In today’s rapidly evolving world, the significance of master’s degrees cannot be overstated. Interestingly, at least 34,000 international students in the US have opted for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses. Getting a postgraduate degree forms the bedrock of our education and career trajectory. The cost of pursuing any degree is an important aspect to consider before enrolling. The total cost of MS in USA for Indian students typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on the university and field of study.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the cost of MS in USA for Indian students. We will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the expenses involved, including tuition fees, living expenses and other costs such as application fees and entrance test fees. We will also discuss scholarships and other financial aid options that can help you reduce the cost of pursuing an MS degree in the USA.
Affordable Universities For Indian Students To Study MS In USA
This list includes affordable universities in the US where you can pursue your master’s. These institutions extend beyond the renowned Ivy League institutions situated in major metropolitan areas. However, their lower cost does not compromise the quality of education they provide. In fact, these inexpensive US universities offer an intimate learning environment, a student community, and an enhanced quality of life due to the lower cost of living.
The following are the cheap US universities we recommend for international students:
| University | Tuition Fees for International Students/year (in USD) |
| University of Virginia | $24,778 |
| Mississippi Valley State University | $7,946 |
| San Diego State University | $21,745 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $21,002 |
| University at Buffalo SUNY | $31,266 |
| University of South Florida | $24,652 |
| University of Houston | $25,801 |
| Florida State University | $23,780 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $30,246 |
| Texas A&M College Station | $32,253 |
| Michigan Technological University | $33,278 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $27,994 |
| Purdue University | $22,922 |
| University of Florida | $21,811 |
Fees At Top Colleges For MS In The USA
These private universities in the USA have a high cost of studying for a master’s. The average fees here range between $45,000 to $100,000. Please do not be overwhelmed by the tuition fees, as these institutions also provide top-tier scholarships. Read well below:
| Name Of The University | Average Tuition Fees |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $79,850 |
| Harvard University | $83,538 |
| Stanford University | $82,162 |
| UC Berkeley | $43,043 |
| University of Chicago | $86,856 |
| University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) | $85,738 |
| Cornell University | $83,196 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | $83,598 |
| Yale University | $85,120 |
| Princeton University | $62,400 |
| Columbia University | $86,097 |
Fees Of Top MS Courses In The USA
The top master’s studies courses have different costs depending on their demand. This comprehensive table should give you an idea of the average tuition fees in the US.
| Field Of Study | Course Programme | Top Universities | Average Fees |
| Engineering | Bio-Medical Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $40,000 to $90,000 per year |
| Chemical Engineering | Stanford University | ||
| Civil Engineering | Harvard University | ||
| Computer Engineering | The University of Pennsylvania | ||
| Mechanical Engineering | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | ||
| Aeronautical Engineering | Cornell University | ||
| Business & Management | Business Analytics | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $60,000 – $100,000 per year |
| International Management | New York University (NYU) | ||
| Finance | Stanford University | ||
| Marketing | University of Southern California (USC) | ||
| Public Health | Environmental Health Sciences | University of Washington | $20,000 to $70,000 per year |
| Epidemiology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | ||
| Population, Family & Health | Johns Hopkins University | ||
| Biostatistics | The University of Pennsylvania | ||
| Sciences | Biology | Yale University | $55,000 – $100,000 a year |
| Mathematics | Stanford University | ||
| Physics | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | ||
| Data Science | The University of Pennsylvania |
Cost Of MS In USA: Pre-arrival
International students pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA must account for expenses like application fees, visa charges, travel costs and prices of standardised tests. These pre-arrival expenses can add up quickly, requiring financial planning from the outset. Factoring in these initial costs is crucial for a well-rounded budgeting strategy. Have a look at the factors below:
Cost Of TOEFL
The cost of the TOEFL iBT exam will be 16,900 INR in 2024. Registration for the exam can be done through the student’s ETS account or the official TOEFL app up to 7 days before the test date. Initially, TOEFL provided four scorecards free of cost, but students may need to pay approximately 1500 INR for each additional scorecard they require.
Cost Of IELTS
The cost of an IELTS exam is 17,000 INR in 2024. IELTS is an exam administered by the British Council and is a widely accepted English language proficiency test. If a student wishes to retake a specific skill in the exam, an additional fee of 16,250 INR is required. After taking the exam, students can request up to 5 free scorecards to be sent to their desired institutions.
Cost Of GRE
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a commonly required standardised exam for admission to MS programmes in many US universities. The cost of GRE registration is approximately 22,550 INR. The GRE scores are good for up to 5 years. If needed, students can retake the GRE up to 5 times within 12 months to improve their scores or meet specific requirements.
USA Student Visa Cost For Indian Students
Confirmed admission to a degree, vocational, or training programme in the USA is the first crucial step for a student visa application. After gaining acceptance, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee of INR 29,110 ($350) to enrol in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System. Your university will then provide you with Form I-20, a mandatory document for non-immigrant student visa applicants.
Ensure you keep Form I-20 and other required documents safe, as you’ll need to present them during your visa interview. The table below should help you with the price of each visa to study MS in the USA
| Type of Visa | Description | Amount |
| F-1 Student Visa | This enables you to study at an accredited US college or university | 15,443 INR |
| J Exchange Visa | It is for an exchange programme in high school or a university. | 18370 INR |
| M Student Visa | It is for non-academic or vocational training/ study. | 27555 INR |
Application Cost Of MS in USA For Indian Students
When applying for MS courses in USA, students must typically pay a non-refundable application processing fee. The application fees range generally between 3,700 and 12,000 INR (50 to 150 USD) or higher, varying from one university to another.
Considering that most students apply to multiple universities, the total cost of admission can easily exceed 22,000 INR. Additionally, some US universities may require applicants to send hard copies of their application materials, which incurs additional charges for courier services. The approximate cap for postal packets is around 10,000 INR.
These are the separate application costs of the universities which we have mentioned above:
| University | Application Cost |
| University at Buffalo SUNY | $50 |
| University of South Florida | $30 |
| University of Houston | $75 |
| Florida State University | $30 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $75 |
| Texas A&M College Station | $58 |
| Michigan Technological University | free |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $70 |
| Purdue University | $75 |
| University of Florida | $35 |
Cost Of Airfare From India To USA
The airfare costs from India to the USA can vary depending on various factors, such as your departure and arrival locations, the timing of your ticket purchase, and the airline you choose. On average, a one-way flight ticket to the US can range from 50,000 INR to 1,00,000 INR.
Let’s consider an average cost of 75,000 INR for the airfare. So, even before students leave for the US, they would have already spent approximately 1,55,000 INR. These aspects of the cost of pursuing an MS in the USA for Indian students may have slight variations. For instance, the overall application costs can vary based on the number of schools you apply to, and the airfare can differ depending on your choices. However, the remaining expenses remain relatively constant.
Most Affordable States To Pursue MS In The USA
The US education system is like no other in the world, but along with this comes the cost. International students looking to do a STEM degree tend to look for states with affordable living standards and universities. Find their list below:
- Wyoming
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Alabama
- Kansas
- Utah
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Texas
- Pennsylvania
Cost Of Living In The USA
The typical cost of living in the US is between $1,000 and $2,000 per month. This covers the price of your lodging, board, meals, transit, textbooks, appropriate attire for the weather and entertainment.
| Requirements | Prices |
| Off-campus Accommodation (Monthly) | $1,150 |
| On-campus Accommodation (Monthly) | $1,300 |
| Transportation Cost (Monthly) | $70 |
| Food Cost (Monthly) | $600 |
| Entertainment Cost (Monthly) | $50 |
| Markets (groceries) (Monthly) | $52 |
| Clothes (Monthly) | $111 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-campus Accommodation (Per month) | $2,033 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-campus Accommodation (Per month) | $2,183 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | $24,396 |
Scholarships Offered To Reduce The Cost Of Studying Master’s In USA
The US government spends $120 billion annually on funding education across US universities. Statistics say that 2022-23, US universities offered an average financial aid of $7,000. Meanwhile, the highest financial aid provided to international students reportedly reached $78,300. Some universities in the US also offer full scholarships for international students, and partial tuition scholarships are available.
| Scholarship | Amount |
| Full Bright Scholarship | Fully Funded |
| Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Programme | $50,000 |
| Knight Hennesey Scholars Programme | Fully Funded |
| Yale University Scholarship | $70,000 |
| Bill Gates Scholarship | $12,785 |
| University of New Haven Scholarship | $30,000 |
| AAUW Fellowship Programme | $18,000 |
| Boston University Scholarship | $25,000 |
| Harvard University Scholarship | $57,877 |
| Google Scholarship | $10,000 |
Average Salary After Doing MS In The US
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that individuals holding a master’s degree in the United States earn a median weekly income of $1,574, which translates to an impressive annual salary of approximately $81,848. The table below should help you with the average salaries for specialised courses in MS:
| Job Role | Average Salary |
| Software Engineer | $99,882 |
| Data Scientist | $97,543 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $83,084 |
| Senior Software engineer | $126,563 |
| Data Analytics | $69,656 |
| Project Manager | $83,574 |
| Electrical Engineer | $87,264 |
In conclusion, pursuing an MS degree in the USA requires a substantial financial commitment for Indian students. Despite the costs, the quality of education, research opportunities, and career prospects offered by US universities make it an attractive option. By exploring scholarships, assistantships, and loans, when it comes to the Cost of MS in the USA for Indian Students, they can mitigate the financial burden and embark on a transformative educational journey that can open doors to a successful future.
FAQs
Is it easy to get a job after earning an MS in the USA?
The potential job opportunities in the USA after completing an MS degree are vast for students with the necessary skill sets and a strong work ethic.
How much does studying for an MS in the USA from India cost?
The average cost for Indian students pursuing a master’s degree in the US ranges from $30,000 to $120,000 (equivalent to INR 24 – 96 lakhs), varying based on the institution and specialisation.
Is it worth doing MS in the US now?
Choosing the USA for an MS degree offers excellent post-degree work opportunities and access to valuable workshops and events for career advancement in your chosen field.
What is the age limit for MS in the USA?
There is no age limit to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. You can apply regardless of your age if you meet the university’s admission requirements.
What is the cost of an MS in Computer Science in the USA?
The average cost of a Master of Science in Computer Science in the United States is approximately $78,000 for the entire programme.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further