Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
The USA is renowned for hosting some of the world’s best universities, making it a top destination for Indian students pursuing higher education. It is home to some of the best universities globally, offering top-notch MS programs in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Analytics. Universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard are renowned for their cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Other popular choices include University of California, Yale, and Columbia University, especially for STEM programs.
Tuition fees for MS programs in the USA typically range from $30,000 to $60,000 USD (₹2,532,900 to ₹6,755,200 INR) per year. While the costs may seem high, the return on investment is significant, with top recruiters like Amazon, Apple, Barclays, Citi, Accenture, and IBM actively hiring MS graduates. MS in the United States typically lasts 1.5 to 2 years. By carefully selecting programs that match their interests, career goals, and budgets, Indian students can gain access to world-class education and global job opportunities.
Also Check: Best Universities for Masters in USA
Why Study MS in USA?
There are various reasons why international students prefer getting their MS degrees from USA. Some of the key reasons are as follows:
- Chance to study at Tier 1 universities
- Different types of Masters in USA programs available
- Degrees from the USA are internationally recognized and valued by recruiters
- Various choices of Specializations in MS in USA
- Academic Flexibility in USA for Masters
- Abundance of Scholarships for Masters in USA
- Top paying jobs after Masters in USA
- Opportunity to work with top employers after Masters in USA
List of Best Universities In USA For MS
Still unaware of the top ten universities in USA for MS? Then we have it tabulated below for you when you plan your study in USA. The reason why they are among the best is because they offer some of the leading STEM courses in the USA. The top universities in the USA for MS and their QS World Rankings 2025 are listed in the following table:
| University Name | Location | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, Massachusetts | #1 |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | #4 |
| Stanford University | Stanford | #6 |
| California Institute of Technology | California | #10 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | #11 |
| Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | #16 |
| University of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois | #21 |
| Princeton University | Princeton, New Jersey | #22 |
| Yale University | New Haven, Connecticut | #23 |
| Columbia University | New York | #34 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the global leader in graduate education across a number of areas and is among the top universities in USA. MIT is dedicated to creating a better world through education, research, and innovation. MIT holds a #1 rank among other top 10 colleges in US for MS. Some top MS programs in MIT are as follows:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Chemical Engineering Practice MS in Management Studies MS in Mechanical Engineering MS in Biological Engineering |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 59,750 (INR 49 lakhs) - USD 82,000 (INR 68 lakhs) |
Stanford University
Stanford University offers its finest programs through 7 schools and various research facilities. Stanford's mission is to help the world by preparing students to lead and contribute with integrity. Stanford University provides full-time MS degrees that combine theory and practice in training and also some of the best popular scholarships to study in USA. Stanford University currently has around 24.1% international students. Over 4,000 international applications from more than 120 countries have been received by the university. They offer pioneering research for effective clinical therapies making it listed among top 10 universities in US for MS.
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Stanford |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Management Science & Engineering MS in Bioengineering MS in Mechanical Engineering MS in Computer Science MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 38,160 ( INR 31 lakhs) - USD 40,680 (INR 33 lakhs) |
Harvard University
Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher education in USA. This Ivy League institute is made up of 12 graduate and professional schools. Harvard University has a total enrollment of 31,655 students and a yearly acceptance of less than 2,000 students. International students make up 23% of Harvard's academic population. It is also one of the Ivy League universities, making it one of the most popular among the top 10 US universities for MS.
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Data Science MS/MBA in Biotechnology MS in Computational Science and Engineering |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 61,990 (INR 51 lakhs) - USD 74,910 (INR 62 lakhs) |
California Institute of Technology
One of the best universities in the USA for MS is California Institute of Technology also referred to as Caltech University. The university is recognized for using cutting-edge methods and tools to work for the development of society. Caltech is considered to be a member of the top 10 masters universities in USA, because of its innovative programs and scholarships in USA. Listed below are the top programs and their fees at California Institute of Technology.
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | California |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Data Science MS/MBA in Biotechnology MS in Computational Science and Engineering |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 60,816 (INR 50 lakhs)- USD 62,244 (INR 51 lakhs) |
University of Chicago
University of Chicago is known for its field-defining research opportunities, making it listed among the top 10 universities in USA for masters. Over 100 nations are represented by 21% of international students at the university. Some popular MS programs at University of Chicago are listed below:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Computer Science MS in Biomedical Informatics MS in Analytics |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 57,105 (INR 47 lakhs) - USD 79,116 (INR 65 lakhs) |
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania is home to 13% international students. The Ivy League institute offers admission to several MS programs across various disciplines and is among top ten universities in USA for MS. UPenn provides financial support and work-study options to cover the demonstrated need of students. Some popular MS courses in University of Pennsylvania are as follows:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Pennsylvania |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Architecture MS in Robotics MS in Bioengineering MS in Engineering - Data Science MS in Nanotechnology |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 32,796 (INR 27 lakhs) - USD 54,964 (INR 45 lakhs) |
Princeton University
Princeton University offers admission across a plethora of MS programs in science, technology and other disciplines. International students comprise 24% of the total student population of Princeton University. The university offers generous scholarships and grants assisting students to graduate debt-free, making it fall under the top 10 colleges in USA for MS. A few of the top programs at Princeton University are as follows:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Computer Science MS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering MSE in Operation Research and Financial Engineering |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 60,410 (INR 50 lakhs) |
Yale University
Yale University is the 3rd-oldest university in the USA, and was established in 1701. Yale features 12 specialized schools and a Graduate School of Arts & Sciences that provide advanced MS degrees, the reason why it is among the top 10 universities for MS in US. 22% of international students from over 120 countries are admitted to Yale University. A list of the top programs at Yale University is provided below:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | New Haven, Connecticut |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Biostatistics MS in Computer Science MS in Statistics and Data Science MS in Applied Physics |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 23,450 (INR 19 lakhs) - USD 45,700(INR 38 lakhs) |
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League institute offering a diverse range of MS programs and is among the top 10 universities in USA for MS. The university is known for its unparalleled courses across Engineering disciplines. A few of the popular MS courses in Cornell University are as follows:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | Ithaca, New York |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Computer Science MS in Information Systems MS in Applied Economics & Management |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 59,000 (INR 49 lakhs) - USD 65,204 (INR 54lakhs) |
Columbia University
Columbia University offers internationally ranked MS courses in Science, Business, Management, and various other disciplines. The fee range of Columbia is also affordable if compared to other top 10 universities in USA for MS. Some top MS courses in Columbia University are as follows:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Location | New York |
| Type of University | Private |
| Intakes | Fall, Spring |
| Popular Programs | MS in Computer Science MS in Business Analytics MS in Data Science |
| Annual Fee Range | USD 33,932 (INR 28lakhs) |
Job Outcomes after MS in USA
There is a significant market opportunity for applicants with a master's degree in the United States. Some of the top recruiters of MS graduates include Amazon, Apple, Barclays, Citi, Accenture, IBM, Pepsico, Google, Capital Group, Dell, Deloitte, Discovery Inc. Dolby, and Goldman Sachs. These are mostly high-paying jobs that are available to those who graduate with a master's degree in the United States, and they include:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Program Manager | USD 144,830 (INR 1.2 crore) |
| Petroleum Engineer | USD 137,720 (INR 1.14 crore) |
| Network Architect | USD 126,830 (INR 1.05 crore) |
| Chemical Consultant | USD 108,540 (INR 90 lakhs) |
| Business Development Manager | USD 80,000 (INR 66 lakhs) |
Also Check: Jobs after MS in USA
The United States is a popular destination for international students interested in pursuing an MS program. Before applying to an MS program in the United States, make sure you understand the eligibility criteria, deadlines, cost, scholarships, entrance exams, visa application process, and supporting documents.
FAQs
Ques: Which university is best to do an MS in the USA?
Ans: MIT is one of the best universities to pursue an MS in the USA. MIT is ranked first among the top 10 universities in the world, followed by Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, and the University of Chicago.
Ques: What are the fees for MS in the USA?
Ans: A master's degree in the USA typically costs 30.27 lakhs INR a year to pursue. This comprises 8.02 lakhs INR for living expenditures and 22.25 lakhs INR for first-year tuition.
Ques: What is the salary after MS in US universities?
Ans: With an MS degree from the US, you can secure job offers anywhere around the world. The typical average salary in the US after a master's degree is 94,000 USD.
Ques: Do Indian students get jobs after MS in US universities?
Ans: Students having an MS degree from a US institution can get help finding jobs from the Career Centers at their respective universities. They can also conduct job searches online at different job portals.
Ques: How many years is MS in the USA?
Ans: The conventional MS course in the USA is the ideal 2-year graduate program. So students must create a budget of 2 years before starting with their plan of enrollment at any US university for their MS.
Ques: What are the Tier 1 universities for MS in the US?
Ans: The top seven universities in the United States for master's degrees are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton.
Ques: Is MS in the USA still worth it?
Ans: Following completion of a master's degree, the salary bar can rise to as high as USD 81,848 per year on average, which is significantly higher than what those with a bachelor's degree would earn in a year. Furthermore, you may be able to earn more after receiving your master's degree.
Ques: Is MS better in India or the USA?
Ans: Also, when it comes to MS, the United States is clearly a better option due to the engineering research and facilities available. Unfortunately, Indian institutions have yet to catch up with their UK/US counterparts.
Ques: Which intake is best for MS in the USA?
Ans: The fall intake is regarded as the best among US universities and colleges because it offers almost all professional courses, such as MS, MBA, and so on. It also provides more scholarships for international students.
Ques: Which season is best for MS in the USA?
Ans: Students prefer to study MS in the United States during the fall. Fewer students may apply for Spring applications, increasing your chances of acceptance. Giving students more time to evaluate and improve their academic preferences.
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