MS in USA: Requirements, Costs & Top Universities 2026 (Complete Guide)
Everything a Master's applicant to the USA needs to know — admission requirements (GRE, IELTS, GPA), tuition costs, assistantships and the top universities to target.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsTypical MS admission requirements
Most USA master's programmes want: a bachelor's degree, a GPA of 3.0+ (though competitive programmes ask for 3.3+), GRE scores (many now optional), IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90–100, and strong letters of recommendation. Some programmes also require the GMAT or subject-specific tests — check the exact programme requirements.
GRE and test trends
The GRE (or GMAT for business) was long mandatory but many schools (Stanford, MIT, CMU) made it optional during the pandemic and have kept it optional. Still, a strong GRE (320+) significantly improves your competitiveness and scholarship chances. Submit scores if they're above the programme median.
Tuition and total cost
Tuition ranges from $20,000 to $60,000+ per year depending on the university and field. Add living costs ($15,000–25,000/year in most cities). Total cost is often $60,000–100,000+ for two years. This is highest among major destinations but offset by strong scholarship, assistantship and work opportunities.
Funding your MS
Graduate Assistantships (Teaching or Research) typically cover tuition and offer a stipend ($15,000–25,000/year). Merit scholarships are common and reduce tuition fully or partially. Use the free LandingPrep Scholarship Finder to discover fellowship opportunities by field. OPT and part-time work also offset costs.
Top universities by field
Engineering and CS: Carnegie Mellon, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech. Data Science: MIT, Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley. Business (MS Finance, MBA): Cornell, MIT, Carnegie Mellon. Full list with average GRE/TOEFL scores and tuition on the LandingPrep College Predictor.
Apply strategically
Target 3–4 'reach' schools (above your current profile), 3–4 'fit' schools (strong fit), and 2–3 'safety' schools where you're likely admitted. Submit 8–10 applications total. Apply early (September–December) for best funding.