If you're considering an MS degree in the USA, you’re among 1 million international students who choose the USA for higher education each year, drawn by world-class programs and excellent career opportunities.
Tuition fees for an MS program in the USA can range anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 (₹16,00,000 to ₹40,00,000) a year, depending on the university and your chosen field of study. And don’t forget about living expenses, textbooks, and health insurance—these can add a significant amount to the total cost. For example, living in big cities like New York or San Francisco will be much more expensive compared to smaller towns.
This article will give you an idea of what the MS fees in the USA look like, so you can plan ahead.
Pursuing an MS in the USA involves tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and some additional costs like application fees and textbooks.
Cost Breakdown
Tuition Fees: Tuition is the biggest chunk, ranging from ₹15–₹40 lakhs ($18,000–$50,000) per year, depending on the university and program.
Living Expenses: Students spend ₹80,000–₹1.5 lakhs ($1,000–$1,800) per month on rent, food, and transport.
Health Insurance: Most universities mandate insurance, costing around ₹1–₹2 lakhs ($1,200–$2,500) annually.
Additional Costs:
Application Fees: ₹8,000–₹12,000 ($100–$150) per university.
Books and Supplies: ₹30,000–₹80,000 ($400–$1,000) annually.
Factors That Impact Costs
Type of University: Public universities are more budget-friendly than private ones.
Location: Costs in smaller cities are lower than in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco.
Field of Study: STEM programs are often more expensive than humanities or arts courses.
MS Fees in the USA
MS fees in the USA vary based on the type of university and the program you choose.
Public Universities vs. Private Universities
Public Universities
Public universities are known for their affordability and accessibility. These institutions receive government funding, which helps keep tuition fees lower, especially for international students.
Average Cost: ₹15–₹25 lakhs per year ($18,000–$30,000).
Key Features:
Larger student population and diverse academic programs.
Extensive research opportunities, especially in STEM fields.
Located across a range of urban and rural areas, offering flexibility in living costs.
Examples:
University of California, Berkeley: ₹22 lakhs per year ($27,000).
University of Texas at Austin: ₹20 lakhs per year ($25,000).
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: ₹24 lakhs per year ($29,000).
Private Universities
Private universities, though more expensive, are known for their world-class facilities, smaller class sizes, and cutting-edge research. These institutions often have strong alumni networks and partnerships with industries.
Average Cost: ₹25–₹40 lakhs per year ($30,000–$50,000).
Key Features:
High-quality resources and state-of-the-art labs.
More personalized attention due to smaller class sizes.
Competitive financial aid and scholarship opportunities for international students.
Examples:
Stanford University: ₹36 lakhs per year ($45,000).
Carnegie Mellon University: ₹38 lakhs per year ($47,000).
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): ₹38 lakhs per year ($47,000)
Average Cost by Field of Study
The program you choose has a major impact on your tuition fees. Here's what to expect for some of the most popular fields:
1. Engineering
Tuition Range: ₹20–₹35 lakhs per year ($25,000–$45,000).
Example: University of Michigan (Mechanical Engineering): ₹32 lakhs per year ($40,000).
2. Computer Science
Tuition Range: ₹22–₹40 lakhs per year ($27,000–$50,000).
Example: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): ₹38 lakhs per year ($47,000).
3. Business
Tuition Range: ₹30–₹50 lakhs per year ($35,000–$60,000).
Example: Harvard University (MS in Management): ₹45 lakhs per year ($55,000).
4. Humanities
Tuition Range: ₹15–₹25 lakhs per year ($18,000–$30,000).
Example: University of Wisconsin-Madison (MS in History): ₹18 lakhs per year ($22,000).
Additional Costs for MS Students in the USA
There are other expenses you need to think about, like housing, food, health insurance, and study materials. These costs can vary depending on where you live and what you study. Let’s break it down so you can plan better.
Living Expenses
Where you live plays a big role in how much you’ll spend. The cost of living in big cities like New York or San Francisco is more expensive than in smaller towns or college campuses. Here's an idea of what your monthly costs might look like:
Cost Breakdown
Expense
Urban Areas (Monthly)
Rural Areas (Monthly)
Accommodation
₹70,000–₹1 lakh ($900–$1,200)
₹40,000–₹70,000 ($500–$900)
Food
₹20,000–₹30,000 ($250–$350)
₹15,000–₹20,000 ($200–$250)
Transportation
₹8,000–₹15,000 ($100–$200)
₹5,000–₹8,000 ($60–$100)
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Tip: Sharing accommodation and cooking at home can significantly reduce your expenses. Many universities also offer free or subsidized transport options for students.
Health Insurance and Medical Costs
Health insurance is mandatory for international students in the USA, and the costs depend on the university and the coverage plan. Medical expenses without insurance can be extremely high, so having a plan is important.
Health Insurance Costs
Annual Cost: ₹1–₹2 lakhs ($1,200–$2,500).
What It Covers: Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency care.
Tip: Many universities provide student health insurance plans that are more affordable than private plans. Check with your institution for details.
Books, Study Materials, and Lab Fees
The cost of books and study materials varies depending on your field of study. STEM programs often require expensive lab materials and software, while non-STEM courses usually involve textbooks and research materials.
Average Costs by Program
STEM Fields: ₹40,000–₹80,000 ($500–$1,000) annually, including lab fees.
Non-STEM Fields: ₹20,000–₹40,000 ($250–$500) annually for books and resources.
Tip: Buy used books, rent textbooks, or use digital copies to save money. Many universities also provide free access to online journals and research tools.
Application and Entrance Exam Costs
Applying to universities in the USA involves fees for exams like GRE and TOEFL, as well as application processing costs.
Breakdown of Costs
Expense
Cost (₹)
Cost ($)
GRE Test Fee
₹17,000
$213
TOEFL Test Fee
₹15,000
$190
Application Fees (per university)
₹8,000–₹12,000
$100–$150
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Tip: Apply to universities that offer fee waivers or participate in upGrad Abroad’s accelerated pathway programs, which can help reduce living costs.
Cost Comparison of MS in USA Universities
Wondering how much an MS degree will cost at different universities in the USA? Public universities are often easier on your wallet, while private universities tend to charge higher fees but come with their own perks like smaller class sizes and networking opportunities.
Here’s a quick comparison of tuition fees at some popular universities
Cost Comparison Table
University Name
Type
Average Tuition Fee (Per Year)
University of California, Berkeley
Public
₹22 lakhs ($27,000)
University of Texas at Austin
Public
₹20 lakhs ($25,000)
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Public
₹24 lakhs ($29,000)
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Public
₹23 lakhs ($28,000)
Stanford University
Private
₹36 lakhs ($45,000)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Private
₹38 lakhs ($47,000)
Carnegie Mellon University
Private
₹38 lakhs ($47,000)
Harvard University
Private
₹40 lakhs ($50,000)
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for MS in the USA
Many universities offer scholarships for international students, and there are also government programs and private funding options available. These can help cover your tuition and living costs.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities offer financial aid to international students based on merit, need, or academic performance.
Stanford University: Need-based scholarships that can cover tuition and living expenses.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Offers the Illinois Commitment Program for students with financial need.
Carnegie Mellon University: Provides scholarships and fellowships for MS students, especially in STEM fields.
Tip: Visit the financial aid section of your chosen university’s website to check eligibility and deadlines.
Government Scholarships
The US government and partner organizations offer generous scholarships for international students.
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship: Covers tuition, living costs, and travel for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees.
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Covers tuition, insurance, and living expenses for mid-career professionals.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: Offers partial funding for programs with US components.
Private Funding Opportunities
Private foundations also provide scholarships tailored to international students.
Tata Scholarships (Cornell University): For Indian students studying at Cornell.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships: Fully funds select MS programs in the USA.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: Focuses on students from developing countries studying development-related fields.
Tip: Look for scholarships that align with your field of study to increase your chances of selection.
Tips for Reducing MS Costs in the USA
Apply for Assistantships: Look for teaching or research assistant positions. These roles often come with tuition waivers and monthly stipends.
Take Advantage of Internships and Part-Time Jobs: Many programs include internships that can cover some of your living expenses. Additionally, on-campus jobs allow you to work up to 20 hours a week during semesters.
Find Affordable Housing: Opt for shared accommodation or university dorms to save on rent. Living off-campus in smaller towns can also reduce expenses.
Apply Early for Scholarships: Many scholarships have limited funds, so applying early improves your chances of securing financial aid.
Use Public Transportation: Instead of owning a car, use buses, subways, or student shuttle services offered by universities.
Buy Used Books and Supplies: Save money by renting textbooks, buying second-hand, or using digital versions.
How upGrad Can Help You with Your MS in the USA
Thinking about pursuing an MS in the USA but not sure where to start? upGrad Abroad makes the process easier. Here’s how we can help.
Find the Right MS Program
Some universities offer accelerated pathways with upGrad Abroad that help you graduate faster and cut down costs. Here are a few options:
From choosing the right program to securing financial aid, upGrad Abroad helps you every step of the way. Explore your options today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do public and private universities differ in terms of tuition fees for MS programs?
Public universities typically have lower tuition fees compared to private universities. For international students, the average annual tuition for public universities ranges from ₹15–₹25 lakhs ($18,000–$30,000), while private universities can charge between ₹25–₹40 lakhs ($30,000–$50,000).
Are there affordable options for MS in top fields like Computer Science and Engineering?
Yes, many public universities like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Arizona State University offer affordable MS programs in Computer Science and Engineering, with tuition fees starting at ₹15 lakhs ($18,000) per year.
What’s the typical cost of living for international students in the USA?
The cost of living varies by region. On average, it ranges from ₹80,000–₹1.5 lakhs ($1,000–$1,800) per month, including rent, food, transportation, and insurance. Living in smaller cities or towns is often cheaper compared to major urban areas like New York or San Francisco.
Do all universities require international students to have health insurance?
Yes, most universities require international students to have health insurance. Costs range from ₹1–₹2 lakhs ($1,200–$2,500) annually, depending on the coverage and university requirements.
Are scholarships available for MS students at private universities?
Yes, many private universities offer scholarships to international students. For example, institutions like Stanford University and MIT provide merit-based and need-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition fees.
What are the best ways to reduce living expenses as an MS student?
Share accommodations with other students.
Cook meals at home instead of eating out.
Use public transportation or university shuttles.
Look for discounts on student-friendly apps and websites.
How do STEM program costs compare to non-STEM programs?
STEM programs are often more expensive due to lab facilities and research opportunities. Tuition fees for STEM programs range from ₹20–₹40 lakhs ($25,000–$50,000) per year, while non-STEM programs typically cost ₹15–₹30 lakhs ($18,000–$40,000).
Are entrance exam costs covered under scholarships?
Some scholarships reimburse the costs of entrance exams like GRE or TOEFL, but this is not common. Check specific scholarship criteria to see if such reimbursements are offered.
What types of assistantships can help reduce tuition fees?
Teaching Assistantships (TAs): Provide partial or full tuition waivers along with a stipend.
Research Assistantships (RAs): Offer tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research work.
Graduate Assistantships (GAs): Combine administrative and teaching responsibilities.
Can students work part-time on-campus while pursuing an MS?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during semesters and full-time during breaks. Hourly wages typically range from ₹800–₹1,200 ($10–$15).
How do regional living costs vary across the USA?
West Coast (e.g., California): Higher costs, around ₹1–₹2 lakhs ($1,200–$2,500) per month.
Midwest (e.g., Illinois, Ohio): Moderate costs, around ₹70,000–₹1 lakh ($900–$1,200) per month.
South (e.g., Texas, Georgia): Lower costs, around ₹60,000–₹90,000 ($800–$1,100) per month.
Are application fee waivers common for international students?
Yes, many universities offer application fee waivers for international students based on financial need or participation in specific programs like EducationUSA.
Which universities offer the highest number of scholarships for MS students?
Universities like Harvard, Stanford, University of Michigan, and Texas A&M University are known for providing numerous scholarships to MS students, including those for international applicants.
How can international students access affordable housing near universities?
Check university-provided housing options like dormitories or student apartments.
Use online platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or university housing boards.
Join student communities or forums to find shared accommodations.
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