MA in USA: Top Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, Jobs & Salaries
MA in USAOne of the most recommended destinations among international students to complete a master's degree from abroad is the United States. MA in USA is a 1–2 year PG Course offered across top US universities in fields such as Economics, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, English Literature, and more. The USA has the world’s highest-ranked institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia University, which makes it a popular destination for students who are seeking for quality education and nice global exposure.
Pursuing an MA in USA provides students with advanced academic skills. The tuition fee for MA programs in the USA ranges between USD 20,000 to 50,000 (₹16.7 to ₹41.7 lakhs) per year. International student’s annual living expenses will be around USD 10,000 to 20,000. Admission requirements include Bachelor degree in relevant field minimum 3-4 years with English language proficiency IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 88 - 100, CGPA of 3.5 or Above or 87% in bachelors and GRE score of 330.
After completing an MA in USA , people can earn an average salary of USD 60,000 to 90,000 (₹50 to ₹75 lakhs) depending on their job type and specialization.
This blog covers everything you need to know about pursuing an MA in USA from top universities to their fees, eligibility, scholarships, salary and placement opportunities.
MA in USA: Quick Highlights
The table below represents the important highlights about the MA in USA, which includes top universities in the USA, course duration, enrollment seasons, fees, and average salary.
Particulars | Details |
Course Name | MA in USA |
Course Duration | 1–2 year |
Top Universities | Harvard University, Stanford University, Columbia University, Yale University. |
Course Eligibility |
|
Entrance Tests Required | GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS |
Average Annual Tuition Fee | USD 20,000 – 50,000 (₹16.7 – ₹41.7 lakhs) |
Living Expenses | USD 10,000 – 20,000 (₹8.35 – ₹16.7 lakhs) annually |
Average Salary Package | USD 60,000 – 90,000 (₹50 – ₹75 lakhs) annually |
Application Mode | Online |
Intake Sessions |
|
Top Recruiters | HIM Recruiters, Lucas Group, Randstad, Aerotek, Robert Half, Kelly, Adecco. |
MA in USA: Important Dates and Events
The table below provides the important dates and events for taking admission and studying MA in USA.
Important Events | Tentative Dates |
Fall enrollment | Between August and September |
Spring enrollment | Between January and May 2026 |
Summer enrollment | Starts from May 2026 |
MA in USA: Visa Application Timeline
Are you planning to study for an MA in USA? Then, Check out the following table to understand the study visa processing times in the USA for international students.
Events | Timeline |
F-1 Student Visa | Typically 15–30 days post-interview |
SEVIS Fee Payment | Prior to Visa Interview |
I-20 Form Issued | After university admission |
MA in USA: Course Fees
MA in USA course fee is mentioned below in the table format in US Dollar and Indian rupees both for better understanding.
University | Annual Tuition Fees in Dollars (USD$) | Annual Tuition Fees in Indian Rupees (₹) |
Stanford University | $50,880 | ₹42.3 lakhs |
Harvard University | $54,269 | ₹45.1 lakhs |
Yale University | $64,700 | ₹53.8 lakhs |
Columbia University | $65,340 | ₹54.3 lakhs |
Cornell University | $56,200 | ₹46.7 lakhs |
University of Pennsylvania | $35,000 | ₹29.1 lakhs |
University of Chicago | $65,000 | ₹54.1 lakhs |
Northwestern University | $31,300 | ₹26 lakhs |
New York University | $66,000 | ₹54.9 lakhs |
John Hopkins University | $34,200 | ₹28.4 lakhs |
Cost of Studying MA in USA
The Monthly Cost of Studying MA in USA ranges between USD 1,500–2,000. Below is the detailed breakdown of total costs involved for studying in the US.
Types of expenses | Average Cost (USD$) |
Books and study material | $900 - $2,000 per year |
Travel | $300 - $700 per year |
Accommodation | $9,800 - $11,100 per year |
Electricity | $100 - $150 per month |
Food | On campus: $250 per month Off-campus: $400 - $600 per month |
Phone subscription | $50 per month |
Water, Trash and Sewer | $50 - $75 per month |
Why Choose MA in USA?
Here's detailed information provided for studying MA in USA.
- Around 50% of the world’s top universities are located in the USA, offering high class education.
- A MA in USA enhances career prospects, especially in academia, arts, media, and cultural organizations.
- The unemployment rate is very low in the USA which is just 3.8% in 2023, which shows the healthy job options for MA graduates.
- Master of Arts programs in the USA focus mainly on research, building critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Graduates of MA in USA typically earn an average salary around $45,000 to $80,000 per year.
Also Check:
Other Popular Countries for Studying MA
MA in USA: Qualification
The MA in USA has eligibility criteria requiring qualification is Bachelor degree in relevant field minimum 3-4 years with CGPA of 3.5 or Above or 87%.
English language proficiency IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 88 - 100, and GRE score of 330.
MA in USA: Eligibility
The table below shows the course eligibility for MA in USA.
Category | Eligibility Details |
Fresh Graduates | Bachelor degree in relevant field minimum 3-4 years. |
Academic Performance | CGPA of 3.5 or Above or 87% in bachelors. |
Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 88 - 100, and GRE score of 330. |
Internship | Research Internships is preferred. |
Additional Tests | Not mandatory (GRE/GMAT not usually required) |
MA in USA: Application Process
The following is the detailed application process for applying to the MA in USA.
- Do Research about preferred programs and check the deadlines.
- Take the IELTS/TOEFL and GRE exam if it is required.
- Prepare SOP, LORs, Resume, and transcripts.
- Apply online through university portals or platforms and websites.
- Pay application fees which are USD 75–150.
- Receive the offer letter and accept it.
- Apply for I-20 and then apply for an F-1 visa.
MA in USA: SOP, LOR, and Resume
A MA in USA requires a few documents for enrolling in the course, these documents are like SOP (Statement of Purpose), LORs (Letters of Recommendation), and a resume for when applying to competitive programs or scholarships.
The table below shows the reason which is included in SOP, LOR, and resumes for MA in USA.
Document | Quick Tips |
SOP | 1000–1500 words by explaining your academic interests, future goals, and why you fit with the program. |
LOR | 2–3 letters from professors or employers highlighting skills and achievements of your past academics. |
Resume | Include academic background, internships, achievements, and leadership roles done earlier. |
MA in USA: IELTS/TOEFL Tips
Mentioned Some good tips for the IELTS and TOEFL exams for MA in USA.
- Focus on your listening, writing and reading skills.
- Use IELTS or TOEFL previous papers to get familiar with the exam structure, timing, and question types and more.
- Use some sample essays and reading engineering contexts.
- Practice mock papers and track your scores, spot weak areas, and adjust study plans accordingly.
MA in USA: Cutoff
Listed below is the cutoff for the MA in USA.
- requiring qualification Bachelor degree in relevant field minimum 3-4 years with CGPA of 3.5 or Above or 87%.
- There are no specific entrance exam cutoffs like GRE or GMAT for admission into a Master's in Business Analytics in Ireland. However, English language proficiency scores IELTS cutoffs accepted by top universities.
- English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 88 - 100, and GRE score of 330 required.
MA in USA: Syllabus
Students pursuing an MA in USA in multiple specializations such as Education, History, Arts, Social, etc. have syllabus like.
- Introduction and Research
- Theories and Methods
- Academic Writing and Communication
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
- History and Evolution of the Discipline
MA in USA: Electives & Specializations
Students who are pursuing an MA in USA have multiple specializations such as Education, History, Arts, Social, etc. Some are listed below as well.
- MA in Political Science
- MA in Education
- MA in History
- MA in Social
- MA in Journalism
- MA in Language
- MA in General Studies
Top Universities for MA in USA
Down here mentioned some of the best universities for MA in USA with its QS Ranking and the total number of seats.
QS Ranking 2024 | University | Seats |
3 | Columbia University | 650+ seats |
7 | The New School | does not publish |
8 | Harvard University | 700+ seats |
9 | Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | 433 seats |
12 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 550+ seats |
13 | Yale University | does not publish |
17 | Pratt Institute | 525 seats |
21-40 | Cornell University | does not publish |
MA in USA: Australia Vs. India
Some detailed comparisons of MA in USA vs. MA in India, covering duration, eligibility, fees, curriculum, and career scope.
Aspect | Australia | India |
Duration | 1-2 years | 2 years |
Eligibility | Bachelor degree in relevant field minimum 3-4 years with CGPA of 3.5 or Above or 87%, IELTS/TOEFL | Bachelor degree from a recognized university, typically with a minimum 50% aggregate score. |
Entrance Exams | No national exam, Portfolio and English test required | |
Top Universities | Harvard University, Stanford University, Cornell University, Yale University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania | IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kanpur, BHU and more. |
Average Tuition Fees | USD 20,000 – 50,000 (₹16.7 – ₹41.7 lakhs) |
|
Top Recruiter | Accenture, The Walt Disney Company, Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook, The Boeing Company | Tata Consultancy, Reliance Industries, Cognizant, Wipro, Amazon, and Accenture |
MA in USA: Scholarships
A MA in USA gives scholarships to its students because studying in the USA is very expensive. The table below shows the eligibility criteria and amount as well for applying to the scholarship scheme.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Admitted to graduate degrees such as MA, must complete after 2016. | Covers the entire cost of attendance. |
Harvard University Graduate Degree Students Scholarships | For highly qualified students who are economically weaker and unable to make educational expenses. | Covers the entire Tuition fee |
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | Citizen of a country with Rotary clubs | 2 years of college course work or equivalent | Up to 25,000 USD |
Fulbright Scholarships for Indians | Indian citizen | Academic excellence | English proficiency | Monthly stipend, Tuition and cost of attendance coverage |
Inlaks Scholarship | Indian citizen | Minimum 65-75% marks | 100,000 USD |
AAUW International Fellowship | Non-US-based women pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in USA | 20,000-50,000 USD |
JN Tata Endowment Fund (loan) | Indian citizens | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 60% mark | 1,00,000-10,00,000 INR |
SelfScore International Student Scholarship | Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prior studies, must score in the top 15% in SAT/ACT | 5,000 USD |
Global Student Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of 3 essay questions | 1,000 USD |
TEC Scholarship | Enrolled full-time in an American university/college Submission of essay questions | 1,000 USD |
Career Scope After MA in USA
After doing MA in USA there is a good huge number of career scope. The list below shows some of the Career Scope available in a MA in USA.
- Content Writer
- Assistant Professor
- Executive Director
- Human Resource Manager
- Project Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Data Analyst
- Program Manager
- High School Teacher
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Business Development Associate
- Journalist
- Market Analyst
- Social Researcher
- Public Relations Officer
MA in USA: Top Recruiters
Below mentioned some of the top Recruiters of MA in USA.
- JP Morgan Chase
- The New York Times
- WHO
- Teach for America
- Amazon
- HIM Recruiters
- Lucas Group
- Randstad
- Aerotek
- Robert Half
- Kelly
- Adecco
MA in USA: Salary Package
The table below shows the Annual Salary for various job roles in USD($) and Indian rupee(₹) offered to MA in USA
Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD$) | Equivalent Salary INR (₹) |
Content Writer | $61,826 | ₹51 Lakhs |
Assistant Professor | $75,081 | ₹62 Lakhs |
Human Resource Manager | $97,400 | ₹80 lakhs |
Project Manager | $77,700 | ₹64 lakhs |
Marketing Manager | $70,000 | ₹57 lakhs |
Data Analyst | $64,800 | ₹53 lakhs |
Program Manager | $89,100 | ₹73 lakhs |
High School Teacher | $55,000 | ₹45 lakhs |
Economist | $84,300 | ₹70 lakhs |
Financial Analyst | $64,600 | ₹53 lakhs |
Business Development Associate | $72,000 | ₹59 lakhs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: What is the Time period of MA in USA?
Ans: Most MA in USA has a duration or time period of 1 to 2 years, depending on the university and kind of specialization.
Ques: What are the eligibility criteria and requirements for pursuing an MA in USA?
Ans: The Eligibility criteria for pursuing an MA in USA.
- A Bachelor degree minimum 3–4 years in a relevant field
- CGPA of 3.5 or above or 87% in bachelor.
- IELTS score of 6.5–7.5 or TOEFL score of 88–100
- Some universities may also ask for GRE scores more than 330+
Ques: What are the top universities in the USA for MA?
Ans: The Top Universities for MA in USA.
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Columbia University
- Yale University
- University of Chicago
- New York University
Ques: What is the average salary package after an MA in USA?
Ans: The average salary package after an MA in USA depends on the job type and role but usually Graduates earn between USD 60,000 to 90,000 (₹50 – ₹75 lakhs) annually.
Ques: Who are the top recruiters for MA in USA?
Ans: The top recruiters for MA in USA.
- Amazon
- The New York Times
- JP Morgan Chase
- WHO
- Randstad
- Robert Half
- HIM Recruiters