Masters in the USA: A Complete Overview
Jan 13, 2025
The USA is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after study destinations among international students. Numerically speaking, in the academic year 2023-2024, nearly 502,291 international graduate students moved to the country for higher education. The high-ranked Universities, work-integrated courses, ground-breaking innovations, umpteen scholarships and thriving job markets have led the finest minds to opt for this country.
If you plan to enrol in one of the top-notch universities in the USA for your master’s degree, then you are at the right place and this article is a must-read for you. Keep reading to find out all the essential information regarding the top universities, cost to study, eligibility requirements and a lot more.
Table of Content
- Top Universities for Masters in USA
- Top Universities for MBA in USA
- High-Ranked Universities in USA Accepting 3-year Bachelor’s Degrees
- Study Duration for a Masters in USA
- Cost of Studying Masters in USA
- Financial Aid Options
- Eligibility Criteria for Masters in USA
- Exemptions for Masters in the USA
- FAQs
Top Universities for Masters in USA
According to QS World University Rankings 2025, 4 Universities in the USA rank among the top 10 in the world. Some of these leading universities in the USA are listed below:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. University of California, Berkeley
4. California Institute of Technology
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
6. Purdue University
7. Carnegie Mellon University
8. University of Texas-Austin
9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
10. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, they are exceptionally famous for their MS in USA. If you have a business acumen or an entrepreneurial mindset then we have something for you ahead, let’s have a quick glance at the top-notch business schools.
Top Universities for MBA in USA
Consistently ranked among the world’s best, the business schools in the country are celebrated for their academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. Some of the top-notch options to consider are listed below:
1. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
2. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford University
3. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
4. Harvard Business School
5. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
6. Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College
7. Columbia Business School - Columbia University
8. MIT Sloan School of Management
9. Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University
10. Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Beyond these universities, many leading US universities consider a three-year bachelor's degree for admission in MS or other master’s courses.
High-Ranked Universities in USA Accepting 3-year Bachelor’s Degrees
1. University of California Riverside (College of Business)
2. Suffolk University (Boston)
3. University of Maryland Baltimore County
4. Oregon State University
5. New Jersey Institute of Science & Technology
6. University of New Haven (Connecticut)
7. Kent State University, Ohio
8. University of Alabama at Birmingham
9. University of Colorado Denver
10. University of North Texas, Denton
These are just a few of the many universities but keep in mind that a few programs might accept 3-year bachelor’s degrees for masters in USA.
Going further, let’s check the study duration for pursuing a master’s degree in the country and a lot more.
Study Duration for a Masters in USA
The duration for all the master's degrees in the US is generally 2 years. Whether you want to pursue Masters in Science (MS), Masters in Engineering (MEng), Masters in Business Administration (MBA) or Masters in Arts (MA), the duration will be 2 years. But courses like Masters in Management, Masters in Business Analytics, LLM etc. may be of one year duration.
Now that you have an idea of the course duration, it’s time to understand the monetary requirements of pursuing a masters in the USA.
Cost of Studying Masters in USA
Demystifying the common myth, you would be happy to know that there are umpteen course choices in the USA for a wide range of study budgets.
The tuition fee for a master’s degree can range from $17,000 to $60,000 per year based on the type of institution and the duration of the course.
While these figures might look humongous, international students with excellent academic percentages and high standardized test scores can apply for scholarships to study in USA.
Apart from these, financial aid options in the form of Assistantships are also available at these universities.
Financial Aid Options
For students pursuing a master’s degree, scholarships are generally limited in numbers. However, students can check for tuition fee waivers in the form of Assistantships like
- Research Assistantship
- Teaching Assistantship
- Graduate Assistantship
They can also check for Part Time On Campus Jobs or Off-Campus Employment through
- Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Also, there are certain options that offer work-study programs, and some Universities allow students to work full-time even when the sessions are on. Classes are held in the evening or at the weekends so that students can work full-time during the day.
After knowing so many important aspects of studying masters in the USA, it is now time to get into the specifics. Read ahead to know more about the general eligibility requirements to study here.
Eligibility Criteria for Masters in USA
While the specific eligibility criteria vary for all courses, the general requirements are listed below.
- Previous Education & Academic Percentage
US universities accept 16 years of education (12+4) for a master’s degree, be it a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Technology, Pharmacy or Physiotherapy. The required Academic Percentage will be 58% and above with minimum backlogs.
- Standardized Tests & English Proficiency Test Scores
Applicants need to appear for Standardized Tests like the GRE or GMAT for Master’s degrees. GRE scores are required to apply for a wide variety of graduate school programs, but GMAT scores are required only to apply to business schools.
Acceptable Scores of Standardized Tests:
- GRE: 300+
- GMAT: 500+
Apart from the Standardized Test Scores, universities also check for English Proficiency Test scores like TOEFL or IELTS, PTE or DET. Any of these English Proficiency Test Scores are acceptable by most of the universities in the USA.
Acceptable English Proficiency Test Scores:
- TOEFL: 79
- IELTS: 6.5 overall band
- PTE: 56
- DET: 105
- Other Essential Factors for Admission
Student’s involvement in extracurricular activities and research projects also plays a crucial role in getting an admit. Documents such as Resume, Letters of Recommendation & Statement of Purpose are also very vital and must be drafted very effectively.
Exemptions for Masters in the USA
Apart from the standard requirements, you will get some exclusions for certain things. Some of them include:
- 15 (12+3) years of education are also acceptable in some of the Universities if the Institution in India is NAAC “A” Accredited (National Assessment & Accreditation Council)
- 3 years of Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for admissions into Masters for Computer Science, MBA & Public Health courses & in other programs through Pathway with few universities.
- Admissions without GRE/GMAT scores are possible with several universities.
- Students with less TOEFL/IELTS scores can get admission through Pathway or English as a second language program.
These are all the required information that you must know if you are planning for your masters in the upcoming academic intake. To know more about the admission process, the right time to start the preparation and for assistance with application processes you can consult KC’s US Experts virtually or in person. We are here to make studying in USA for international students a smooth sail.
With 65+ offices across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, we are one of the best Overseas Education Consultants, so you can rest assured about the services offered at KC. Don’t wait any further, connect with our team today!
FAQs
1. How to choose the right master's program in the USA?
Consider factors such as program curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, location, cost, and alignment with your career goals. Visiting campuses virtually, attending information sessions, and speaking with current students or alumni can provide additional insights.
2. What is the difference between a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree?
An MS degree focuses on research and may require a thesis, preparing students for doctoral studies or research positions. An MEng degree is often more practice-oriented, emphasizing coursework and practical skills for professional engineering careers.
3. What housing options are available for master’s degree students in the USA?
Housing options include on-campus graduate housing, off-campus apartments, and shared housing. Universities often provide resources to assist students in finding suitable accommodations.
4. What career services are available to master's students in the USA?
Universities offer career services such as resume workshops, interview preparation, job fairs, networking events, and alumni connections to support students in their job search and professional development.
5. Can I work while studying for my master's degree in the USA?
International students on F-1 visas can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Off-campus employment requires prior authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
6. What is the application process for master's programs in the USA?
The process involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Some programs may also require interviews or portfolio submissions.