Masters in USA: Top Universities, Cost, Courses, Requirements, Eligibility and 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 

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: 

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: 

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: 

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: 

• Academic transcripts and degree certificate. 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP). 
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs). 
• Resume/CV with internships and projects. 
• GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores. 
• Proof of financial resources for tuition and living costs. 
• Passport copy. 
• Completed application form. 

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:  

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: 

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: 

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:  

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. 

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