Cost for MS in the USA in 2024: Complete Guide for Cost of Studying MS in the USA

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The USA is undoubtedly the best place to pursue an MS. Every year, thousands of undergraduates move to the USA for a master’s. But is an MS in the USA genuinely worth it? 

Absolutely. The USA is the best place for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management) courses; top CEOs like Satya Nadela and Sundar Pichai are all examples of how an MS in the USA can change your life.

American universities provide several advantages to their students, including high-quality education with renowned global faculty, world-class innovation and research opportunities, lucrative employment opportunities, flexibility, career enhancement, and cultural exposure. However, the first thing that comes to students’ minds is the cost of MS in the USA. 

You need to factor in the cost of MS in the USA typically takes 2 years to complete. The tuition fee may vary from state to state and from one university to another. It also depends on the career path you intend to take. Additionally, scholarships are available for master’s degree programmes in the USA. 

Obtaining a scholarship might considerably lower your expenses. In addition to this, students can also use student loans to pay for their tuition fees.


Well, this blog will answer more queries on the cost of MS in the USA. Let’s jump right in.

Cost of MS in the USA: An Overview

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Cost for MS in the USA in 2024: Complete Guide for Cost of Studying MS in the USA

The tuition fee is any student’s direct cost of MS in the USA. However, there are various aspects to consider. The simplest way to assess your expenditures to keep a tab of your MS cost in the USA is to list everything you’ll need, beginning with the application procedure.

To simplify things, we’ve included the main cost of MS in the USA in the table below. 

Cost parameters Costs
TOEFL entrance exam costsINR 16,900
Application FeeINR 3300 – INR 16,000
GRE entrance exam FeeINR 22,550
Cost of tuitionINR 5L – INR 66L
Cost of livingINR 1L

Note: Some factors will vary depending on your chosen city and university. The application fee may be higher than usual for top universities. 

Cost Of MS in the USA: Most Affordable Universities in the USA

The USA is slightly more expensive than in other countries. Still, you can land an affordable university with enough research and early application and cut down the cost of MS in the USA.

Here are universities that have lower tuition fees-

UniversitiesAvg Annual Tuition Fees
New Mexico Highlands UniversityINR 5L
Arkansas Tech University INR 6L
California State UniversityINR 6L
University of Louisiana–MonroeINR 6L – INR 8L
West Texas A&M UniversityINR 11L – INR 15L
South Dakota State UniversityINR 9L – INR 16L
Northwest Missouri State UniversityINR 14L
Southeast Missouri State UniversityINR 19L
Middle Georgia State UniversityINR 24L
Brigham Young University INR 11L – INR 25L
Note: The tuition fees mentioned in the table are approximate costs and may vary depending on the course and program.

Cost Of MS in the USA: Top-ranked universities and colleges in the USA

The USA is home to most of the world’s top universities. On the one hand, the top universities are highly selective and have low acceptance rates, but on the other, they have very high academic standards and employment rates.Even though it seems challenging, getting into these prestigious universities is doable with a robust application.

Here is a list of top-ranked universities and their cost of MS in the USA:

Top University Annual Tuition Fee
University of California Berkeley (UCB)INR 40L
Stanford UniversityINR 42L
Harvard UniversityINR 47.7L
Princeton UniversityINR 50L
California Institute of TechnologyINR 52.7L
University of ChicagoINR 54.6L
The University of PennsylvaniaINR 54.6L
Yale UniversityINR 55L
Cornell UniversityINR 55L
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyINR 66.6L
Note: The above-mentioned tuition fee suggests the average tuition fee for the respective university. However, the amount may vary depending on your course or duration of the program.

Best MS courses to study in the USA 

Deciding which course you want to study depends on factors such as the subject of interest, career opportunities, course structure and content, duration, and the total course cost of MS in the USA.

Some of the best courses to study in the USA in 2023 are as follows.

Course Programs OfferedTop Universities
Engineering Bio-Medical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Chemical EngineeringStanford University
Civil EngineeringHarvard University
Computer EngineeringThe University of Pennsylvania
Mechanical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Aeronautical EngineeringCornell University
Business & ManagementBusiness AnalyticsMassachusetts Institute of Technology
International ManagementNew York University (NYU)
FinanceStanford University
MarketingUniversity of Southern California (USC)
Public HealthEnvironmental Health SciencesUniversity of Washington
Epidemiology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Population, Family & HealthJohns Hopkins University
BiostatisticsThe University of Pennsylvania
SciencesBiologyYale University
MathematicsStanford University
PhysicsCalifornia Institute of Technology
Data ScienceThe University of Pennsylvania

How to cut down the cost of MS in the USA?

Studying in the USA may be expensive, but with the help of scholarships, you can cut your costs for MS in the USA. Many top universities provide full funding scholarships based on merit or need. You can apply for these scholarships during the application process. There are also plenty of organisations and government-based scholarships available for Indian students.

Scholarships have several criteria, such as scholarship essays and the quality of an application, based on which a student may be awarded a scholarship. When submitting their applications, students can apply for financial aid. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are both available. After the student is chosen, certain US universities immediately award financial help that can considerably cut down the cost of MS in the USA.

In contrast, at certain universities, you must check the scholarship requirements. There are numerous scholarships available for MS study in the USA.

Some of the most popular scholarships to cut the cost for MS in the USA are: 

Education loans are popular with students to cut down costs for MS in the USA since there are exceptional post-graduation job opportunities, and it’s easier to pay back your loans. Universities like Harvard, Standford, and Yale provide independent scholarships for students, so it’s best to check with the university during the admission process. 

Besides, scholarships are not the only option to reduce your MS cost in the USA. You can always opt for student loans. 

We agree that bank loans come with hefty interest rates, but Leap Finance differs. Fund your desire to study abroad with Leap Finance. We provide collateral-free loans for US education at low interest rates.

Admission Requirements for MS in the USA

Admission requirements are specific to universities. Still, certain conditions are mandatory for all STEM courses. The course you choose decides what entrance exams you must take. Typically, you would require the following.

Apart from the above exams, you would also need

Note: GRE and work experience are optional for every course and university. Many universities accept applications without the GRE, GMAT or work experience, so make sure to apply! 

Final Thoughts

Studying MS in the USA is an excellent opportunity for students to build expertise and practical skills in the field of their choice. The USA presents a significant number of job opportunities for students post-graduation. The starting salary for MS graduates in the USA is around INR 60L to INR 98L annually.

Need help to figure out how to start your MS in the USA journey and the cost of MS in the USA? Get a personalised list of universities curated by our study abroad experts and step-by-step guidance for the application process from our counsellors. Book a free call today! 

And if you’re considering other options like the UK, Australia and Canada, we’ve got you covered, too. Schedule a free consultation with our experts today for personalised guidance and advice.
Leap Scholar is proud to have a highly qualified team of counsellors with 50+ years of combined experience in helping students study abroad. Talk to us and find out which country is ideal for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. What is the average application cost for MS in USA?

    A. The application fee for MS in the USA varies from university to university. On average, the cost of an MS application ranges from INR 3,300 to INR 16,000. However, some top-ranking universities may charge higher application fees than this. It’s essential to remember that this is just one of the many costs of pursuing an MS in the USA.

  • Q. What are the most affordable universities to study MS in the USA?

    A. Here are some of the most affordable universities to pursue MS in the USA:

    – New Mexico Highlands University
    – Arkansas Tech University
    – California State University
    – University of Louisiana–Monroe
    – West Texas A&M University

  • Q. What is the age limit for MS in the USA?

    A. In the USA, there is no set age restriction for admission to master’s programmes. However, it is advised that students pursuing a master’s degree after a specific amount of time has passed since receiving their undergraduate degree have relevant work experience or curriculum credentials to support their applications.

  • Q. What is the eligibility for MS in the USA?

    A. You need at least 16 years of education (4 years of a bachelor’s degree), test results for English language competency, and the GRE to be admitted to MS programmes in the USA as an international student. The remaining two requirements must always be met to be admitted to US universities, even if some universities may not require GRE results.

  • Q. What are the costs of living included in MS in the USA?

    A. The cost of living is an essential factor to consider while calculating the total expenses of MS in the USA. The cost of living includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. It may vary depending on the location and lifestyle you choose. On average, students should budget approximately INR 1L per year for living expenses. However, living off-campus and sharing accommodation with roommates can help cut down costs.

  • Q. What is the average tuition fee for MS in the USA?

    A. The average tuition fee for MS in the USA varies from university to university and state to state. The tuition fee for top-ranked universities can be significantly higher than that of affordable universities. On average, tuition fees for MS in the USA can range from INR 5L to INR 66.6L. It’s essential to consider other costs, such as living expenses, application fees, and exam fees, when calculating the total cost of MS in the USA.

  • Q. What is the MS in computer science fee in the USA for Indian students?

    A. The cost of pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science in the USA for Indian students may vary depending on the university and state. On average, the tuition fees for a two-year programme can range from INR 25L to INR 70L. However, scholarships and financial aid are available to help reduce the overall cost of the program. It’s essential to research and compare the costs of various universities before making a decision.

  • Q. Which universities offer MS in business analytics in the usa with low fees?

    A.  Here are some universities in the USA that offer MS in Business Analytics with low fees:
    – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    – University of Texas at Austin
    – Arizona State University
    – Purdue University
    – University of Minnesota
    – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

  • Q. Is the total cost of MS in the USA for Indian students more expensive than in the UK?

    A. The total cost of MS in the USA is generally more expensive than in the UK for Indian students. This is due to several factors, such as higher tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses. However, it is essential to note that the cost of MS in the USA & the UK varies depending on the university and course. Indian students planning to pursue MS should research and compare the costs of different universities in both countries before deciding.

  • Q. Does MS in the USA cost vary according to different universities and courses?

    A. Yes, the cost of pursuing an MS in the USA varies according to different universities and courses. The tuition fees may be different for different universities and programs. Additionally, the cost of living in different cities of the USA may also vary. Therefore, it is essential to consider all these factors while calculating the total cost of an MS in the USA for Indian students.

  • Q. Is it worth investing in the total cost of MS in the USA for Indian students?

    A. Yes, pursuing an MS in the USA is worth the investment for Indian students. The USA offers high-quality education with renowned global faculty, world-class innovation and research opportunities, lucrative employment opportunities, flexibility, career enhancement, and cultural exposure. However, Indian students should consider the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other factors before making a decision. Scholarships and student loans are available to help offset the cost of MS in the USA.


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Jhansi Rani

Jhansi Rani is an experienced overseas education counsellor and specializes in helping students choose the right academic path in the USA.

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