MS in USA for Indian Students
Masters in US or MS in US is a 2-year degree offered in approximately 70% of US universities.MS in the US consists mainly of STEM (science, technology, engineering and administration) coursework programs. International students considering a master’s degree usually choose majors such as masters of business and management, master of information technology, masters of information technology, etc.
International students planning to study in USA for Master’s Degree in 2022 will need 16 years of study and an average GPA of 3.0 (80%) on a 4.0-upscale. Additionally, you must meet the TOEFL score requirement. For an Indian student who wishes to study MS in the US, this cost ranges from INR 9.76 to 75.1 lakh, depending on the university and course chosen.
Masters in US Universities
MIT ranks first globally, followed by Stanford, Harvard, Caltech and the University of Chicago in the top 10 universities in the world. A list of the top 25 universities with their acceptance rates for master’s degrees in the US is as follows:
| QS Ranking 2023 | University Name | Popular MS Courses |
| #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science MS Mechanical Engineering |
| #3 | Stanford University | MS Computer Science MS Applied Physics |
| #5 | Harvard University | MS Applied Computation MS Data Science |
| #6 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | MS Mechanical Engineering MS Aeronautics |
| #10 | University of Chicago | MS Financial Mathematics MS Computer Science |
Reasons to Study MS in USA
There are over 2 million MS courses in the US to choose from, an option to earn through work study, a post MS residency, research opportunities, as well as merit-based scholarships to support education are a few of the benefits international students can enjoy in the United States during their study in USA. Some other benefits include tracking MS in the US:
- STEM courses in the US are a popular choice for students because they are in high demand in the US and they offer 24-month work visa extensions to students after their master’s degree.
- The US government invests $476,452 million in research and development or 2.7% of its total GDP. Thus, a master’s degree in the United States enhances research and funding opportunities.
- After the master’s degree, there is a research space where students can apply for a teaching assistant (TA) or research assistant (RA) position.
- Students can earn between $500 and $1,200 a month working part-time as a TA.
- While research assistants can earn a salary of up to $1,500 a month.
- Curriculums are broken down into prerequisites, core areas, and electives for each MS course. Therefore, it increases the chances of investigating MS by more than 30%.
- The average scholarship is $10,000 for one year for students pursuing a master’s degree at any of the US universities.
MS in USA Admission Requirements
International students must meet many requirements to continue with higher education in the United States. Various test results, certificates, subject certificates, score sheets, etc. are intended for international students seeking admission to a university in the United States. The basic requirement for MS eligibility in the United States:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field: 3-4 years
- 2-3 LOR
- Score of GRE 330 or above
- 3.5/ 4 or higher GPA, equal to 87% in bachelor
- SOP
- Social & Leadership Activities
Test Scores Required for MS in USA
Various standardised test results are requested from applicants with their applications. To earn a master’s degree in the United States, students must submit standardised test scores based on course selections. Applicants need these test scores to understand their suitability
and only evaluate them academically. In some universities, the presentation is a mere formality.
| University | GRE Scores Required |
| Stanford University | 328 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 316 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 324 |
| University of Washington | 300 |
| New York University | 310 |
| University of Texas Austin | 300 |
| Yale University | 322 |
| University of Chicago | Quant- 154 | Verbal- 155 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Quant- 169 | Verbal- 158 |
| University of Minnesota | Quant- 170 | Verbal- 153 |
MS In USA: GMAT/ GRE Waivers
Applicants applying for a member state in the United States can apply for a GRE/GMAT waiver. Applicants, in turn, will have to demonstrate their analytical skills, application of reasoning skills, knowledge of the English language, quantitative aptitude, etc.
- You have registered for admission to top B schools, out of 12 schools, only 5 schools have a requirement for GMAT/GRE waiver.
- Typically, the GMAT is only waived for online management courses, not courses offered on campus.
- Fewer than 14% of students submitted their GMAT score compared to 23% of GRE score submissions.
- GRE is exempt from over 70% of US universities seeking a master’s degree in the US However, you must have excellent research and professional experience.
Some universities that offer a master’s degree in the United States also accept students without this score. They believe that grades cannot define a candidate’s overall academic performance. The universities are listed below:
- University of Phoenix
- Boston University
- Virginia State University
- Kansas State University
MS In United States: Documents Required
The MS Accreditation application process in the United States is very lengthy. A list of documents to be considered for admission of international students is required. These are the documents required for MS approval in the United States:
- Transcripts: In a sealed envelope, stamped and signed by the respective General Manager/Director.
- Report Cards: From previously attended institutions, certified by HOD/Principal.
- Resume: An up-to-date resume must be submitted in the correct format. It should include the level of research performed and/or professional experience.
- Statement of Purpose: The MS SOP must be written in good time and submitted with the application. It should include information about the candidates, their goals and expectations for the course.
- Letter of Recommendation: At least 2-3 LORs should be submitted. They can be submitted online or offline depending on how the application was submitted.
- Cash Flow Statement: A bank statement not older than 3 months must be submitted demonstrating sufficient funds for at least one academic year.
- Medical Insurance: This is required when an applicant applies for admission to the United States.
- Proof of identity: passport for visa procedures.
Cost of Studying MS in the US
The total cost of attending master’s programs in the US includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses. International students are encouraged to calculate their estimated budget for studying in the United States. The cost of studying in USA for MS can be broken down into three categories: pre-arrival costs, tuition and living expenses.
| University | Average Fees (INR/Year) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 57.8 lakhs |
| Stanford University | 61.39 lakhs |
| Harvard University | 41.86 lakhs |
| California Institute of Technology | 44.98 lakhs |
| University of Chicago | 45.55 lakhs |
| Princeton University | 45.81 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 45.13 lakhs |
| Cornell University | 30.35 lakhs |
| Yale University | 37.43 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 16.61 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
The cost of living in the USA varies as per the university taken and other expenses taken. Some of the major expenses required are mentioned below.
- Accommodation: 0.75 lakhs- 1.50 lakhs (Monthly)
- Transportation: 0.07 lakhs- 0.22 lakhs (Monthly)
- Meals: 0.02 lakhs- 0.03 lakhs (one-meal)
- Health Insurance: 0.34 lakhs- 0.53 lakhs (Monthly).
- Personal Expenses: 0.22 lakhs- 0.45 lakhs (Monthly)
MS in USA with scholarships
Studying in USA is not cheap and international applicants should be able to finance their studies to enter the US. Although the cost of MS in the US depends on the specialty and the institution. Students have to pay about $30,000 (approximately) in tuition, but the cost of a professional degree is usually higher.
International Scholarships are one of the best ways to save your income whether it is in the form of tuition waivers, grants, living expenses, etc. One of the most famous scholarships offered to students in various fields is the Fulbright Scholarship. The various famous scholarships for international students in USA are worth mentioning:
| Scholarship Name | Benefits |
| New York University Wagner Scholarship | 25,000 USD to 47,000 USD |
| Fulbright Student Program | Grant funds tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance |
| Clark University Scholarships | 20,000 USD to 25,000 USD |
| Next-Gen Scholarship | 1,000 USD |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50% of grant and 50% loan is offered to students from developing countries |
| East Tennessee State University | 11,500 USD per year |
| Iowa State University Scholarships | scholarships up to 10,000 USD |
| University of Oregon Scholarships | 40 scholarships ranging from 7,500 USD to 30,000 USD |
Approximately 1.6 million international students receive US visas to stay in STEM programs after completing their master’s degree. There are 9 major areas of MS, divided into 781 specialisations in the United States. The wide variety of majors, graduate employability rankings, and technically advanced curriculum distinguishes graduate schools in the United States from around the world.
