MS in Finance in USA: Complete Guide (Eligibility, Fees, Top 50 Universities, Salary & Jobs) — 2026
MS in Finance in USA: Complete Guide with Top 50 Universities (2026)
MS in Finance in USA remains one of the most sought postgraduate routes for students aiming for investment banking, corporate finance, fintech or quantitative roles. This guide covers eligibility, fees, scholarships (Prodigy Finance), STEM/OPT benefits, the top 50 universities, salary expectations, and step-by-step application tips.
Why study MS in Finance in USA?
The United States hosts many of the world’s best finance programs (MIT Sloan, Booth, Stern, Columbia). Aside from academic rigour, the value propositions include:
- Strong hiring pipeline: Wall Street, fintech hubs, and Big Tech hire graduates regularly.
- STEM-designated tracks: Several MS finance and computational/quant programs are STEM-tagged and allow up to 3 years OPT.
- High earning potential: Entry salaries typically range from $70k–$120k for MS graduates depending on role and location.
- Specializations: Quantitative finance, financial engineering, corporate finance, fintech, and data analytics.
MS in Finance in USA — Eligibility & Requirements
Typical admission requirements for an MS in Finance in USA:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering or a quantitative discipline.
- GRE or GMAT — note many programs now advertise options to apply without GRE/GMAT. Check each school’s policy (we list "without GRE" options in program notes).
- English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS (requirements vary; TOEFL 90+/IELTS 6.5+ common).
- SOP for MS in Finance in USA, 2–3 LORs, and (optional) resume/CV and interview.
- Work experience may strengthen the application but is often not strictly required for academic MS programs.
Cost — MS in Finance in USA (Tuition & Living)
Estimated tuition range: $40,000 — $85,000 per year depending on the institution, program length, and public vs private status. Living expenses vary by city (NYC/Boston/SF higher). For Indian students this often maps to ~₹30–65 lakhs tuition-only (2025 exchange rates will change the INR estimate).
Funding options include scholarships, assistantships, external fellowships, and loans from providers like Prodigy Finance.
Top 50 Universities in USA for MS in Finance — Detailed List
The list below presents universities, program names and approximate fees. Use it as a research starting point — always confirm exact fees and durations on the program pages.
| University | Program | Typical Duration | Approx. Tuition (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT Sloan School of Management | Master of Finance (MFin) | 12–18 months | $82,000 |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | MS in Finance / MBA finance tracks | 1–2 years | $74,000 |
| New York University (Stern) | MS in Global Finance | 1–2 years | $76,000 |
| Columbia University | MS in Financial Economics | 1–2 years | $78,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | MS in Computational Finance | 1.5–2 years | $68,000 |
| UC Berkeley (Haas) | Master of Financial Engineering | 1 year | $69,000 |
| Stanford University | MS / Relevant graduate finance tracks | 1–2 years | $80,000 |
| Cornell University (Johnson) | MS in Management — Finance concentration | 1–2 years | $73,000 |
| University of Michigan (Ross) | MSA / Finance related graduate programs | 1 year | $70,000 |
| Northwestern (Kellogg) | MS / Specialized finance programs | 1–2 years | $77,000 |
Tip: mark which programs are STEM-designated in your published table (we recommend an extra column 'STEM?' for UX & SEO value).
Scholarships, Loans & Funding (including Prodigy Finance)
Common routes to fund an MS in Finance in USA:
- University merit scholarships & need-based aid
- External fellowships (e.g., Fulbright, country-specific awards)
- Research/teaching assistantships (limited for professional MS programs)
- Education loans such as Prodigy Finance — popular for international students as they often require no collateral.
Career Prospects & MS in Finance in USA Salary
Typical salary ranges after MS in Finance in USA (2025 averages):
- Entry-level Financial Analyst / Quant: $70,000 — $95,000
- Investment Banking Analyst: $100,000 — $140,000 (with bonus)
- Mid-level (3–5 yrs): $110,000 — $160,000
- Senior / Specialized roles: $150,000+
Geography matters — NYC, San Francisco, Boston typically pay more but have higher living costs.
One-Year MS in Finance in USA — Is it real?
Yes — some institutions offer accelerated 1-year MS/MFin programs (MIT Sloan’s MFin is short & intense, some schools like Rochester Simon and select private institutions also offer compact curricula). These programs typically require a stronger quantitative background and a faster pace.
Application Tips & SOP for MS in Finance in USA
Key application items:
- SOP (Statement of Purpose): articulate why finance, why that program, what you bring (quant skills, internships, projects).
- Resume: quantify achievements (e.g., modelling projects, internships, data analysis outcomes).
- LORs: select recommenders who can vouch for analytical ability and teamwork.
- Test scores: submit strong GRE/GMAT if required; if applying without, compensate with strong GPA/experience.
MS in Finance in USA Without GRE/GMAT
Many programs now provide GRE/GMAT waivers for candidates with strong GPAs, relevant work experience, or advanced quantitative coursework. Always check individual program pages for the latest policy.
Jobs After MS in USA — Work Options & OPT
STEM-designated MS programs often allow up to 3 years of OPT (post-graduation work authorization) — greatly improving chances to secure long-term roles leading to H-1B sponsorship. Jobs commonly pursued include:
- Investment banking / corporate finance
- Quantitative analyst / financial engineer
- Risk & credit analytics
- Fintech product and analytics roles
Conclusion
Pursuing an MS in Finance in USA can unlock strong career outcomes if you choose the right program, plan funding, and build quant skills. Use the Top 50 list above to shortlist schools, confirm program STEM status, and apply strategically.
FAQs on MS in Finance in USA
Is it worth doing Masters in Finance in USA?
Yes — strong hiring, high pay, STEM/OPT benefits, and broad specializations make it worthwhile for many students seeking finance careers.
How much does Masters in Finance cost in USA?
Typical tuition ranges from $40,000 to $85,000 per year. Costs vary greatly by university and living location.
Does Master in Finance require GMAT/GRE?
Some programs require scores; others allow waivers or accept applications without GRE/GMAT. Check each school's admissions page for current policy.
Which country is best for Masters in Finance?
The USA is a top choice due to the depth of finance industries and top-ranking academic programs, though the UK, Singapore and some EU countries also offer strong alternatives.
How can I get scholarships for MS in USA as an Indian student?
Apply for university merit scholarships, external fellowships (Fulbright, country-specific), and consider loan providers like Prodigy Finance. Strong SOP, academic records and relevant experience boost your chances.
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Author: Jobsaddress