Top Universities in USA for MS in 2026

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

6 min read

Updated On Jul 11, 2025

Explore the top universities in the USA for MS in 2026. Discover world-class institutions, admission requirements, popular courses, and scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing a Masters in Science. Start planning your future today!

Top 50 Universities in USA for MS
Eligibility Criteria for Top Universities in USA for MS
Best Courses for MS in USA for International Students in 2025
Living Expenses and Cost of Doing MS in USA
MS in USA: Jobs & Salaries for International Students

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The top universities in US for MS are very much renowned for their world-class opportunities and research-oriented courses. USA leads the QS World Rankings 2025, with four universities in the top ten: MIT at #1, Harvard University at #4, Stanford University at #6, and Caltech at #10. Also, the country is home to the top 25 universities among the top 100 under the QS ranking. As an International student, you can expect a tuition fee and living cost of around $30,000 and $45,000 per year!

Let us now help you explore the best universities in US for MS programs, the total cost of doing MS in USA, the eligibility criteria, and much more in this article!

Top 50 Universities in USA for MS

The following is a list of the top 50 universities in USA for MS given to you. Have a look at them and narrow down your choices for the best!

University Name	QS Ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1
Harvard University	4
Stanford University	6
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10
University of Pennsylvania	11
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12
Cornell University	16
University of Chicago	21
Princeton University	22
Yale University	23
Johns Hopkins University	32
Columbia University	34
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	42
New York University (NYU)	43
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	44
Northwestern University	50
Carnegie Mellon University	58
Duke University	61
University of Texas at Austin	66
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	69
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)	72
University of Washington	76
Brown University	79
Pennsylvania State University	89
Purdue University	89
Boston University	108
Georgia Institute of Technology	114
University of Wisconsin-Madison	116
University of Southern California	125
University of California, Davis	130
Rice University	141
Michigan State University	152
Texas A&M University	154
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	155
Washington University in St. Louis	176
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)	178
Emory University	196
Arizona State University	200
University of Minnesota Twin Cities	203
The Ohio State University	208
University of Florida	215
University of Maryland, College Park	218
University of Rochester	236
Dartmouth College	243
Vanderbilt University	248
Case Western Reserve University	259
University of Massachusetts Amherst	275
University of Pittsburgh	275
The University of Arizona	293
University of Virginia	297

Whether you're into technology, business, or sciences, the top universities in USA for MS are the key! This choice gives you a wide range of programs to suit your interests and career goals to give you a chance to grow personally and professionally in a diverse environment. Keep reading to find out all about studying an MS in USA.

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Eligibility Criteria for Top Universities in USA for MS

The general eligibility for the best universities in USA for MS programs generally includes a combination of various criteria. Let us now break them down for you!

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualifications	A bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically required. Some programs may specify a minimum GPA often around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Standardized Tests	Most universities require GRE scores, especially for STEM programs. Some may accept GMAT scores for business-related programs, and IELTS or TOEFL scores are also mandatory to test your English proficiency.
Letters of Recommendation	Usually, two to three letters from your professors or managers who can attest to the applicant's academic abilities and potential in the best way are required.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	This personal essay is the most crucial part of your admission process where you write all about your academic background, career goals, and reasons for applying to the specific program.
Visa Requirements	If you are an international student, you need to meet visa requirements, including obtaining an F-1 student visa. This process often involves providing financial documentation and completing visa application forms.
Additional Requirements	Some programs may require a resume/CV, or relevant work experience.

Note: These given requirements differ from university to university, so you must carefully review the specific criteria for their chosen programs.

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Best Courses for MS in USA for International Students in 2025

The USA offers a wide range of Master's programs across various disciplines. Some of the top courses for MS in the USA universities are listed below for you!

Computer Science
Engineering
Business Administration (MBA)
Biotechnology
Business Analytics
Data Science

Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science

With the tech industry booming, a computer science master's degree prepares you for careers in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and much more. We’ve given you a list of the 5 top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science.

University	Popular Course	QS World University Ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Computer Science and Engineering	1
Stanford University	Computer Science	2
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	Computer Science	4
University of California, Berkeley	Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences	5
Carnegie Mellon University	Computer Science	6

Top Universities in USA for MS in Engineering

Getting into specializations like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering are highly popular in the USA for their practical applications and research opportunities. Given below is a list of the 5 best universities in USA for MS in Engineering.

University	Popular Engineering Course(s)	QS World University Ranking
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Electrical Engineering and Computer Science	1
Stanford University	Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering	2
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering	11
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering	15
University of Texas at Austin	Petroleum Engineering, Electrical Engineering	37

Top Universities in USA for MS in Business Administration (MBA)

A master's in business administration helps you get well-trained with management and leadership skills essential for corporate roles in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship as well. Below is our immigration experts-curated list of the 5 best universities in USA for MS in Business Administration courses.

University	Popular Business Administration Course(s)	QS World University Ranking
Stanford University	MBA Program	2
University of California, Berkeley (Haas)	MBA Program, Entrepreneurship	5
Columbia University	MBA Program, Finance, Marketing	8
University of Chicago	MBA Program, Finance	10
University of Pennsylvania	Finance, Marketing, Management	16

Living Expenses and Cost of Doing MS in USA

The cost of doing MS in USA varies based on several factors, including the university you wish to go to, your program duration, and the location. On average, tuition fees for MS programs at top universities range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year.

Additionally, students need to consider living expenses, health insurance, and other miscellaneous costs, which can add up to $15,000 to $30,000 annually. We’ve made an approximate expenses table for your MS in USA below. Give it a read!

Cost Category	Estimated Amount (USD/per year)
Tuition and Fees	20,000 - 50,000+
Living Expenses	12,000 - 20,000+
Health Insurance	1,000 - 3,000+
Books and Supplies	1,000 - 2,000
Miscellaneous	1,000 - 3,000
Total Estimated Cost	55,000 - 78,000+ per year

MS in USA: Jobs & Salaries for International Students

Pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA offers strong return on investment, especially for international students in technical and high-demand fields. Key factors that impact ROI include tuition costs, job prospects, and post-graduation earnings.

Some of the top recruiters for MS graduates in the USA include Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Walmart, Apple and Accenture. Graduates with technical specializations such as Computer Science and Computer Engineering are among the highest earners.

Role-wise Average Salaries

Given below are some role-wise annual average salaries for international students wishing to work in the US after completing their masters degree from top universities in USA for MS in 2026.

Job Title	Average Salary (USD)	Equivalent in INR (annual)
Software Engineer	104,570	90.8 lakh
Data Scientist	103,747	90.2 lakh
Senior Software Engineer	133,408	1.15 crore
Machine Learning Engineer	113,175	98.3 lakh
Data Engineer	103,959	90.4 lakh

To sum up, finalizing the perfect university for your Master's degree in the USA is a big step that can set the stage for your future career. When you think about things like how well-known the university is, the chances you'll have for research, how much it costs, and what kinds of programs they offer, you can make a smart decision that fits your goals in school and work. Cheers to this future USA student!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which university is best for MS in the USA?

The best university for MS in the USA depends on your field of study. However, top-ranking institutions renowned for excellence in STEM and research include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Can I get 100% scholarship for MS in the USA?

Yes, it is possible to get a 100% scholarship for MS in the USA, though it is highly competitive. Some universities offer fully-funded scholarships, graduate assistantships, or fellowships that cover tuition and living expenses. Programs such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Stanford Knight-Hennessy Scholars, and AAUW International Fellowships are some prominent options.

Which city is best for MS in the USA?

The best city for pursuing MS in the USA often depends on your career goals, field of study, and lifestyle preferences. Boston is ideal for students in biotechnology, education, and engineering, while San Francisco (Silicon Valley) is perfect for those in computer science, tech, and entrepreneurship. New York City offers unparalleled opportunities in finance, media, and data analytics. Seattle is a hub for software engineering and cloud computing due to companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Cities like Austin, Chicago, and Los Angeles also provide excellent educational infrastructure and vibrant job markets for MS graduates.

What is the cost of MS in USA?

The cost of an MS in the USA varies by university, course, and location. On average, tuition fees range from $20,000 to $60,000 per year, while living expenses can add another $10,000 to $20,000 annually. Thus, the total cost for a two-year MS program can be anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000 (₹35–70 lakhs). However, financial aid options such as scholarships, assistantships, and part-time work can significantly reduce the overall burden. Public universities generally offer more affordable tuition compared to private institutions.