A master’s in the USA offers top-tier education, cutting-edge research, and global career opportunities. The country is home to over 4,000 universities, with more than 1 million international students choosing the U.S. for higher education. Master’s programs last 1 to 2 years. The STEM OPT extension grants international students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics an additional 24 months to work after graduation. With strong industry connections, top universities in the USA provide hands-on learning and high employment rates.
Why Master’s in the USA
There are several reasons to study master’s in USA as an Indian student:
- World-Class Universities: The USA has over 150 universities ranked in the QS World Rankings 2024, offering top-quality education.
- Diverse Course Options: Students can choose from over 1,500 master’s programs in various fields.
- Flexible Curriculum: Many universities allow students to customize their coursework, giving them the freedom to explore electives and interdisciplinary subjects.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: Graduates can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work for 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates).
- High Employability: Over 85% of international master’s graduates secure jobs within six months of graduation.
- Scholarship & Funding Support: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and grants to help international students with tuition costs.
- Global Networking Opportunities: Studying in the USA allows students to build a strong professional network with peers, professors, and industry experts from around the world.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study Masters in the USA
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree: A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
- GPA: Have a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher.
English Proficiency
- IELTS: 6.5 overall band score with no band score below 6.0.
- TOEFL: Scores range from 80-100.
- PTE: Scores range from 55-70.
Document Checklist
Below are the general documents you will need to enroll in a Master’s program in USA:
- Statement of Purpose
- Application confirmation copy
- Personal Statement
- Proof of Funds
- Certificate for extracurricular activities
- Proof of loan sanction or scholarship
- CV
- Letter of Recommendation
- Passport-size photographs
- Passport
- Work experience if required
Popular Master’s Programs
Courses | Tuition Fees per year |
Business Administration (MBA) | $35,000 to $60,000 per year |
Engineering | $15,000 to $30,000 |
Computer Science | $24,600 and $42,500 |
Health Sciences | $15,000 to $30,000 |
Data Science and Analytics | $20,000 to $41,000 |
Education | $17,089 and $50,027 |
Finance | $23,000 to $47,000 |
Environmental Science | $15,000 to $30,000 |
Psychology | $20,000 and $50,000 |
International Relations | $15,000 to $30,000 |
Cost of doing MS in the USA
The cost of a Master’s degree in the United States for international students can range from $25,000 to $65,000 per year.
Cost of living in the USA
The cost of living in USA depends on the city you live in. Below is a breakdown of the average living costs for international students:
Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
Travel | USD 300 – USD 700 per year |
Accommodation | USD 9,800 – USD 11,100 per year |
Electricity | USD 100 – USD 150 per month |
Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 – USD 600 per month |
Phone subscription | USD 50 per month |
Home Internet | USD 45 – USD 50 per month |
Health Insurance | USD 700 – USD 1,100 per year |
Accommodation costs in the USA
Accommodation is one of the biggest living costs in USA. Below we have mentioned different types of costs along with their costs:
Housing Accommodation | Average Monthly/Yearly Cost |
On-campus Stay | Public colleges: $9,800 yearly Private colleges: $11,000 yearly |
Off-campus Stay | Sharing: $450 per month One-bedroom Apartmentment Rural States: $500 per month One-bedroom Apartmentment Urban States: $3,500 per month |
Want to learn the actual cost of studying master’s in the USA? Get in touch with Transglobal Overseas counsellors for expert help.
Scholarships for Masters in USA for Indian Students
USA offers several government programs, and university scholarships. Some of them are listed below:
Government Scholarships
- Fulbright scholarships USA
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
University Scholarships
- Harvard University Scholarships
- Stanford University Scholarships
- Yale University Scholarships
- University of New Haven Scholarship
- University of Memphis Scholarships
- Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
Get in touch with Transglobal Overseas expert counsellors to apply for your ideal scholarships and reduce your masters in USA cost.
Top Universities and Colleges to Study Master’s in USA
Listed below are some of the top universities in USA for Masters:
University/College | QS World University Rankings |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 |
Harvard | 4 |
Stanford University | 6 |
California Institute of Technology | 10 |
University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
University of California, Berkeley | 12 |
Cornell University | 16 |
University of Chicago | 21 |
Princeton University | 22 |
Yale University | 23 |
Job Opportunities after Master’s in USA for Indian Students
Job Profile | Average Salary |
Chief Executive | $146,268 |
Physician | $165,347 |
Financial advisor | $59,708 |
Information Security Analyst | $90,261 |
Software Developer | $110,140 |
Experts at Transglobal Overseas can tell you about the job opportunities available after a master’s degree in USA.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Master’s Degree
- Pick the Right Program and University: Research and shortlist universities that match your career goals and academic interests.
- Check Eligibility Requirements: Prepare for entrance exams, gather financial proof, and ensure you meet all documentation requirements.
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
- Get Your Admission Letter: If selected, you’ll receive an official acceptance letter from the university.
- Apply for Your Student Visa: Submit the required documents and attend a visa interview. Once approved, you’ll receive your visa via email.
- Plan Your Stay & Travel: Arrange accommodation, book your flight tickets, and ensure all finances and documents are in order.
- Fly & Begin Your Journey: Arrive in the USA at least 15 days before orientation to settle in and get ready for your studies!
Student Visa Requirements for a Master’s Program in USA
These are the requirements to get an USA visa:
- Proof of enrollment provided by the institution
- The university should be approved by the Student Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP)
- English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL
- Proof of funds
- Valid passport
- Printed confirmations of DS 160/ I 901 SEVIS payment
- Proof of Bachelor’s or equivalent degree
- I-20 form
- Photographs
- Academic transcripts
Post Study Work Visa for USA
You can stay in the country for up to 18 months through this visa. The Post Study Work Visa requirements are:
- Proof of degree or qualification
- A job offer from an employer with a degree in the field of the job
- 10-dollar application fee
- A shown lack of US applicants for the job
- A Labor Condition Attestation
- If selected, the employer will pay the government fee and submit the form I 129..
The US universities are globally renowned for its degrees. Plus, some of the highest paying jobs are offered after studying masters from USA.
A master’s degree in the United States usually takes 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students.
The admission requirements for a master’s in the USA include:
- A 3–4 year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA
- A score on an English language proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS
- A score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
Yes, you can apply for a master’s degree in the USA without work experience. A work experience is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement for most programs.
You should start applying for a master’s program in the USA before the end of your second year of undergraduate study. This gives you enough time to research universities and programs, take required tests, and write your SOP.
The cost of a Master’s degree in the US can range from $25,000 to $65,000 per year.
Yes, you can work while studying for a master’s degree in the USA. International students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the term time and full-time during breaks.
Yes, you can stay in the USA after completing your master’s degree by applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT). It lets international students with F-1 visas to work in the US for a while after graduation.