For students thinking about continuing their education overseas, an MS in the USA is an excellent alternative. Because of its well-known colleges and the excellent education its students receive, the United States is among the top nations for MS programs. In the USA, there are over 570 universities that provide MS. Most American universities that offer master's degrees have two-year programs. However, other colleges offer programs that last one to two years or longer.
What is MS?
The full form of MS is Master of Science. It is a 2 year post graduate program that provides in-depth knowledge and skills in Data Science, Biology, Mathematics and medicines. This program allows students to get specialised knowledge in their chosen field.
MS graduates have excellent placement opportunities, with leading companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Wipro, and Amazon actively recruiting for research and development, financial analysis, data science, information technology, and software engineering roles.
MS in USA: Highlights
Below are critical details for an MS in the USA:
| Particulars | MS in USA Highlights |
|---|---|
| Total Number of MS Colleges in the USA | 570+ |
| Average Cost of MS in the USA | INR 20 lakhs - INR 40 lakhs (for most universities) |
| Top Specialisations | Computer Science Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering |
| Admission Process | Requirements may include: Bachelor’s degree, GRE/GMAT scores, Work experience, IELTS/TOEFL scores (varies by university) |
Eligibility for MS in USA
Students who want to pursue an MS in the US need to meet the prerequisites listed below:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Required |
| GRE Score | 290 or above |
| Letters of Recommendation | 2-3 letters |
| Bachelor's Degree | 3 to 4-year degree in the specific field |
| GPA | Average of 3.0 or above (may vary by university) |
| English Proficiency | Proof of IELTS or TOEFL test scores |
Note: The GPA requirement may vary depending on the university the student is applying to.
If you are considering an MS from another country as well, check out this blog to learn about the top colleges, fees, and exams for an MS from abroad.
No Collateral Required. Approval Based on Student Potential. Check Your Eligibility
Best Universities in USA for MS: Fees & Location
| College Name | Approximate Fees for MS | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | INR 55 L - INR 60 L per year | Stanford, California |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | INR 60 L - INR 65 L per year | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| University of California, Berkeley | INR 35 L - INR 40 L per year | Berkeley, California |
| Carnegie Mellon University | INR 45 L - INR 50 L per year | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Harvard University | INR 55 L - INR 65 L per year | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| University of Texas at Austin | INR 20 L - INR 25 L per year | Austin, Texas |
| University of Southern California (USC) | INR 45 L - INR 50 L per year | Los Angeles, California |
| Columbia University | INR 50 L - INR 55 L per year | New York City, New York |
| New York University (NYU) | INR 45 L - INR 50 L per year | New York City, New York |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | INR 30 L - INR 35 L per year | Urbana-Champaign, Illinois |
Note: These are approximate fees and can vary based on the program, university, and other factors.
If the fees for an MS in the USA seem high to you, you can check out other countries as well, including MS in Canada. An MS in Ireland is a great option, especially for STEM specialisations, and an MS in Germany is an affordable option!
MS in USA: Best Specialisations
Students can choose between various MS courses offered by the best US colleges. The top MS Specialisations in the US for Indian students are listed below:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Civil Engineering
- Information Systems
- Statistics
- Biomedical Engineering
Best Universities in USA for MS Specialisations
Let us have a look at the best universities in USA if you already have a specialisation in mind:
Computer Science and Information Systems:
| College Name | Location | Approximate Fees for MS |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | INR 60 L - INR 65 L per year |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California | INR 55 L - INR 60 L per year |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | INR 45 L - INR 50 L per year |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, California | INR 35 L - INR 40 L per year |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | INR 55 L - INR 65 L per year |
Engineering and Technology
| College Name | Location | Approximate Fees for MS |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | INR 60 L - INR 65 L per year |
| Stanford University | Stanford, California | INR 55 L - INR 60 L per year |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, California | INR 35 L - INR 40 L per year |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Pasadena, California | INR 50 L - INR 55 L per year |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, Georgia | INR 30 L - INR 35 L per year |
| Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana | INR 25 L - INR 30 L per year |
Cost of Student Visa for MS in USA
Pursuing a Masters in USA for Indian students requires a visa. Here are two types of visas that students can get and their details:
| Aspect | F1 Visa | J1 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Full-time academic study | Exchange programs (academic or cultural) |
| Required Document | Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status) | Passport, Non-Immigrant Status form, and a few other documents |
| Sponsorship Requirement | Not mentioned | Required |
| Application Processing Fee | $185 | $160 |
| Eligibility | International students | International students |
| Type of Study | Full-time academic programs | Exchange programs |
Work Permit After MS in USA
Students wanting to stay in the USA after MS need a post-study work visa. Here are the details about a work permit after your MS in USA:
- International students with F1 Visa can complete up to one year of temporary employment.
- Employment must be directly related to their central area of study
- After completing their studies, F1 visa holders can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The OPT is a post-study work permit and is valid for 12-24 months.
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Jobs after MS in USA
Calculate the return of your investment on an MS in USA according to the specialisations after completing degree from best MS colleges in USA for Indian students from this table below:
| Specialization | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| MS in Biology | USD 69,000 |
| MSc in Mathematics | USD 92,000 |
| MSc in Electrical Engineering | USD 107,000 |
| MSc in Mechanical Engineering | USD 92,000 |
| MSc in Chemistry | USD 76,000 |
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| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Loan Amount | 50 Lakhs |
| Collateral | Not Required |
| Moratorium | Available |
| Processing Time | 10 Times Faster than Banks |
| Disbursal Time | 7 Days |
| Approval Rate | Higher than Other Banks |
| Special USP | Marks Based Approval |
| % Financed | 100% of Fees |
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