Study Abroad Content Specialist
Every year, thousands of Indian students go to the USA for their MS. The USA has over 4,000 universities, so choosing the right one can be confusing. Things like fees, location, rankings, research, and job opportunities are important to consider. On average, Indian students spend 25–50 lakhs INR on their MS in USA, which is not financially sound. Hence, to make it a worthy investment, you must shortlist universities based on your requirements and future goals.
Also read: Why Study MS in USA?
How to Shortlist Universities for MS in USA?
Getting a degree from a renowned US universities can guarantee you a fruitful career. But how do you know if the university is the right choice for you? It is not always about the rankings but several factors.
Know Your Goal Before Choosing Any University
Set your career goals and consider the following parameters while starting your university shortlisting process for MS in USA.
- Career Plan: Think about what you want after MS – job, research, or starting a business.
- Specialization: Choose the field you are interested in, like Computer Science, Data Science, or Biotechnology.
- Budget: Check how much you can afford. The cost can vary widely:
- Public universities in USA: 16–32 lakhs/ year
- Private universities in USA: 24–50 lakhs/ year
| USA Study Guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Intakes in USA | How to Apply for MS in USA? | Minimum CGPA Required for MS in USA |
| Top Universities for MS in USA | Exams Required For MS in USA | Cost of MS in USA |
Compare Universities for MS in USA
You can compare the universities based on the following parameters.
- Rankings: Check university rankings like QS World Rankings or U.S. News. Look for subject-specific rankings.
- Acceptance Rate: Target the US universities with high acceptance rates.
- Location: Look for universities in areas with good job opportunities. For example:
- California (Silicon Valley): Tech companies like Google and Apple
- Texas and New York: Many job options for engineers and IT students
- Research and Faculty: Look at the university’s website to see if professors and their research match your interests. For example, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign is famous for AI research.
- Admission Requirements: Most universities ask for GRE, TOEFL/ IELTS or other English Exams for US, SOP (Statement of Purpose), LOR (Letters of Recommendation), and mark sheets. Check if you are meeting those requirements or not. General requirements include
Also read: Requirements to Study in USA
Cost of Studying in USA
Studying in USA is not going to be cheap. Tuition fees for MS degrees can cost you 25-50 lakhs INR per year along with around 8.5-21 lakhs INR per year for the cost of living in USA. Hence, it is of utmost importance to plan your budget while shortlisting universities for MS in USA.
- Visit university websites to calculate fees
- Look for scholarships like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship or assistantship options (part-time teaching/research work).
- The application fees also play a significant role.
- Check the cheap universities in USA. Some of them are:
- University of Texas, Austin
- Arizona State University
- SUNY Buffalo
Must read: Cost of Studying in USA
Talk to Former Students (Alumni)
Who can describe a university other than the students who attended it? Use LinkedIn to find alumni of the universities of your choice. Check where they are working now and how their careers grew after MS.
Also read: Jobs After MS in USA
Job Opportunities After MS in USA
You must check the university’s job outcome rate to ensure good placements and opportunities after completion of your master's degree. Look for universities with strong OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training) programs. You can also check the highest-paying fields for MS graduates. For example:
- Computer Science: 113,000 USD per year
- Electrical Engineering: 107,000 USD per year
Also read: Difference Between OPT and CPT | High Paying Jobs in USA
Make a Comparison Table
You can make comparisons between universities by using a table with different parameters. Give a score to each parameter on your own after assessing all the points. It will certainly help you to understand which university will be the best for you.
Example:
As per the following table, University A will be the best fit for you.
| Parameters | Weightage % | University A | University B | University C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 20% | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Tuition Fees | 20% | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| Scholarship | 20% | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Research Opportunities | 20% | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Location | 10% | 9 | 8 | 7 |
| Alumni Success | 10% | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Total | 100% | 8 | 7.5 | 7.6 |
How Many Universities Should You Apply to?
The thumb rule is: that the more you apply, the more your chances increase. Try to apply to at least 8–10 universities, categorized into "safe," "moderate," and "ambitious" universities.
- 2-3 Ambitious universities
- 3-4 Moderate universities
- 2-3 Safe universities
Safe schools are where your profile surpasses the average admitted student. Moderate schools are more competitive and have a 50-50 chance of admission. Ambitious schools have very low acceptance rates and admission chances.
Applying to top universities in the USA for MS can cost you a huge amount. On average, international students need to pay 50-100 USD for each application.
Read more: US Universities Without Application Fees
When Should You Apply for MS in USA?
Your selection to US universities can sometimes depend on the time when you apply. Check out the timelines when to apply for MS admission to US universities.
- Apply Early: Early applications give you a better chance of securing scholarships and admissions. Popular universities like Columbia, Cornell, UC San Francisco have an early decision application process. Some universities like Rutgers, Purdue, Alabama State follow rolling admissions. This means they review applications as they receive them.
- Best Time to Apply: Most students prefer applying for the Fall intake in USA, which starts in August or September. This semester offers a wide range of courses, internships, and on-campus jobs compared to the other intakes in USA.
Choosing the right university takes time and research. Focus on your career goals, finances, and opportunities after MS. With careful planning, you can find the best fit for your future. Even with excellent academics and strong LORs, students often fail to secure their MS admission due to a lack of effective planning.
FAQs
Ques: How do I shortlist universities for MS before writing the GRE?
Ans: Research university requirements, and check rankings, fees, and programs matching your goals. Refine your list after getting your GRE score.
Ques: How do I choose universities for applying to MS programs in US universities in CS?
Ans: Focus on rankings, strong research in your interest areas, and job opportunities near tech hubs. Match your scores with university requirements and check alumni outcomes on LinkedIn.
Ques: What is the best way to shortlist universities for an MS?
Ans: Decide your priorities, group universities into Dream, Target, and Safe, compare costs and placements, and finalize 8–10 options.
Ques: Is it best to have a consultancy for an MS application process?
Ans: Consultancies help with SOPs and guidance, but aren’t necessary if you’re confident. Use online resources and consider consultancy for specific tasks if needed.
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