A master’s degree in the USA is a very popular opportunity for Indian students and offers access to global education, cutting-edge research and rich cultural experience. Regardless of whether you want to promote experts in technology, engineering, business or healthcare, the USA offers a large number of specialized programmes and a variety of academic environments.
Benefits of MS in USA for Indian Students:
The USA is always a popular place for international students. In addition, there are some key factors that make the USA the best choice to pursue a Master’s degree:
- Global Top-notch Universities: The USA has many of the world’s leading universities, including institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard and Caltech. These universities offer a variety of MS programmes in different areas to ensure that they find something that corresponds to their career goals.
- Global Recognition: Your MS degree from a reputable USA university will be recognized from all over the world, which will make the graduates competitive in the job market.
- Cutting-Edge Research: American universities are at the forefront of research and innovation. If you are inclined towards research, pursuing an MS in the USA gives you access to state-of-the-art laboratories, industry connections, and funding for research projects.
- Cultural Diversity: The United States attracts students around the world, providing an opportunity to communicate with various experiments and cultures, and improve their personal and professional network.
- Growing Industry-focused Courses: Disciplines like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Environmental Engineering are undergoing significant expansion. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that job opportunities in these sectors will rise by as much as 15% between 2023 and 2033. Universities across the U.S. provide abundant resources, cutting-edge labs, and collaborations with top tech companies, equipping MS graduates to address these emerging needs.
Eligibility/Requirements to apply for MS in the USA:
Any specific Bachelor of Science degree is not required to study MS programme in the USA. Nevertheless, it is mandatory to complete an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject of the field.
The requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate of a relevant field with average GPA of 3.0 or 65-70% and above
- English-language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Two to three recommendation letters
- GRE score 290 or above
- Statement of Purpose
Additional factors that may strengthen your application:
- Internship/Research projects
- Proof of any social or leadership activities
- If any published research papers
Check your eligibility
MS in USA for Indian students cost breakdown
Public Universities: International students pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree in areas such as Computer Science or Engineering at public universities typically face tuition fees ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 annually. On the other hand, in-state tuition for U.S. residents is generally more affordable, usually falling between US $12,000 and US $18,000 per year.
Private Universities: Tuition for MS programs at private universities is generally more expensive, with costs ranging from US $30,000 to US $60,000 annually. This is particularly true for prestigious institutions such as MIT, Stanford, and Columbia.
Living expenses for MS in USA
The estimated annual cost of living in the U.S. ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, or approximately $1,000 to $1,500 each month. This includes expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, textbooks, clothing for the climate, and leisure activities.
| Daily life needs | Expenses |
| Food | $30 to $40 |
| Accommodation | US $1000 to $2000 |
| Transport | US$100 to $300 |
| Other daily needs | US $300 to $600 |
Average salary scale after completing MS programme in the USA
| Course Name | Salary Range | Average Salary |
| Data Analytics | US $52,000 – $91,000 | US $69,656 |
| Data Scientist | US $72,000 – $1,30,000 | US $97,543 |
| Software Engineer | US $72,000 – $13,7000 | US $99,882 |
| Senior Software Engineer | US $95,000- $16,7000 | US $126,563 |
| Mechanical Engineer | US $66,000- $10,9000 | US $83,084 |
| Electrical Engineer | US $69,000 – $1,18,000 | US $87,264 |
| Project Manager | US $57000 – $12,2000 | US $83,574 |
Source: PayScale data 2023
Some of the most affordable states in the USA for studying MS programmes are:
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Indiana
- Texas
- Nebraska
To note that the standard of living of the above mentioned states may be low just like the lower tuition fees of these states.
Visa Process and Legal Requirements
Once you have been accepted into a US university, your next step is to apply for a student visa:
- F-1 Visa: The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for Indian students pursuing graduate studies in the USA. The process involves providing proof of financial support, obtaining a Form I-20 from the university, and attending a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.
- SEVIS Fee: All international students must pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee before attending their visa interview.
- Visa Interview: Be prepared for your visa interview by providing necessary documents, such as your passport, Form I-20, proof of financial support, and university acceptance letter.
Career Prospects and Post-Graduation Opportunities
One of the most attractive features of pursuing an MS in the USA is the wealth of career opportunities available after graduation:
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): After completing your MS, international students are eligible for OPT, a program that allows you to work in the USA for up to 12 months (with a potential 24-month extension for STEM graduates). This provides valuable work experience in your field.
- Job Market: The USA has a robust job market, especially in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. Graduates from top US universities are highly sought after by employers around the world.
- Networking: The strong alumni networks and industry connections fostered during your time at university can help you land internships and job opportunities.
Financial Considerations and Scholarships
Pursuing an MS in the USA can be expensive, but there are various options to ease the financial burden:
- Tuition Fees: The cost of tuition varies depending on the university and program. On average, tuition fees for MS programs range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. It’s essential to research the specific fees for the universities you’re applying to.
- Living Expenses: The cost of living in the USA varies by location. Metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller cities or towns.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships to international students. Additionally, you can explore external scholarship opportunities from organizations such as the Fulbright Program or the Indian government’s National Overseas Scholarship Scheme.
- On-Campus Jobs: International students on F-1 visas are typically allowed to work part-time on campus (up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester). On-campus jobs can help offset living expenses.
Some of the best universities to study MS in USA for Indian students:
- Concordia University Chicago
- Colorado State University
- DePaul University
- Drew University
- Florida Atlantic University
- George Mason University
- Hofstra University
- James Madison University
- Long Island University
- Marshall University
- Mercy University
- Montclair State University
- Oregon State University
- Saint Louis University
- Southern Illinois University
- Texas A&M University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Alabama Birmingham
- University of Arizona
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Oklahoma
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
Closing remarks
Pursuing an MS in the USA is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that can significantly enhance your academic and professional future. With world-class universities, a diverse learning environment, and abundant career opportunities, the USA remains a top destination for Indian students seeking to take their education and careers to the next level. If you are dreaming of earning an MS degree from the USA, you must do detailed research on the list of the universities that we mentioned above before choosing the right one. However, it is suggested to apply through expert consultants like BWBS Education Consultants where you will be guided properly.
