USA is a top study destination for international students with over 3,200 universities. According to the data by Statista, there were 914,095 international students studying in the US in the academic year 2020-21. Out of all the programs, MS in USA witnesses the highest number of students each year. The STEM courses in USA have a global recognition for their excellent quality of education and research opportunities. Eight of the top ten universities in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2024 belong to USA.
Apart from the highly ranked MS universities in USA, the country is also a blend of multiple cultures and ethnicities. Hence, MS in US for Indian students is an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
In this blog, we dwell at length about MS in USA including the top universities, best courses, requirements, fees, job opportunities and much more to clear all queries about how to pursue MS in USA.
Why Study MS in the USA?
USA is a global centre of knowledge that hosts students from every nook and corner of the world. It is the top choice for study abroad aspirants to pursue an MS. To know and understand the benefits of studying in this diverse country, go through the points mentioned below.
Top reasons to study MS in USA are:
1. Best Universities
25 universities in the USA are ranked among the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology occupying the first place. USA indeed is home to many prestigious colleges and universities in the world.
2. Top Student Cities
Apart from the best universities, 16 cities in USA are ranked in the list of QS Best Student Cities 2025. Some of them are Boston, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, etc.
3. Academic Flexibility
One of the major perks of studying MS in USA is the luxury of declaring your major in your second year of the course. It gives you one whole year to explore various subjects and understand your area of interest.
4. Part-Time Jobs
Having an F-1 student visa allows you to opt for various part-time jobs in USA. The US government currently follows a 20-hour work per week rule for international students studying MS in USA. The part-time jobs can be both on-campus or off-campus.
5. Training Opportunities
With an F-1 student visa, you may also be eligible to participate in paid training opportunities (Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training) that directly relate to your program of study. However, there are other eligibility criteria too. To learn more, visit the Training Opportunities section on the official United States website.
Suggested: What is Optional Practical Training?
Top 10 Universities in USA for MS
The universities in USA are highly ranked and accredited globally. As for MS in USA, we have listed the top universities for your reference below:
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University Name |
QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
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1 |
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4 |
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6 |
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10 |
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11 |
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12 |
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16 |
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21 |
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22 |
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23 |
Suggested: Study in USA
Best Courses & Specializations for MS in USA
MS programs in USA ensure an overall delivery of knowledge and experiences that guide you in your professional life. Research and internships are an integral part of almost all MS courses in USA. Hence, MS in USA is a complete packed with all ingredients for students to prosper in their life and career.
Let us now have a look at the top MS courses in USA that you may opt for:
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Courses |
Programs Offered |
|---|---|
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Engineering & Technology |
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Business & Management |
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Public Health |
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Sciences |
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Suggested: Study in USA After 12th
Now that we have covered the best courses and MS specializations in USA let us dive deeper into how to pursue MS in USA by having a look at the eligibility criteria and document requirements:
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue MS in USA
To study MS in US you must fulfil specific requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject with a minimum score of 60% in most universities.
- An IELTS score of 6.5 - 7.5 or a TOEFL score of 88 - 100, mandatory for all international students.
- A GMAT score of 600 - 740 and a GRE score of 318 - 329, though not mandatory for all courses.
- A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience required for some courses.
- A valid passport and a US student visa.
let's learn about each of them in detail now,
Undergraduate Degree
The first eligibility requirement to study masters in USA is a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Although the scores differ across courses and universities, a minimum score of 60% in bachelor's degree is asked by most universities.
Language Requirement
The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to MS in USA for Indian students. Minimum scores as per the tests are:
GMAT/GRE
Doing MS in USA in subjects like Finance, Management, etc. require a GMAT or GRE score. While for some courses it is a must to have a decent GMAT score, for others it is not compulsory. Ideally, the GMAT score for master's programs in USA ranges from 600 to 740, and for GRE it is 318 to 329.
Work Experience
A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required for doing MS in USA. However, some courses do not ask for work experience as a mandatory requirement.
Passport and Student Visa
A valid passport and student visa are a must for MS in USA for Indian students. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months before the expected travel date.
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Documents Required for MS in USA
Admission to colleges for MS in USA for Indian students requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:
- Transcripts of all educational qualifications
- CV or Resume
- LOR or Letter of Recommendation
- SOP or Statement of Purpose
- Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of funds
Admission Process for MS in USA in 2025
The admission process for US universities can be completed online with all the required documents and information. It is advised to check the respective university deadlines to complete your application process 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 you to have a better idea:
- Step1: Finalize the course you want to pursue and look for the best university offering that course.
- Step 2:Visit the official university websites and gather information about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process and fees.
- Step 3:Start the application process and fill in all the asked information. Upload the required documents in order for your application to be reviewed. This may include your video essay, academic transcripts IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
- Step 4:Once you have completed filling out your application and uploading all documents, you may then pay the fee.
- Step 5:Wait for the university to revert. Once selected, you may apply for your I-20 visa through which you can acquire your F-1 student visa to study in US as an international student.
Suggested: Low Tuition Fee Universities in USA for MS
MS in USA Without GRE & Work Experience
GRE and work experience are amongst two most significant eligibility for MS in USA for Indian students. While one tests your analytical ability and critical thinking, the latter helps in having an in-depth understanding of your course. GRE scores are highly regarded by universities abroad for admission. The same is the case with work experience. After having practical exposure students are in a position to bring more to the classes which makes the learning process more enriching.
While both these requirements are asked by most universities for MS in US, there are universities offering certain courses that do not require them as a mandatory requirement. However, they do ask for an alternative like high GPA, GMAT score, valuable internships, and so on.
Hence if you wish to pursue MS in US do not get disheartened if you do not have GRE or work experience.
Universities for MS in USA without GRE are:
- Purdue University
- Northeastern University
- Virginia State University
- University of Colorado
- Long Island University
Universities for MS in USA without work experience are:
Cost of Studying MS in USA
The cost of studying in the USA depends upon the course and university you choose. Your lifestyle also comes into consideration here. The overall cost of studying can be divided into two categories – Tuition Fees and Cost of Living.
Tuition Fees
On average, the MS fees in USA can be anywhere between 20,000 USD to 70,000 USD.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in USA for international students again depends upon the type of living you choose. If you have a tight budget, you must opt for student accommodation. Besides, there are some costs that are unavoidable. An average cost of living in USA for international students ranges from 900 USD to 1500 USD per month.
Suggested: How to Select the Best University for MS in USA?
Available Scholarships for MS in USA
Apart from opting for student loans or part-time jobs in USA, applying for a scholarship is a great way to fund your studies in USA. There are a wide range of scholarships for international students to study MS in USA. Some popular ones are mentioned below:
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Scholarship |
Offering |
|---|---|
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FulBright Foreign Student Program |
Offers selected outstanding students with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Amount/ Benefit: Approximately 8,000 competitive, merit-based grants annually in different academic disciplines and fields of study. |
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Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships (2022-23) |
Meritious students from developing countries with:
Amount/Benefit: 50% is a grant, and 50% is a loan concerning tuition fees and living expenses. |
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Fulbright- Nehru’s Master’s Fellowships |
Outstanding Indian students with at least three years of professional work experience to pursue master’s degree programs at selected US universities. Amount/Benefit: Provides J-1 visa support, airfares, tuition fees funding, living costs, and accident and sickness coverage per U.S. Government guidelines |
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AAUW International Fellowships |
Women pursuing MS in USA who are not US citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. Amount/ Benefit: $18,000 to $30,000 |
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University Scholarships |
Fully funded scholarships offered by individual universities to both domestic and international students pursuing MS in US. Most universities including Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Harvard offer these scholarships Amount/Benefit: Varies across universities and programs. |
Suggested: Important Scholarships for International Students to Study Abroad
Jobs Opportunities After MS in USA
Most of the international students in USA hold the US non-immigrant student visa F-1. Having the F1 visa grants you permission to work in the USA after completion of your course. However, there are certain guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in this regard.
Jobs and salaries after MS in USA for different disciplines are mentioned below:
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Disciplines |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
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Chemical Engineering |
45,400 USD - 157,000 USD |
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Architecture |
63,700 USD - 140,000 USD |
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Data Science |
70,450 USD - 103,000 USD |
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Computer Science |
52,000 USD - 113,000 USD |
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International Management |
43,000 USD - 150,000 USD |
So that was all about MS in USA for international students. US being a hub of multiple cultures with people coming from all over the world broadens your horizon of knowledge and understanding of the world. From high-quality education, and high standard of living to a wide variety of entertainment for every taste, studying in USA is undoubtedly a lifetime experience.
For further guidance and assistance to study MS in USA, do get in touch with our Yocket Professionals.
