MS in Computer Science in USA: Universities, Cost, Eligibility

An MS in CS or a master’s in Computer Science in the USA is a 1.5 to 2-year full-time postgraduate degree ideal for graduates with B. Tech, B.E, or BSc. In CS, IT, or related fields. The professionals who want to switch their career or upskill in the advanced CS field can opt for this course.

For Indian students planning to study BTech in Singapore, there are multiple universities to choose from and some are MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, the University of Washington, Georgia Tech, UCLA. The tuition fees for these top ranked universities ranges between INR 37 Lakhs and INR 50 Lakhs, and between INR 20 Lakhs and INR 33 Lakhs for tier 2 universities.

With a projection of a 15% increase in jobs for CS applicants in USA by the year 2031, Computer Science professionals will increase rapidly to cater to technology growth along with other related areas. Students from across the globe compete to get enrolled in the MS in CS in USA across America's top universities due to bright employment prospects, return on investment (ROI), and networking opportunities. 

The reason why the US stands apart from other nations for MS courses in USA for Computer Science is that students are taught through practical approaches. Contests are hosted by many educational institutions in which students are given a deadline to create systems/technology. This enhances their creativity as well as logical reasoning potential. Let's check out some of the top MS in Computer Science Colleges in the USA, along with the cost of studying, living, and global rankings.

MS in Computer Science USA: Core Curriculum and top specializations

The MS in Computer Science in USA is a blend of theory, research exposure, and applied computing. Some of the core subjects for international students are Algorithm, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Databases, Software Engineering, and Machine Learning. Most universities allow an elective cluster and concentration tracks for career goals.

Some popular specializations chosen by Indians include Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Cryptography, Data Science & Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing & Distributed Systems, Computer Vision and Robotics, and Human-Computer Interaction.

Universities in the USA allow students to blend their Computer Science curricula with Business, Design, and analytics courses. It emphasizes hands-on learning through projects, coding, labs, and assistantships.

Check the below video for a comparison between Computer Engineering and Computer Science:

MS Computer Science in USA Highlights

Studying Master's in USA is a dream of many international students. The United States is the home of many top-ranked universities in the world where international students can study Master's in Computer Science in USA. Students can check the MS Computer Science in USA highlights below:

Category	Statistics
Total MS Computer Science Colleges in the USA	Approximately 280+ MS Computer Science Colleges in USA
MS in CS Fees in USA	Tuition Fees: INR 25 L - INR 48 L (average for the first year) Living Expenses: INR 10.4 L approx. (for one year)
Top MS in CS Specialisations in US	Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Computing Theory, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Data Processing, Computer Graphics
Admission Process for MS in CS in USA (subject to university)	Bachelor’s degree + GRE score, GPA (3.0/4) + TOEFL/IELTS score + Internship/Work Experience + Resume + Letters of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose + Final Transcripts

MS in Computer Science is a popular course opted for by those who have completed their graduation in BSc Science/Mathematics courses or BS in Computer Science. MS in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students requires them to have at least a 4-year graduation. This course is in demand, especially in the professional realm where applicants with certain specializations easily find full-time job opportunities. Want more information? Check out Best Computer Science Universities in USA.

Types of MS Courses in the USA for Computer Science

Those who wish to study in USA an MS course in Computer Science can choose between two options - full-time or part-time. While all major US universities offer a full-time MS in Computer Science course, there are a handful of universities that offer part-time MS in CS in USA. Get more details in the following section:

• Full-time Master in Computer Science in USA

A full-time MS in CS in the USA is usually 1 to 2 years long and is not flexible because classes happen at the specific US university of admission. All US universities offer a full-time master's in Computer Science course while on the other hand, a few of them also offer a part-time MS in CS course to students besides the full-time course. 

• Part-time Master in Computer Science in USA

Those opting for MS in CS in USA as a part-time course will have 3 to 5 years to complete their postgraduation. Classes are held online and are flexible in terms of viewing lectures within the applicant's ease of comfort. These part-time courses are available for working professionals and for those who cannot come to the US and pursue it in person. Also, there are others, who wish to upskill while already pursuing another course. 

• University of Chicago
• Stanford University
• Tufts University

Applicants must check for all details before enrolling for a masters course in Computer Science part-time in USA. 

Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science

There are many top universities in the USA for an MS for international students. The list below features the best universities in the USA for MS in CS, along with their world university rankings by subject for the year 2025.

US Universities Offering MS in CS	THE World University Ranking 2025 by Subject: Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	#2
Harvard University	#3
Princeton University, New Jersey	#4
Stanford University	#6
California Institute of Technology	#7
University of California, Berkeley	#8
University of Washington	#25

According to the QS 'Computer Science and Information Systems' course ranking, more than 109 universities have been ranked in 2025 and around 208 universities have been ranked by US News and World Report for 'Best Computer Science Programs'. The top position holders are all Ivy Leagues which are known for offering MS in Computer Science in the USA. Thus, aspirants can aim for these universities which are considered as best universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science.

Also, Read

Top 10 MS specialisations from US	Average GRE Scores for MS in Computer Science in US
12 Most Affordable MS Colleges in US	How to Write a Resume for MS Applications Abroad

MS in Computer Science Fees in USA

The MS in CS fees in USA for Indian students may differ for different universities and institutions. Students are recommended to do thorough research regarding the tuition fee as well as the living cost while applying for admission. This will aid in filtering the universities as per your budget. The average first-year cost of studying MS Computer Science in the US is INR 18-25 lakh and the average living cost can be anywhere near INR 8 lakh per annum. Factors affecting a student’s living expenditure are choice of accommodation, personal expenditure, casual traveling, etc. We have below the MS in Computer Science in USA for Indian students fees of top US universities:

US Universities	MS in CS Fees
Arizona State University	INR 28.97 L
Stanford University	INR 36.18 L
Northeastern University	INR 24 L
Florida Institute of Technology	INR 19 L
California State University Long Beach	INR 14 L

Student Visa Costs for the US

There are 2 types of student visas in USA that are applicable for students who wish to pursue a Master's in Computer Science in the USA. Both of them have been explained in detail below:

• F1 Visa: This student visa is for international students who wish to pursue studies in the US. To obtain an F1 visa, one would need to possess Form I20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status. The F1 visa student fee is $185. Additional fees might be required to be paid based on your home country and the US Embassy you approach for form filling.
• J-1 Visa: J-1 visa, J student visa, or exchange visitor visa is required for international students who want to participate in exchange programs in the US.

Application Tips and Process Guidance for MS in CS in the USA

Before directly enrolling in one of the top universities for MS in CS in the USA, students must prepare certain things beforehand to make sure their application process goes smoothly. Some of the application tips for students enrolling in USA universities for a Master's in Computer Science are given below:

- Students must start their preparation 12 to 15 months before the intake begins. 

- Applicants should submit an overall GPA of 3.0 or more out of 4.0. 

- Students are required to submit their English Language Proficiency scores.

MS in Computer Science Requirements for the US - Eligibility Criteria

The basic criteria that students wishing to pursue an MS in CS in the USA need to possess have been summed up below:

• A Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree with an aggregate GPA of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0.
• GRE score between 290-330. The score required may vary depending on the university.
• English language proficiency test scores in IELTS (6.5 to 7 Band) or TOEFL (Band of 7 to 7.5).
• Internship or work experience certificate or proof. Check out: Part-Time Jobs in USA
• Photocopies of passport.
• A good resume with a detailed summary of your education and work (if applicable).
• Letter of Recommendation by your home country mentor or employer, stating why you’re fit for admission.
• Statement of Purpose clearly defines your future goals and purpose to study in the US.
• Academic Transcripts
• Proof of funds via bank statements stating that you’ve enough balance to pay your 1- year tuition and living fee.

Also, Read 

What to include in an SOP for MS Courses	Interview Guide for F-1 Visa Guide in USA
STEM Education: An Overview	What is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Work Permit after MS in Computer Science in US

After pursuing Computer Science in USA, you may want to extend your stay for employment or other related work. To stretch your stay, you may require any of the following:

- Optional Practical Training (OPT): With the help of an OPT extension, graduates can stay in the US after completing their course and work for a maximum of 12 months.

- STEM OPT Extension: This is required by those studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. STEM OPT extension will let you stay and work in the United States for 24 months post-graduation.

Get details about post-study work permits in USA and also check out the difference between CPT and OPT.

MS in Computer Science Scholarships for the US

More than 100 scholarships are listed on our Shiksha website for students wishing to pursue an MS in Computer Science from the US. Different scholarships and grants are available for students which can aid in reducing their loans. These can also help those who are targeting top colleges with a tight budget.

List of Top Scholarships for MS in CS in USA Graduates

Some of the top scholarships popularly offered to Indian students studying in USA admitted under an MS in CS are as follows:

- Generation Google Scholarship: USD 10,000 worth of scholarship offered to MS in CS grads in USA.

- Tata Scholarships are offered at Cornell University.

- Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students- PG: Offers around USD 7,000 worth of merit-based scholarships to international students.

- International Texas Public Education Grant: Offers USD 1,500 as a scholarship to meritorious students.

Students can refer to our US scholarship page to get details regarding the same apart from the above-given list of scholarships.

MS in Computer Science Jobs and Salaries in the US (ROI)

Return on Investment or ROI is the most important aspect considered while pursuing higher education in USA. Following is a list of specializations which can yield better returns on their investments for international students who would graduate with a Master in Computer Science course in USA:

MS in CS Specializations Across US Universities	First-Year Tuition Fee	20 Years Net ROI (Source: Payscale)
Master of Science in Technology and Policy , Massachusetts Institute of Technology	INR 49 L	USD 1,596,000 (INR 13.5 Cr)
Master of Science in Computer Science , Stanford University	INR 36 L	USD 1,902,000 (INR 16 Cr)
M.S in Computer Science , Carnegie Mellon University	INR 49 L	USD 1,519,000 (INR 12.9 Cr)
Master of Science in Computer Science , University of California	INR 27 L	USD 1,702,000 (INR 14.4 Cr)
MS in Computational Science & Engineering , Harvard University	INR 54 L	USD 1,530,000 (INR 13 Cr)

USD 1= INR 85.05

Top Recruiters for MS Computer Science in the US

While filtering the top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science, students often keep in mind the post-graduation recruitment prospects. Getting hired by top market players is everyone’s dream. Listed below are a few top companies hiring Computer Science graduates from the best universities. The following jobs can be considered for postgraduate Computer Science applicants in USA:

• Software Developers
• Web Developers
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Program Manager
• Process Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Blockchain Designers
• UX Designers

Jobs and Salaries after an Masters in CS in USA

The popular jobs and salaries after pursuing a MS in Computer Science from a top university in the USA are given in the table below:

Top Recruiters	Job Roles	Estimated Salary
Google	Software Engineer	INR 80L-INR 1.05Cr
Microsoft	Data Scientist	INR 85L-INR 1.1Cr
Amazon	Machine Learning Engineer	INR 95L-INR 1.2Cr
Apple	Cloud Solutions Architect	INR 90L-INR 1.15Cr
Meta	AI Research Scientist	INR 1 Cr-INR 1.25Cr

Related Reads

USA Student Visa Guide	Study Guide to USA for International Students
Cost of Living in USA for Students	Popular Job Sectors in US in 2023

Akansha Katariya09-23-2025 14:28