Masters in USA: Top Universities, Courses, Fees, Admission, Scholarships & Career Opportunities

Looking for a thorough guide on studying a masters in USA? Keep reading! The Study in USA is a popular choice for many international students who want to pursue their higher education, as it offers a world-class education to students from all around the world, creating a multicultural environment that contributes to an overall learning experience for students enrolled in any program at its top universities. Students planning to pursue their higher studies in a US university should be aware of the immense opportunities and challenges to consider when pursuing a master's degree in the USA. Let’s dive in to learn more about it in detail!

Why Choose a Masters in USA: A Brief Perspective and Factual Description for International Students

Many international students choose to pursue a masters in USA because it offers not only advanced academic preparation, but also provides access to cutting-edge research facilities and modern technologies that expose them to new advancements in their respective fields. Students find opportunities to network with students from their fields and industry connections. Moreover, students can customize their degree programs according to their goals.

The USA has always been well known for its comprehensive education, state-of-the-art facilities, globally recognized degrees, and employment opportunities after graduation. For international students, this particular path opens the door to many opportunities and a wide variety of global career opportunities, which is why choose a masters in USA.

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What are the Popular Master’s Programs in USA?

Students can pursue a masters in USA for a wide variety of programs that suit their interests and career goals. We have listed down some of the most popular master’s programs in USA. These programs not only offer theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, which includes working in research projects, finding internships, and collaborating with industry professionals.

Which are the Top Universities for Masters in USA?

Pursuing a masters in USA can be done through any number of higher education institutions. The USA is home to some of the top universities that are consistently ranked among the top universities globally. However, we have compiled a list of top universities for masters in USA, particularly, that are also among the top global universities.

This list features the names of top universities based on the listings of universities in the QS World University Rankings and the U.S. News Best National Universities. Apart from being the globally top-ranked universities, these universities also offer strong academic programs, with access to research opportunities, modern campus facilities, and career support after completion of the masters in USA. Keep in mind that the admission process is competitive.

What is the Cost of Masters in USA for International Students?

One of the significant challenges to pursue a masters in USA is the cost of overseas education. The USA is the most expensive country to study for international students, due to tuition fees at the top universities, along with a very high cost of living in major cities. We will discuss more about the tuition costs and range of living expenses for an international student to understand how a student can plan things financially for their tough road ahead, while looking at some available scholarships for international students at the end.

Tuition Fees at Private and Public Universities

Tuition fees to pursue a masters in USA will vary depending on the particular institution and the chosen program by an international student. It is important to note that tuition fees differ for international students and have a higher range than what domestic/national students pay. Some higher-cost programs in the US include STEM Courses in USA and business degrees (like MBA), along with specialized courses in technological fields such as engineering or information technology. 

Before we give a range of tuition fees at both public and private universities in the USA, remember that the overall cost to pursue a masters in USA will also include pre-admission expenses, including admission & visa fees, overseas health insurance, and more. Here is the range of tuition fees at both public and private universities in the USA:

• Public Universities: $20,000-40,000 per year
• Private Universities: $40,000-70,000+ per year

A General Understanding of the Cost of Living

Living expenses can extensively add to the overall cost of masters in USA, depending on the particular city chosen to live in, along with lifestyle habits of the student. Whereas major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston are expensive, smaller cities like Austin, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh offer a more affordable cost of living compared to the major cities.

While planning your masters in USA, it is important to plan with financial considerations, and learning about the accurate and latest financial information of the cities in the USA. To save a significant amount of money on accommodation, choose the on-campus housing options. According to the figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, international students can expect to pay in the following categories:

• Accommodation (on-campus housing options or shared apartments): $800-2,000 per month

• Food (dining out or groceries): $300-600 per month

• Transportation (public transport or campus shuttle): $50-150 per month

• Healthcare expenses (or insurance): $200-400 per month

• Miscellaneous expenses (books, entertainment, etc.): $200-500 per month

Scholarships for International Students

Students wanting to pursue a masters in USA, but finding it difficult to manage their financial parameters, can consider applying for a scholarship. A scholarship can be applied for while applying for a master’s program at a US university. Multiple scholarships are available from different universities, institutions, organizations, and even countries, too. Here is a list of available scholarships for international students to get their master's degree in the USA:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program
• Universities-specific scholarships
  • Consider graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships, too
• Scholarships from foundations and organizations
  • Check Rotary International, Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Benefits of Studying Masters in USA for International Students

There are multiple benefits of pursuing a masters in USA, which include both academic and professional development. Here are some of the major benefits of studying masters in USA for all international students:

• A master's degree from a US university is recognised worldwide, which gives them an edge in finding a work opportunity anywhere in the world.
• Enrolled students gain practical skills with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and research centers.
• Networking opportunities enable students to interact with faculty, students, and professionals from diverse backgrounds, helping to exchange knowledge.
• The US universities offer career support services that help students find a job, which include support in internship placement or connecting with their alumni.
• Expose students to a multicultural environment, allowing them to grow as individuals, learn to adapt in a new environment, and develop communication skills.

Work Opportunities During and After Masters: A List of Pathways for International Students

International students completing a masters in USA can find lots of opportunities to gain practical experience, while also taking advantage of opportunities associated with the university. Here are some examples of how you can find work opportunities during and after a master as an international student:

• Students can work 20 hours per week during studies and full-time during breaks.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows students to have internships or a direct training program related to their respective field before graduation.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides work experience to graduate students for up to 12 months, and up to 24 months for graduate students in STEM courses.
• After OPT, graduates can apply for a professional role and get the H1-B working visa.

Process to Get Admission in USA for Pursuing a Masters

To pursue a masters in USA, Indian students are required to fulfill the eligibility criteria and follow the admission process particular to each university. While there are specific eligibility criteria and processes, depending on the university and the chosen program, we will look at generally accepted eligibility criteria for masters in USA and admission process.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in USA

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in the relevant field
• Standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT for business professionals)
• Proof of English proficiency by showing IELTS or TOEFL test scores
• Academic transcripts and certificates (translated ones if necessary)
• 2-3 academic or professional references for the LOR document
• Statement of purpose or personal statement for masters in USA

Application Process for Masters in USA

1. Register with Education Vibes to start the application process for masters in USA
2. Prepare necessary documents (transcripts, test scores, LOR, SOP, CV, etc.)
3. Apply for a program at your desired university on their website or portal
4. Pay the application fee as required, and clear an interview (if required)
5. Receive the admission letter and I-20 form for visa application
6. Apply for an F-1 (student) visa at the US Embassy or consulate
7. Submit the application fee with all required documents
8. You will get your stamped visa after clearing the interview

Final Thoughts

International students can pursue a masters in USA while keeping certain things in mind. The challenges that come should be kept in mind while applying to a university. Since the USA is expensive, carefully plan your budget and apply for scholarships, if necessary. Adapting to a new environment can get tough, but remember that there are other students, too, like you. Who knows, you might find a lot of Indian students! Keep an eye out for immigration rules to study as an international student in the USA. That and also other legalities related to post-graduate studies or work opportunities. Last but not least, one of the most important challenges to keep in mind is that top universities have tough competition, so buckle up!