10 Best Universities in USA for MS in 2025

Top universities in the USA for MS programs include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania. The USA has long been a favored destination for post-graduate studies, offering world-class institutions, diverse cultures and ethinicities, academic excellence, extensive course options, top-notch research facilities, and adaptable curricula. According to the 2023 Open Doors report on International Educational Exchange, there has been a notable 35% increase in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the USA, reaching a record high of 268,923 students for the academic year 2022-23. Additionally, the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2025 ranked 202 universities in the USA, with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) securing the top position. For those who have completed their undergraduate studies and are seeking the best  universities in USA for MS study, there are numerous options available. Keep reading to explore everything about MS in the USA including top universities, fees, eligibility requirements, and much more. Let’s start!

Top 10 Universities in USA to study MS

The 10 best universities in USA for Masters are:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. Harvard University
4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
5. University of Chicago
6. University of Pennsylvania
7. Princeton University
8. Yale University
9. Cornell University
10. Columbia University

Let's elaborate on each of them in detail.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranks 1st position among the top universities in USA to study MS as per QS World Rankings 2025. This institute is considered a global leader in graduate education in various disciplines. MIT encourages their students more towards research and practical training by offering various need-based scholarships and fellowships. For international students, the MIT graduate fellowship provides partial or full tuition fees along with a stipend to cover living expenses. Students can also apply for external scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, and JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians, to avail of benefits. Approximately, 7000 students from around 100 countries are currently pursuing their graduation at MIT in various specializations. Know more details from the table below.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#1
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics MS in Biological Engineering MS in Data Science MS in Chemical Engineering MS in Management studies
Average Annual Fees	USD 28,000 - USD 75,000 (INR 23 lakhs to 62 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	McKinsey | Adidas | Amgen | Dell | Bose | Amazon.com | Tesla | Boeing | Microsoft | Blackrock | BCG | GAP | Apple | Ericsson India | Deloitte

Is it hard to get into MIT for international students ?

With an acceptance rate of 4.8%, it is very difficult to secure admission at MIT. But, with an excellent academic profile, it is possible.

Does MIT provide accommodation for international students? 

MIT provides various housing options- single rooms, efficiencies, one-bedroom, and multi-bedroom units at different prices for graduate students and their families.

Gitanjali Rao, an Indian and first-year MIT student honoured at white House “Girls leading change” celebration for promoting science and innovation among young people and inspiring them with several inventions.

2. Stanford University

Stanford University located in the United States has 7 schools along with some research institutes. This university was founded in 1891 and is listed as one of the best universities in USA for MS. Stanford Research stands out due to its research programs that reflect its faculty’s expertise, creativity, and initiative in shaping the research agenda. The students and faculty here work together to achieve the objectives and goals set. For international students, Stanford University does offer financial aid in the form of Stanford internal scholarships, grants, or work-study to cover their expenses. The university also encourages various external scholarships like the JN Tata Endowment Scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, and Fulbright Scholarship to ensure a hassle-free education experience for international students. Among 17,000 students enrolled, over 9000 students are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral courses at Stanford. 

QS World University Rankings 2025	#6
Location	Stanford
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Health Informatics MS in Management Science & Engineering MS in Bioengineering MS in Computer Science MS in Mechanical Engineering
Average Annual Fees	USD 35,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 2.8 lakhs to 5.8 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	Accenture | McKinsey | Google | VISA | Bank of America | Amazon.com | Apple | Facebook | Orange

Is it hard to get into Stanford as an international student? 

Yes, it is indeed hard to get admission but not impossible. The acceptance rate of Stanford University is merely  3.96%.

Does Stanford provide accommodation for international students? 

Stanford provides on-campus accommodation with a wide range of housing options for graduate students and their families. (single students, couples, and families with children)

3. Harvard University

The prestigious Harvard University is listed next among our best MS Colleges in USA for Indian Students. Established in the year 1636, It is the oldest higher education institute in the United States. This Ivy League private institute consists of 12 graduate and professional schools involved in cutting-edge research to impact globally. This University has been ranked No.1 for the past five years consecutively by The US News & World Report Globally. Harvard University offers an array of scholarship opportunities for Indian students. Every year almost 50 percent of the class receives need-based scholarships for their study. Those who are planning to study at Harvard can apply for the Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship, Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship, The Robert S. Kaplan (MBA 1983) Life Sciences Fellowship, etc. for financial support.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#4
Location	Cambridge, United States
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Data Science MS in Biotechnology MS in Computational Science & Engineering MS in Applied Mathematics MS in Applied Physics
Average Annual Fees	USD 30,000 - USD 60,000 (INR 25 lakhs to 49 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	A T Kearney | IBM | Accenture | Credit Suisse | Google | Amazon | Adobe | American Express | Amadeus | Barclays Bank | BMW | Cisco Systems | Coca-Cola

Is it hard to get into Harvard as an international student? 

Yes, similar to Stanford, gaining admission to Harvard University can be challenging, but their admission chances are not affected by their nationality or by the location of their school. For international students applying to Harvard, the acceptance rate is around 14.8%.

Does Harvard provide accommodation for international students?

It does! Harvard University Housing (HUH) has apartments available to full-time Harvard graduate students, scholars, and faculty.

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California Institute of Technology or Caltech is regarded as one of the top colleges in USA for MS. It aims to promote academic excellence and student's overall development through its innovative tools and techniques. Apart from this, Caltech also offers external and internal fellowships to its graduate students to cover application fees, accommodation, and personal expenses. Students can apply for Caltech scholarships like BMO Financial Group/Lime Connect, American Council of Engineering Companies, and Novus Biologicals annually and attain them for a maximum of four years. This university is authorized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and maintains affiliations with HHMI, AAU, and NASA.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#10
Location	California
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Aerospace MS in Chemistry MS in Geology & Planetary Sciences MS in Applied Physics MS in Electrical Engineering
Average Annual Fees	USD 56,000- USD 58,000 (INR 4.6 lakhs to 4.8 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	Meta |SpaceX |HP |Apple | Microsoft | Amazon | McKinsey & Company |International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)|Cisco Systems, Inc.

Is it hard to get into Caltech as an international student? 

Yes, Caltech is extremely selective. The acceptance rate of Caltech is only 2.7%. This means only 3 are admitted for every 100 applicants.

Does Caltech provide accommodation for international students? 

Caltech's Housing Office offers diverse housing options for graduate students, ranging from studios to apartments to single-family homes.

5. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago or UChicago, founded in 1890 has been a trendsetter. Located in the heart of the most populous city Chicago, it is one of the best universities in the USA to pursue a Master's degree. Students at this institution explore diverse fields such as humanities, social sciences, physical and biological sciences, etc. This engagement with the language, questions, and methods that categorize broad fields of study ensures their overall development. UChicago boasts 92 Nobel laureates among its alumni, surpassing any other US university. Regardless of the student's financial situation, UChicago offers merit-based scholarships like the University Scholarship, First Phoenix scholarship, etc based on their academic achievements. They also accept external scholarships. UChicago boasts 92 Nobel laureates among its alumni, surpassing any other US university.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#21
Location	Chicago, Illinois
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Health Informatics MS in Bioengineering MS in Management Science & Engineering MS in Computer Science MS in Mechanical Engineering
Average Annual Fees	USD 40,000 - USD 60,000 (INR 33 lakhs to 49 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	ABN Amro Bank | 3M | AOL | Barclays Capital | ACCENTURE | Goldman Sachs | Adobe | JP Morgan Chase | Arcelor Mittal | Amazon.com | eBay

Is it hard to get into UChicago as an international student? 

Yes! In offering admissions to international students, the University of Chicago is very selective with an acceptance rate of 6%. Meeting their academic requirements is very important to get admission.

Does UChicago provide accommodation for international students? 

Yes, all incoming new students are randomly assigned to the residence hall and houses.

6. University of Pennsylvania

Upenn or University of Pennsylvania’s outstanding graduate education makes it one of the most desirable MS colleges in the USA. Established by Benjamin Franklin in 1749, the university has a proud history of transforming knowledge into social-minded action. It continues to follow its founder’s philosophy “Well done is better than well said” through impactful learning, innovation, and research. For international students, to make their full-time graduate education affordable, UPenn offers generous scholarships, fellowships, and need-based assistantships. Some of the funding opportunities are Penn GSE merit-based scholarships, Dean’s fellowship, etc. In recent times, UPenn has been counted among the elite group of private universities of the Ivy League in the USA.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#11
Location	Pennsylvania
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Architecture MS in Bioengineering MS in Robotics MS in Data Science MS in Nanotechnology
Average Annual Fees	USD 40,000 - USD 60,000 (INR 33 lakhs to 49 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	Microsoft | Amazon| Facebook | JPMorgan Chase & Co.| Morgan Stanley | Goldman Sachs

Is it hard to get into the University of Pennsylvania as an international student? 

Yes, getting admission to UPenn is pretty tough. It mainly depends on your personal essays and recommendation letters, your scores are only a part of your application.  The acceptance rate for international students is only 3.1%.

Does UPenn provide accommodation for international students? 

Upenn offers on-campus accommodation for undergraduate students. Graduate students and scholars can rent apartments and houses near campus.

7. Princeton University

Princeton University founded in 1746 as College of New Jersey is the fourth oldest university in the USA. If you aspire to be a part of the community of scholars in one of the top USA universities, this place is right for you. Here students get an opportunity to closely work with the reputed scholars who guide them to achieve their desired goals. Princeton produces graduates with independent voices and thinking. All the students are eligible to apply for Princeton Scholarships offered in the form of financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, work-study, and external loans to ease their financial burden. Princeton does accept various external scholarships like The Powersports Dealership Scholarship, Princeton Arts Fellowship, and International Student Support Contest.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#22
Location	Princeton, New Jersey
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Computer Science MS in Mechanical Engineering MS in Molecular Biology MS in Finance Engineering MS in Civil Engineering
Average Annual Fees	USD 56,000 - USD 58,000 (INR 46.5 lakhs to 48.2 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	Bain and Company | Bank of America | Barclays Bank | Boston Consulting Group | Citigroup | Deloitte | Goldman Sachs | IBM | JP Morgan Chase | McKinsey | Microsoft

Is it hard to get into Princeton University as an international student? 

Yes, similar to UPenn, getting admission to Princeton University as an international student is highly competitive. Like other Ivy schools, Princeton has a rigorous admission process and takes only a small percentage (acceptance rate-4.4%) of applicants every year.

Does Princeton provide accommodation for international students? 

The Princeton University Graduate Housing Office will provide you with a contract for either an apartment or a dormitory. Housing assignments are subject to availability, and you may receive an offer for a space within a dormitory, annex, or apartment.

 

8. Yale University

Established in  1701 as the Collegiate School, Yale University is the Ivy League’s private research university. It is the third-oldest institution in the USA for higher education and is among the most prestigious institutions in the world. Through its Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and 12 Professional schools, Yale provides advanced degrees to students. The university also has many affiliated organizations and offers various scholarships in the form of financial aid. For the academic year 2024-25, a fully funded Yale University Scholarship is available, especially for international students. Nonetheless, students can still use external scholarships like Fulbright Scholarships India, National Overseas Scholarship, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships, and JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education and receive benefits to pursue their chosen graduate program at Yale.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#23
Location	New Haven, Connecticut
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Computer Science MS in Data Science MS in Biostatistics MS in Biological Engineering MS in Applied Physics
Average Annual Fees	USD 45,000 - USD 65,000 (INR 37.4 lakhs to 54 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	Adobe Systems Incorporated | AECOM Technology Corporation | Apple, Inc.| Google| Cisco Systems, Inc.| Microsoft Corporation | Snap Inc

Is it hard to get into Yale University as an international student? 

Yes, admissions are highly selective at Yale University with an acceptance rate of just 4.46%. International students must meet their specified admission requirements for UG and PG courses.

Does Yale provide accommodation for international students? 

Yale Housing provides a diverse range of living options, including dormitories, suites, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Some of these buildings boast their own unique history and charm.

9. Cornell University

Cornell University founded in 1865 is among the world’s leading academic and research institutions. It covers a wide range of programs in the Ivy League. Cornell is the first university to introduce four-year study programs for industrial and Labour relations and hotel Administration courses. Also, it is the first university worldwide to award a degree in Journalism. The university attracts some of the world’s best scholars, Researchers, Scientists, humanitarians, thinkers, and leaders. Presently, Cornell Graduate School stands as an intellectually stimulating and vibrant community offering nearly 100 fields of study.  The university also provides financial assistance to the students based on their demonstrated need in the form of Endowed scholarships, bursaries, and grants. Program-specific merit-based Cornell University scholarships are given to graduate students based on their admission applications. Some of the external Cornell University scholarships for Indian students are Fulbright Scholarship, JN Tata Endowment Scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, KC Mahindra Trust Scholarship.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#16
Location	Ithaca, New York
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Computer Science MS in Data Science MS in Geological Sciences MS in Applied Economics & Management MS in Architecture
Average Annual Fees	USD 30,000 - USD 60,000 (INR 24.9 lakhs to 49.8 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	McKinsey | Microsoft | American Express | Facebook | Google | Boston Ernst and Young | Apple | Amazon.

Is it hard to get into Cornell University as an international student? 

Yes! Cornell University has a very tough admission process. According to Ivy League Prep, the applicants' acceptance rate is 10.6%. With impressive college application essays, scores, and extracurricular activities, one can get into Cornell easily.

Does Cornell provide accommodation for international students? 

At Cornell and in the Ithaca area, there are diverse living options for everyone, whether you're a single student or have a spouse, partner, or family. These options fall into three categories: on-campus housing, Maplewood Apartments, and other off-campus housing.

10. Columbia University

The fifth oldest higher learning institution in America is Columbia University. This university is a part of the Ivy League. It offers a comprehensive list of graduate academic programs. It aims to bring together a diverse and international faculty and student community, to support research and teaching on global issues. It expects every discipline of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to share the outcome of its efforts with the world. International students can avail of Columbia University Scholarships, Teaching assistantships (12000 USD per sem), Student (3000 USD per sem) Assistantships, and some external scholarships to pursue their graduate studies. Some of the Columbia University scholarships available for international students are the Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship, International Merit Scholarship, and Northwest IB Scholarship.

QS World University Rankings 2025	#34
Location	New York
Type of University	Private
Programs offered	MS in Business Analytics MS in Data Science MS in Computer Science MS in Wealth Management MS in Sports Management
Average Annual Fees	USD 30,000 - USD 60,000 (INR 24.9 lakhs to 49.8 lakhs)
Top Recruiters	Amazon | Apple | Barclays | Citi | Accenture | IBM | Pepsico | Google | Capital Group | Dell | Deloitte | Discovery Inc. Dolby | Goldman Sachs

Is it hard to get into Columbia University as an international student? 

Yes, getting into Columbia University is quite competitive with its acceptance rate for the class of 2027 at merely 3.9%. International students must meet university entry requirements along with English Proficiency requirements for admission.

Does Columbia provide accommodation for international students? 

Yes, To qualify for campus housing, Master's students must enroll full-time (equivalent to 1 Residence Unit or Extended Residence). Allocation of Master's housing is determined via a housing lottery system.

Overall studying MS in US colleges will give you exposure to array of advanced methodologies. The combination of prestigious universities, cutting edge research, and post gradation work options through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) makes USA an attractive option. OPT permits international students on F-1 visas to gain practical experience in their study for up to 12 months, potentially extending to 24 months in STE fields. Continue reading, you will  find admission requirements, and guidance that help you pick the right university.

Eligibility Requirements for MS Universities in USA 

Meeting the specified eligibility criteria is a must to enroll for MS colleges in USA for Indian students. Although the admission requirements vary across universities, the basic ones remain the same. Here are some of the basic requirements for US universities to pursue MS:

• An undergraduate degree in a related field with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Scores in English Language Proficiency tests- IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5, TOEFL: 88 to 100.
• You need the GRE or GMAT score to pursue your studies related to Finance, Management, etc. Ideally, GRE scores for Master’s in USA must range from 318 to 329. For GMAT, it is 600 to 740.
• Having work experience is not mandatory but it is an important requirement. A minimum of 2 to 5 years of experience is needed for some of the best MS colleges in USA.
• Drafting a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a letter of recommendation (LOR) is necessary.
• A valid passport and a student visa to study in America.
• Updated CV.
• Proof of funds.

Related Resources 

Planning to study MS in USA? Check out

• How will be the student life in USA
• Best courses to study in USA
• Cost of Studying in USA
• Upcoming Admission intakes in USA
• Accommodation in USA for Indian students
• Affordable Universities in USA

How to Select a University for Masters in the USA?

It is important to do proper research before finalizing your MS college in the USA, after all, you are investing more time, energy, and money. To do so, you must keep the following criteria in mind:

• QS Ranking: The QS World University Rankings provide insights into universities, their programs, culture, achievements, etc. These rankings give a fair idea of the education quality and future prospects you may expect from that particular college/university.
• Courses Offered: The choice of university majorly depends on the subject or discipline you wish to study. Before making a decision, visit the university’s official website and check the course details like curriculum, research opportunities, internships offered, placements, and other related information.
• Tuition fees: The tuition fee for MS colleges in the USA differs among universities. So, While searching for course-related details, do search for the cost they charge for that particular course. After all, cost is a major factor for all study abroad aspirants, being aware of it will help you in better financial planning.
• Location: Who wouldn’t want to choose their ideal living place while studying at a foreign university? The university’s location significantly influences your overall study-abroad experience. Hence while choosing the location, do proper research of the place and your university's surrounding areas to avoid any confusion later on. 
• Job Opportunities: Research the university’s connection with industry partners and any career services available to students. Note that a strong alumni network can make your future career prospects fruitful.

After carefully considering all the factors above, apply for the program that matches your goals.

Financial Assistance for Studying in USA 

Studying abroad, particularly in the USA involves financial considerations, especially for those going for master's studies. The funding opportunities in the US for international students are actually limited. Though US universities offer scholarships, to alleviate your financial burden, you can consider government support and policies that offer financial aid, education loans, and scholarships. Some of the scholarships offered by the American Government are:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program
• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
• American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
• Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

By taking these scholarships and financial assistance programs, MS students can fulfill their academic dreams in America without being burdened by financial constraints. Hope our list of top 10 universities in USA for MS with their average fees, programs offered, etc. can help you choose the ideal university for MS students. With proper planning and research, you can experience world-class education and a great culture at budget-friendly costs. If you are still doubtful about selecting the right choice, Feel free to take end-to-end assistance from our Kanan expert counselors. Get in touch with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to get Jobs after MS in USA? 

The USA offers high graduate employability with starting salaries varying by fields. Though a majority of top universities in the USA aim for a 100% placement rate, some may lack in providing direct job opportunities after MS in the US. However, Students need not worry; they can directly apply on recruiter’s websites through LinkedIn, Monster.com, SimplyHired, Dice, GitHub, etc. to get hold of Job opportunities in the USA.

Some of the well-known recruiters offering job opportunities for Indian students after pursuing their MS in USA are:

• Amazon.com Inc.
• Intel Corporation
• Google
• Apple
• IBM
• Lockheed Martin Corporation, etc.

Finally, we can conclude by saying that MS graduates from US universities have various job options. However, securing a well-paid job depends on their credentials and field of study.

2. Which institute is best for MS in USA?

The 5 best universities in the USA to do MS are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, and the University of Chicago. The program duration is 1-2 years and the tuition fees vary across universities based on the specialization you choose.

3. Is MS in USA good for Indian students?

Yes, Having a MS degree from an US university is highly beneficial for Indian students. It is the best destination to kick start your career as it is the top tech hub worldwide. From prominent IT companies to favorable MNCs and influencing startups, there are a plethora of companies that are capable of providing a promising career.

4. What are the career options after MS in USA?

Working in the US after a Master’s brings more opportunities to applicants than a bachelor’s degree holder. The top streams that offer good pay after pursuing MS in USA are Finance, Computer Science, IT,  Data Science, Health Care, Marketing, and STEM.

5. How much is the average salary earned after pursuing MS in US Universities?

The average salary after pursuing an MS in USA ranges from $70,000 to $ 1,20,000 or more. However, the salary range varies depending on the field of study, location, industry, and experience.

6. Which University is better for MS?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton University are the top 7 universities in the USA to pursue MS.

7. What is the duration of Masters in the USA?

The duration of Masters courses in the USA ranges from 1-2 years. It is important to note that 1- year course certificates may not be globally accepted in all the countries.

8. What is the medium of instruction in the USA for MS?

English is the medium of instruction for the MS universities in the USA.

9. What are the top 10 MS specializations in the US?

The list of top MS specialisations in the USA for Indian students planning to study MS are:

• MS in Computer Science & Engineering
• MS in IT & Networking
• MS in Biology (Sciences)
• MS in Mechanical Engineering
• MS in Wireless Communication
• MS in Management Information Systems
• MS in Geology
• MS in Health Science
• MS in Petroleum Engineering
• MS in Mathematics
• MS in Game Design and Game Development

10. Which state in US is best for MS?

California, New York, Minnesota, Utah, Florida, Wisconsin, Texas, Virginia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Washington, Maryland, and Lowa are the best states for students to pursue higher studies like Masters(MS).

11. Is MS in USA tough?

Master of Science or MS is one of the most sought-after degrees offered in US universities. The competition might be tough, but the perks of getting an MS from US colleges are many including getting a H-1B visa.

12. Which universities in USA offer Master’s degree programs online?

The best US universities that offer online Master’s degree options are:

• Johns Hopkins University
• Concordia University - Saint Paul
• Clarks Summit University
• Maranatha Baptist University
• Herzing University- Minneapolis
• University of the Cumberlands
• Carolina University
• Northern Illinois University
• Limestone University
• Arizona State University Digital Immersion