The USA is undoubtedly the best place to pursue an MS. Every year, thousands of undergraduates move to the USA for a master’s. But is an MS in the USA genuinely worth it?
Absolutely. The USA is the best place for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management) courses; top CEOs like Satya Nadela and Sundar Pichai are all examples of how an MS in the USA can change your life.
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American universities provide several advantages to their students, including high-quality education with renowned global faculty, world-class innovation and research opportunities, lucrative employment opportunities, flexibility, career enhancement, and cultural exposure. However, the first thing that comes to students’ minds is the cost of MS in the USA.
You need to factor in the cost of MS in the USA typically takes 2 years to complete. The tuition fee may vary from state to state and from one university to another. It also depends on the career path you intend to take. Additionally, scholarships are available for master’s degree programmes in the USA.
Obtaining a scholarship might considerably lower your expenses. In addition to this, students can also use student loans to pay for their tuition fees.
Well, this blog will answer more queries on the cost of MS in the USA. Let’s jump right in.
Cost of MS in the USA: An Overview
The tuition fee is any student’s direct cost of MS in the USA. However, there are various aspects to consider. The simplest way to assess your expenditures to keep a tab of your MS cost in the USA is to list everything you’ll need, beginning with the application procedure.
To simplify things, we’ve included the main cost of MS in the USA in the table below.
| Cost parameters | Costs |
| TOEFL entrance exam costs | INR 16,900 |
| Application Fee | INR 3300 – INR 16,000 |
| GRE entrance exam Fee | INR 22,550 |
| Cost of tuition | INR 5L – INR 66L |
| Cost of living | INR 1L |
Note: Some factors will vary depending on your chosen city and university. The application fee may be higher than usual for top universities.
Cost Of MS in the USA: Most Affordable Universities in the USA
The USA is slightly more expensive than in other countries. Still, you can land an affordable university with enough research and early application and cut down the cost of MS in the USA.
Here are universities that have lower tuition fees-
| Universities | Avg Annual Tuition Fees |
| New Mexico Highlands University | INR 5L |
| Arkansas Tech University | INR 6L |
| California State University | INR 6L |
| University of Louisiana–Monroe | INR 6L – INR 8L |
| West Texas A&M University | INR 11L – INR 15L |
| South Dakota State University | INR 9L – INR 16L |
| Northwest Missouri State University | INR 14L |
| Southeast Missouri State University | INR 19L |
| Middle Georgia State University | INR 24L |
| Brigham Young University | INR 11L – INR 25L |
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Cost Of MS in the USA: Top-ranked universities and colleges in the USA
The USA is home to most of the world’s top universities. On the one hand, the top universities are highly selective and have low acceptance rates, but on the other, they have very high academic standards and employment rates.Even though it seems challenging, getting into these prestigious universities is doable with a robust application.
Here is a list of top-ranked universities and their cost of MS in the USA:
| Top University | Annual Tuition Fee |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | INR 40L |
| Stanford University | INR 42L |
| Harvard University | INR 47.7L |
| Princeton University | INR 50L |
| California Institute of Technology | INR 52.7L |
| University of Chicago | INR 54.6L |
| The University of Pennsylvania | INR 54.6L |
| Yale University | INR 55L |
| Cornell University | INR 55L |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | INR 66.6L |
Best MS courses to study in the USA
Deciding which course you want to study depends on factors such as the subject of interest, career opportunities, course structure and content, duration, and the total course cost of MS in the USA.
Some of the best courses to study in the USA in 2023 are as follows.
| Course | Programs Offered | Top Universities |
| Engineering | Bio-Medical Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Chemical Engineering | Stanford University | |
| Civil Engineering | Harvard University | |
| Computer Engineering | The University of Pennsylvania | |
| Mechanical Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | |
| Aeronautical Engineering | Cornell University | |
| Business & Management | Business Analytics | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| International Management | New York University (NYU) | |
| Finance | Stanford University | |
| Marketing | University of Southern California (USC) | |
| Public Health | Environmental Health Sciences | University of Washington |
| Epidemiology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | |
| Population, Family & Health | Johns Hopkins University | |
| Biostatistics | The University of Pennsylvania | |
| Sciences | Biology | Yale University |
| Mathematics | Stanford University | |
| Physics | California Institute of Technology | |
| Data Science | The University of Pennsylvania |
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How to cut down the cost of MS in the USA?
Studying in the USA may be expensive, but with the help of scholarships, you can cut your costs for MS in the USA. Many top universities provide full funding scholarships based on merit or need. You can apply for these scholarships during the application process. There are also plenty of organisations and government-based scholarships available for Indian students.
Scholarships have several criteria, such as scholarship essays and the quality of an application, based on which a student may be awarded a scholarship. When submitting their applications, students can apply for financial aid. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are both available. After the student is chosen, certain US universities immediately award financial help that can considerably cut down the cost of MS in the USA.
In contrast, at certain universities, you must check the scholarship requirements. There are numerous scholarships available for MS study in the USA.
Some of the most popular scholarships to cut the cost for MS in the USA are:
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
- National Overseas Scholarship
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University
- AAUW International Fellowships
Education loans are popular with students to cut down costs for MS in the USA since there are exceptional post-graduation job opportunities, and it’s easier to pay back your loans. Universities like Harvard, Standford, and Yale provide independent scholarships for students, so it’s best to check with the university during the admission process.
Besides, scholarships are not the only option to reduce your MS cost in the USA. You can always opt for student loans.
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Admission Requirements for MS in the USA
Admission requirements are specific to universities. Still, certain conditions are mandatory for all STEM courses. The course you choose decides what entrance exams you must take. Typically, you would require the following.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE is a standardised exam that assesses your analytical, mathematical, and logical thinking skills.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): English is the primary language in the US. This test decides whether you are suitable for a master’s in the US. Most top-ranking universities ask for a minimum score of 80.
- The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an undergraduate admission test. GMAT score plays a significant role in the selection procedure, especially for management-related courses.
- The International English Language Testing System Examination (IELTS) is a primarily preferred English proficiency exam; over 9000 US universities accept IELTS scores. Minimum scores for top USA universities lie in the score range of 6.5 to 9.
Apart from the above exams, you would also need
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a GPA of 3.0 and above
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume/portfolio containing some of your recent achievements, internships, recent projects
- Certificates of work experience, if any
Note: GRE and work experience are optional for every course and university. Many universities accept applications without the GRE, GMAT or work experience, so make sure to apply!
Final Thoughts
Studying MS in the USA is an excellent opportunity for students to build expertise and practical skills in the field of their choice. The USA presents a significant number of job opportunities for students post-graduation. The starting salary for MS graduates in the USA is around INR 60L to INR 98L annually.
Need help to figure out how to start your MS in the USA journey and the cost of MS in the USA? Get a personalised list of universities curated by our study abroad experts and step-by-step guidance for the application process from our counsellors. Book a free call today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. What is the average application cost for MS in USA?
A. The application fee for MS in the USA varies from university to university. On average, the cost of an MS application ranges from INR 3,300 to INR 16,000. However, some top-ranking universities may charge higher application fees than this. It’s essential to remember that this is just one of the many costs of pursuing an MS in the USA.
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Q. What are the most affordable universities to study MS in the USA?
A. Here are some of the most affordable universities to pursue MS in the USA:
– New Mexico Highlands University
– Arkansas Tech University
– California State University
– University of Louisiana–Monroe
– West Texas A&M University -
Q. What is the age limit for MS in the USA?
A. In the USA, there is no set age restriction for admission to master’s programmes. However, it is advised that students pursuing a master’s degree after a specific amount of time has passed since receiving their undergraduate degree have relevant work experience or curriculum credentials to support their applications.
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Q. What is the eligibility for MS in the USA?
A. You need at least 16 years of education (4 years of a bachelor’s degree), test results for English language competency, and the GRE to be admitted to MS programmes in the USA as an international student. The remaining two requirements must always be met to be admitted to US universities, even if some universities may not require GRE results.
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Q. What are the costs of living included in MS in the USA?
A. The cost of living is an essential factor to consider while calculating the total expenses of MS in the USA. The cost of living includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. It may vary depending on the location and lifestyle you choose. On average, students should budget approximately INR 1L per year for living expenses. However, living off-campus and sharing accommodation with roommates can help cut down costs.
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Q. What is the average tuition fee for MS in the USA?
A. The average tuition fee for MS in the USA varies from university to university and state to state. The tuition fee for top-ranked universities can be significantly higher than that of affordable universities. On average, tuition fees for MS in the USA can range from INR 5L to INR 66.6L. It’s essential to consider other costs, such as living expenses, application fees, and exam fees, when calculating the total cost of MS in the USA.
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Q. What is the MS in computer science fee in the USA for Indian students?
A. The cost of pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students may vary depending on the university and state. On average, the tuition fees for a two-year programme can range from INR 25L to INR 70L. However, scholarships and financial aid are available to help reduce the overall cost of the program. It’s essential to research and compare the costs of various universities before making a decision.
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Q. Which universities offer MS in business analytics in the usa with low fees?
A. Here are some universities in the USA that offer MS in Business Analytics with low fees:
– University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
– University of Texas at Austin
– Arizona State University
– Purdue University
– University of Minnesota
– University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) -
Q. Is the total cost of MS in the USA for Indian students more expensive than in the UK?
A. The total cost of MS in the USA is generally more expensive than in the UK for Indian students. This is due to several factors, such as higher tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses. However, it is essential to note that the cost of MS in the USA & the UK varies depending on the university and course. Indian students planning to pursue MS should research and compare the costs of different universities in both countries before deciding.
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Q. Does MS in the USA cost vary according to different universities and courses?
A. Yes, the cost of pursuing an MS in the USA varies according to different universities and courses. The tuition fees may be different for different universities and programs. Additionally, the cost of living in different cities of the USA may also vary. Therefore, it is essential to consider all these factors while calculating the total cost of an MS in the USA for Indian students.
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Q. Is it worth investing in the total cost of MS in the USA for Indian students?
A. Yes, pursuing an MS in the USA is worth the investment for Indian students. The USA offers high-quality education with renowned global faculty, world-class innovation and research opportunities, lucrative employment opportunities, flexibility, career enhancement, and cultural exposure. However, Indian students should consider the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other factors before making a decision. Scholarships and student loans are available to help offset the cost of MS in the USA.
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