Top Universities in USA for Master’s - Rankings, Cost & Career Outcomes

Pursuing a master’s degree abroad is a dream for many Indian students, and finding the top university in USA for masters can be the defining step toward that goal. The U.S. is home to world-class institutions such as MIT, Stanford University, Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley which are renowned for academic excellence, high end research and global recognition.

The Indian presence in USA, especially for master’s programs, is quite notable. Around 3,31,602 Indians went to the US for higher education with over 1L studying in the master’s program. With diverse specializations ranging from Computer Science, Data Analytics and Engineering to Business Administration and Public Health, U.S. universities offer programs that cater to both current industry needs and emerging career fields. Career outcomes are also strong, with master’s graduates in computer & information science earning averagely over $100K annually. Students get great job options through OPT, which allows them to work for up to 3 years after graduation in STEM fields.

With such strong programmes and promising outcomes, studying in the US is quite worthit. This blog explores the top US universities for masters with their best programs and their admission requirements.

Also read: Study STEM Degree in USA

Top Universities in USA for Masters - Overview  

The USA has some of the best universities in the world for Master’s studies. These institutions offer advanced learning, great facilities, and expert teachers. Studying here can open doors to global job opportunities and career growth

Here are some of the top universities in USA for masters: 

University name	Location	Ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Cambridge, MA	1
Stanford University	Stanford, CA	3
Harvard University	Cambridge, MA	4
University of Chicago	Chicago, IL	11
Yale University	New Haven, CT	18
University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia, PA	15
Columbia University	New York, NY	23
Cornell University	New York, NY	21
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	Berkeley, CA	27

Top Universities for STEM courses

There are more than 4,000 universities in the USA, so choosing the right one can be tough. However, some stand out for their strong STEM programs, research, and industry ties. 

Here's a closer look at the top universities offering STEM courses in the USA.

University	QS Rankings 2025	Annual Tuition Fee
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 62K (INR 53.07L)
Harvard University	4	USD 61K (INR 52.22L)
Stanford University	6	USD 65K (INR 55.64L)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10	USD 65K (INR 55.64L)
University of Pennsylvania	11	USD 68K (INR 58.20L)
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12	USD 51K (INR 43.65L)

Also read:  QS World University Rankings 2025

Top universities for Business and Management courses 

The USA is a top destination for Business and Management studies, with many globally ranked universities. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton offer world-class programs, expert faculty, and strong industry links.

Here’s the comparison of top 3 universities that offers different courses:

University	Ranking	Program	Tuition fee
Harvard Business School	QS #3	MBA, MS in Business	$74,910 (INR 64.24L)
Stanford Graduate School of Business	#1 global	MBA, MSx (1‑year for mid-career leaders)	$82,455 (INR 70.66L)
Wharton School (UPenn)	#1 by Financial times	MBA, specialized MS in Finance, Analytics, etc.	$84,830 (INR 72.70L)

Note: Tuition fees depend on the type of university and specific program chosen. INR amounts are approximate and may change with currency exchange rates.

Top Universities for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

The USA is home to many top universities excelling in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. These schools are renowned for their rich cultural offerings, world-class faculty, and strong research output. They offer diverse programs like history, literature, sociology, and psychology. 

Here’s a look of top universities for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

University	Ranking	Annual Graduate Tuition
Stanford University	#1 in Arts & Humanities	$59,500
Harvard University	#2 in Arts & Humanities	$55,440
Yale University	#6 in Arts & Humanities	$48,300
University of Chicago	Top‑3 in Arts & Humanities	$66,543

Note: Tuition fees depend on the type of university and specific program chosen. INR amounts are approximate and may change with currency exchange rates

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in USA

Candidates usually need to fulfill the following criteria to apply to master's programs at American universities: 

•16 years of education (10+2+4 format).  

•A solid three- to four-year undergraduate degree. 

•A GPA of at least 3.0 to 3.5, or roughly 80% on a 4.0 scale. 

•To prove English proficiency, use valid TOEFL or IELTS scores. 

•Scores from standardized tests, such as the MCAT, LSAT, GRE, or GMAT, according to program requirements. 

•Academic and professional objectives in a well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP). 

•Relevant work experience, internship, or project participation.   

•Two to three professional or academic referees' Letters of Recommendation (LORs). 

•Participation in extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and community service is frequently regarded favorably. 

Admission Requirement for MS in USA 

Applying for a Master’s in the USA requires some documents to study abroad. There's a step-by-step process that includes gathering essential documents, preparing supporting materials like SOPs and LORs, and submitting applications through university portals before set deadlines. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

Documents Required

To apply, students need to submit academic transcripts, degree certificates, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL and IELTS), standardized test scores (like GRE or GMAT), passport copy, and financial documents to show the ability to cover tuition and living expenses. Some universities may also ask for a credential evaluation or translated transcripts.

SOPs, LORs & Resumes

A well-written Statement of purpose (SOP) highlights your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program. Universities also require 2 to 3 Letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can vouch for your skills. A professional resume or CV summarizing academic achievements, work experience, and relevant skills is also essential.

Also read: Resume for freshers 

Application Portals & Deadlines

Applications are usually submitted through official university portals or centralized systems like Common App or ApplyWeb, depending on the university. Most MS programs in the USA have deadlines from November to March for Fall intake (August/September). It’s crucial to track deadlines and apply early, as some programs follow rolling admissions or have multiple rounds.

Intakes & Application Deadlines for Masters in USA

Master’s programs in the USA usually have three main intakes:

Fall intake (August/September), Spring intake (January), and occasionally Summer (May/June). The Fall intake is the most popular and offers the widest range of courses and scholarships. The Spring intake is ideal for students who miss the Fall deadline but has limited course options.

Application deadlines vary by university and program but typically fall between November and March for the Fall intake and July to October for Spring. Some universities offer rolling admissions, so it’s best to apply early to increase your chances of acceptance and funding.

Scholarships for International Students

Studying in the USA can be expensive, but many scholarships are available to help international students manage tuition and living costs. These scholarships are offered by universities, external organizations, and government programs. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

University-Specific Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer scholarships and assistantships for international students based on academic merit, leadership, or need. Examples include the Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Harvard University Fellowships, and MIT Scholarships. Some also provide teaching or research assistantships, which cover tuition and offer a stipend.

External Funding Options

Several organizations and foundations outside the universities also provide financial aid. Popular options include Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, Tata Scholarships, and AAUW International Fellowships. These awards often have their own application process and eligibility criteria.

Fully Funded Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and sometimes health insurance. Notable ones include Fulbright, Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship, and Yale’s Young Global Scholars Program. These are highly competitive but offer complete financial support throughout the duration of the program.

Also read: TATA Scholarship 2025 

Cost of Studying Masters in USA

Pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA can be a significant financial investment, but understanding the breakdown of costs of studying in the USA can help you plan better. The total cost includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other personal costs. Here's an overview:

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for Master’s programs in the USA typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the university and course. Public universities are generally more affordable than private ones. STEM and business programs may cost more due to their specialized curriculum and facilities.

Living Costs

Living expenses in the US vary by city and lifestyle. On average, students spend $10,000 to $18,000 per year on housing, food, transport, health insurance, and personal needs. Cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are more expensive, while smaller towns offer more budget-friendly options.

Part-time Work & Funding Options

The US offers International students to work Part time on an F-1 visa. They can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Many students also apply for assistantships, scholarships, or internships to reduce costs. Programs like OPT (Optional Practical Training) allow students to work after graduation, helping them recover their investment.

Job Prospects After MS in USA

Completing a master's degree from the USA opens doors to high-paying roles in tech, business, healthcare, and engineering.  

Here are some popular career options which you can go for after completing master’s from top universities in the USA.  

Field of Study	Career Roles
Computer Science / IT	Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Cloud Architect
Data Science / Analytics	Data analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Business intelligence Analyst.
Business / Management	Project Manager, Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Product Manager
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)	Design Engineer, Project Engineer, R&D Specialist
Finance & Economics	Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Analyst, Accountant
Public Health / Life Sciences	Healthcare Consultant, Research Scientist, Epidemiologist.
Design / Creative Arts	UX Designer, Graphic Designer, Art Director, Animator

Looking for a job in the USA as a fresher? Check out this page Jobs in the USA for complete information.

Conclusion 

Choosing the top university in USA for masters is about aligning academic excellence with your career ambitions. With globally ranked institutions, diverse specializations, and strong industry connections, the U.S. offers unmatched opportunities for skill development and professional growth. For Indian students, the combination of high-quality education, excellent earning potential, and a vast alumni network makes the investment worthwhile. By carefully selecting the right program and leveraging available resources, a master’s degree from the USA can be a transformative career milestone.