Any international student’s first choice for studying abroad is the United States of America. USA provides an upgraded education that extends a competitive advantage in various aspects of career enhancement. With several US universities capturing seven out of the ten spots in the world ranking (top three according to Meta-ranking), it has gained recognition as the education superpower globally. For any international student, choosing a university to pursue MS in the US can be daunting. This exercise can be overwhelming, especially if you do not have many contacts, or experienced advisors, to help you decide. Let’s discuss a few factors to help you make this critical decision of finding the best university for masters in the US.
Quality of Education
Why pursue an MS in the US? The simple answer is the quality of education the country offers. With more than 650 universities offering Master’s programs, America is one of the most popular destinations among students aspiring to pursue an MS in the US. The country is home to various renowned universities, and is known for offering high-quality education to its students.
Choose the Course and your Specialization
Before you embark on your quest to search for the best university to study in the US, the most important decision has to be made – your MS specialization topic. Once you identify your passion and the subject you want to pursue for your intended Master’s, you can start searching for universities that offer relevant programs and align with your academic interests.
University Website
Start by browsing their websites for official information about the curriculum, faculty, hands-on learning and research opportunities. Connecting with various online student forums that provide authentic and relevant information can help.
Social Networking Sites
Along with websites, another popular source of information today is various social networking platforms. Most universities have their own social media pages, which can also be a great source for gaining insights related to your intended MS. Overall, clarity regarding your choice of MS specialization is the first step in starting your search for the best university to pursue Masters in USA.
Connecting with Current / Past Alumni through LinkedIn
Taking forward the above point of discussion, LinkedIn plays a key role in helping you connect with alumni. Such a connection plays a crucial role in the university shortlist process as this exercise gives insights related to syllabus, internship opportunities, campus facilities, etc.
Connect with the University Admission Office / Committee
Talking with an Admissions Officer of any university provides valuable information about the academic programs, application process, and resolution of your queries about fee structure, accommodation facilities, funding queries and opportunities, etc. Read more to know about admission intakes in US universities.
Faculty Research
This area is essential as the faculty plays a vital role in helping you achieve your academic goals. Studying the faculty profile, including their research, projects, publications and areas of core study, will help you understand whether it resonates with your interests and future career aspirations. It will also give insights into whether you can work under the mentorship of any faculty member.
Class Size (Student-Faculty Ratio)
A lower ratio offers a better, as it facilitates more personalized attention, a better focus on the study program, better access to faculty, etc. These factors definitely enhance the learning experience.
University Culture
A vibrant and diverse campus atmosphere enhances and enriches a student’s overall learning experience. Interacting with peers and faculty from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds enriches your learning experience by understanding their different perspectives. Fostering peer relationships with individuals from different cultural backgrounds increases your global awareness. These insights, which you gain from interacting with a diverse student and faculty community, play a crucial role in your personal development by inculcating in you strong interpersonal skills, ability to adapt and good critical thinking skills; these are few of the key factors taken into consideration while assessing a potential job candidate in today’s job market.
University Location
An important factor in deciding on an MS university is its location. A university situated in the proximity of major business and tech hubs will provide better opportunities for building professional contacts, internships and job opportunities. Also, the weather conditions of the location, such as extreme cold or extreme heat conditions, play a vital role in choosing the university. Climatic fluctuations and weather conditions which are not suitable for you can affect your daily mobility, physical fitness and indirectly affect your academic journey. These factors are important to be considered as they play a vital part in helping you make your study abroad experience more enriching.
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ROI (Return on Investment)
Pursuing a Masters in the USA can be an expensive investment. Therefore, calculating the ROI is essential. What is ROI? Simply put, it is the earnings of the student after acquiring the degree against the costs you incur while studying. The ROI calculation helps parents and students decide whether the chosen MS in US program is financially worthwhile or not. A few key factors to keep in mind for higher ROI are given below: –
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University reputation and accreditation –
Choosing a university with strong recognition in your study field can significantly impact your future job prospects. Also, various national 7 international accrediting organizations give accreditations to US universities. Accreditation means the institution has undergone a stringent process to validate that it meets the required educational standards. A highly accredited university can also, to some extent, impact your future job prospects and salary.
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Tuition Costs –
Another factor is the financial aid. For a few students, the availability of strong financial assistance can be a make-or-break factor in finalizing the decision to pursue Masters in the USA. You need to compare the tuition costs of various universities, search for relevant scholarships, and seek other financial assistance options that will help you achieve a better ROI. The university location also affects this factor, as the cost of living in the region affects your overall financial situation. The availability of grants, student scholarships, tuition expenses, living expenses (including housing, transportation, food and personal expenses), and stipend play a key role in deciding where you want to pursue your master’s degree. Various online tools such as The College Scorecard (US Department of Education), Payscale College ROI Report and SmartAsset’s College ROI Tool can be checked to compare the ROI across different programs and universities. A thorough research in seeking effective financial assistance strongly impacts your chances of benefiting from MS programs in the USA. Studying MS in the US can be a significant investment decision. Hence, a meticulous and systematic approach to calculating ROI can be instrumental in helping you lead a financially rewarding career in the future.
STEM vs. Non-STEM Courses – What to Choose?
Choosing between STEM and non-STEM courses is a crucial decision for students. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs are highly sought after, especially among international students, due to strong job prospects in the US job market. A key advantage of pursuing a STEM degree is the opportunity to work in the US for up to three years post-graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.
The main distinction between STEM and non-STEM courses lies in their focus areas. STEM programs emphasize technical expertise, mathematical proficiency, and scientific knowledge, equipping students with skills needed for technology-driven industries. In contrast, non-STEM courses foster creativity, interdisciplinary learning, and strong communication skills, helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Both STEM and non-STEM fields offer rewarding career opportunities. The choice ultimately depends on a student’s interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Students with a strong aptitude for quantitative subjects may find STEM programs more suitable, while those inclined toward humanities, arts, or business might prefer non-STEM fields.
When making this decision, it is essential to assess your strengths, academic preferences, and career aspirations. While STEM degrees often lead to high-demand jobs, non-STEM fields also provide diverse and fulfilling career paths. Ultimately, the right choice will shape not only your educational experience but also your professional journey.
Post-MS Job Opportunities
After completing the MS program, you need to evaluate relevant job prospects, salary trends, and long-term goals (based on individual interests and strengths) to check if job opportunities match your profile. Most universities have industry collaborations that provide a strong platform for job opportunities. Universities with a proven strong track record of placement support can be a good choice when choosing an MS in US program.
Also, the co-op programs offered by a few universities in USA play a critical part in availing good job opportunities. A co-op program is a partnership between a university and an employer to offer a student practical and hands-on work experience, while pursuing a Masters in USA. Co-op programs enable students to work while studying for their Master’s program, and ensure they gain hands-on experience in their relevant job profile. Another significant factor that makes co-op experience a strength in your resume is that it displays your real-world industry experience even while studying, and your ability to adapt to a dynamic work setup. Working in a co-op will also enable you to connect with industry experts and build professional networking contacts, which can benefit your later job search. Universities with proximity to industry areas may offer better co-op opportunities. Though these programs do not ensure confirmed job placement post-MS, they offer a strong practical learning platform for students and create a prospective talent pipeline for organizations by helping them identify relevant skilled candidates for later full-time hiring roles.
A strong Alumni Network
A significant factor in helping with good job opportunities is the alumni network. A strong alumni network can help you reach out to good job opportunities, and also help you seek strong mentorship opportunities. These are excellent tools for gauging the best option for pursuing an MS in the USA, as it directly impacts your future professional trajectory. A comprehensive career support program is an added advantage while pursuing a degree from a renowned university.
Thus, focusing on the right factors and research will be instrumental in helping you make the right choice and pursue an MS in the US from your dream university. Good luck in your quest to choose your dream MS program.
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FAQs
Calculating the ROI helps assess your program's financial value by comparing program costs (tuition, fees, lost income during studies) against potential future prospects. Apart from the financial aspects, an ROI calculation helps you make the right decisions related to job satisfaction, personal development, and knowledge advancement. Thus, ROI directly impacts your chances of availing of relevant and more accessible MS programs in the USA.
STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Examples of STEM courses are - computer engineering, data science, healthcare, engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, etc. Non-STEM refers to a study program not limited to the four core fields covered in the STEM courses. In Non-STEM courses, students can pursue topics such as Humanities, Education, Social Work, etc. Selecting a STEM course usually offers better job prospects, higher earning potential, and the opportunity for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period compared to non-STEM courses.
University ranking assessment is important as it impacts the overall learning experience at a university. University ranking is also one of the factors that influence employers' perceptions. A higher ranking indicates higher global recognition of the university, which can offer a slightly better advantage during your job search.
However, there’s a word of caution here. A higher ranking does not always mean it will be the best for you. A few universities with lesser ranks may offer learning experiences that are more suitable for your situation than those offered by some other university with a higher ranking. Therefore, university rankings should not be followed blindly, as the choice of University is also subjective (at least to some extent, depending on various personal factors).
This choice depends on a student's academic aspirations, financial status, specialization preferences, etc. Public universities are usually larger, more prominent and more affordable than private universities. Therefore, public universities have larger class size.
Private universities, on the other hand, are smaller in size, have a low enrollment rate and better faculty-student interaction ratio. However, they are more expensive than public universities. However, a few private universities, notwithstanding their higher fees, also provide scholarships and financial aid package. Ultimately, the choice of pursuing your Masters in a public or private university entirely depends on a student’s academic preferences and goals. So, make your choice judiciously. Public and private universities in the USA both provide a good learning premise for MS aspirants. The above points will only guide you in making the right choice.
The best source of information for this is the official university website. The website provides comprehensive information about the syllabus structure, study modules and research opportunities. Check the faculty information, as it will help offer you details regarding the faculty qualifications, professional experience, research projects and publications. These details help you identify the areas that resonate with your academic aspirations, and help you choose the right MS program.
