Top 10 Universities in the US for Indian Students to Pursue Masters

Pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA is a dream for many students worldwide, especially those aiming to excel in their chosen field with the finest academic training. Known for its research, innovative curriculum, and good career opportunities, the USA consistently ranks as the top destination for MS degrees. In 2024, nearly 1.1 million international students chose the USA as their study destination, with a significant percentage enrolling in master’s programs.

Whether you're exploring the best universities in the USA for an MS in Computer Science, engineering, or management, the USA offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet modern industry demands. With over5,300 colleges and universities, the list of universities in the USA for masters is both extensive and impressive, catering to every academic interest and career goal.

Why Pursue a Master’s in the USA?

• World-class education: The USA is home to some of the best universities for MS, including prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. According to QS World University Rankings 2024, the USA has 11 of the top 20 universities globally, with many excelling in STEM, Business, and Arts.
  
  
• Flexible Program Options: American universities offer a broad range of master’s programs, allowing students to specialize in fields ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Environmental Policy.The USA is particularly renowned for MS in Computer Science, with universities like Carnegie Mellon and UC Berkeley consistently ranking among the best globally.
  
  
• Research Opportunities: The USA invests heavily in research and development, offering students the chance to work alongside top researchers on groundbreaking projects. In 2023, U.S. universities spent over $85 billion on research, providing students with unmatched access to labs, funding, and industry collaborations.
  
  
• Career Advancement and Global Recognition: A master’s degree from a U.S. university is highly regarded worldwide. Graduates often secure positions in top companies such as Google, Apple, and Amazon, thanks to the strong emphasis on employability and skill-building.
  
  
• Multicultural Environment: Studying in the USA exposes students to a diverse and inclusive environment, with peers from all over the world. This multicultural exposure not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for global careers. In 2024, the USA welcomed students from over 200 countries, with India and China leading the numbers.

Top Ranked Universities in the USA for MS

The U.S. is home to numerous top-ranked universities renowned for their MS programs across various disciplines. Below is a curated list of the top 10 universities for MS in the USA, along with their positions in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Cost of studying master’s degree in the USA

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for master's programs in the U.S. vary widely based on factors like the type of institution, program of study, and residency status.

• Public Universities: For international students, tuition fees typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year.

• Private Universities: These institutions often have higher tuition fees, ranging from $25,000 to over $60,000 annually.

Living Expenses

Living costs depend on the university's location, lifestyle choices, and housing arrangements. Key components include:

• Accommodation: On-campus housing may cost between $8,000 and $13,000 per year, while off-campus options can vary significantly.

• Food: Monthly food expenses typically range from $300 to $600.

• Transportation: Depending on the city, monthly transportation costs can be between $50 and $200.

• Miscellaneous: Additional expenses, including personal items, entertainment, and health insurance, can add $2,000 to $4,000 annually.

Best universities for Masters in Software Engineering in the USA

The U.S. is home to several top-tier institutions renowned for their robust software engineering programs. Below is a list of the top 10 universities in the USA for software engineering, along with their positions in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 for Computer Science and Information Systems:

Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in the USA

Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science in the United States offers numerous opportunities for academic excellence and career advancement. Below is a curated list of the top 10 universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science, along with their estimated program fees, and typical course durations

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the top-ranking universities in the United States, attracting many Indian students to its fold every year. One of the most striking things about the university is that it offers students, who want to pursue their master's, many courses or programs to choose from.

While the university is widely renowned for its engineering courses, many students are engaged in several other disciplines. The university offers well-structured engineering, business, science, computation, social sciences, architecture, and planning courses.

Stanford University

For pursuing a master's in the United States, Stanford University is one of the best institutions for Indian students. Designed as a private research university, Stanford University has a 13% acceptance rate for international students. Many international students doing their masters at Stanford happen to be from India.

The university has highly qualified faculty members and offers students the right environment to excel in their studies. Taking an education loan for abroad studies would be an excellent option to study at Stanford.

Many respected Nobel laureates have received their academic education from Stanford University. The student-to-faculty ratio of the university is 5:1. The university is spread across 8,180 acres and looks breathtakingly beautiful.

Harvard University

Established in 1636, Harvard University is one of the oldest educational institutions in the United States. Pursuing a master's program at Harvard University would be a matter of great pride for an Indian student, or any international student, for that matter. Harvard has multiple colleges under its wing and educates more than 22,000 students at any time.

Once an Indian student joins Harvard University to pursue their master's, they can choose from more than 400 student organizations. Joining these organizations enables a student to participate in several extra-curricular activities and grow both in their academic career and on a personal level.

California Institute of Technology

When an Indian student plans to do a tech-based master's course in the US, enrolling in the California Institute of Technology is one of their best options. This US-based university has been credited with several notable scientific achievements. The university offers courses that largely revolve around pure and applied sciences.

The university, classified into six academic divisions, offers students enough scope to engage in intensive research. Established in 1891, the university is over a hundred years old. Indian students greatly benefit from the accommodation facilities offered by the university. On average, an international student would have to spend 8000 USD on their accommodation.

University of Chicago

Established over 100 years ago, the University of Chicago enrolls many Indian students wishing to pursue their master's every year. The university's primary campus is based in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. The university, among other things, is known for its well-maintained research divisions.

The average tuition fee charged by the university is around $62,000. Since it is one of the most sought-after universities in the US, its acceptance rate is close to 6%. While the university continues to hold on to the academic traditions its foundation was built on, it has also evolved greatly over the years. After completing their master's from the University of Chicago, students are known for getting lucrative professional opportunities.

University of Pennsylvania

Regarding master's or post-graduation programs, very few universities in the US have the kind of reputation the University of Pennsylvania has. Also referred to as Penn by its students and faculty members, the university boasts of 4 undergraduate schools and 12 professional schools. The college has several modern amenities, including the country's first dual-level college-level football stadium.

Despite an acceptance rate of 6%, the university receives many applications from Indian students every academic year. At any given point in time, the university offers educational facilities to more than 14,000 students. It is also known for organizing regular volunteer and community service programs.

Princeton University

Many Indian students take a foreign education loan for their master's at Princeton University. While the college was founded in 1746, it was granted the status of a university in 1896. Managed by a group of trustees, the university boasts one of the most extensive college libraries in the world.

Some of the most preferred master's programs offered by Princeton University are Master of Architecture, Master in Finance, Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Science in Computer Science, MSE in Chemical and Biological Engineering, and M.Eng in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Yale University

Founded in the year 1701, Yale University, above everything, is known to be an Ivy-League research university. A US News & World Report states it is the world's 'Best Value School.' An Indian student planning a master's or post-graduation program at Yale University must spend INR 60 lakhs annually.

Since the university offers multiple scholarships, an Indian student can also apply for them. While the university offers a wide range of courses, management, and law are the two disciplines with the maximum demand. Apart from the high-quality education provided by the university, its affordable fee is another important reason behind the large number of international students applying for it.

Cornell University

Established in 1895, Cornell University has always been known for its progressive approach. It was founded as a non-sectarian and co-educational university at a time when there were not many institutions of this nature. Taking the tradition ahead, the university is extremely open to students from India and other countries.

While more than 15,000 students remain enrolled in the university's undergraduate programs, the post-graduation programs are undertaken by over 10,000 students. Out of all the Ivy League universities, Cornell University has the highest student acceptance rate. The different student communities enable students to interact and learn from each other.

Columbia University

Columbia University has a unique trimester system that enables students to get done with their courses or programs faster. Besides offering good placement opportunities, the university also helps students acquire a post-graduate work permit. Indian students, concerned about the jobs they will get after completing their master's, should apply to Columbia University.

In each class in the university, only a handful of students are put together. Because of this, every student gets enough attention and learns in a focused manner. Apart from undergoing a program or course of their choice in the university, students also get access to tutoring services at zero cost. The tuition fee charged by Columbia University is much less than the kind charged by most other reputed universities in the States.