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MS in USA: Top Universities, Courses, Cost, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Pursuing a Masters in USA for Indian students is one of the most popular choices for higher education. The U.S. offers world-class universities, strong research opportunities, and a wide range of masters programs. Over 1 million international graduate students study in the country, with about 200,000 enrolling each year in STEM and business programs. 

Most universities in USA for masters offer course-based programs that take 1–2 years and research-based programs that take 2–3 years

Key Highlights: MS in USA 

Aspect 

Details 

Number of International Students  Over 1,000,000 
Annual Enrollment in STEM & Business MS  About 200,000 
Average Tuition Fees  USD 30,000–70,000 per year (INR 25–58 Lakh) 
Average Cost of Living  USD 15,000–$25,000 per year (INR 12–20 Lakh) 
Average Starting Salary for MS Graduates  USD 85,000–$120,000 (INR 70–98 Lakh) 
OPT Duration for STEM Graduates  Up to 3 years after graduation 
Top Universities in USA for Masters 

MIT  

Stanford  

UC Berkeley  

Harvard  

Carnegie Mellon 

Popular Specializations 

• Computer Science  

• Data Science  

• Electrical Engineering  

• Business Analytics 

Scholarships for Masters in USA 

Fulbright  

AAUW  

• University-specific merit & need-based grants 

Worried about tuition costs? Check out the best scholarships for MS in the USA and see how you can cut down expenses. 

Which are the Top Universities Offering Masters in USA? 

The United States hosts more than 4,500 universities and colleges, with over 1,200 offering graduate-level MS programs across STEM, business, and social sciences. Each year, roughly 220,000 international students choose to pursue a masters in USA, with about 40% enrolling in STEM fields and 25% in business-related programs. 

Top universities in the U.S. for MS programs not only provide strong academics but also research participation opportunities, with international students making up 20–30% of graduate enrollments at leading institutions.  

From MIT to Stanford, discover the Top universities in the U.S. for MS and why they attract international students every year.

Top 5 Private Universities for MS in USA 

Private universities are known for their research facilities, flexible course structures, and access to industry projects. Many of these universities offer scholarships and assistantships that reduce the overall masters in USA cost

Here are the top 5: 

University 

QS Ranking 2026 

Average Annual Tuition Fees 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  #1  USD 63,200 (INR 54 Lakh) 
Stanford University  #3  USD 62,800 (INR 53 Lakh) 
Harvard University  #5  USD 57,000 (INR 49 Lakh) 
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)  #10  USD 64,500 (INR 55 Lakh) 
Carnegie Mellon University  #52  USD 61,500 (INR 52 Lakh) 

Private universities also provide optional research opportunities and on-campus mentorship programs, which can be crucial for international students planning to study masters in USA. 

Top 5 Public Universities for MS in USA 

Public universities offer high-quality education with relatively lower tuition costs. They are a good choice for students who want to manage masters in USA cost while still accessing excellent faculty and research facilities. 

Here are the top 5: 

University 

QS Ranking 2026 

Average Annual Tuition Fees 

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)  #17 USD 55,000 (INR 47 Lakh) 
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor  #45  USD 52,500 (INR 45 Lakh) 
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)  #46  USD 51,500 (INR 44 Lakh) 
University of Texas at Austin  #68  USD 47,000 (INR 41 Lakh) 
University of Florida  #212  USD 44,500 (INR 39 Lakh) 

Public universities often provide teaching or research assistantships, which can lower tuition costs and provide work experience. 

What Are the Top Masters Specializations in USA? 

Students looking to study masters in USA can choose from a variety of programs depending on their career goals. Selecting the right specialization can impact job opportunities, internships, and scholarships. 

Here’s a list of top MS specializations offered across different streams: 

Stream 

Specializations 

STEM  • Computer Science  
• Data Science & Analytics  
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering  
• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering  
• Biotechnology & Life Sciences  
• Civil & Environmental Engineering 
Business & Management  • Business Analytics & Management  
• Finance & Accounting  
• Marketing & Digital Marketing  
• International Business  
• Operations & Supply Chain Management  
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation 
Emerging & Interdisciplinary  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning  
• Cybersecurity  
• Sustainability & Environmental Studies  
• Healthcare & Health Informatics 

STEM programs attract around 40% of international MS students, while Business & Management programs account for about 25%. 

Looking for a fast-track option? A 1 year MS in USA allows you to gain a master’s degree in less time without compromising on quality.

What is the admission process for Masters in USA? 

The admission process for masters programs in USA involves several steps.  

Follow these steps to apply successfully: 

Step 1. Research Universities and Programs: 
Identify universities offering masters programs in USA and choose a specialization that fits your career goals. Consider tuition, scholarships, and work opportunities after graduation. 

Step 2. Meet Academic Requirements: 
Ensure you meet the masters in USA requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (top programs like MS in Computer Science may need 3.5+). 
  • GRE for STEM or GMAT for business programs (average GRE 320–330). 
  • TOEFL 90–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.0. 
  • Optional: 1–2 years work experience for business programs. 

Step 3. Prepare Documents: 
Gather required documents: transcripts, degree certificate, SOP, letters of recommendation, resume/CV, test score reports, proof of funds, and passport copy. 

Step 4. Apply Online: 
Submit applications through university websites or portals, making sure all information is complete and accurate. 

Step 5. Pay Application Fees: 
Pay the fees as required by each university. 

Step 6. Attend Interviews (if required): 
Some universities may conduct interviews online or in-person. 

Step 7. Receive Admission Decision: 
Wait for acceptance letters and confirm your seat by paying the enrollment deposit. 

Wondering if you qualify? Here’s everything you need to know about MS in USA eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

Academic Requirements for MS in USA: 

To qualify for a masters program in USA, you need: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 
  • Strong GPA: 3.0/4.0, 3.5+ for competitive programs. 
  • GRE (STEM) or GMAT (business). 
  • TOEFL 90–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.0. 

Documents Required for MS in USA: 

Prepare these documents when applying: 

Visa Requirements: 
After receiving the I-20 form, apply for an F-1 student visa

  • Complete the DS-160 form. 
  • Pay SEVIS fee. 
  • Attend the visa interview with proof of funds and valid passport. 

Following these steps and preparing the documents carefully will help streamline your admission process for pursuing a Masters in USA. 

What is the cost of studying Masters in USA? 

Pursuing a Masters in USA is a significant investment, and costs depend on the university, program, and location. Approximately, international students spend USD 40,000 - USD 90,000 (INR 33 - INR 74 lakh) per year, which includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. 

Here are the estimated costs for MS in US per year:  

Expense Type 

Estimated Cost (Per Year) 

Tuition Fees (Public Universities)  USD 20,000 - USD 45,000 (INR 16 - INR 37 lakh) 
Tuition Fees (Private Universities)  USD 50,000 - USD 80,000 (INR 41 - INR 66 lakh) 
Student Fees (Library, Labs, Tech Services)  USD 500 - USD 2,000 (INR 41,000 - INR 1.6 lakh) 
Health Insurance  USD 1,200 - USD 2,500 (INR 99,000 - INR 2 lakh) 
Books & Research Materials  USD 500 - USD 1,500 (INR 41,000 - INR 1.2 lakh) 

Public universities are more affordable, while private universities often provide better faculty and funding options. 

What is the Cost of Living in the USA? 

Living in the USA can be higher than in India, but careful planning helps. A single student spends around USD 1,200 – 1,700 (INR 1.1 – 1.5 lakh) per month, excluding tuition, while a family of four may spend about USD 4,500 (INR 4 lakh) monthly, excluding rent. 

Here are the average monthly expenses in the USA: 

Category 

Average Monthly Cost 

Rent  USD 1,428 – 1,728 (INR 1.2 – 1.5 lakh) 
Food & Eating Out  USD 300 – 600 (INR 25,000 – 50,000) 
Utilities & Internet  USD 354 (Electricity, Heating, Water, Internet) (INR 30,000) 
Transport  USD 65 – 70 (Monthly pass / local travel) (INR 5,400 – 5,800) 
Leisure & Miscellaneous  USD 82 – 82 (Fitness, Cinema, Sports) (INR 7,000 – 7,000) 

Note: Costs are higher in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston, while smaller towns and college towns are more affordable. 

Want a detailed breakdown? Check the cost of MS in the USA and total study expenses. 

What are the Top Scholarships for Masters in USA? 

Studying a Masters in USA can be expensive, but scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden. Many scholarships are merit-based, need-based, or targeted at international students, including Indian students.  

Here’s a look at some of the top options: 

Scholarship Name 

Eligibility 

Funding Amount 

Fulbright Foreign Student Program  International students in STEM & humanities fields  Full tuition + living expenses 
AAUW International Fellowship  Women in STEM & Business programs  Up to USD 50,000 (INR 41 lakh) 
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford)  High-achieving students with leadership potential  Full tuition + stipend 
MIT Sloan School of Management Fellowships  Business Analytics & Finance students  Partial to full tuition waiver 
UC Berkeley Data Science Scholarship  Merit-based for Data Science & AI students  USD 10,000 – 25,000 (INR 8 – 20 lakh) 
Google PhD Fellowship  AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science students  Full tuition + research grant 
Microsoft Research Fellowship  MS & PhD students in AI & Cloud Computing  Up to USD 40,000 (INR 33 lakh) 

Note: Scholarships for STEM and AI programs are highly competitive but offer the highest funding opportunities. 

What are the Top Jobs after Masters in USA? 

Completing a Masters in USA opens doors to high-paying roles across technology, business, finance, healthcare, and research sectors. Graduates often land positions in data science, software engineering, consulting, management, and AI, with salaries reflecting the strong ROI of a US degree. 

Here are the top job roles with their approximate salaries:  

Job Role 

Approximate Annual Salary (USD / INR) 

Data Scientist  USD 95,000 – 135,000 (INR 82L – 116L) 
Software Engineer  USD 85,000 – 125,000 (INR 74L – 107L) 
Business Analyst  USD 75,000 – 110,000 (INR 65L – 94L) 
Management Consultant  USD 90,000 – 140,000 (INR 78L – 120L) 
Financial Analyst / Manager  USD 80,000 – 120,000 (INR 69L – 103L) 
Project Manager  USD 85,000 – 125,000 (INR 74L – 107L) 
Marketing Manager  USD 75,000 – 110,000 (INR 65L – 94L) 
AI / Machine Learning Engineer  USD 100,000 – 150,000 (INR 87L – 129L) 

Source: Glassdoor 

Note: Salaries vary depending on industry, city, and experience level. STEM fields like AI, Data Science, and Engineering tend to offer the highest packages. 

Top Recruiters after MS in USA 

Top US companies and global firms actively hire Masters graduates, especially from STEM, business, and analytics programs. Many also explore startups or launch entrepreneurial ventures in tech hubs. 

Company Name 

Industry 

Google  Technology & Software 
Microsoft  Technology & Cloud Computing 
Amazon  E-commerce & Technology 
Facebook / Meta  Social Media & Technology 
Apple  Technology & Consumer Electronics 
Goldman Sachs  Finance & Investment Banking 
JPMorgan Chase  Finance & Banking 
McKinsey & Company  Consulting 
Boston Consulting Group (BCG)  Consulting 
Deloitte  Professional Services 

Note: Graduates benefit from programs like OPT and H-1B visas, allowing them to gain US work experience post-MS.

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11305 results found

MS MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography / Applied Ocean Science and Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years 3 Months
  • FEES
    INR 67.56L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2026
View details

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (MSA)

Ohio Northern University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (MS)

University of Scranton, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 2 Months
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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MBA at Northeastern University(Admission closing on 15th September)

DAmore McKim School of Business Northeastern University , USA

  • DURATION
    Online:11 Months
    On-campus:1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    Online: INR 5,25,000
    On-campus: USD 83,536

Symbolic Systems (MS)

Stanford University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 32.17L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Master of Liberal Arts (A.L.M.) in Cybersecurity

Harvard University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 32.46L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Kettering University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 8 Months
  • FEES
    INR 23.42L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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MBA at Clark University (Admission closing on 15th September)

Clark University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:7 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 23,280

MS in Information Technology

California Lutheran University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 25.92L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Computer Science MS

University of California, Berkeley (UCB), USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 26.79L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024
View details

Masters in Computer Information Technology (MCIT)

Elmhurst University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.36L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Business Administration at Drexel University

Drexel University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:7 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 5,25,000
    On-campus: USD 33,950

Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics, MSE

University of Pennsylvania, USA

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 45.53L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2026
View details

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Yale University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 40.10L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    DEC 2025
View details

Computer Science(M.S)

Cornell University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 23.90L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

MBA at Clarkson University (Admission closing on 15th September)

Clarkson University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:7 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 27,855

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Notre Dame College, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 46.24L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    OCT 2025
View details

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Columbia University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 45.10L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2026
View details

MS in Electrical Engineering

State University of New York at New Paltz, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 14.00L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JAN 2026
View details

Master of Business Administration at Utica University

Utica University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:4 Months
    On-campus:9 Months
  • FEES
    Online: INR 400,000
    On-campus: USD 16,800

Cybersecurity, M.S.

New York Institute of Technology, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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BIOLOGY (MS)

Georgia College, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 9.62L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Princeton University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 50.54L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2026
View details

MBA at Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 18,312*

Computer Science, M.S.

University of West Florida, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.48L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUN 2025
View details

Security Informatics MS

Johns Hopkins University, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 46.97L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUN 2025
View details

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