The USA is home to more than 650 universities offering multiple courses, including Masters in Science, and stands as one of the best countries for providing high-quality education to all students. A few of the best universities include MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, etc, for the MS program. One of the best things about pursuing any specialization in MS here is the students’ salary, which is around USD 113,000/year. So, if you have made up your mind to study MS in USA, then you should know more details about it, like top specializations, eligibility, scholarships, etc. Read on!
Table of Contents
In recent years, there has been a high demand for pursuing a Masters in Science in the USA’s top universities because students often find numerous specializations. These institutions not just hold high positions in the country, but in the world; they are very popular. In the following table, you can explore the top universities in USA for MS programs along with their average fees, QS ranking, and acceptance rate, helping you analyze the best one.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 | Avg. Master of Science Fees | Approx. Acceptance Rate |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | USD 51,000/year | 13% (graduate level) |
| Harvard University | 5 | USD 54,000/year | 33% (graduate school overall) |
| Stanford University | 3 | USD 62,000/year | <10% (MS programs 5-8%) |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | USD 63,402-$65,706/year | 2-3% overall undergraduate admit rate; graduate data less clear |
| University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) | 15 | USD 53,000-72,000/year | 8% graduate-level (approx) |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 17 | USD $83,062/year | 9% graduate-level acceptance |
| Cornell University | 16 | USD 58,000/year | 11% (undergraduate) |
| University of Chicago | 13 | USD 59,000/year | 7% (undergraduate) |
| Princeton University | 25 | USD 54,000/year | 12% graduate level in one dataset |
| Yale University | 21 | USD 43,000-72,500/year | 7% (undergraduate) |
These universities mentioned in the table offer students various specializations to study MS in US. In the next section, you can learn about them.
Also read: MIS Course in USA
Based on the subject and admission requirements, MS courses in the USA have a separate curriculum. Till now, you have explored the universities that offer the best courses for studying MS in USA for Indian students and others as well. The MS in Computer Science & Engineering is among the popular specializations for study in USA. There are some other streams that candidates often choose, including:
| Computer Science Engineering | Data Science |
| Chemical Engineering | Cybersecurity |
| Electrical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Chemistry | Business Analytics |
| Civil Engineering | Information Systems |
| Artificial Intelligence | Biomedical Engineering |
The mentioned specializations are the most selective ones by candidates who study MS in USA. For each stream, there is a specific criterion in a particular university and requirements. In the next section, we have provided you with the overall documents needed to apply for these programs.
To apply for Masters in Science programs, arranging academic records and related papers is essential. In the details below, there are some documents that you should consider for the application, including:
Note: Some programs may require candidates to bridge a coursework, an honors year, or a higher GPA in bachelor's (3.0 or above) at a particular university. Check for specific details.
Also read: Ivy League Schools in the USA
The best time to apply for MS courses depends on the spring, summer, or fall intake in USA. If you are any of these soon, you should be familiar with the eligibility requirements, too. Therefore, here we have mentioned the criteria for you.
Now the crucial part comes after knowing the eligibility requirements, which is how to apply for Masters in Science programs in the USA universities.
A few steps you have to follow to apply for MS courses in USA. Here is a step-by-step process that you should consider to complete your application.
You have no idea what the application process is that you must consider to apply for the Master's in Science program. Now, let’s move ahead and know about the average MS fees in the USA for you.
Also read: MS in Business Analytics in USA
For some universities, you must have enough funds to apply for MS programs in the USA, including Dakota State University, University of South Florida, University of Wyoming, and Arkansas State University, with annual tuition fees in the range of $19,500–$30,000. While there are some expensive ones, such as Harvard University, California Institute of Technology (CalTech), and the University of Chicago, the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students reaches over $100,000.
Public universities in this country have generally lower costs, especially for state residents, but this difference is less pronounced for out-of-state and international students. Additionally, depending on the program curriculum, location, specific stream, financial aid, and assistantships, MS fees in USA vary.
Finally, you are aware of the cost of studying MS very well; now the last important thing remains the top scholarships, which you must know for admission.
If you know about the specific scholarship for MS, you can manage the cost of studying in the USA. Although every uni’s requirements and listings vary depending on their tie-ups and availability. Here, we have mentioned some of the scholarship for MS in USA along with their provider, coverage, and general eligibility.
| Scholarship | Provider | Coverage | Eligibility |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | U.S. Department of State | Covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance for a one-year degree program. | Open to international graduate students (except medicine). |
| AAUW International Fellowships | American Association of University Women (AAUW) | Up to $20,000 for a master's degree, with some potential for renewal. | Non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are women pursuing full-time graduate study. |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Stanford University | Fully funds tuition, living stipend, travel, and academic expenses for graduates study at Stanford. | Exceptional, high-achieving students from any country with strong leadership potential. |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) | The World Bank | Covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, round-trip airfare, and health insurance for development-related studies. | Applicants from developing countries with a strong academic background and relevant work experience. |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Aga Khan Foundation | A 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan covering tuition and living expenses for postgraduate studies. | Students from select developing countries with a strong academic record and financial need. |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation | Up to $100,000 to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. | Outstanding Indian students for postgraduate study at top universities. |
Note: To find a scholarship for MS in USA, explore the official website of a particular university and check the requirements to consider.
To conclude, we have discussed the programs - MS in USA in this blog along with the top universities, best specializations, scholarships, documents, eligibility requirements, and application process. Now, you also know what the cost of doing MS in USA at different universities is, which means evaluating the overall expenses will become easy for you. Studying these programs is beneficial for you in this country because you can access the best practical equipment and learning environment required for your success. You won’t just get a degree; it’s the courage to bet on yourself, so start your journey and achieve victory.
There is no age limit for pursuing an MS in the USA. Candidates can apply at any age as long as they meet the uni’s specific admission requirements, which typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related subject.
A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is the general minimum requirement for an MS in US, though top universities may require a 3.5 or higher.
Yes, generally, an IELTS score is sufficient for an MS in the USA, but the required band score varies significantly depending on the university and program. While a score of 6.5 is often a good minimum benchmark for many programs, highly competitive universities may require a 7.0 or higher.
Yes, MS students can work in the USA while they study, but with strict limitations. Full-time students on an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during official breaks.
After completing an MS in USA, there are several job opportunities in high-demand fields. You can work as a Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Research Scientist, Database Administrator, IT Consultant, etc, and earn typical ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 per year.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
