Study MS in USA: Know Eligibility, Cost, Universities, Courses

What makes the USA a great place to study MS in 2023? If you are interested to study master's in the USA then you must check out our brief article and understand the benefits of studying in the USA.

The USA stands as a premier study abroad destination for international students. In the academic year 2022-23, the country saw a staggering 1,057,188 international students according to the data by Statista. International students, especially Indian students, prefer to study MS in USA as their STEM courses have garnered global recognition for high-quality education and research opportunities. A testament to this acclaim is the fact that eight out of the top ten universities in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2024 are located in the US.

Dive into this blog to learn about eligibility criteria, list of top 10 universities, top MS courses, scholarships, and job prospects after studying MS in USA.

Why Study MS in USA?

Indian students often consider the USA a top destination for their Master’s. The country’s globally ranked universities, multiple specialisations, and extensive research opportunities present an appealing environment for higher education. 

Another reason studying MS in USA is excellent for students is the flexibility of the courses. American universities allow you to design their courses according to your preferences. You can choose your desired subjects and plan your degree accordingly. You can also find unique and diverse subjects and programs offered in the US that might be unavailable in most countries.

Below are some advantages of studying MS in USA for Indian students:

• Choice of specialisations: Universities in the US offer MS degrees across a vast array of major fields like Business, Engineering, Finance, Arts and many more.
• Experiential Learning: The curriculum emphasises practical industry exposure through internships and project-based learning, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Home to highly-ranked universities: According to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2024, the US boasts an impressive 27 universities ranked among the top 100 globally in the subject area of education, underscoring the nation’s strong reputation in this field.
• Renowned faculty:  MS programs in the USA are recognised for attracting and employing distinguished faculty members as well as providing world-class resources for students.

Here are more benefits of studying Master’s in the USA

Eligibility Criteria to Study MS in USA

The following eligibility criteria must be fulfilled to study MS in USA:

• You should have completed a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a minimum average of 60% over the course of 3 to 4 years.
• You must provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language by submitting a test score, such as IELTS , PTE, Duolingo, or TOEFL.
• For admission to Master’s programs in the USA, the ideal GMAT score range is typically between 600 and 740, while the GRE score range is typically between 318 and 329. Note that no GRE or GMAT score is required for Master’s programs in the USA through The WorldGrad.
• You will need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Two or three letters of recommendation (LOR) from individuals familiar with your academic or professional background are generally required.

Download our guide on tips to draft a well-structured SOP.

Top 10 Universities in USA for MS

Universities in the USA are among the best in the world, receiving high rankings and global accreditation. If you’re interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 universities to study MS in USA according to the QS World University Ranking 2024.

MS in USA without GRE and GMAT

Following is the list of universities that don’t require GRE and GMAT scores for admission to MS programs in the USA through The WorldGrad:

• Drexel University
• Fisher College
• Indiana Institute of Technology
• Lander University
• McKendree University
• St. John’s University
• Tiffin University
• University of Wisconsin – Stout

Top MS Courses in USA

Master’s programs in the US mainly includes STEM programs. International students seeking MS in US frequently enrol in popular programs such as Engineering, Business, Science, Computer Science, and Information Technology. These fields attract a large portion of the international student population pursuing graduate studies in America. Hence, we have listed some popular programs offered in these fields.

Duration of MS in USA

Most Master’s programs at US universities last 1.5 to 2 years. However, some in fields like Computer Science and Engineering may require 3 to 5 years to finish. Students who choose to study Medicine can expect their degree programs to span up to 6 years, depending on the specific area of specialisation they select.

Cost of Studying MS in USA

The table below highlights the cost of studying MS in USA at top-ranking US universities with their average annual tuition fee.

Source: University websites

The table below shows the cost of studying MS in USA at the US universities partnered with The WorldGrad.

Scholarship for MS in USA

Applying for scholarships is an excellent way to finance your studies in the US. International students have variety of scholarship options when pursing MS in USA.

• Fulbright foreign student programme
• Fulbright- Nehru’s master’s fellowships
• Aga Khan Foundation International scholarships
• University scholarships 
• AAUW international fellowship

To learn more about these scholarships, you can check here.

The WorldGrad also offers the SmartGrad Scholarship to postgraduate students. Students can benefit from up to 20% tuition fee waiver with this scholarship. For more details about the scholarship, click here.

Jobs After MS in USA

Pursuing an MS in USA opens up a wide array of career opportunities for graduates across multiple fields. There is a high demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields. This demand translates into rewarding job opportunities with attractive average salaries. Below is a list of some top job opportunities with their average annual salary.

Source: Payscale 2024

Here’s the list of 10 demanding jobs in the USA for Indian students

Study MS in USA without GRE & GMAT with The WorldGrad

The WorldGrad is an award-winning and trusted academic partner to 50+ reputed universities in Australia, Singapore, the UK and the US. Our Smart Programs allow students to progress to globally-ranked universities for both Bachelor’s and Master’s courses. 

Our All American Graduate Program is a Smart Program that allows students to start their Master’s degree in India and then transition to a US university to complete the remainder of their degree. Students can save up to 21 lakhs through this program. Other advantages include saving time, reducing the overall cost of overseas education, and enhancing the chances of visa approval by demonstrating a clear commitment to their studies.

The WorldGrad Benefits for Students:

• Multiple intakes in a year
• Save costs through fee subsidies and scholarships
• Get unlimited 1-1 academic support from highly qualified international teachers
• Benefit from a 2X higher visa success rate

Study MS in USA FAQs

Q1. How to study MS in USA?
A1. To study MS in USA, you need to fulfil the eligibility criteria such as a Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, English language proficiency test score, SOP, and LOR.

Q2. How much does it cost to study MS in USA?
A2. The exact cost to study MS in USA varies by institution or university.

Q3. What are the exams required to study MS in USA?
A3. GMAT, GRE and English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo are the exams required to study MS in USA.

Q4. How many years is MS in USA?
A4. The course duration of MS in USA is between 1.5 to 2 years.

Q5. How many intakes are there for MS in USA?
A5. There are three intakes for MS in USA. However, with The WorldGrad, you get the benefit of six intakes in a year.