Massachusetts is one of the most popular destinations in the USA for Indian students. Located in the Northeastern United States, known for its top universities and colleges. There are 120+ universities and colleges in Massachusetts (including public and private). Some of the popular universities featured by QS 2026 are MIT (#1), Harvard University (#5), and Boston University (#88).
Before applying for any universities, students are advised to look for university-specific criteria, cost of attendance, acceptance rates and career prospects. The Cost of Studying in Massachusetts is USD 25,595-89,000 (INR 24-83 lakh). The monthly cost of living is USD 3,390-5,050 (INR 3.19-4.7 lakh).
To make education more accessible, there are many scholarships available for international students. Most of the university-specific scholarships are either need or merit-based. These scholarships cover tuition fees upto 32 lakhs.
Check out: Top universities in the USA
- Why Study in Massachusetts?
- Top Universities & Colleges in Massachusetts
- Top Universities in Massachusetts: Courses and Fees 2026
- Top MBA Universities in Massachusetts
- Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Massachusetts
- Document Requirements for Universities in Massachusetts
- Cost of Living in Massachusetts 2026
- Scholarships for Indian Students in Massachusetts
- Visa Application for Indian Students
- Job Prospects in Massachusetts
- FAQs
Why Study in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts attracts thousands of international students every year. The state has been the educational hub for Indian students for decades. Some of the reasons to study in Massachusetts are:
- Top-ranked Universities: Top world-ranked universities like MIT, Boston and Harvard are located in Massachusetts.
- International exposure: Students can gain experience with international lifestyles, food and diverse cultures.
- English-taught programs: Most of the programs are entirely taught in English make it easier for students to study and adapt in the environment.
- Strong Job Network: Massachusetts has one of the strongest job markets in the USA for STEM, business, and healthcare graduates.
- Work Opportunities: Students holding F-1 visas can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters. For semester breaks students can work up to 40 hours per week.
Top Universities & Colleges in Massachusetts
There are over 120 universities in Massachusetts offering various programs for international students. Some of the popular universities featured by global ranking bodies like QS & THE are mentioned in the table below.
| University Name | Location | QS World University Rankings 2026 | THE World University Rankings 2026 | CD Abroad Overall Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge | #1 | #2 | #1 |
| Harvard University, Cambridge | Cambridge | #5 | #5 | #2 |
| Boston University, Boston | Boston | #88 | #76 | #51 |
| Umass-Amherst, Amherst | Amherst | - | - | #125 |
| Tufts University, Medford | Medford | #334 | #189 | #183 |
| Umass-Boston, Boston | Boton | - | - | #203 |
| Brandeis University, Waltham | Waltham | #741-750 | #401-500 | #220 |
| Amherst College, Amherst | Amherst | - | - | #226 |
| Northeastern University, Boston | Boston | #384 | #201-250 | #228 |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester | #851-900 | #601-800 | #442 |
Top Universities in Massachusetts: Courses and Fees 2026
There is a wide range of programmes offered at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels in the USA. Some of the popular universities in Massachusetts and programs offered are mentioned below.
| University Name | Program offered | Annual Tuition fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge | BS Aerospace Engineering | USD 89,000/INR 83 lakh |
| Harvard University, Cambridge | MS Data Science | USD 65,536/INR 61 lakh |
| Boston University, Boston | MS Financial Management | USD 69,870/INR 62 lakh |
| Umass-Amherst, Amherst | BBA Marketing | USD 43,505/INR 41 lakh |
| Tufts University, Medford | BS Engineering Psychology | USD 71,982/INR 68 lakh |
| Umass-Boston, Boston | MS Business Analytics | USD 25,595/INR 24 lakh |
| Brandeis University, Waltham | MS Computer Science | USD 59,600/INR 56 lakh |
| Amherst College, Amherst | BS Computer Science | USD 75,330/INR 70 lakh |
| Northeastern University, Boston | Masters of Public Health | USD 81,732/INR 76 lakh |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester | BS Management Engineering | USD 59,700/INR 55 lakh |
Top MBA Universities in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to some of the top MBA universities in the USA, offering globally recognised programmes with strong career outcomes. Some of them are listed below.
| University Name | Course | Annual Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge | MBA | USD 89,000/INR 83 lakh |
| Boston University, Boston | MBA | USD 72,626/INR 68 lakh |
| Harvard University, Cambridge | MBA | USD 78,700/INR 72 lakh |
| Clark University, Worcester | MBA | USD 40,800/INR 38 lakh |
| Northeastern University, Boston | MBA | USD 77,500/INR 73 lakh |
Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Massachusetts
The admission requirements for universities in Massachusetts may vary as per education level and programmes offered. The basic requirements are:
- Academic Qualifications:
- For Undergrad: Secondary school education
- For Graduate: A UG degree of a minimum of 3 years
- Min GPA requirements: 3.5 on the scale of 4 (85%)
- English Proficiency score: IELTS: 7+ | TOEFL: 90+ | Duolingo: 135+ (recommended)
- Exams accepted: SAT | GRE | GMAT
Document Requirements for Universities in Massachusetts
The list shows the necessary documents required to get admission to top Massachusetts universities.
- Academic Transcripts
- Cover letter
- Resume/CV
- Valid Passport
- English Proficiency score (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo)
- Letter of Recommendation (LoR)
- Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Medical Insurance
- GMAT/GRE scorecard
Cost of Living in Massachusetts 2026
Living expenses depend heavily on the resident's location. Boston & Cambridge are some of the most expensive cities in Massachusetts (USA). The average monthly cost of living in Massachusetts is somewhere around USD 3,390-5,050/INR 3.19-4.7 lakh
Source: Numbeo (for major cities like Boston, Cambridge, and Amherst).
| Expense | Cost per Month (USD) | Cost per month (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/Housing | USD 2000-3000 | INR 1.8-2.8 lakh |
| Food and groceries | USD 400-600 | INR 32,987-56,550 |
| Utilities | USD 200-250 | INR 18,850-23,562 |
| Personal Expenses | USD 150-300 | INR 14,137-28,275 |
| Transportation | USD 90-150 | INR 8,482-14,137 |
| Miscellaneous | USD 250-350 | INR 23,562-32,987 |
| Health insurance | USD 300-400 | INR 28,275-32,987 |
| Total Expense | USD 3,390-5,050 | INR 3.19-4.7 lakh |
Currency conversion used: USD 1 = INR 94.25
Scholarships for Indian Students in Massachusetts
The cost of attendance is quite high for Indian students studying in Massachusetts. To reduce the financial burden, many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Some of the scholarships are listed below in the table.
| University Name | Scholarship Name/Type | Eligibility Criteria | Scholarship Coverage/Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | MIT needs-based aid | All admitted UG students automatically considered | Scholarship of up upto USD 64,310 (INR 60 lakh) |
| Harvard University, Cambridge | Harvard needs-based scholarship | Students from families earning under USD 100,000 (INR 94 lakh) | Covers 100% Tuition fees |
| Boston University, Boston | BU Merit Scholarship for Juniors | First-year UG students with a minimum 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA (85%) | Scholarship worth USD 3,000 (INR 2.8 Lakhs) |
| Brandeis University, Waltham | Justice Brandeis Scholarship | Students with strong academic background | Scholarship amount of USD 35,000 (INR 32 lakh) |
| Northeastern University, Boston | International scholars award | Strong academic grades in class 12 (min 90+) | Scholarship worth USD 28,000 (INR 26 lakh) per year |
Also Check out: Government funded scholarships for Indian Students
Visa Application for Indian Students
Every Indian student planning to study at a university in Massachusetts needs an US F-1 student visa. This is the standard non-immigrant visa for full-time academic study in the USA. It allows international students to study full-time in the USA and work part-time during their studies.
First, secure admission and receive the I-20 form from your university. Pay the SEVIS fee online to register as an international student. Students are required to fill out the DS-160 visa application form carefully. Pay the visa fee and book your interview appointment. Attend your visa interview at the US embassy or consulate and wait for the decision.
Documents required:
- Valid passport
- I-20 form
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Visa appointment confirmation
- Academic records and test scores
- Financial proof (bank statements, sponsor details)
Check out: US Rejected 61% of Indian F-1 Visa Applications in 2025
Job Prospects in Massachusetts
As per Numbeo, the average monthly salary in the USA after tax is USD 6,654 (INR).Students can easily find jobs in popular job sectors in the USA including technology, healthcare, finance and consultancy.
Top employers of OPT/STEM OPT students in Massachusetts include: MIT (research positions), Amazon, Google, Biogen, Pfizer, Raytheon Technologies, Fidelity Investments, State Street, and many startups in the Boston innovation ecosystem.
FAQs
Ques.What IELTS score is required for universities in Massachusetts?
Ans. Most universities in Massachusetts require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Boston College recommends a minimum of 7.5, while MIT requires 7.0 for graduate programs. Harvard GSAS requires a minimum of 6.5. Always check the specific department's requirements, as some programs may have higher minimums.
Ques. How long can Indian students work in the USA after graduating from a Massachusetts university?
Ans. Indian students can work in the USA for up to 3 years after graduating from a Massachusetts university through OPT. All F-1 graduates are eligible for 12 months of standard OPT. Graduates of STEM programs — Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Biotechnology, and related fields — can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving a total of 36 months of work authorization. During this period, many students transition to an H-1B work visa sponsored by their employer.
Found 64 universities
| Ranking | College Info | Top Courses | Fees & Cost of Living | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 #1/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Massachusetts Institute of Technology, CambridgeMassachusetts, USA4.52%Acceptance Rate | MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: $69.3K/Yr Living: $21.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#2/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Harvard University, CambridgeMassachusetts, USA3%Acceptance Rate | LLM Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo125TOEFL100PTE70 | Tuition: $59.7K/Yr Living: $13.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#51/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Boston University, BostonMassachusetts, USA11%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo115TOEFL4.5 | Tuition: $69.3K/Yr Living: $15.4K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#125/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Umass-Amherst, AmherstMassachusetts, USA | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo115TOEFL4PTE53 | Tuition: $39.6K/Yr Living: $28.3K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#183/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Tufts University, MedfordMassachusetts, USA9.69%Acceptance Rate | MS Data Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo110IELTS6.5 | Tuition: $58.7K/Yr Living: $19.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#203/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Umass-Boston, BostonMassachusetts, USA83%Acceptance Rate | MS Business Analytics Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo110TOEFL90PTE61 | Tuition: $37.1K/Yr Living: $18.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#220/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Brandeis University, WalthamMassachusetts, USA35.3%Acceptance Rate | M.S Computer Science Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: Duolingo115TOEFL100PTE68 | Tuition: $49.8K/Yr Living: $14.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#226/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Amherst College, AmherstMassachusetts, USA13%Acceptance Rate | B.S Computer Science Course duration: 4 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo130TOEFL100 | Tuition: $66.6K/Yr Living: $14.2K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#228/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Northeastern University, BostonMassachusetts, USA5.6%Acceptance Rate | MS Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: $58.4K/Yr Living: $21K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#342/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) | .jpeg) Babson College, WellesleyMassachusetts, USA22%Acceptance Rate | M.S Business Analytics Course duration: 9 months Exams Accepted: Duolingo130TOEFL100PTE65 | Tuition: $58.2K/Yr Living: $20.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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#348/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Boston College, Chestnut HillMassachusetts, USA15%Acceptance Rate | MS Accounting Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS7.5PTE68 | Tuition: $59.1K/Yr Living: $14.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#394/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Smith College, NorthamptonMassachusetts, USA20%Acceptance Rate | M.A Teaching Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: $60.1K/Yr Living: $16.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#428/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Williams College, WilliamstownMassachusetts, USA10%Acceptance Rate | B.C.S Course duration: 4 years Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: $64.5K/Yr Living: $14.1K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#442/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Worcester Polytechnic Institute, WorcesterMassachusetts, USA60%Acceptance Rate | MS Data Science Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: Duolingo115TOEFL4.5 | Tuition: $42K/Yr Living: $18.6K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#446/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  College of Holy Cross, WorcesterMassachusetts, USA21%Acceptance Rate | B.A Studio Art Course duration: 4 years Exams Accepted: TOEFL100 | Tuition: $60.1K/Yr Living: $8.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#480/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Umass-Dartmouth, North DartmouthMassachusetts, USA92.2%Acceptance Rate | MS Data Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo95IELTS6PTE52 | Tuition: $38.5K/Yr Living: $12.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#543/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Clark University, WorcesterMassachusetts, USA47%Acceptance Rate | MS Business Analytics Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE61 | Tuition: $53.2K/Yr Living: $8.9K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
#818/824 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Overall) |  Hult International Business School, CambridgeMassachusetts, USA44%Acceptance Rate | M.Fin Course duration: 1 year Exams Accepted: IELTS6.5 | Tuition: $51.9K/Yr Living: $19.8K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 #901/1000 ARWU Ranking 2022(Overall) |  UMass Lowell, LowellMassachusetts, USA85%Acceptance Rate | M.S Computer Science Course duration: 2 years Exams Accepted: Duolingo115IELTS6.5PTE53 | Tuition: $35.5K/Yr Living: $12.5K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 #6/100 Financial Times Ranking 2025(Overall) |  MIT Sloan School of Management, CambridgeMassachusetts, USA14%Acceptance Rate | MFin Course duration: 18 months Exams Accepted: GMAT700 | Tuition: $79.4K/Yr Living: $14.7K/Yr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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