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26 August 2025

6 minutes read

Highest Acceptance Rate of Universities in USA for MS for International Students: MS in USA for Indian Students at Top Universities

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

10 August 2024

6 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS ranges from as low as 4% at elite schools to 80% at many universities, giving students varied options.
  • Acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS depends on GPA, transcript, SOP, resume, and exams like GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, or GMAT.
  • Acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS guides prospective students in balancing tuition fees, cost of living, and university ranking.

Many Indian students who wish to pursue an MS abroad fantasize about studying at one of the finest universities in the United States. With thousands of universities for MS in USA offering various science programs, the focus quickly shifts to the acceptance rates of those programs.

If you can understand where you have higher chances, the entire admission process does not seem overwhelming. 

How Good is MS in US for Indian Students?

Did you know that the United States has more than 1 million international students, with Indian students being the second-largest group? Studying MS in the United States has become trendy because of world-class science programs and the chance to conduct pioneering research

Most of the top universities in the USA have regularly appeared at the top of world rankings, which is why many prospective ambitious students consider the USA a hub.

acceptance rate of universities in usa for ms 1

The universities in the USA offer MS in subjects like data science, electrical and computer engineering, business, and also provide excellent research opportunities, the chance for scholarships, use among the company to internships and one of the top recruiters in the world.

There is much more; students living in the USA will experience a multicultural lifestyle and multiple career opportunities.

Why Study MS in USA at Top Universities for Indian Students?

Fun fact: Eight out of ten universities are American institutions, so pursuing MS in USA in 2023 should be a reasonable aspiration. The best universities in USA are known for their strong reputation around research, innovation, and relationship with the industry.

These are some reasons why Indian students think of top universities in USA for pursuing an MS:

  • Global Recognition: Many universities in USA are in the top ten universities in the world which guarantee global prestige.
  • Industry Connections: Universities with an MS have close ties with companies which guarantees internship opportunities and connections to jobs.
  • Available Course Options: Many universities across different subject areas have opportunities for MS abroad in science programs, business, and engineering.

What is the Acceptance Rate of Universities in USA for MS for International Students?

Were you aware that the average acceptance rates for Master of Science (MS), varies significantly at US universities (acceptance rates typically vary from 4% – 70%) One’s acceptance heavily depends on eligibility, qualifications, transcripts, GPA, and/or exam(s).

1. Stanford University

The acceptance rate for MS in computer science at Stanford, which is one of the best universities worldwide, is a low acceptance rate of around 5%, therefore making acceptance at the best universities in USA for MS, very competitive.

2. University of Colorado Boulder

Many universities in the US, like the University of Colorado Boulder, have MS programs, and the average acceptance rate for MS at the University of Colorado Boulder is around 80%, admitting many international students as a result of high demand.

3. Harvard University

With some of the best science programs recognized globally, Harvard has a low acceptance rate of approximately 7%. More specifically, multiple Indian students went to Harvard for computer science, and he received an MS in Data Science.

4. University of California

Multiple universities that are part of the University of California (UC) system have different acceptance rates (12% – 35%) depending on the specific UC university.

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As one of the leading universities in USA, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a low acceptance-rate for MS in the USA. For instance, studied engineering, and thus primarily accepted students pursuing a graduate degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering. Their acceptance-rate is approximately 6%.

What are Some Popular MS Courses at the MS Colleges and MS Universities With Highest Acceptance Rate?

Fun Fact: MS in Data Science and MS in Business are two of the most trending courses in the USA. And thus universities in the USA created data science and business programmes based on what was happening in industry.

Trending MS Programmes:

Course NameWhy Popular?
MS in Data ScienceHigh demand in technology and analytics
MS in Mechanical EngineeringAmong universities with research funding
MS in BusinessOffers high ROI and job placements
MS in Electrical and Computer Eng.Strong ties with industries and innovation

What is the Eligibility for MS Courses at the Top Universities for MS in the US for International Applicants?

Did you know that eligibility criteria for MS in the US is slightly different among universities? But there are definitely some common standards across universities when it comes to their admission criteria.

Eligibility criteria for MS:

Eligibility CriteriaEligibility Criteria Explanation
UndergraduateCall for bachelor’s degree in the related subject area
TranscriptsAcademic records and GPA requirement
ExamsStandardized exams: GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, ACT (dependent on program)
Supporting DocumentsResume, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, personal statement

Study MS in the US: MS in Data Science vs MS in Business vs MS in Mechanical Engineering

Interesting fact: Students pursuing MS in the USA for data science often get six-figure salary jobs and is one of the most sought after science post graduate programs.

Comparison of MS Programs:

ProgramAverage Tuition FeesIndustry Scope
MS in Data Science$45,000Analytics, AI, Big Data
MS in Business$50,000Consulting, Management, Finance
MS in Mechanical Eng.$40,000Manufacturing, Robotics, Design

10 Best US Universities With the Highest Acceptance Rates for Top MS Programs

Fun fact: Many universities in the USA with higher acceptance-rates attract thousands of applications each year from international students.

acceptance rate of universities in usa for ms 2

Top US Universities with Highest Acceptance-Rates:

Sl. NoUniversityAcceptance-RateRankingDocuments RequiredExams Required
1University of Colorado Boulder80%Top 150Transcript, GPA, SOP, LOR, ResumeGRE, IELTS, TOEFL
2Arizona State University85%Top 200SOP, Transcript, Personal StatementGRE, TOEFL, IELTS
3University of Texas at Arlington70%Top 250LOR, Transcript, GPAGRE, TOEFL, IELTS
4Oregon State University75%Top 250SOP, Resume, TranscriptGRE, TOEFL
5University of Kansas80%Top 300SOP, LOR, GPA, TranscriptGRE, IELTS
6San Jose State University70%Top 300SOP, Resume, Transcript, Personal StatementGRE, TOEFL
7Wichita State University85%Top 350Transcript, GPA, LORGRE, TOEFL, IELTS
8University of Dayton78%Top 350SOP, Resume, LOR, TranscriptGRE, IELTS, TOEFL
9New Jersey Institute of Technology64%Top 200SOP, Transcript, GPA, ResumeGRE, TOEFL
10University of Illinois at Chicago65%Top 150SOP, Resume, GPA, LORGRE, TOEFL, IELTS

Do the Best Universities for MS in the USA Guarantee a High Acceptance Rate for Popular MS Programs?

Did you know that a low acceptance-rate does not necessarily mean rejection, but a lot of competition? The best universities in USA look at holistic profiles. 

Admission for MS in computer science at the best universities in USA understandably has a low acceptance-rate, but prospective students with good GPA, transcripts, SOP, and test scores still have an above-average chance. 

What is the Cost of Studying MS Courses in the USA for Indian Students?

Fun Fact: The total cost of an MS in the USA is the sum of tuition and cost of living which varies depending on university and location.

Average Costs for MS in USA:

Expense TypeAverage Cost per Year
Tuition Fees$40,000 – $60,000
Living Expenses$10,000 – $18,000
Total Cost$50,000 – $75,000

Conclusion

Joining a Master’s program in the USA is one of the best opportunities for students from India. Knowing about acceptance-rates for Master’s programs, admission criteria which may include eligibility criteria, tuition fees, and cost of living will all better enable students to make more informed decisions.

Therefore make the decision now, and get an account with Ambitio and get started on your path towards applying to the best universities in the USA.

Realize your dream university admission with Ambitio Elite. Harness the potential of personalized guidance, AI Copilot, and expert mentorship. Your academic journey begins here! Get Started with Ambitio Elite

FAQs

What is the average acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS?

The average acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS ranges between 4% at top national universities and 80% at many universities offering MS across diverse courses in USA.

Which universities have the highest acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS?

The highest acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS is found at Arizona State University, University of Colorado Boulder, and Wichita State University, where international students have better chances of admission.

Does the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS differ depending on the course?

Yes, the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS differs depending on the university and program, with courses like MS in Data Science and MS in Business being more competitive.

How does eligibility affect the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS?

Eligibility directly impacts the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS, as requirements like GPA, transcript, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, and exams influence the admission process.

What is the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS in computer science?

The acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS in computer science is lower at top 10 universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Harvard due to high demand and competition.

How do tuition fees relate to the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS?

While tuition fees do not directly change the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS, the overall cost including living in the US influences which universities students prefer.

Why is the acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS important for Indian students?

The acceptance rate of universities in USA for MS helps Indian students identify universities along their budget, eligibility requirements, and ranking to successfully pursue an MS abroad.

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