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What tuition fee range should I expect if I study an MS degree in the USA?

29 Sept 2026 · Answered by Premlata Shandilya · 2 min read
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MS tuition in the USA generally falls between INR 10 lakh and 40 lakh a year, though most top ranked universities charge INR 20 lakh to 40 lakh or more. Harvard, Cornell, and MIT sit among the priciest options, while several other reputed schools stay closer to the lower end.

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If you are budgeting for an MS in the USA, you should expect tuition to fall roughly between INR 10 lakh and 40 lakh a year, with most top ranked schools charging INR 20 lakh to 40 lakh or more. Your final cost depends heavily on which university and program you choose. The table below breaks down tuition for some well known names.

MS Tuition Fees at Top US Universities

UniversityTuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyINR 38 L - 1 Cr
Stanford UniversityINR 31 L - 1 Cr
Harvard UniversityINR 19 L - 80 L
California Institute of TechnologyINR 47 L - 59 L
University of California, BerkeleyINR 22 L - 79 L
University of PennsylvaniaINR 19 L - 81 L
Columbia UniversityINR 30 L - 95 L
The University of Texas at AustinINR 9 L - 59 L
Pace UniversityINR 13 L - 49 L
John Hopkins UniversityINR 35 L - 81 L

Where the Fees Are Highest

Among these schools, Harvard turns out to be the costliest overall, with Cornell and MIT close behind. On top of tuition, you should also set aside close to INR 15 lakh or more a year for living costs, since this adds meaningfully to your total budget.

My Advice

Do not pick a university on prestige alone. Compare tuition and living cost ranges side by side, shortlist three to five schools that fit your budget comfortably, and always check each university's own fee page before you apply since these ranges can shift by program and intake.

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