Reasons to study for Master’s in the USA for international students

The USA can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding place to study. Many international students choose to study in the United States for a variety of reasons, including the high quality of instruction, the unique curriculum, the diversity of the country, and the abundance of opportunities. We looked into some of the advantages of pursuing Master’s studies in the United States and came up with a list of eight justifications for thinking about studying abroad.

1-World’s Best Universities are in USA

The fact that the United States is home to some of the best universities in the world is the primary cause of the nation’s high demand for Master’s degrees. These American universities offer a wide selection of top-notch degrees and programs.

Five of the world’s top ten universities are in the United States, according to the QS World University Rankings 2022. These are what they are:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Chicago

2. Well Established and Recognized Academic Standards

The United States is the world leader in academics due to its dynamic educational system, which annually draws nearly 30% of students who study abroad. Developing subject matter expertise is crucial at the Master’s level. Because of the exposure to both theory and practice provided by its excellent teachers, the United States is a promising option. Universities in the US are renowned for selecting eminent faculty and placing a strong emphasis on experiential learning, which entails applying theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

3. Enriching Classroom Culture & Experience

American universities offer the perfect setting for learning through adaptable teaching techniques in all subject areas. While encouraging students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, this program also helps them to reinforce their fundamental skills. Academic support facilities at universities, like labs, libraries, and practice spaces, are excellent. They give students access to the most recent technology and a contemporary learning environment.

4. Promising Post-Degree Work Opportunities

You will have access to the best post-degree employment opportunities, which is one compelling reason the US is a popular choice for Master’s students. You will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and events that will help you locate the best opportunities in your field of study while earning your Master’s degree at a US university.

Competent graduates of US universities are easily placed by the university in reputable businesses. Many STEM programs also give students a period of time during which their visas are valid so they can look for employment. Most students quickly land well-paying jobs and can pay off their student loans in 3 to 4 years.

5. Convenient Support Facilities for Foreign Students

University students can easily find assistance from food and lodging to Visa extensions, scholarships, and internship opportunities. Colleges make every effort to make it as simple as they can for students from all backgrounds to move to the United States.

Most American universities have offices specifically for international students to help them settle into college. You can get in touch with them with any queries you may have, including any academic, social, or other difficulties you might be having as you get used to your new way of life.

6. Excellent Research Opportunities

Students can conduct in-depth research in their area of interest because the coursework for some master’s programs requires them to write a thesis. In addition to having top-notch infrastructure, graduate students have access to resources, space, and time to support their research. Additionally, to increase their knowledge and skill set, students can assist professors with various research projects.

7. Best Networking Opportunities

We cannot ignore the networking opportunities these universities offer when talking about the United States for a Master’s. For a variety of reasons, building and maintaining a professional network is simple for students in US universities.

Many universities have a network of former students, including graduates from various years. Students can interact with them frequently at events and conferences. They are able to establish long-lasting professional relationships as a result, which will help them advance in their careers.

8. Cultural diversity

The United States is a melting pot of racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. Because of the environment’s diversity, discrimination is not tolerated, and all communities are accepted. Your educational experience will be rich and stimulating because you will be studying alongside students worldwide. You will develop strong personality traits and skills that will serve you well in the global market by growing up in a diverse environment. Employers today favor students from diverse backgrounds, which the United States would give you a good idea of. By letting you experience a variety of cuisines, customs, festivals, and art forms, the United States will give you a truly unique international experience.

You ought to think about studying in the US if you want to complete your education or obtain a master’s degree. One of the best education systems in the world, it provides a great opportunity for those looking to compete globally in any field.

Master’s Degree in Top Universities in USA

Among the top 10 universities in the world, MIT comes in first, followed by Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, and the University of Chicago. Following is a list of the top 25 US universities and their acceptance rates for Master’s programs:

University Name	QS Ranking 2023
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	#1
Stanford University	#3
Harvard University	#5
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	#6
University of Chicago	#10
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)	#13
Princeton University	#16
Yale University	#=14
Cornell University	#20
Columbia University	#22
Johns Hopkins University	#24
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	#25
UC Berkeley	#27
Northwestern University	#32
New York University (NYU)	#39
University of California, Los Angeles	#44
Duke University	#50
Carnegie Mellon University	#52
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)	#53
Brown University	#63
University of Texas (UTAUS)	#72
University of Washington	#80
University of Wisconsin (UW-Madison)	#83
University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign	#85
Georgia Institute of Technology	#88

Top Universities for Master’s degree in USA by Acceptance Rate

In the US, prospective students have access to Master’s courses at about 95% of universities. Many people aspire to enroll in Master’s programs at American universities like Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and other Ivy League schools. The acceptance rates for all of these prestigious US universities are low. Most prestigious universities have an acceptance rate for Master’s programs that is less than 6% on average.

University Name	Acceptance Rate (MS)
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	26%
Cornell University	11%
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)	9%
Yale University	7%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	7%
University of Chicago	7%
Princeton University	5.5%
Harvard University	5%
Stanford University	3.95%

Why Study Master’s in USA?

There are more than 2 million Master’s courses in the US to choose from, a work-study option, a stay-back permit after receiving a Master’s, research opportunities, and merit-based scholarships to support education are some of the advantages that international students in the US can take advantage of while pursuing a graduate degree. Other advantages include the following:

1-Students frequently choose STEM courses in the US because they are in demand there and because they can extend their work visas for an additional 24 months after receiving their Master’s degree.

2-Research and development expenditures by the US government total 476,452 million USD or 2.7 percent of GDP. Thus, earning a master’s in the USA increases your chances of getting funding for your research.

3-There is research potential after a master’s degree, and students can apply for a TA position or a research assistantship (RA).

-Students who work part-time as TAs can make $500 to $1,200 per month.

-While research assistants can receive a monthly stipend of up to $1,500 USD.

4-For any Master’s course, the curriculum is broken down into prerequisites, core subjects, and electives. Thus, it expands the possibility of pursuing a research-based Master’s by more than 30%.

5-The typical scholarship offered to students pursuing a Master’s at any university in the USA is 10,000 USD for one year.

Popular Master’s Courses in USA

The following are some well-known programs and the top universities that offer them:

Name	University Name
Master’s in Finance in USA	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master’s in Finance in USA	University of California, Los Angeles
Master’s in Finance in USA	Columbia University
Master’s in Finance in USA	University of Southern California
Master’s in Finance in USA	University of California, Berkeley
Master’s in Data Science in USA	Stanford University
Master’s in Data Science in USA	Harvard University
Master’s in Data Science in USA	Yale University
Master’s in Data Science in USA	UPenn
Master’s in Data Science in USA	New York University
Master’s in Computer Science in USA	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master’s in Computer Science in USA	Stanford University
Master’s in Computer Science in USA	Carnegie Mellon University
Master’s in Computer Science in USA	University of California, Berkeley
Master’s in Computer Science in USA	Harvard University
Master’s in Marketing in USA	Columbia University
Master’s in Marketing in USA	University of Southern California
Master’s in Marketing in USA	University of Texas, Austin
Master’s in Marketing in USA	Michigan State University
Master’s in Marketing in USA	Florida International University
Master’s in Business Analytics in USA	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master’s in Business Analytics in USA	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master’s in Business Analytics in USA	Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For international students to pursue higher education in the USA, they must meet a number of requirements. International applicants for admission to a university in the USA must submit various test scores, supporting documents, proof of the subjects studied, mark sheets, transcripts, etc.

• 3 to 4 years bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelor
• GRE score of 330 or above
• Statement of Purpose
• Research Internships/ Published Research Papers
• Project work/Seminars
• 2-3 Letter of Recommendation
• Social & Leadership Activities

Test Scores Required for Admission in Master’s in USA

The applicants must submit scores from various standardized tests with their applications. Depending on the course they choose, students must submit their standardized test results in order to pursue a master’s degree in the USA. The applicants’ test results are required to assess their aptitude and evaluate them solely academically. Their submission may be considered merely formal in some universities.

Top Universities for Master’s in US: GRE Requirements

University	GRE Scores Required
Stanford University	328
Carnegie Mellon University	316
University of California, Berkeley	324
University of Washington	300
New York University	310
University of Texas Austin	300
Yale University	322
University of Chicago	Quant- 154 | Verbal- 155
University of California, Los Angeles	Quant- 169 | Verbal- 158
University of Minnesota	Quant- 170 | Verbal- 153

GRE/GMAT Waiver for Master’s in USA Admissions

Any applicant for a Master’s program in the USA may ask for a GRE or GMAT waiver. In return, applicants must demonstrate their analytical, reasoning, English language proficiency, quantitative aptitude, and other skills.

• Only 5 of the top 12 B-Schools require the GMAT/GRE waiver, according to data collected for admissions to these institutions.
• GMAT is usually waived for online Management courses only, and not for on-campus courses.
• Less than 14% of students submitted the GMAT score compared to 23% of GRE score submissions.
• More than 70% of US universities offer GRE waivers to students who want to pursue a Master’s in the country. However, they must have outstanding research and work experience.
• Some universities also accept applicants without these marks. They contend that test results cannot accurately reflect a candidate’s academic performance. The following universities are listed:
• University of Phoenix
• Kansas State University
• Virginia State UniversityVirginia State University
• Boston University

TOEFL iBT Requirements for International Students

Students must submit TOEFL or IELTS test results to demonstrate their English language proficiency when applying for Master’s admissions in the US. Compared to students who choose IELTS, more than 70% choose to take the TOEFL. English language tests are additionally divided into various sections. The differences between the two tests are displayed in the table below.

University	TOEFL iBT score
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	90
Stanford University	100
Harvard University	105
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	No minimum requirement
University of Chicago	90
Princeton University	100
University of Pennsylvania	100
Cornell University	100
Yale University	100
Columbia University	100

Document checklist for Master’s in USA

The application procedure is very laborious for Master’s admissions to the United States. International applicants must submit a set of documents to be considered for admission. The following papers are necessary for Master’s admissions in the USA:

• Transcripts: In a sealed envelope, stamped and signed by the respective HOD/Principal.
• Mark sheets: of previously attended institutions, attested by the HOD/Principal.
• CV: an updated CV must be submitted in the correct format. It must include the level of research undertaken and/or work experience.
• Statement of Purpose: SOP for the Master’s must be drafted well in time and should be submitted along with the application. It must include details of the applicants, his/her goals, and expectations from the course.
• Letters of Recommendation: at least 2 to 3 LORs must be submitted. They can be submitted online or offline, depending upon the mode of application submission.
• Financial Statement: Bank statement not more than 3 months old, showing sufficient funds for at least one year of study, must be submitted.
• Health Insurance: This is required if an applicant is applying for admission in the USA.
• Identity Proof: Passport for visa process.

In order to prevent rushing at the last minute, these documents must be kept available before submission.

Cost for Studying Master’s in USA

The total cost of attendance for Master’s programs in the USA consists of tuition, books, board, and room costs, as well as other incidentals. It is advised that international students prepare an estimated budget for their time studying in the USA. Pre-arrival costs, tuition costs, and cost of living are the broad categories that can be used to categorize Master’s expenses in the US.

Master’s in USA with Scholarships

International applicants must be able to finance their education in order to be admitted to the US because higher education there is by no means cheap. However, the cost of a master’s program in the United States varies by institution and specialization. The estimated cost of tuition for students is $30,000; however, professional degrees are typically more expensive.

One of the best ways to preserve your income is to apply for international scholarships, whether they come in the form of living stipends, study grants, or tuition waivers. The Fulbright scholarship is one of the most well-known awards given to students in various fields. The following are some of the numerous and well-known scholarships available to foreign students in the USA:

Scholarship Name	Organization	Benefits
New York University Wagner Scholarship	University	25,000 USD to 47,000 USD
Fulbright Student Program	Government	Grant funds for tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance
Clark University Scholarships	University	20,000 USD to 25,000 USD
Next-Gen Scholarship	Next-Gen Foundation	1,000 USD
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship	Trust	50% of grant and 50% loan is offered to students from developing countries
East Tennessee State University	University	11,500 USD per year
Iowa State University Scholarships	University	scholarships up to 10,000 USD
University of Oregon Scholarships	University	40 scholarships ranging from 7,500 USD to 30,000 USD

In addition to the options mentioned above, numerous offers from various international organizations are awaiting you all over the world. Aspirants may use this assistance for living expenses and tuition costs.

Top Placement Universities in USA for Master’s Degree

The prospect of taking on different jobs three to five weeks after admission intimidates Master’s students. Jobs are available through either on-campus employment or university partnerships with different companies. LinkedIn and Indeed are good resources for looking into employment opportunities in the US. Annual job fairs can make it simpler to find work. The typical salary for students in the USA after earning a master’s degree can reach 74,000 USD.

University	Graduate Employability Ranking 2022
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	#1
Stanford University	#2
University of California – Los Angeles	#3
Harvard University	#5
Cornell University	#9

Frequently Asked Questions: Study master’s in USA