Smart Guide: Shortlisting MS Universities in USA by Loan Approval

Education Loan

Pursuing an MS in the USA can be a game-changer for any international student. While planning to study a Master’s in the USA, students often think about university reputation, cost to study, rankings, and more. However, students frequently overlook one of the most critical factors – loan approval chances. This smart guide will tell you how you can shortlist MS universities in the USA based on your education loan approval chances.

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Why Loan Approval Should Influence Your MS University Shortlist

Several Indian students take out an education loan to pursue their master’s in the USA. Your academic information and your chosen university become a crucial factor that banks use to make their decisions. Here’s why:

University Factor	Why it Matters
Higher-Ranked University	Higher Chances of Approval
Strong Post-Graduation Employment	Favourable Loan Terms
Public / Accredited Universities	Less Risk for Lenders

Factors That Affect Loan Approval For MS University USA

The approval process of your loan depends on several important factors that impact your loan application’s success. Some of these factors are:

Rankings: Several banks check the university’s rankings and reputation before approving the loan. A top university would automatically mean employment, making it easy for the lender to grant you a loan.
Course ROI: Usually, STEM courses in the USA have a greater ROI than non-STEM courses. Choosing a STEM course for your MS in the USA would also affect your loan chances.
Recognition: Your loan approval heavily depends on accreditation from multiple international bodies, such as Regional Accreditation Bodies and AACSB, ABET, LCME, and ABA. Accredited universities receive preferential status when compared to universities without accreditation.
Previous Loan Repayment Records: Lenders often check the previous loan repayment records of students who have graduated from the university. It gives a general idea to the lender about how you will repay the loan.

How to Use Loan Approval Criteria in Your MS University Shortlisting Process

To effectively use your loan approval criteria in your MS university shortlisting process, here’s what you need to do:

Steps	Approval Benefit
Budget	Take out an estimate of your budget Calculate tuition, living costs, and understand how much you will require
Loan Eligibility	Try to assess your score and your credit history Check the eligibility criteria of your loan and fulfill them (if needed)
Prioritize Public and Tier 1 Universities	Try to prioritize universities where your loan is likely to be approved Focus on universities that match your loan criteria and your goals
Profile Matching	Match your profile with existing students of the university Evaluate your GRE, GPA, and academic background with the university’s students
Utilize Loan Finder Tool	Several websites offer a loan finder tool that can match you with the best interest rates and lenders You can use Nomad Credit’s loan finder tool for FREE to find best loan for your MS in the USA

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Top 10 Universities for MS in the USA

University Name	QS World University Rankings 2025
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1
Harvard University	4
Stanford University	6
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10
University of Pennsylvania	11
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	12
Cornell University	16
University of Chicago	21
Princeton University	22
Yale University	23

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to shortlist universities for MS in the USA?

Start by identifying your preferences and checking university rankings, admission requirements, and fees. While shortlisting universities for an MS in the USA, also consider job opportunities and alumni networks.

How many universities should I shortlist for admission to MS in the USA?

Try shortlisting at least 8-12 universities for your MS in the USA. You can target your universities into three types: dream, target, and safe.

Which intake is best for studying MS in the USA?

If you plan to study MS in the USA, the Fall intake, also known as the September intake, is considered the most popular and preferred intake.

How much GPA is required for admission to an MS in the USA?

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission to the MS in the USA. If you are an Indian student, you must have a minimum of 65%-70% for an MS in the USA.

Can I get a loan to study an MS in the USA as an Indian student?

Yes, you can get a loan to study an MS in the USA. However, you must fulfill the eligibility requirements must submit all the required documents for a successful loan application.