List of Universities in USA for Masters

Before discussing Universities in USA for masters in detail, you must understand the factors to keep in mind while choosing your desired university. The decision to study in USA universities for masters will also impact your academic journey and future career.

Thus, you must research before finalising the right one among the USA university list to pursue your master's degree. In order to do so, you have to keep the following criteria in mind. 

• QS Ranking: The QS World University Rankings reveal a great deal about universities, their programs, culture, and achievements. These scores indicate the overall educational quality and possibilities you expect from a given institution or college. 

• Subjects: Your desired universities are specified mainly by your chosen field or subject. Before choosing, you must visit the official university website for subject/course specifics such as curriculum, research opportunities, placements, and other related factors. 

• Tuition Fees: The tuition fees for Universities in USA for masters vary across institutions. Hence, you must check out the educational costs in addition to the course-related details. After all, cost is your essential consideration and keeping track of it ahead of time can help you manage your finances better.

• Location: Have you ever wondered about living at your desired location while studying at a foreign university? The location of your preferred university is crucial in deciding your entire study abroad experience.

Now that you have learnt about the factors to choose the right one among the USA university list, take a look at the top-notch Universities in USA for masters below. 

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2. Harvard University

3. Stanford University

4. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5. University of Cambridge

6. California Institute of Technology

7. University of Chicago

8. Princeton University

9. Yale University

10. Columbia University

Let us now take a deeper look at each of them individually:

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked first among the top universities in USA for masters. MIT, a global leader in graduate education across several fields, strongly supports research and training for its students. Approximately 7,000 students from over 100 countries are now enrolled in graduate courses at MIT.

The notorious Harvard University, ranked 4th in QS World University Rankings 2024, is next on our list of the top universities in the USA for masters for Indian students. This university, known as the oldest higher education institute in the United States, was founded in 1636. 

This Ivy League institute comprises 12 graduate and professional schools engaged in cutting-edge research to have a worldwide impact. 

Stanford University is another name on the list of top universities in the USA for MS and ranks 5th in QS World University Rankings 2024. It is made up of seven schools as well as specific research institutions. Students and instructors here collaborate to achieve the defined goals and objectives. Stanford research is notable for its research programs, which reflect the skill, creativity, and initiative of the academic members who determine the research agenda.

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is ranked 10th position among QS World University Rankings 2024 and is well-known in global academia, routinely scoring high in university rankings. 

UCB, founded in 1868, is known for its cutting-edge research, talented faculty, and active campus culture. Committed to greatness, it is a beacon of innovation and intellectual prowess in the United States.

The University of Cambridge holds the 2nd position among the top universities in USA for masters. This university, widely regarded as a global leader in graduate education across multiple disciplines, strongly emphasises research and training for its students. The University of Cambridge has approximately 8,000 students from over 100 countries enrolled in graduate programs.

California Institute of Technology is amongst the top universities in USA for masters. It holds the 6th position as per the QS ranking. Its goal is to foster the personal development and academic excellence of students. Graduate students can benefit from internal and external fellowships offered by the university.

The university's top programs are Chemistry, Geology & Planetary Sciences, Aerospace, Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering.

Since the University of Chicago’s foundation in 1890, it has been known to be a trendsetter and highly appraised for its extensive focus on the growth and development of students. The university is ranked 10th among the top universities in USA for masters. 

Some of the top MS courses in USA offered by this university are Management Science & Engineering, Health Informatics, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering and Computer Science.

This university is among the top universities in USA for masters, with students getting the opportunity to work closely with the expert faculties who continuously guide them to accomplish bigger goals. The university is ranked 16th according to the QS ranking. 

The top courses at Princeton University are Computer Science, Molecular Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Financial Engineering and Civil Engineering.

Yale University was founded in 1701, and it is known to be the third-oldest university in the US for higher education and the most prestigious across the globe. Yale is ranked 18th as per the QS World Ranking and has collaborated with various affiliate organisations. 

Some popular programs Yale University offers are Data Science, Applied Physics, Computer Science, Biostatistics and Biological Engineering.

Columbia University has a vast list of graduate programs, ranked 22 according to the QS World Ranking. The university is focused on attracting a diverse student body and international faculty to support teaching and research on international issues.

A list of top MS courses offered by the university includes Data Science, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Wealth Management and Sports Management.

For admission to USA universities for masters, international students must have a bachelor's degree. Various entrance exams, such as GRE, SAT, GMAT, and ACT, are accepted. Let’s have a look at it in more detail.

• Master’s Admission: Bachelor’s degree.

• English Language Test: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for both.

• Standardised Test Scores: GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT for master's.

• Other Documents: Academic Transcripts, Proof of Finance, LOR, SOP, Resume.

There are two main intakes - Fall (September to December) and Spring (January to May). Limited Summer intake (May). Fall is famous among Indian students. You should apply for scholarships during the Fall intake.

Now that you have an idea of Universities in USA for masters, let us get to know the cost of studying and living in the USA for Indian students.

The average first-year cost for international students pursuing MS courses in USA is INR 23.5 lakh, while for an MBA, it's INR 27.8 lakh. Tuition fees vary by program and university. The cost of living in the United States ranges from INR 8.3 lakh to INR 15 lakh for international students. This includes accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses.

In conclusion, we discussed everything from how to choose the right university from the list of top universities in USA for masters to the cost of studying MS in USA for Indian Students. We also mentioned a list of top universities in USA for masters, with tuition fees and location, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The universities in the USA offer top-class education and courses based on your career goals. The blog covers everything in detail. 

We hope this blog will be helpful for you to select one of the best universities in USA for masters. However, if you have doubts and want to study in the USA, contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

Q. Is MS costly in the USA?

A. Recall that an MS program requires at least 30 credit hours. For Indian students studying in the US, the average cost of a master's degree is between $30,000 and $120,000, or around INR 24–96 lacs. It may, however, differ depending on the chosen specialisation and from one institution to another.

Q. What is the average American wage following a master's degree?

A. Depending on the area, sector, experience level, and course of study, an MS degree carries a wide range of average salaries in the United States. An MS degree can lead to a beginning income typically between $70,000 and $120,000 or higher.

Q. After pursuing my MS in the USA, can I work in India?

A. You can work in India after earning a master's degree in the United States. Nonetheless, there are a few actions and things to keep in mind: USA Visa Status: You most certainly have a student visa, such as an F-1 visa, if you are an overseas student studying in the United States.