose courses such as MS in Business and Management or MS in IT.

Students from abroad who wish to apply to the USA for master's degrees in 2022 will need to have 16 years of education and a GPA of at least 3.0 (or 80%) on a scale of 4.0 or higher. You must also meet the TOEFL score requirements. This cost is approximately 9.76 to 75.1 lakh INR for an Indian student who plans to study MS in the USA. It depends on which university you choose and what specialization you choose.

MS in USA Top Universities

MIT is ranked #1 worldwide, followed by Harvard, Caltech and Stanford. The University of Chicago is ranked among the top 10 universities around the globe. Here is a list of the 25 top universities in America, along with their acceptance rates to Masters's programs:

Name of the University

QS Ranking 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

1

Stanford University

3

Harvard University

5

California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

6

University of Chicago

10

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).

13

Princeton University

16

Yale University

14

Cornell University

20

Columbia University

22

Johns Hopkins University

24

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

25

UC Berkeley

27

Northwestern University

32

New York University (NYU).

39

University of California, Los Angeles

44

Duke University

50

Carnegie Mellon University

52

University of California, San Diego

53

Brown University

63

University of Texas (UTAUS).

72

University of Washington

80

University of Wisconsin (UW–Madison).

83

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

85

Georgia Institute of Technology

88

The Acceptance Rate of Top Universities in America for MS

Prospective students can find MS programs at approximately 95% of American universities. Many people want to be admitted to MS universities in the USA, such as Harvard University, Yale and Stanford University. The acceptance rates for top US universities are low. At the majority of top universities, the acceptance rate for MS courses is lower than 6%.

Name of the University

Acceptance Rate (for MS)

Avg fees in INR

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

26%

15.62 lakhs

Cornell University

11%

15.18 Lakhs

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).

9%

41.60 Lakhs

Yale University

7%

31.77 Lakhs

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

7%

13.06 Lakhs

University of Chicago

7%

42.40 Lakhs

Princeton University

5.5%

30.96 Lakhs

Harvard University

5%

17.60 lakhs

Stanford University

3.95%

51.28 Lakhs

Why study MS in the USA?

International students can avail of more than 2 million MS courses in the USA. They also have the option to earn through the work-study program or stay back permit post-MS. There are also research opportunities and merit-based scholarships that support education. Other benefits include:

  • Students choose STEM courses in USA because it is highly in demand and gives them a 24-month extension of their work visa post-MS.
  • Research and development account for 2.7% of the US government's total GDP. The US government spends 476,452 millions USD. A master's degree in the USA will increase your chances of funding and research.
  • There is potential for research after MS. Students can apply for Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Research Assistantships (RA).
    • Part-time TAs can earn students 500 USD to 1,200 USD per month.
    • Research assistants can receive up to 1,500 USD per month as a stipend.
  • Pre-requisites, core subjects and electives are all part of the MS course curriculum. This increases the potential for research-based MS by over 30%
  • Students pursuing a Master's degree at any one of the USA universities are eligible for a scholarship worth 10,000 USD per year.

Popular MS Courses in the USA

These are some of the most popular programs that top universities offer.

Program Name

University Name

Annual Fees for Indians

MS in Finance in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

42.7 Lakhs

University of California, Los Angeles

59 Lakhs

Columbia University

48.1 Lakhs

University of Southern California

19.4 Lakhs

University of California, Berkeley

47.3 Lakhs

MS in Data Science in the USA

Stanford University

40.3 Lakhs

Harvard University

43.2 Lakhs

Yale University

33 Lakhs

UPenn

20.8 Lakhs

New York University

26.6 Lakhs

MS in Computer Science in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

35.3 Lakhs

Stanford University

58 Lakhs

Carnegie Mellon University

19.7 Lakhs

University of California, Berkeley

19.6 Lakhs

Harvard University

41.3 Lakhs

MS in Marketing in the USA

Columbia University 

50.8 Lakhs

University of Southern California 

19.4 Lakhs

University of Texas, Austin

31.6 Lakhs

Michigan State University

21.3 Lakhs

Florida International University

23.7 Lakhs

MS in Business Analytics in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

61.9 Lakhs

University of California, Los Angeles

50.2 Lakhs

University of Texas, Austin

36.1 Lakhs

Arizona State University

34.7 Lakhs

Michigan State University

21.3 Lakhs

There are also other popular master's programs in the USA

MS Biomedical Engineering

MS in Public Health

MS in Management

MS in Artificial Intelligence

Master's in Architecture

MS in Cyber Security

Masters in USA Requirements

International students must meet many requirements in order to obtain higher education in the USA. Many documents such as supporting documents, test scores, proof of subjects, mark sheets, transcripts and other documentation are required. International students applying for admission to universities in the USA should submit these documents.

  • Bachelor's degree in the relevant field for 3-4 years
  • A GPA of 3.5 or more is equivalent to 87% in bachelor
  • GRE score of 330 and above
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Research Internships/ Published Research Papers
  • Project work/Seminars
  • 2-3 Letter of Recommendation
  • Social & Leadership Activities.

For admission to the Masters program in USA, you must submit a test score

Along with their applications, applicants must submit standardized test scores. Students must submit standardized test scores depending on the course they choose to pursue a Masters degree in USA. The applicants must submit these test scores to be able to assess their academic ability and understand their aptitude. Some universities only require their submission.

Top Universities in the USA for MS

University

GRE Scores Required

Stanford University

328

Carnegie Mellon University

316

University of California, Berkeley

324

University of Washington

300

New York University

310

University of Texas Austin

300

Yale University

322

University of Chicago

Quant- 154 | Verbal- 155

University of California, Los Angeles

Quant- 169 | Verbal- 158

University of Minnesota

Quant- 170 | Verbal- 153

GRE/GMAT Waiver to MS in USA Admissions

GRE/GMAT waivers can be requested by applicants for any MS in the USA. Applicants must then prove their ability to analyze, apply reasoning skills, command of English, and quantitative aptitude.

  • This was necessary for admission to top B-Schools. Only 5 of the 12 schools had a prerequisite for GMAT/GRE exemption.
  • The GMAT is usually waived for online Management courses, but not for on-campus courses.
  • Compared to 23% submissions of GRE scores, less than 14% students submitted GMAT scores.
  • More than 70% of US universities waive the GRE for students who want to study in the USA. They must also have outstanding research skills and professional experience.

These scores are not required for admission to all universities. These universities believe that scores do not define an applicant's academic performance. Below are the universities:

  • University of Phoenix
  • Kansas State University
  • Virginia State UniversityVirginia State University
  • Boston University

ToEFL iBT Requirements For International Students

To be eligible for MS admissions in the USA, students must submit scores from TOEFL and IELTS to prove their English proficiency. In comparison to IELTS-trained students, more than 70% of TOEFL applicants choose to take the test. English language tests can also be divided into separate parts. Below is a table that shows the differences between the two types of tests.

University

TOEFL iBT scores

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

90

Stanford University

100

Harvard University

105

California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

No minimum requirement

University of Chicago

90

Princeton University

100

University of Pennsylvania

100

Cornell University

100

Yale University

100

Columbia University

100

Document checklist for MS in USA

It is very complicated to apply for MS admissions in the USA. International students must submit a list of documents to be admitted. These are the documents that are required to be admitted to the USA for MS admissions:

  • Transcripts should be sealed in an envelope and stamped or signed by the HOD/Principal.
  • Notes: Attested by the HOD/Principal from previously attended institutions.
  • CV: A current CV must be submitted in the correct format. It should include details about the work experience and the research level.
  • Statement of purpose: The SOP for MS should be completed well in advance and submitted with the application. It should include information about the applicant, their goals and the expectations for the course.
  • Letters of recommendation: At least two to three letters of recommendation must be submitted. You can submit them online or offline, depending on the method of submission.
  • Financial Statement: A bank statement must not be older than three months and show sufficient funds to support at least one year's worth of studies.
  • If an applicant applies for admission to the USA, they will need to have health insurance.
  • Passport required to prove identity for visa application

To avoid any last-minute rushes, these documents should be prepared before being submitted.

Studying MS in the USA: What is the cost?

For master's programs in the USA, the total cost includes tuition, books and board, as well as other miscellaneous costs. International students should plan their budget for studying in the USA. It is possible to divide the cost of MS in the USA into three main categories: pre-arrival cost, tuition fees, and cost of living.

Indian Students Pay MS Fees in the USA

University

Average Fees (INR/Year).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

57.8 Lakhs

Stanford University

61.39 Lakhs

Harvard University

41.86 Lakhs

California Institute of Technology

44.98 Lakhs

University of Chicago

45.55 Lakhs

Princeton University

45.81 Lakhs

University of Pennsylvania

45.13 Lakhs

Cornell University

30.35 Lakhs

Yale University

37.43 Lakhs

Columbia University

16.61 Lakhs

Cost of Living in the USA

These are the main factors that influence daily-life expenditures. It is also given the average monthly expense range and the estimated contribution to each item.

Expense

Average Annual Cost (INR).

Accommodation

10.30 - 13.21 Lakhs

Food and Beverages

3.83 Lakhs

Transport

0.85 Lakhs

Utility bills

1.87 Lakhs

Health Insurance

3.18 - 7. lakhs

Personal Expenses

1.87 Lakhs

MS in USA with Scholarships

The cost of higher education in the USA is not cheap. International applicants must be able to afford their education to gain entry into the US. The cost of a master's degree in the USA varies depending on the institution and the specialization. A professional degree usually costs more, but students will need to pay around 30.000 USD for tuition fees.

International scholarships can be a great way to save your earnings. They come in many forms: tuition waivers and study grants, as well as living stipends. The Fulbright scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarships available to students from different fields. The many and varied scholarships available to international students studying in the USA are also mentioned.

Scholarship Name

Organization

Benefits

New York University Wagner Scholarship

University

From 25,000 to 47,000 USD

Fulbright Student Program

Government

Grant funds tuition, airfare, living stipend, health insurance

Clark University Scholarships

University

From 20,000 to 25,000 USD

Next-Gen Scholarship

Next-Gen Foundation

1,000 USD

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

Trust

Students from developing countries are eligible for 50% grant and 50% loan

East Tennessee State University

University

11,500 USD annually

Iowa State University Scholarships

University

Scholarships up to 10,000 USD

University of Oregon Scholarships

University

40 Scholarships ranging in price from 7,500 USD up to 30,000 USD

There are many international organizations that offer opportunities around the globe, in addition to the ones mentioned above. This aid may be of benefit to aspirants for tuition fees or living allowance.

Top Universities in the USA that offer MS Programs

MS students feel intimidated by the variety of jobs that are available after only 3 to 5 weeks of their admission. There are two options for finding jobs: university partnerships with different companies or on-campus employment. You can search for employment opportunities via Indeed or LinkedIn in the United States. Annual job fairs can make it easier to find employment. For students, the average salary after completing a Master's degree in the USA can reach 74,000 USD.

University

Graduate Employability Ranking 2022

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1

Stanford University

2

University of California, Los Angeles

3

Harvard University

5

Cornell University

9

A visa is granted to approximately 1.6 million students from abroad. They can stay in the USA after completing their MS in any STEM course. There are nine major MS fields, which are further subdivided into 781 specialty areas in the USA. The US graduate schools stand out because of their wide variety of specializations and graduate employability rankings.

Frequently asked questions

How many years is MS in USA ?
A master's degree programme in the United States normally lasts 1.5 to 2 years. Some Master's degrees, such as computer science and engineering, may take 3 to 5 years to finish.
What is MS degree in USA ?
The Master of Science (MS) programme is a two-year programme for graduates in the United States of America (USA), particularly those with bachelor degrees in science or related subjects. To determine Indian students' eligibility for MS programmes in the United States, they would need to reduce the requirements across colleges and institutions.
How much does a MS in US cost ?
The average yearly cost of getting a master's degree in the United States is Rs 30.27 lakh. This includes Rs 22.25 lakh in tuition and Rs 8.02 lakh in living costs for the first year.
Is MS in USA difficult ?
Living in the United States as an MS student is both a tough and rewarding experience. Taking every single choice on your own, managing expenditures, handling everyday duties such as grocery, laundry, and so on (in addition to academics) instils a great deal of independence and responsibility in students.
What is the salary after MS in US ?
An MS degree holder's annual income in the United States exceeds $73,900. (INR 54,31,413). A master's degree is one of the most valuable degrees in the United States, attracting a large number of international students.
Who is eligible for MS ?
To be eligible for an MS degree, you must have a minimum of 50-60% marks in your undergraduate degree, as well as a valid GATE score. Students can also apply after passing their CSIR/UGC NET exams.
Can I study MS in USA for free ?
Despite the high expense of higher education in the United States, there are still free colleges in the country. This is possible if you earn a fully funded college scholarship or enrol in a tuition-free university in the United States.
Why USA is best for Masters ?
The United States is home to some of the world's best institutions, several of which frequently rank in global university rankings. American universities are also noted for having high academic standards, adhering to rigorous policies to preserve quality, and being well-supported in order to provide outstanding education to their students.
Can I get full scholarship for MS in US ?
Stanford University Grant is a fully paid foreign student scholarship. This award is only available to Masters students. This scholarship covers all travel expenses, academic expenses, tuition fees, and living expenses.
Can I work in USA after my Masters ?
With the correct visa, as we've explained, the answer is yes: studying in the United States may provide you with numerous options to obtain international student job in the United States following graduation.
What GPA is required for MS in US ?
In the United States, the minimum GPA necessary for MS is 3.0, or a bachelor's degree with a score of 65%-70% or above.
What is the highest paying master's degree ?
A nurse anaesthetist is the highest-paying job on our list, with a median annual salary of $183,600. If you don't think a career in medicine is for you, consider computer science ($126,800) or political science ($125,400).
Is it better to do MS in USA or Canada ?
Your decision is entirely dependent on what you want from your MS programme. If you want to pursue a master's degree at a low cost, Canada is the greatest option, but if you want to study at world-class colleges, the United States is the way to go.
Which MS course has highest salary in USA ?
The Top 4 Highest-Paying Master's Degrees
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Science in Nursing.
  • Master of Engineering Management.
  • Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering.
How much GRE score is required for scholarship ?
Students who score 165 or better on the quantitative and verbal sections typically get the GRE scholarship. A GRE writing section score of at least 4.5 is also necessary.
What is the cost to do MS in USA ?
The cost of studying for an MS in the United States ranges from 14,000 to 120,000 USD, depending on the university and programme chosen. These are mostly educational expenditures; you will also need roughly $10,000 USD to cover living expenses in the United States.
Which exam is required for MS in USA for Indian students ?
International applicants must submit test scores from tests such as the GRE (300+), IELTS (7.0), and TOEFL (96-100), as well as the LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT. IELTS and TOEFL are typically needed of overseas students from non-native English speaking nations. Other competitive tests may be necessary depending on the subject you choose and the university of choice.
What is the duration of MS in US ?
MS programmes in the United States are typically one year long and full-time. Some courses, however, may take up to 2-3 years to finish.
What are the best college for MS in USA ?

US universities for Masters in the USA are

  • Stanford University
  • Harvard University
  • Yale University 
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Columbia University
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • New York University
What is the salary after MS in US ?
After earning your MS from the United States, you may expect to earn between $52,000 and $65,000 USD per year. Students should be aware that wage packages vary based on the industry and work function.