MS in USA: Eligibility, Cost of Visa, Best Universities & Jobs

Vaishali Pandey
October 29, 2024

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MS in USA: Eligibility, Cost of Visa, Best Universities & Jobs

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)

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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.

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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. An MS in Ireland is a great option, especially for STEM specialisations, and an MS in Germany is an affordable option!

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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:

  1. Computer Science Engineering
  2. Biology
  3. Mathematics
  4. Computer Science
  5. Electrical Engineering
  6. Mechanical Engineering
  7. Chemistry
  8. Physics
  9. Civil Engineering
  10. Information Systems
  11. Statistics
  12. 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.

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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FAQ: MS in USA 

What is the cost of pursuing an MS in the USA?

The cost of an MS in the USA varies depending on the university and program. Generally, tuition fees range from INR 20 lakhs to INR 40 lakhs or more, with top-tier universities charging higher amounts. Additionally, living expenses typically range from INR 10 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs per year.

What are the top specialisations for MS in the USA?

Some popular specialisations for MS in the USA include Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering, and Biotechnology.

What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing an MS in the USA?

To apply for an MS in the USA, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, GRE/GMAT scores, English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), and sometimes relevant work experience or research experience.

How long does it take to complete an MS degree in the USA?

An MS degree in the USA is usually  1.5 to 2 years long, depending on the program structure and the number of credits required.

What standardised tests are required for MS admission in the USA?

Most universities require GRE scores for MS admissions. For business-related programs, GMAT scores may be required. Additionally, English proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are mandatory for international students.

What is the application process for MS in the USA?

The application process generally includes submitting an online application form, bachelor’s degree transcripts, GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and sometimes an application fee.

What is the role of the GRE in MS admissions?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a central test required by most universities for admission to MS programs. It tests quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

Are scholarships available for MS programs in the USA?

Yes, many universities offer scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to international students based on merit in academics, research potential, or economic need. Additionally, external scholarships are available for students applying to top universities.

Can I work while studying for an MS in the USA?

Students can work part-time for a maximum 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks. Most students work on campus, though internships and co-op programs are also available.

What is the visa process for studying for an MS in the USA?

International students need an F-1 student visa to study in the USA. After receiving an acceptance letter from a university, students apply for a visa through the U.S. embassy, including submitting Form I-20, paying visa fees, and attending an interview.

How can I improve my chances of getting into a top university for MS in the USA?

To improve your chances, focus on maintaining a solid academic record, scoring well on the GRE/GMAT, having a clear and compelling statement of purpose, obtaining solid letters of recommendation, and demonstrating relevant work or research experience.

What is the difference between a thesis and a non-thesis MS program?

A thesis-based MS program involves research work and requires students to submit a thesis, making it ideal for those interested in pursuing a PhD. A non-thesis program focuses on coursework and practical applications, often suitable for those aiming for industry roles.

What are the job prospects after completing an MS in the USA?

MS graduates' job prospects are generally good, particularly in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Data Science. Many students secure job placements through internships, on-campus recruitment, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs.

What is OPT, and how does it benefit international students?

OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows international students to work in the USA for up to 12 months (24 months for STEM graduates) after completing their degree. It provides valuable work experience and enhances job prospects in the U.S. job market.

How competitive is the admissions process for MS in the USA?

The admissions process can be highly competitive, especially for top-ranked universities. A solid academic background, excellent test scores, and relevant experience are critical factors in getting accepted.

Are internships mandatory during an MS program in the USA?

Internships are not mandatory but are highly recommended. Many universities offer internship opportunities through co-op programs or summer internships, which provide practical experience and often lead to job offers.

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