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Every year, over 300,000 Indian students head to the US to pursue their MS, and it’s easy to see why. With globally ranked universities, cutting-edge research, flexible programs, and countless specialisations, the US offers an academic experience that’s hard to match.

Sure, the price tag can be steep, but the career boost and ROI often make it more than worth the investment. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about doing an Master's in the USA, from top universities and costs to scholarships, eligibility, and how to apply.

The USA is a global centre of knowledge and hosts around 8 lakh graduate students every year. The US is a top choice for an MS. It offers a diverse range of specialisations, a cultural environment for foreign students, and state-of-the-art facilities that not only help you build your career but also help you grow as an individual. 

Here are the top reasons for you to pursue your Master's in the US:

Top Student Cities

Cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco are bustling with student life and academic fervour. Top universities like Columbia, BU, Harvard, and Stanford populate these cities, making them academic hubs for students.

Training Opportunities

As a student, you get many training opportunities in the US, including apprenticeships and specialisation programs, which helps you gain experience and skills to develop your career.

Higher Earning Potential

After a master’s from a top US university, you can expect a salary ranging from $80,000 to $12,000 (₹68.4 Lakhs - ₹10.2 Lakhs), which is much higher than the average salary from other top countries. Your eventual ROI will also be much higher after graduating from the US.

Diversity & Networking

The US is a melting pot of cultures. The US hosts over a million international students, creating tremendous networking opportunities for you. It helps you with finding jobs, getting referrals, and an overall good experience studying abroad. 

The USA has a definite timeline and intakes for admission to Master's in USA. Usually, there are 2 intakes for MS - Spring & Fall. The Fall intake is more popular among international students, but the Spring intake is not without advantages. 

Let’s check out the two admission intakes for MS in the US:

Fall Intake

The Fall intake in the USA begins in August or September, and it is the most popular and preferred choice for Indian students. Since most Indian universities wrap up their final exams by May or June, Fall aligns perfectly with your academic timeline, without any delays.

The Fall intake offers maximum course availability, scholarship opportunities, and on-campus jobs. 

Here are a few benefits of the Fall intake:

• More availability: Most U.S. universities open admissions for almost all MS programs in the Fall.
• More scholarships: Since funding budgets are fresh in the Fall, you’ll have better chances to grab financial aid.
• More time on campus: You'll start with the full cohort, meaning more events, better networking, and smoother integration.

Spring Intake

The next Spring intake in the USA will typically start in January 2026 and offers a second opportunity for students who miss the Fall intake. While not as popular or expensive as Fall, Spring is still a strategic option for pursuing your Master's in USA.

If you need more time to prepare , , or , or if you're applying late in the academic year, the Spring intake is a great alternative to the Fall intake. You’ll still have access to top universities and programs, although some specializations or courses may have limited availability.

Here are a few benefits of the Spring intake:

• More prep time: Ideal if you need a few extra months after graduation for GRE/IELTS, SOPs, or LORs.
• Less crowded: Fewer applicants mean you might find it easier to secure admission and on-campus housing.
• Flexible start: Great option if you’ve taken a gap year or are switching fields and need time to upskill.

Suggested: Fall Intake vs Spring Intake, which is Better?

Top universities for MS in the US include Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Yale. Over 600 universities in the US offer MS programs in various specialisations, out of which multiple rank among the top 100 universities under the QS world rankings. Most of these universities have Fall intakes, but some universities like UPenn also offer Spring intakes. 

Let’s look through the top 10 universities for MS in the US:

The best courses to pursue your MS in the USA are Computer Science, Data Science, and Finance. The US is the top destination for these specialisations, with world-class universities offering these specialisations, cutting-edge research, and a thriving technology industry, making up to 9% of the total US GDP. 

Let’s check out how much you need to invest in pursuing these courses in the top US universities:

The US usually has 3 application deadlines - Fall, Spring, and sometimes the Summer intake. Fall (August to September) is the most popular, with deadlines ranging from November to February. Spring intake deadlines usually fall between July and September of the previous year. Applying early gives you a better shot at scholarships and assistantships

Here are some top universities for MS in USA and their application deadlines:

To study Master's in the US, you must fulfil specific requirements:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject with a minimum score of 60% in most universities.
• An IELTS score of 6.5 - 7.5 or a TOEFL score of 88 - 100, mandatory for all international students.
• A GMAT score of 600 - 740 and a GRE score of 318 - 329, though not mandatory for all courses.
• A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required for some courses.
• A valid passport and a US student visa.

Let's learn about each of them in detail now,

1. Undergraduate Degree

The first eligibility requirement to study a master's in the USA is a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Although the scores differ across courses and universities, a minimum score of 60% in a bachelor's degree is required by most universities. 

2. Language Requirement

The English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students to get admission to an MS in USA for Indian students. Minimum scores as per the tests are:

• IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5
• TOEFL: 88 - 100

3. GMAT/GRE

Doing MS in USA in subjects like Finance, Management, etc. requires a GMAT or GRE score. While for some courses it is a must to have a decent GMAT score, for others it is not compulsory.

Ideally, the average GMAT score for master's programs in USA ranges from 600 to 740, and for GRE it is 318 to 329.

4. Work Experience

A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required for doing an MS in USA. However, some courses do not ask for work experience as a mandatory requirement.

5. Passport and Student Visa

A valid passport and student visa are a must for an MS in USA for Indian students. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months before the expected travel date. 

Suggested: Everything About DS-160 Form for US Student Visa

Admission to colleges for an MS in USA for Indian students requires a set of documents. Some of the common document requirements are mentioned below:

• Transcripts of all educational qualifications
• CV or Resume
• LOR or Letter of Recommendation
• SOP or Statement of Purpose
• Scorecards of IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE
• Work experience certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of funds

The average cost of studying an MS in USA is $40,000 to $80,000 (₹34 lakhs to ₹68 lakhs) per year. This includes the tuition fees and living expenses. Let’s break down both and discuss them in detail:

Tuition Fees 

The average tuition fees for an MS in the US are around $30,000 to $70,000 (₹25 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs). IVY League universities like UPenn and Harvard usually cost much more due to high demand and exceptional facilities, in comparison to other top public universities like UC Berkeley. 

Here are some of the top MS universities in the US and their tuition:

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the US as an international student can range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month (₹86,000 to ₹1.3 lakhs). The biggest chunk of expenses goes to accommodation (around $700 to $1200 on average), followed by food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. 

Try to get off-campus shared accommodations, which can cost between $400 to $700 per month (₹34,000 to ₹60,000). This is much more affordable than on-campus housing. This is one of your best budgeting options as an international student. 

Let’s look at the cost of living in the US as an Indian student:

Student Visa Cost for the US

The total cost to apply for an F-1 student visa to the USA is $510. This includes two key payments: the visa application fee and the SEVIS fee. These are mandatory for all Indian students planning to study in the United States.

The breakdown of US Student Visa Fees for an Indian student is as follows:

• Visa Application Fee (DS-160): This is the standard non-refundable fee ($160) you must pay when submitting the DS-160 form, which is your official visa application. You can pay it online before booking your visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• SEVIS Fee (Form I-901): The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee ($350) is required once you receive your Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved U.S. university. This fee supports the tracking system used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to manage student records.

Once you receive your I-20 form from a SEVP-approved university, pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. This supports the U.S. government’s system that tracks international students.

After that, complete the DS-160 form online and pay the visa application fee before scheduling your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The admission process for US universities can be completed online with all the required documents and information. It is advised to check the respective university deadlines to complete your application process on time.

Here is the step-by-step admission process for an MS in the USA:

• Step 1: Finalize the course you want to pursue and look for the best university offering that course.
• Step 2: Visit the official university websites and gather information about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees. 
• Step 3: Start the application process and fill in all the required information. Upload the required documents in order for your application to be reviewed. This may include your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
• Step 4:Once you have completed filling out your application and uploading all documents, you may then pay the fee.
• Step 5: Wait for the university to revert. Once selected, you may apply for your I-20 visa through which you can acquire your F-1 student visa to study in the US as an international student.

Suggested: Low Tuition Fee Universities in USA for MS

GRE and work experience are among the two most significant eligibility criteria for MS in USA for Indian students. While one tests your analytical ability and critical thinking, the latter helps in having an in-depth understanding of your course.

GRE scores are highly regarded by universities abroad for admission. The same is the case with work experience. After having practical exposure, students are in a position to bring more to the classes, which makes the learning process more enriching.

While both these requirements are asked by most universities for an MS in the US, universities are offering certain courses that do not require them as a mandatory requirement. However, they do ask for an alternative like a high GPA, GMAT score, valuable internships, and so on. 

Hence, if you wish to pursue an MS in the US, do not get disheartened if you do not have a GRE or work experience. 

With government-funded programs like Fulbright and university-specific scholarships, you can get your full tuition, travel costs, and living expenses covered while pursuing your MS in USA.

Some of these scholarships, like Stanford Knight Hennessey, offer full funding, and to receive them, you should have an outstanding academic record, commitment to community, and work experience. 

Let’s take a look at the top available scholarships for an MS in USA:

The average salary after completing an MS in USA ranges from $90,000 to $10,000 (₹77 lakhs to ₹86 lakhs). As we’ve discussed in this blog, the US is the top destination for an MS in the world. That should come with added benefits, right? The US has one of the best salary packages for tech, business, and medical careers. After graduating from a top MS course, 

Let’s look at the top specialisations and the average salary after a Master's in the USA:

Before you book your flight for an MS in the USA, take time to plan beyond academics. According to , many underestimate how expensive daily life can get.

In big cities, expect to pay around $600 per month for a shared room, with groceries, health insurance, and utilities adding a good chunk on top.

While on-campus jobs offer some relief, they’re limited to 20 hours a week during classes, and most internships open only after your first year.

Reddit users also highlight how competitive the job market is. Many students apply to hundreds of internships before landing even a few interviews. Companies have become more selective about sponsoring H-1B visas, so having a strong network and a standout resume really matters.

This is where planning ahead helps. As a trusted study abroad consultant, here’s what can help you succeed:

• Start early: Work on your CV and LinkedIn profile before you fly out.
• Research companies in advance: Shortlist target employers and understand their hiring timelines.
• Build connections: Reach out to alumni and current students for referrals - these can open doors when online applications don’t.
• Prepare for cultural changes: Homesickness, roommate issues, or subtle discrimination may occur. Stay connected with community groups and support networks.
• Use our guidance: Our experts will help you shortlist the best-fit universities, plan a realistic budget, and settle into your new environment confidently.

Yes, an MS in the USA is a big financial and emotional commitment,  but with proper planning and the right support, it can become one of the best investments for your future. Stay informed, stay prepared, and make the most of this life-changing experience!

Pursuing an MS in USA is more than just securing admission. It’s about safeguarding your future as a global professional. From choosing the right university and course to understanding visa rules and job prospects, every step matters. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø, we’ve helped 30,000+ students get into top US universities through personalised counselling, SOP guidance, visa prep, and much more. With ±¬ÁϳԹÏÍø Premium, you get 1:1 expert support tailored to your goals, whether that’s a scholarship at Stanford or a research role at MIT.