MS in Computer Science in USA: Universities, Cost, Eligibility
MS in Computer Science in USA - Colleges and Fees 2026
An MS in CS or master’s in Computer Science in USA is 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 USD 10,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 8.98 L - INR 62.89 L).
An MS in CS or master’s in Computer Science in USA is 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 USD 10,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 8.98 L - INR 62.89 L).
- Why Study MS in Computer Science in USA?
- MS Computer Science in USA Highlights
- Top specializations for MS in Computer Science USA
- Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in USA
- 4.1 Best 20 MS in Computer Science Colleges in USA
- MS in Computer Science in USA Eligibility
- MS in Computer Science in USA Requirements for International Students
- MS in Computer Science in USA Cost
- 7.1 Living Expenses
- Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in US
- Job Opportunities after MS in Computer Science in US
- 9.1 Top Recruiters for MS Computer Science in US
Why Study MS in Computer Science in USA?
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. Below are top reasons why US could be a dream destination for students-
- Good Job Opportunities- With 15% increase in jobs for CS applicants in USA by 2031, Computer Science professionals will increase rapidly to cater to technology growth along with other related areas.
- Top Universities- Students from across the globe compete to get enrolled in MS in CS in USA in America's top universities due to bright employment prospects, ROI and networking opportunities.
- No #1 globally: USA is considered #1 choice in world for studying MS in Computer Science.
MS Computer Science in USA Highlights
Studying Master's in USA is a dream of many international students. USA is 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 150+ MS Computer Science Colleges in USA |
| MS in CS Fees in USA |
Tuition Fees: USD 10,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 8.98 L - INR 62.89 L) (average for first year) Living Expenses: USD 15,000 – USD 30,000 (INR 13.47 L – INR 26.95 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 |
Check out Best Computer Science Universities in USA.
Top specializations for MS in Computer Science USA
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. Some popular specializations chosen by Indians include Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Cryptography, etc.
Universities in the USA allow students to blend their Computer Science curriculum with Business, Design and analytics courses.
Listed below are the top MS in Computer Science Specialisations in USA for Indian students:
| Artificial Intelligence |
Machine Learning |
| Data Science |
Cybersecurity |
| Software Engineering |
Cloud Computing |
| Computer Networks |
Human-Computer Interaction |
| Robotics |
Computer Vision |
Check the below video for a comparison between Computer Engineering and Computer Science:
Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in USA
According to QS 'Computer Science and Information Systems' course ranking, 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'. Top position holders are all Ivy Leagues which are known for offering MS in Computer Science in USA. Thus, students can aim for these universities which are considered as best universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science.
Best 20 MS in Computer Science Colleges in USA
There are many top universities in the USA for an MS for international students. List below features the best universities in USA for MS in CS, along with their university rankings by subject for 2025.
| US Universities Offering MS in CS |
THE World University Ranking 2025: Computer Science |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
#3 |
| Stanford University |
#5 |
| #6 |
|
| #6 |
|
| University of California, Berkeley |
#8 |
| #10 |
|
| #15 |
|
| Cornell University |
#16 |
| University of California, LA |
#17 |
| #18 |
|
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
#21 |
| #22 |
|
| #24 |
|
| Johns Hopkins University |
#25 |
| #26 |
|
| #27 |
|
| University of Texas at Austin |
#31 |
| University of California, San Diego |
#35 |
| University of Pennsylvania |
#36 |
| The University of Chicago |
#40 |
Also, Read
MS in Computer Science in USA Eligibility
It is important for Indian students to be eligible in all the admission criteria requires by the universities in USA. Each university in USA might have different eligibility criteria for MS in Computer Science. Below mentioned are some common eligibility criteria that students must fall under to get admission in MS in Computer Science.
- Undergraduate Degree- UG Degree should be in a relevant field. International students are expected to have minimum of 65% - 70% in their bachelor's to get admitted to any good university in USA.
- CGPA- Minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4 is required. Some universities like MIT, Stanford, Georgia Institute of Technology may ask for higher CGPA.
- Standardized Test – GRE (optional for some universities)
- English Language Requirement- Language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are mandatory for MS in Computer Science in USA. USA universities accept minimum score of 6.5 - 7.5 in IELTS or about 80-100 in TOEFL.
MS in Computer Science in USA Requirements for International Students
To get into the universities in USA for MS in Computer Science, students are required to submit some documents. These documents give proof of your identity and education to universities. The general admission requirements for MS in Computer Science courses in USA are given as follows:
- UG Degree
- Academic Transcripts
- 2-3 LORs
- SOP
- CV
- Extracurricular certificates
- Work experience letters
- Passport size photos
- English Test Scores
Also, Read
MS in Computer Science in USA Cost
The cost of MS in Computer Science can vary from school to school. The average tuition can cost around USD 10,000 - USD 70,000 (INR 8.98 L - INR 62.89 L) per year. Many schools offer full scholarships for their Computer Science program. This is generally reserved for students who have high GPA and strong test scores. Along with tuition fees you also need to consider living expenses.
Living Expenses
Cost of living in USA depends on the city in which a student lives for studies. Some cities such as Texas, Arizona, etc. are cheaper than California, New York, etc. which are a bit expensive for Indian Students. Average cost of living for Indian students can range from USD 15,000 – USD 30,000 (INR 13.47 L – INR 26.95 L).
Table given below specifies estimated student cost of living in USA per month based on different expenses-
| Expenses in USA |
Annual cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
USD 9,000 – USD 11,000 (INR 53.4 K – INR 1.78 L) |
| Food & Groceries |
USD 3,000 - USD 4,800 (INR 22.2 K - INR 40 K) |
| Transportation |
USD 600 - USD 1500 (INR 3.5 K – INR 10.6 K) |
| Health Insurance |
USD 700 - USD 1,100 (INR 6.2 K - INR 17.8 K) |
Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in 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.
Some 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.
Job Opportunities after MS in Computer Science in US
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 |
20 Years Net ROI (Source: Payscale) |
|---|---|
| Master of Science in Technology and Policy , Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
USD 1,596,000 (INR 14.34 Cr) |
| Master of Science in Computer Science , Stanford University |
USD 1,902,000 (INR 17.09 Cr) |
| M.S in Computer Science , Carnegie Mellon University |
USD 1,519,000 (INR 13.64 Cr) |
| Master of Science in Computer Science , University of California |
USD 1,702,000 (INR 15.29 Cr) |
| MS in Computational Science & Engineering , Harvard University |
USD 1,530,000 (INR 13.74 Cr) |
USD 1 = INR 89.96
Top Recruiters for MS Computer Science in US
Listed below are few top companies hiring Computer Science graduates from the best universities. 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
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 |
|---|---|---|
| |
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 |
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MS in Computer Science in USA - Colleges and Fees 2026
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Commonly asked questions On MS in Computer Science in USA: Universities, Cost, Eligibility
Most universities in USA offer many CS specializations for international students. Some top specializations that have good scope and job opportunities are- AI, Machine Learning, Data Sciences, etc. These specializations are high in demand with salaries up to INR 1 Cr per year. These specializations open global opportunities in Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.
Yes, MS in Computer Science in USA is worth degree based on goal of students. It helps students with technical expertise, career advancement and getting opportunities in fields such as- AI, Cybersecurity and Data Science. Once they complete degree, students can start their career as Software developers, Blockchain developers, Cloud architects, Data Scientists, Machine learning engineers and Full-stack developers and earn salary between INR 7 L - INR 12 L.
Yes, students can still apply for MS in USA in Computer Science program if they don’t have background in this subject but you must have similar background that matches most required courses for admission. Having work experience in software development can be advantage or if you’ve pursued similar courses at other universities. International students need to meet admission requirements and give required test score for admission.
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Commonly asked questions On MS in Computer Science in USA: Universities, Cost, Eligibility
Studying MS in CS in USA universities is not easy. Students must prove to get this opportunity. They must aim for good GPA score of min 3 and get work experience in research, internships, etc. Students must have good SOP which shows goals, achievements, personal qualities, etc. Students must have leadership for student clubs, etc.
Students who want to take master's in Computer Science in USA must have UG degree from recognised university in specializations such as Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, or relevant fields such as Mathematics and Engineering. Along with this, students must submit the following paperwork to get admission:
- Grade Point Average of 3.0 out of 4.0 scale or more
- Standardised Test Scores
- English language requirements
- Work experience
- Letter of recommendations
- Programming and Math skills
Students who want to study MS Computer Science in US can apply for F1 Visa or J-1 Visa. Former is for international students who want to pursue studies in US and fee for this is USD 185. 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.
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