Top Universities for Masters in USA: Fees, Scholarships, & More

If you want to do a master’s degree, one of your foremost choices can be an MS in the US. The country also offers MBA, MSc, MEngg, and other master’s degree programs. Home to the Ivy League universities, the US exposes international students to truly diverse classrooms and the best academic standards. 

A US degree is globally recognized and opens several doors in the job market. Here’s all you need to know about pursuing masters in USA. 

Master’s degrees, also known as ‘graduate degrees,’ are of two types:

• Academic or research degrees: These degrees generally lead to a career in academia or research.
• Professional degrees: These 1-2 year degrees prepare students for specific professions.

MS in USA: Highlights

Level of Degree	Postgraduate
Average Cost of MS in US	$59,684 (₹49,84,001)
Top Specializations	STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Sciences and Analytics, and Law

Why Pursue a Master's in USA

Pursuing a Master’s in the USA is a popular option for students worldwide. Anyone seeking a degree from the USA must be well informed about the benefits that come with it. Here are a few reasons for the popularity and advantages of master's programs in the USA.

• Research Focused Academics 

In today’s educational landscape, more and more people believe in the power of experiential learning. Top universities for master's degrees in the USA offer programs focusing more on research and less on textbook-based learning. 

• Career Opportunities

Apart from the well-established placement cell that most colleges offer, USA universities also allow their students to work part-time. Before graduating, students can also do internships, which gives them a glimpse of what the future holds for them in their field of choice. 

• Support & Flexibility

Universities offer various scholarship and student loan options that help reduce your financial burden. Moreover, students pursuing post-graduate degrees can also choose multiple courses and expand their learning options.

Criteria for Selecting Top Universities 

Confused about which university will be the perfect fit for you? Consider the following criteria to make your decision easier:

• Make a University Bucket

A rule of thumb is to not only apply to one university. After researching, come up with a list of universities you wish to apply to. You may do this after evaluating your needs and requirements.

• Take Action 

Do not take the application deadlines lightly. Start with your admissions process as soon as possible. Set time aside for taking virtual tours, interacting with alumni, attempting examinations, collecting letters of recommendation, and other requirements.

• Make a Pros and Cons list 

Once you have submitted your applications, take the time to evaluate your options while you wait for offer letters. Consider college rankings, assess which universities fit your budget, examine the campus environment, and take other essential factors into account.

If you're feeling uncertain, discuss your thoughts with family, friends, and a counselor. 

After thoroughly weighing the pros and cons, there isn't much more you can do except wait for the offer letters so that you may make a decision. Try not to dwell on potential rejections.

Once you receive the offer letters, you'll be prepared with your research and have identified your top choices.

Popular Specializations for Masters in US

The country is known for its strong STEM and management programs. Some of the popular specializations that students opt for include-

• Technology
• Engineering
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Data Sciences and Analytics 
• Sciences
• Law

Top Universities for Masters in US

Theoretical learning complemented by practical knowledge forms the cornerstone of graduate degrees in the United States. If you're uncertain about which university might be the best fit for you, here are the top 8 universities renowned for their master's degree courses in USA.

University	QS Ranking 2025	Postgraduate Programs Offered
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1	1
Harvard University	4	24
Stanford University	6	13
University of California, Berkeley	12	5
University of Chicago	21	31
Cornell University	16	129
Columbia University	34	35
Yale University	23	131

Required Exams to be Eligible for Masters in US 

1. TOEFL:

This is a language proficiency exam. You will need to score in the range of 65 to 85 on the internet-based test. You may need higher scores for different universities.

2. IELTS:

There are almost 3400 universities in the US that accept the IELTS score. You will need a minimum of 6.5 band score for admission to the best universities in the US for MS.

3. GRE:

This exam is taken before admission into your chosen graduate program in the USA. You will need a minimum score of 160 on the test. However, you must check the respective university site for the admissible score. 

4. LSAT:

Law schools in the US use LSAT for admission to master’s degree courses. You will need a minimum score of 150. Some schools demand a 160. Various universities give almost 70 per cent weightage to your LSAT scores during the admission process.

5. MCAT:

If you want to go to medical school in America, then you will have to take this exam. The minimum requirement for admission would be 510. However, prestigious schools may ask for a higher score.

6. GMAT:

Used for B-School admissions in the US, you will need an average score of 700. You will also have to ensure a good GPA if you want to get into a highly competitive school.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in US

The eligibility criteria that need to be met for pursuing MS in US are mentioned below:

• You must have a three or four year Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field. Minimum 3.5 GPA is considered to be good for admission.
• Must be proficient in the English language and able to demonstrate good IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores.
• More than 300 GRE score.

Documents Required for Masters in US

Here’s the list of documents that you must be able to provide during your admission for Masters in US:

• Transcript of your academic record
• An updated curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Work experience, if needed or applicable
• 2 or 3 Letters of recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• GRE/GMAT scorecard
• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scorecard
• Valid passport and visa

Application Process for Master’s Program

Like all other countries worldwide, every university in the USA has a different application process. All you have to do is search for the admissions process on your preferred university's website. 

However, there are a few common steps that you can take. From beginning your university search to getting your visa, here are 4 steps that will guarantee you a smooth and tension-free process: 

• Conduct Research 

Begin your research at least a year before you plan to apply for your master’s in US. Here are some, out of many, questions that you can seek answers to when conducting research: Where do you want to live in the US? Why have you chosen the US? What are the application deadlines? What scholarships are you eligible for?

• Figure Out Finances 

Universities in the United States provide ample financial aid through various scholarship programs. However, these are highly competitive. Try and apply to universities where scholarships and financial assistance for tuition fees are available. Figure out your savings and probable returns on investment beforehand since you will have to apply for financial aid along with your admissions application.

• Submit your Application 

Try to submit your application weeks before the deadline. Keep all your documents prepared, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, passports, work experience certificates, etc. You will be required to write essays and a statement of purpose. You must also present proof of language proficiency and pass other competitive examinations to secure admission.

• Apply for Student Visa 

This step is vital after you have received an offer letter from any university. Refer to the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs to understand what you must do. When appearing for your visa interview, be sure to speak confidently and detail your reasons for wanting to study in the US, what your plans for the future are, and most importantly, how you plan to financially sustain yourself. 

Cost of Living in US

When you pursue your master’s degree in the US, the tuition fee won’t be the only cost. Other factors come into play as well. It would be best to look at your cost of living in the United States of America. 

The average cost of living would be around $600 to $1200 per month. So, the cost of living for your MS in the US could boil down to $15,000 over the course of two years. Here’s a table to help you understand the cost breakdown better.

Breakdown of Cost of Living for a master’s degree in US

Required Items/Activities	Cost Per Month
Living Space/Rent	$200
Electricity Bill	$20
Groceries/Food items	$200
Internet	$15
Cell Phone Bill	$50
Miscellaneous	$200
Total Cost	$685

Optional Practical Training After Masters in US 

Any international student on F1 visa who completes atleast a 12-month program in the US is allowed to gain relevant work experience in their areas of specialization via the Optional Practical Training (OPT). US university graduates are allowed a 12-month OPT period and those with STEM degrees may apply for an extension of another 12 months. 

Scholarships for MS in USA

The following scholarships will help you fund your masters degree in the US to a great extent.

Scholarship Name	Benefits
Fulbright- Nehru’s master’s fellowships	J-1 visa support, round-trip economy class air travel, tuition fees, living and related costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines
Aga khan foundation international scholarships	50% of tuition fee
AAUW international fellowship	$20,000 to $50,000

Jobs After Masters in US

After completing an MS degree from the US, your salary will vary depending on the degree you have pursued.

Degree	Average Annual Base Salary*
MS in Finance	$82,000
MS in Management	$83,000
MS in Computer Science	$110,000
MS in Data Science	$84,000
MS in Mechanical Engineering	$91,000
MS in Civil Engineering	$79,000

*Source: Payscale

Study in US with upGrad Abroad

upGrad Abroad in collaboration with some of the leading US universities, offers several blended undergraduate and graduate degrees. These programs follow a unique pedagogy and are cost-effective. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors.