Masters in USA- Universities, Deadlines, Eligibility & Fees

Master of Science (MS) in USA is a two-year program offering students an advanced post-graduate degree to the students. USA provides world-class research opportunities, a job-oriented course, and renowned faculty members to impart quality education.

Most international students traveling to USA for education opt for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, including computer sciences, data science, accounting and management, computer engineering, and more. However, some of the biggest concerns that usually hold aspirants back are how to study MS in USA from India, how much it costs to study MS in USA, the requirements to study MS in USA, and more.

This article would give you a brief idea about all the information required to pursue MS in USA. Read on.

Highlights of MS in USA

Pursuing a master’s in US is the goal for several international students. However, I feel everyone must know the details of their intended program before moving forward.

Category	Details
Top Courses	Computer Science, Business Analytics, Data Science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Informatics, Cybersecurity
Top Universities	MIT, Stanford, Harvard, University of California, Berkeley, Princeton University, University of Chicago, California Institute of Technology
Eligibility Criteria	Bachelor’s degree, TOEFL/IELTS scores, etc. (varies by university)
Admission Deadlines	Varies by university (fall applications between December and January, spring applications in September or October)
Costs	$12,394 - $26,621 per year
Scholarships	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Master’s Scholarship, Bashford International Scholarship, Global Ambassadors Scholarship, Academic Merit Scholarships
Duration	1-2 years
Visa Requirements	F1 student visa

Why Study MS in USA?

More than 80,000 students travel to USA annually to obtain a master’s degree in various specializations. Reasons to study MS in USA include:

World’s Best Universities for MS in USA

The Ivy League universities in USA are famous for being the best worldwide. A degree from an Ivy League institution or one of the best-ranked universities can help you get a significant head-start in your career. More than 50 USA universities are in the top 100 in the world list. Some of the best institutes to study MS in USA are-:

Wide Specialization Options in MS in USA

There are over 200 master’s programs in USA to specialize in. So, you have multiple options to choose from. Some of the top MS degrees in USA are offered in the following streams:

Computer Science,
Wireless Communications,
Pharmacy
Life Sciences,
Medicine,
Law,
Engineering, and more.

Highly Accredited Faculty

Universities in USA are famous and valued for employing renowned professors to help students complete their degrees successfully and become industry-ready to face real-life challenges.

Quality of Education

The US hosts a significant number of top-ranked universities globally. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, around 196 US institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard consistently top the charts.

Advanced Research Facilities

The United States' R&D expenditure increased from $72 billion in 2021 to $789 billion in 2022. This means the country is at the forefront of technological and scientific advancements and, hence, offers state-of-the-art research facilities for aspiring MS students.

Global Networking

The current employment rate in the US is 62.5%. Hence, studying in the country provides students with the opportunity to build a global network for career advancement.

Employment Opportunities

The OPT (Optional Practical Training) program allows international students to work in the country for up to three years after graduation. This means they can seek employment at any time after completing their courses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Numerous scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students. For instance, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program helps offset the high cost of education.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The US has the largest tech market in the world, which was worth $1.8 trillion (approx.) in 2023. Hence, the country promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and offers numerous opportunities for startups and innovation.

Top Master’s Courses in US

Here is a list of master’s courses in the US that you must know about before deciding to get your education abroad.

Field	Description	Top MS Courses in US	Average Annual Course Fees
Computer Science	Focuses on computational theory, algorithms, and software development.	MS in Artificial Intelligence MS in Computer Science	$27,900
Business Analytics	Combines data analysis, business intelligence, and computer science.	MS in Data Analytics MS in Business Analytics	$36,592
Data Science	Involves statistical analysis, machine learning, and big data	MS in Data Science MS in Big Data	$61,536
Engineering	Covers various specializations such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil.	MS in Mechanical Engineering MS in Electrical Engineering	$87,934

Source: Official University Website

Top Universities for MS in USA

Given below are the list of the top 10 universities for the MS in USA:

University	QS WUR Ranking 2023*	Popular MS Courses
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Stanford University	3	MS Computer Science
Harvard University	5	MS Applied Computation
California Institute of Technology	6	MS Mechanical Engineering
University of Chicago	10	MS Financial Mathematics
University of Pennsylvania	13	MS Computer and Information Science
Princeton University	16	MS Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Yale University	18	MS Statistics and Data Science
Cornell University	20	MS Computer Science
Columbia University	22	MS Data Science

Source: *topuniversities.com

Top Universities for MS in USA by Acceptance Rate

More than 90 percent of universities in USA offer MS courses. Many students wish to enroll in some of the top universities in USA, like Stanford University, Harvard University, Yale, and other Ivy League institutions. However, these universities have a low acceptance rate, as the average acceptance rate for the MS in USA in top universities is just 6 percent.

Below is the list of the top universities for MS in USA by acceptance rate.

University Name	Acceptance Rate (percent)*
Stanford University	3.95%
Harvard University	5%
Princeton University	5.5%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	7%
University of Chicago	7%
Yale University	7%
University of Pennsylvania	9%
Cornell University	11%

Source: *University official website

Popular MS Specializations MS in USA

Master Program	University Name	Average Tuition Fee (in $)*
Data Science	Harvard University, Yale University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania	32,000- 90,000
Finance	Columbia University, UCLA, UC Berkeley, The University of Southern California, MIT	50,000- 83,000
Marketing	Columbia University, The University of Texas at Austin, Michigan State University, The University of Southern California, Florida International University	38,000- 65,000
Computer Science	Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley, MIT, Carnegie Mellon University	40,000- 53,000
Business analytics	UCLA, University of Minnesota, The University of Texas at Austin, MIT, Michigan State University	40,000- 55,000

Source: * Official University website

Admission Requirements & Eligibility Criteria for Masters in USA

Eligibility Criteria for MS in USA

A significant aspect you need to keep in mind while applying for MS in USA is that you must have an undergraduate degree in the subject relevant to your MS field.

You must also meet these eligibility requirements to study MS in USA-

An undergraduate degree in the relevant field
A score of at least 65% in graduation.
IELTS score of at least 6.5 or as per university requirement.
GRE score above 250 or as required by your institution of choice
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
2 Letter of Recommendation (LORs)
Published Research Papers (if any)
Volunteering Certificate (if any)
Internship projects or research projects (if any)

Standard Tests Required for Applying MS in USA

Test	Courses	Test Authority
GRE	Social Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Management	Education Testing Services
LSAT	Law	Law School Admission Council
MCAT	Medical	Pearson VUE
GMAT	Management	Graduate Management Admission Council

Here are the commonly required tests and their score requirements:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores. Most universities require a minimum score of 70–100.

2. International English Language Testing System(IELTS): An alternative to TOEFL, with a minimum score requirement of 6.5–7.0.

Admission Process for MS in USA

The admission process for USA universities can be conducted online. Students should check the university deadlines to complete their applications on time.

If you are still confused about how to pursue MS in USA, here we have discussed the admission process for MS in USA for a better idea:

Select the course you want to pursue and look for the best university offering that course.
Visit the official university websites and gather information about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees.
Start the application process and fill in all the information asked. Upload the required documents for your application to be reviewed. This may include your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
Once you have completed filling out your application and uploading all documents, you may pay the fee.
Wait for the university to revert. Once selected, you may apply for your I-20 visa to acquire your F-1 student visa to study in USA as an international student.

MS in USA Admission Deadlines:

Application Cycle 1

Autumn/Fall Intake: Applications open in late September or early October and are accepted till December’s second week.
Spring Intake: The application deadline for the spring intake usually hovers between mid-November to mid-December.
Summer Intake: The application deadline for the intake is somewhere in April.

Admission Cycle 2

Fall Intake: Classes begin in mid-August or early September and go on till the beginning of December.
Spring Intake: The session begins in January and concludes in April.
Summer Intake: The session starts in May and ends in August.

Essential Documents for MS in USA

The admission process in USA can be exhaustive. A set of documents are required from international students to become eligible for admission. Here is the list-

UG Marksheets
UG Transcript signed by Head of Department (HoD)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
Updated CV

Duration of MS Courses in USA

The duration of an MS course in USA Usually ranges between 1.5 to 2 years.

Cost of Studying MS Degree in USA

One needs to consider some factors when calculating the cost of studying MS in USA. They are:

Entrance exam fee
Application fee
Airfare
Insurance
College tuition fee
Cost of living

GRE Exam (Entrance exam for MS in USA)	$ 228
TOEFL exam (English language proficiency test)	$ 195
University application fee (per application)	$ 110 (approx.)
Tuition fee	May vary but the average range is around $19,749 annually
Airfare	$ 800 (approx.)
Living costs	$ 10,000-18,000 (yearly)
Health Insurance	$477 per month (approx.)
Miscellaneous Costs	Other incidental expenses like books, supplies, and personal expenses are about $170.23 per month as per Numbeo. This also includes the airfare which makes for around $1000. Moreover, there is a visa application fee which costs $160 and I-901 SEVIS Fee of $350.

MS in USA Without GRE/GMAT & Work Experience

GRE and work experience are among the two most crucial eligibility for MS in USA for Indian students. GRE tests your analytical ability and critical thinking, while your work experience helps you understand your course in-depth. Many universities in USA offer specific courses that do not require GRE or work experience as a mandatory requirement. However, they ask for an alternative like a high GPA, GMAT score, valuable internships, etc.

Some universities and programs also offer GRE or GMAT waivers under specific conditions:

Relevant Work Experience: Extensive professional experience in the field of study can sometimes substitute for test scores.
Strong Academic Background: A high GPA from a reputable undergraduate institution may allow a waiver.
Specific Programs: Certain programs might not require GRE/GMAT scores. Examples include courses in public health, social work, and education.

So if you wish to pursue MS in USA, there are many universities USA that enroll students without GRE; some of them are given below:

Purdue University
Virginia State University
Northeastern University
University of Colorado
Long Island University

Universities for MS in USA without work experience are

Work experience can help but is not mandatory for most of the MS programs in the US. Academically brilliant individuals who excel in their college courses and co-curricular activities stand a strong chance of getting into such programs. This applies especially if they have taken courses in the subject area.

These students must also have realistic and well-defined career goals. However, specific fields, like business management, may encourage having some practical experience.

Yale University
Princeton University
Brown University
University of Washington
Duke University

Scholarships and Financial Aid to study MS in USA:

Scholarships come a long way in managing the living and tuition costs in USA. But how do one gets scholarship to study MS in USA? It is best to begin the scholarship hunt with thorough research and check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Another essential thing that one must not miss is applying for the scholarship before the deadlines.

Here are some scholarships that are available for Indian students wanting to pursue MS in USA:

Name of the Scholarship	Benefits
Narotam Sekhsaria-Scholarship	100% merit based
International Fellowship-AAUW	$18,000 to $30,000
International Scholarship Programme-Aga Khan Foundation	50% of grant and 50% loan is offered to students from developing countries
Generation Google Scholarship	$10,000
University of Oregon Scholarships	40 scholarships ranging from $7,500 to $30,000

Here are some other notable scholarships for MS in USA:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	International students from over 160 countries.	Tuition, airfare, living stipend.
AAUW International Fellowships	Women doing full-time graduate or postdoctoral courses in the US.	Professional network expansion, experiential learning
Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship	Graduate-level research programs for one to four years.	Allows the student to study abroad, offers financial support, and cultural understanding
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	High academic performance and unique ability in the chosen field.	Tuition, living expenses, travel.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program	Leadership and civic commitment.	Full funding for graduate study.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship	For mid-career professionals from developing countries.	Tuition, living stipend, travel.

Types of Visas:

1. F-1 visa: This is for students migrating to USA to complete higher education. F-1 visa holders cannot take up full-time jobs. Part-time work is allowed. The visa is granted to those enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. It is also crucial that USA government must authorize your chosen institute to accept international students.

2. F-2 visa: This is for F-1 visa dependents.

3. F-3 visa: This is for Canadians and Mexicans. F-3 visa holders are not allowed to work part-time or full-time.

Know more: What Is F2 and F3 Visa?

4. J-1 visa: This is for exchange students.

5. M-1 visa: It is given to non-immigrants visiting to pursue non-academic or vocational courses. They are not allowed to work off-campus.

Post-Study Work Visa Options

There are three types of visas that allow the students to stay in the USA after completing their studies: M-1, J-1, and F-1. If one manages to get a job related to the field of study within 90 days after completing the course, one can get a permit to stay for a year. This permit can be extended for two more years.

Now that you have unlocked the best MS courses, start your USA study journey with the best assistance. Book your free counseling session now.

Career Opportunities after MS in USA

As observed, masters in STEM offer high-salaried jobs. Here are some sought-after career opportunities after completing a master’s in science:

Jobs	Average Annual Salary
Mathematics and computer science (Software Engineer, Software Developer, Finance Analyst, and others)	$63,700 - $140,000
Life Sciences (Researcher, Biochemist, Lab Analyst, Medical Representative, and others)	$52,000 - $113,000
Data Scientist	$1,45,684
Civil Engineer	$88228
Architect	$88024
Information Technology Manager	$137,288
Biomedical Engineer	$97,410
Mechanical Engineer	$93,559
Marketing Manager	$1,14,465
Project Manager	$1,34,989