My point if view of University of Massachusetts

Location of the university in the city, and interdisciplinary faculty working in my research interests.

The course curriculum is very interdisciplinary with an array of core and elective courses from different domains and methods. As a public policy student, you are introduced to every perspective before you start with your research.

GRE (157 Verbal 160 Quant 4.5 Writing), TOEFL (112/120), Research Statement, and Statement of Purpose

The options are available either to for a career in academia or in research think tanks. Faculties guide the students accordingly.

Yes. National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, India

UMass is located right by the Boston Harbour. There are ample extracurricular activities to pursue from sports, to arts, even to just walk around the beautiful campus. There are specialised research labs for each department.

Approximately 17000$ per semester

I got the graduate assistantship for three years which covered the tuition fees, and living expenses. Received it as part of the confirmation deal from the university.

The faculty were from different backgrounds always accessible to the students. Each course does not have more than 10 students so that faculty can focus individually on each one of you.

While hostel facilities are available, they are mostly used by undergraduate students. Graduate students opt for rented apartments in proximity where the average rent per room is between 700-1000$.