Minimum CGPA Required for MS in USA for Indian Students in 2025

Study Abroad Content Specialist

When you apply to universities in the USA, they do not look at your percentage score directly. Instead, they convert it to a CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) on a scale of 10.0. The minimum CGPA required for an MS in USA can vary depending on the program and university.

For international students, a CGPA of 7.0 (or around 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) is often the target. However, if your CGPA is lower, you can still apply to universities that accept scores below the average.

You do not have to convert your Indian CGPA into a US GPA by yourself; third-party agencies like WES Evaluation can do it for you. Additionally, to be eligible for MS in USA, you must have completed 16 years of education, which includes a 4-year bachelor’s degree. To improve your chances, you can also take standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. These scores may help strengthen your application.

Also read: Differences Between CGPA and GPA

Table of Content

CGPA Required for Universities
Universities Accepting Low CGPA
Eligibility Requirement
FAQs

CGPA Required for MS in Top US Universities

The universities in USA accept GPA scores which can be derived from your CGPA. You can also check the CGPA to GPA score conversion to understand how this takes place. The list below includes universities which require a higher GPA of 3.5 and above.

University	GPA Required	CGPA Required
Harvard University	3.8	9.5-10
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	3.5 or above	9-9.3
Stanford University	3.5	9-9.3
Princeton University	3.9	9.9
Yale University	3.7	9.7
University of Pennsylvania	3.9	9.9
Columbia University	3.5	9-9.3
California Institute of Technology	3.5	9-9.3
University of California Los Angeles	3.6	9.4

Students can also improve their chances of acceptance into top universities in the USA for MS through the submission of documents that demonstrate their skills, extracurricular participation, leadership skills, research papers, or internship certificates or work experiences.

Universities Accepting Low CGPA for MS in US

Now what if your CGPA is not as high as required by top universities? You will still be able to apply to many universities in USA that accept lower scores. Many universities accept minimum CGPA for MS in USA. The list of universities that accepts GPA of 3.5 and below are:

University	GPA Required	CGPA Required
University of Michigan at Flint	3.4	8.9
University of Maine at Presque Isle	3.0	7.9
New York University	3.0 or above	7.9
University of Maryland Eastern Shore	2.93	7.6
Alabama State University	3.05	8.3
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff	2.9	7.6
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford	3.3	8.6
University of South Carolina Beaufort	3.39	8.6
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga	3.5	9-9.3
University of Texas at Tyler	3.3	8.6
University of Washington Tacoma	3.2	8.4
University of Wisconsin Parkside	3	7.9
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	3.2	8.4

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Eligibility Criteria for MS In USA

The minimum CGPA for masters in USA varies as per the university. The minimum eligibility requirements for Indian students to get into a Master of Science program in USA:

3-4 years bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the specialization
An overall GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s or equivalent CGPA
English language proficiency
- IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5
- TOEFL: 80 - 100
- PTE: 60+
A minimum GRE score between 290 - 330
A GMAT test can be accepted in lieu of a GRE test with a minimum score between 600 - 700

Also check: GRE Scores for Top Universities in USA

Documents Required for MS Admission in USA

After checking the eligibility requirements, the applicants will be required to gather certain documents while applying for admission through the university’s online portal. Listed below are some of the major documents that one must carry while applying:

Transcripts of all qualifications achieved with score reports
English language proficiency tests results like IELTS or TOEFL
Standardized exam results such as GRE or GMAT
Two to three Letters of Recommendation
Resume or CV
Work experience documents including certificates (if applicable)
Statement of Purpose for MS or Application Essay, whichever is necessary
Passport copy
Passport Size Photographs
WES Evaluation records

Documents Required for US Student Visa

After receiving the admission offer, the international students may apply for US students visa by showing the below documents in the nearby US embassy or consulate:

A passport that must be valid for up to 6 months after completion of course in the USA.
I-20 form
SEVIS application and fee receipt
Visa application form
Confirmation page of DS-160 Form
Passport size photographs
Financial proof with evidence of enough funds to cover the educational and living costs in the USA. This may include bank statements, scholarships, or other financial support
Copies of academic transcripts including all certificates, diplomas, and degrees received

Also Read: US Student Visa-Myth vs Reality

International students planning to study in the USA, preferably in MS courses, are advised to score a CGPA equivalent to a 3.0 GPA in a bachelor's degree. However, admission to the top universities in USA is not guaranteed just by scoring a minimum GPA as the majority of universities also ask for experiences, skills, and standardized test scores like GRE or GMAT.

FAQs

Ques.Can we do MS in US with 6 CGPA?

Ans.The minimum CGPA requirement for MS in the USA is around 7.0 which is equivalent to 65 - 75% or 3.0 US GPA. However, applicants with 6.0 or below can be accepted for admission by providing high standardized scores, ELP scores, work experience, LOR or other documents.

Ques.Can I get an MS with a low GPA?

Ans.Students with low GPA can be accepted for admission if the university has low GPA requirements or may ask for additional documents for not achieving minimum GPA. While the majority of the University's prefer high GRE/GMAT, there are some universities that may ask for work experience in a relevant field.

Ques.What GRE and TOEFL requirements for MS in top US universities?

Ans.The GRE requirements in the top US universities are generally around 310-320 while the TOEFL score between 90-110 is required for admission to MS in USA.

Ques.Do backlogs affect MS in USA?

Ans.Up to 15 backlogs are accepted in USA just like other courses and program levels. However, candidates with high academic GPA and GRE/GMAT scores are more likely to be accepted for admissions in MS programs.

Ques.Can GRE compensate for low GPA?

Ans.It is possible to admit with low GPA USA through submission GMAT or GRE scores in various graduate level programs including MS. GRE or GMAT may help you grab a place at top US universities.