A Master’s (MS) degree is one of the top choices among international students to study in USA. The duration of this program is 2 years and is offered by more than 70% of universities in USA. In addition to this, factors like cutting-edge technology, research opportunities and top-rated specialisations entice many students to study masters in USA.
Are you also a student planning to study masters in USA? Not sure how much is the cost of studying MS in USA? Don’t worry, we have got your back with this blog. Keep reading further to know more!
There are various benefits of studying MS in USA which helps a student to grow both personally and professionally. Some of the advantages of studying MS in USA are discussed in detail below:
USA has consistently prioritized research and development, offering opportunities that Indian students might not easily find in universities back home.
The advantage of pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA, particularly for Indian students, lies in the superior quality of education available. Research-focused Master’s programs in the US often provide unique opportunities, including internships and post-study work options that might be harder to come by in Indian universities.
Moreover, another compelling reason for Indian students interested in research to choose the USA is the cost. Research degrees in the USA can be more affordable compared to those in other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality education at a reasonable price.
The USA is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines from across the globe, providing Indian students with rich exposure to diverse cultures.
Every university, whether top-tier or mid-range, boasts a diverse student population. This cultural diversity in the USA allows students to engage with different cultures, which is crucial for developing a global outlook.
In addition to experiencing new cultures and meeting people from various backgrounds, students gain a broader perspective on global issues. This helps Indian students become more open-minded and appreciative of different countries and their viewpoints.
One key requirement for international students is that their Master’s degree must come from a recognized university, especially if it marks the final stage of their education. This is a major factor that attracts students from around the world to US universities year after year.
Every university in the USA places a strong emphasis on securing accreditation from global education councils, ensuring that their degrees are recognized worldwide.
This global recognition adds significant value to these degrees, making the decision to pursue a Master’s in the USA even more compelling, particularly when further education or employment opportunities require a recognized qualification.
University students in the USA can readily access support and assistance for a variety of needs, including food, accommodation, visa extensions, scholarships, and internship opportunities.
Colleges go to great lengths to ensure that the transition to life in the US is as smooth as possible for students from all backgrounds.
Most US universities have an international student office dedicated to helping foreign students acclimate to their new environment. These offices are available to address any questions or concerns, whether they are academic, social, or related to adjusting to the new lifestyle.
Fees is a major component of expenses incurred while studying in the USA. Below we have discussed tuition of some of the top universities offering MS courses:
As per the QS Rankings 2024, MIT is ranked at #1. It is one of the top universities in the world known for offering academic excellence. The table below contains tuition of various MS programs in MIT:
| Program | Average Tuition Fees (in INR) | Average Tuition Fees (in USD) |
| MS in Business Analytics | 76.17 Lakh | 91,250 |
| MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 49.87 Lakh | 59,750 |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | 49.87 Lakh | 59,750 |
QS World University Rankings 2024 has ranked Harvard University at #4. The table below contains fees of various MS programs at Harvard University:
| Program | Average Tuition Fees (in INR) | Average Tuition Fees (in USD) |
| MS in Computational Science and Engineering | 51.56 Lakh | 61,768 |
| MS Data Science | 51.56 Lakh | 61,768 |
| MS in Health Data Science | 45.10 Lakh | 54,032 |
Harvard University is followed by Stanford University at #5 on the QS World University Rankings 2024. The table below contains popular MS programs at Stanford University and their respective fees:
| Program | Average Tuition Fees (in INR) | Average Tuition Fees (in USD) |
| MS in Electrical Engineering | 34.10 Lakh | 40,860 |
| MS in Computer Science | 31.85 Lakh | 38,160 |
| MS in Statistics– Data Science | 31.85 Lakh | 38,160 |
As per the QS World University Rankings 2024, UC Berkeley is ranked at #10. Mentioned below are the top MS programs taught at UC Berkeley and their respective tuition fees:
| Program | Average Tuition Fees (in INR) | Average Tuition Fees (in USD) |
| MS in Architecture | 27.34 lakh | 32,760 |
| MS in Computer Science | 22.84 Lakh | 27,366 |
| MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering | 32 Lakh | 38,340 |
UC Berkeley is followed by University of Chicago at #11 on the QS World University Rankings 2024. The table below contains popular MS programs taught at University of Chicago and their respective fees:
| Program | Average Tuition Fees (in INR) | Average Tuition Fees (in USD) |
| MS in Financial Mathematics | 47.66 Lakh | 57,100 |
| MS in Computer Science | 66.04 Lakh | 79,120 |
| MS in Analytics | 41.82 Lakh | 50,100 |
The cost of living is generally high as compared to the rest of the world. This is because components like housing, healthcare, and education are comparatively expensive in the USA. The average monthly cost of living in USA can vary depending upon various factors like lifestyle, location, etc. The table below contains details about various expenses and their average monthly cost in USD respectively:
| Expenses | Average Cost Monthly (in USD) |
| Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance) | $100 – $300 |
| Dining out | $150 – $300 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | $150 – $300 |
| Groceries | $300 – $500 |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Health insurance | $200 – $600 |
| Clothing | $50 – $150 |
| Internet and phone | $80 – $150 |
| Entertainment | $100 – $300 |
| Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 |
Cost of Studying MS in USA can turn out to be quite hefty considering both the cost of studying and living there. Students wanting to study in US universities should research about the fees to ensure it aligns with their budget. There are many universities in USA that offer affordable education which is especially great for students struggling with financial constraints. The table below contains details about some of these universities:
| University | Location | Average Tuition Fee (in INR) | Average Tuition Fee (in USD) |
| University of Nebraska – Kearney | Kearney, Nebraska | 12.25 lakh | 14,610 |
| Coppin State University | Baltimore, Maryland | 10.03 lakhs | 11,955 |
| Truman State University | Kirksville, Missouri | 7.37 lakhs | 8,784 |
| Monroe University | Bronx, New York | 5.47 lakhs | 6,529 |
| University of Akron | Akron, Ohio | 4.02 lakhs | 4,800 |
| Southern Illinois University – Carbondale | Carbondale, Illinois | 8.08 lakhs | 9,638 |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings, South Dakota | 9.87 lakhs | 11,772 |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | 11.10 lakhs | 13,237.02 |
| Minnesota State University | Mankato, Minnesota | 12.77 lakhs | 15,218 |
Just like in any other country, the salary after studying for an MS in the USA depends on factors like industry, field of study, experience, location, and qualifications. The table below contains information about popular career options after completing MS in the USA and the median salaries offered in the respective job profiles.
| Job Profile | Salary |
| Financial Manager | $127,990 |
| Software Engineer | $105,590 |
| Management Consultant | $83,610 |
| IT Manager | $146,360 |
| Data Scientist | $105,590 |
| Business Development Engineer | $100,000 |
| Marketing Manager | $135,030 |
| Doctor or Physician | Varies according to the speciality |
As compared to USA universities, the fees at Canadian universities are 27% more economical. In addition to this, Canada also has a lower cost of living as compared to USA.
To study in USA at free of cost, students can apply for scholarships. These scholarships are generally given based on merit and the financial needs of the students.
The funds required to study in USA are dependent on three main components – fees (USD 15,000 to USD 60,000 per year), living expenses (USD 12,000 to USD 15,000 per year) and expenses related to books and supplies(USD 1,200 per year).
Countries like Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Denmark either offer free of cost or low-cost education.
The salary range of an MS graduate in USA depends upon the skillset of a student. Also, it will be affected by the job role a graduate decides to pursue. However, the average salary an MS graduate earn is between USD 70,000 and USD 98,000.
Top 11 Benefits of Pursuing an MS in the USA
