Pursuing an MS in USA is a dream for many international students — especially from India and for good reason. The United States is home to 650+ globally ranked universities offering cutting-edge MS programs in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and Sciences. With access to world-class faculty, modern research labs, and global career opportunities, it’s no surprise that the USA remains a top destination for master's education.
In this complete guide, explore the Top MS universities in the US, MS course details, Cost of MS in the USA for Indian Students, eligibility criteria, scholarships, job opportunities, and more.
Why Study MS in USA?
- Global Academic Reputation: Home to MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and over 650 universities.
- STEM Advantage: OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension of up to 3 years for STEM MS graduates.
- Top-tier research opportunities in AI, Data Science, BioTech, and Robotics.
- Attractive post-study work options and high ROI through competitive salaries.
- Access to top global recruiters like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple.
MS in USA: Quick Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Total MS Colleges in the USA | 650+ |
| Duration | 1–2 years (Varies by university & specialization) |
| Popular Locations | California, Massachusetts, New York, Texas |
| Top Specializations | CS, Data Science, Mechanical, EE, BioEngineering |
| Average 1st-Year Tuition Fees | INR 20 – 40 Lakhs (can go up to INR 1 Cr) |
| Living Expenses (per year) | INR 12 – 18 Lakhs |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Apple |
Top MS Universities in the US (2025 Rankings)
Here are some of the best universities offering MS course in USA based on global rankings:
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2025 | Times Higher Ed 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Tech) | #1 | #2 |
| Stanford University | #6 | #6 |
| Harvard University | #4 | #3 |
| UC Berkeley | #12 | #8 |
| Caltech (California Institute of Tech) | #10 | #7 |
| Princeton University | #22 | #4 |
| Cornell University | #16 | #20 |
| Yale University | #23 | #10 |
Top MS Courses in USA for Indian Students
Whether you're into science, tech, or business — the USA has an MS course for you. These are the most in-demand and high-paying MS specializations:
Top MS Specializations in the USA
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Statistics
- Business Analytics
- Information Systems
Cost of MS in the USA for Indian Students
The cost of studying an MS in USA includes both tuition fees and living expenses. Here’s a breakdown:
Tuition Fees: Top Universities
| University | 1st-Year Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| MIT | 50 L – 72 L |
| Stanford University | 37 L – 1 Cr |
| Harvard University | 52 L – 66 L |
| Caltech | 45 L – 55 L |
| UC Berkeley | 22 L – 52 L |
| Princeton University | 45 L – 52 L |
| UCLA (University of California LA) | 23 L – 24 L |
| Cornell University | 26 L |
Living Expenses in the USA
On average, living costs in the US for Indian students are around INR 15 L per year, including accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.
MS in USA: Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an MS course in USA, Indian students must fulfill these criteria:
- A recognized 3 or 4-year bachelor's degree (GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
- GRE or GMAT scores (Varies by program, minimum GRE: 290+)
English Proficiency Tests:
IELTS (Minimum 6.5) , TOEFL (Minimum 79-90)- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
- Resume/CV (With academic and work experience)
- MS in USA Scholarships for Indian Students
Worried about affordability? Good news — there are plenty of MS in USA scholarships for Indian students based on merit and financial need:
Popular Scholarships
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
Northeastern University International Scholarship
Many universities also offer tuition waivers, RA/TA positions, and on-campus jobs to support international students.
Student Visa for MS in USA
To study in the US, Indian students require an F1 visa (for full-time study). You’ll need:
Form I-20 (from university)
Visa fee (~$160)
SEVIS fee (~$350)
Proof of financial support
Valid passport
J1 visa is available for exchange or funded research programs.
Jobs After MS in USA & Average Salaries
Graduates of MS programs in the US are highly sought-after by global employers. Through OPT (Optional Practical Training) and H1B work visa, students can gain full-time employment in the US post-MS.
Popular Job Roles & Average Salaries
| Role | Average Salary (USD) | Salary in INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $104,570 | ₹90+ Lakh/year |
| Data Scientist | $103,747 | ₹89+ Lakh/year |
| ML Engineer | $113,175 | ₹98+ Lakh/year |
| Senior Software Engineer | $133,408 | ₹1.15 Cr/year |
| Data Engineer | $103,959 | ₹90 Lakh/year |
Conclusion: Is MS in USA Worth It?
Absolutely. From academic excellence to incredible career prospects, an MS course in USA is a solid investment in your future. While costs may be high, the return on investment in terms of global exposure, salary packages, and skill development make it one of the most rewarding decisions for Indian students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the duration of MS in the USA?
A: Typically 2 years. Some accelerated programs offer 1–1.5 year options.
Q2. Is GRE required for MS in USA?
A: Many universities still require GRE, but some have made it optional, especially post-COVID.
Q3. Can I work while studying MS in USA?
A: Yes, up to 20 hours/week on-campus during semesters, and full-time during breaks.
Q4. What is the cost of MS in USA for Indian students?
A: Approx. INR 35–60 L including tuition and living expenses, depending on the university.
Q5. Are scholarships available for Indian students?
A: Yes, both university-specific and external scholarships are available based on merit and need.