MS in Computer Science in USA is a 1-2 year course offered by around 400 universities across the country. International Students looking to pursue a Master's Degree in Computer Science from USA need to have a 4-year bachelor's degree with academic score above 88%. All universities in USA offer admissions to international students through 2 main intakes- Fall and Winter. For admission in MS in Computer Science in USA, the Fall/September intake is one of the most popular among Indian students, and it usually begins in late August and finishes in December or January.
The tuition fee for Master's in Computer Science in USA starts from ~9.9 lakhs INR for Indian students. However, for Tier-I USA colleges, MS in Computer Science cost starts from 19.1 Lakhs INR. Along with this, living in the US can cost anywhere from around 50 Lakhs INR per month. For financial assistance, one can always explore scholarships for Indian students in USA. Admissions to US universities offering MS in Computer Science may seem tough, with the high returns on investment and a pool of CS-IT firms to look out for. The average starting salary earned by computer science graduates is around 51.18 lakhs per year.
Also Check: MS in Computer Science in USA Salary
Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in USA
USA is the hub of most of the tech giants like Amazon, Google, Facebook and many more, and thus the top colleges in USA providing Masters in Computer Science are among the best universities in the world. Mentioned below are the best MS in Computer Science programs offered by USA universities in 2023:
| University | Program | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MS Computer Science and Electrical Engineering | INR 47.29 lakhs |
| Stanford University | MS Computer Science | INR 63.36 lakhs |
| Harvard University | MS Computational Science and Engineering | INR 42.76 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | MS Computer and Information Science | INR 48.14 lakhs |
| Princeton University | MS Computer Science | INR 44.40 lakhs |
| Yale University | MS Computer Science | INR 36.54 lakhs |
| Cornell University | MS Computer Science | INR 24.22 lakhs |
| Columbia University | MS Computer Science | INR 52.76 lakhs |
| University of Michigan | MS Computer Science and Engineering | INR 41.59 lakhs |
| University of California, Berkeley | MS Computer Science | INR 21.38 lakhs |
| New York University | MS Computer Science | INR 30.15 lakhs |
| University of California, Los Angeles | MS Computer Science | INR 27.09 lakhs |
| Carnegie Mellon University | MS Computer Science | INR 42.65 lakhs |
| University of California-San Diego | MS Computer Science and Engineering | INR 26.64 lakhs |
| University of Texas, Austin | MS Computer Science | INR 14.67 lakhs |
| University of Washington | MS Computer Science and Software Engineering | INR 21.17 lakhs |
| University of Illinois- Urban Campaign | MS Computer Science | INR 29.99 lakhs |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | MS Computer Science | INR 32.31 lakhs |
| Boston University | MS Computer Science | INR 49.76 lakhs |
| University of Southern California | MS Computer Science | INR 26.35 lakhs |
Universities in USA provide the best higher education quality in the world as it spends around 1.3% of its GDP only in Higher Studies, as per the recent study by OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).
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Why Study MS in Computer Science in USA?
The US has been the top choice for international students intending to study abroad, making it the home to more than about a million overseas students.
- The top 15 universities in USA are among the top 50 computer science colleges around the globe, according to the QS World Ranking, 2023.
- According to the Global R&D Funding Forecast, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and the software sector will dominate the R&D landscape.
- USA is a hub for tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft, providing ample career opportunities for graduates with an MS in Computer Science.
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029.
- Graduates of MS in Computer Science programs in US are among the highest-paid professionals in the country, with starting salaries ranging from USD 70,000 to USD 120,000 per year.
MS in Computer Science in USA Admissions
MS in computer science from USA is one of the popular courses, thus there are certain qualification criteria for getting admitted to the top USA universities. There are proficiency tests of the international level that are needed to be cleared. These tests likewise incorporate English Language Proficiency (for example IELTS, TOEFL) and GRE.
International students must keep track of admission deadlines for studying top US universities.
Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science from USA
Eligibility Criteria vary from university to university, but the overall entry requirements for MS in computer science from USA are somehow based on the common entrance exams. MS Computer Science is a mainstream course in USA, thus its popularity is quite high and this results in a tough competition, which is again an important perspective for entry requirements.
Some of the basic requirements are mentioned below:
- A bachelor's degree: A four-year undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field is typically required.
- Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is usually required by most universities. This is equivalent to 83-86% and the grade equivalent is B.
- Standardized test scores: International students are often required to take standardized tests such as the GRE. Average GRE score of international students vary between 292-328.
- Letters of recommendation: Most universities require students to submit 2-3 letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can attest to the student's academic and professional abilities.
- English language proficiency: International students must showcase a minimum required score to prove English proficiency. The minimum required score for TOEFL is around 80-100 and for IELTS is around 6.5-7.
Also Check: Exams to study in USA
MS in Computer Science from USA: Admission Requirement
Now let us have a look at a table described below, which deals with the university-wise cut-off marks for GRE and ELPs.
| University | TOEFL iBT | Average GRE Score |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 90 | 324 |
| Stanford University | 89 | 328 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 102 | 316 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 90 | 324 |
| Harvard University | 90 | 292 |
| Princeton University | 100 | 320 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 87 | 324 |
| University of Washington | 92 | 300 |
| Columbia University | 100 | 326 |
| New York University | 90 | 310 |
| University of Texas, Austin | 90 | 300 |
| University of Illinois- Urban Campaign | 102 | 316 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 100 | 328 |
| University of Southern California | 90 | 326 |
| Yale University | 100 | 322 |
Also Check: US Universities Waiving GRE and GMAT for 2023 Admissions
MS in Computer Science in USA: Admission Documents
- Complete Admission Form
- Payment Receipt of the admission form
- Academic Transcripts
- Scores of standardized exams to study in USA, like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Degree Certificates
- Copy of Passport
- Letter of recommendation
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MS in Computer Science in USA Cost
The college-wise fee details have already been discussed in the above section, but for an international student, it is also very important to know about the living cost in USA, as it adds a handsome amount to the overall budget.
Tuition fees for MS in Computer Science in USA
The average cost of studying MS in computer science in USA is around 78,000 USD for the total program, with a minimum cost of 13,272 USD for the total program at the University of California- Berkeley to a maximum of 141,000 USD for the total program in Yale University.
Cost of Living in USA
For an international student, the cost of living in USA varies between 47,000 to 50,000 USD (38 to 41 lakhs INR) per year. The average annual cost of living in USA for international students is tabulated here:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Expense (USD) | Cost for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 20,000 to 23,000 | 17-19 lakhs |
| Meals | 8,500 | 7 lakhs |
| Transportation | 2,200 | 1.8 lakhs |
| Health Insurance | 6,700 | 5.5 lakhs |
| Personal Expenses | 9,100 | 7.5 lakhs |
| Total | 47,000 to 50,000 | 38 to 41 lakhs (approx.) |
MS in Computer Science in USA Scholarships
Education costs combined with living expenses in USA are quite costly, particularly for those from countries that have much lower exchange rates. In spite of the significant expense of study, USA offers many scholarships for international students to assist and support their education monetarily. Your living and tuition costs can be outfitted fully or partially relying upon a couple of factors as mentioned below:
- Scores of the Entrance Exams directly affect your scholarship amount.
- Recommendation letters, co-curricular activities, and achievements also play a crucial role.
Below mentioned are a few of the popular scholarships available for masters students in USA:
| Name Of the Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Society Leadership Award | Excellent academic record | Covers Tuition fees, living expenses and monthly stipend |
| PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women | International Women candidates only | 12,500 USD |
| Rotary Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program | Students from lower-income countries. | 30,000 USD |
| National Overseas Scholarship | Minimum aggregate of 55% in UG for admission to master’s or doctoral programs. | Covers tuition fees, medical insurance, travel expenses and other miscellaneous expenses. |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Citizens of select countries including India. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in respective professional field. |
Tuition fees, travel expenses, monthly stipend, computer subsidy, health insurance coverage. |
Want to know more about scholarships offered by USA to international students?
Click below and watch the video about Fully Funded Scholarships in USA.
Didn’t Get a Scholarship? Don’t Worry!!
If you haven't got a scholarship, you should not be worried at all. USA has many part-time jobs available which will help you with your monetary problems, and an F-1 student’s visa permits you to work for about 20 hours a week. Other funding opportunities to sponsor your MS in Computer Science from USA:.
- Teaching Assistant: You can earn up to 500-600 USD/week.
- Peer Tutor: You can get average pay of around 450 USD/week.
- Library Monitor: You can earn up to 400 USD/week.
- Tour Guide: At an entry-level, you can earn up to 300-350 USD/week.
Apart from part-time jobs, you can also apply for different internship programs in the field of your study and these might also get you paid.
Also Check: Popular Scholarships in USA
MS in Computer Science from USA Jobs
The typical job role of a computer science graduate is around computer and software technologies, which deals with Artificial Intelligence, Virtual reality, software development, networking and big data management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly pay of a Computer and Information Research Scientist is around 118,000 USD, whereas the average yearly salary of a Hardware Computer Engineer is around 114,000 USD/year. Check: Jobs opportunities after MS in USA
Graduates from MS in Computer Science from USA can expect a salary increment of around 9% every 15 months. The demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow by around 16% between 2018-2028 as per the recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For working in USA you will require a work permit.
For an international student thing about what after studying in USA given below are some of the popular job positions and their average pay:
| Designation | Annual Salary for Freshers (in USD) | Average Yearly Pay (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Android Developer | 60,000 | 91,954 |
| Artificial Intelligence Specialist | 82,000 | 125,000 |
| Blockchain Developer | 85,700 | 132,257 |
| C++ Developer | 49,000 | 69776 |
| Computer Network Architect | 81,000 | 121498 |
| Ethical Hacker | 58,000 | 80,446 |
| Information Security Manager | 80,000 | 120,196 |
| Lead Developer | 87,000 | 122,648 |
| Network Engineer | 52,000 | 77,040 |
Top Recruiters for MS in Computer Science in USA
MS in computer science in USA graduates usually earn USD 114,000 annually in high-paying jobs that entail AI, VR, big data, software, and networking. Several top recruiters in the United States offer jobs following an MS in Computer Science is MasterCard, Facebook (Meta), Intel, Deloitte, Microsoft, PayPal, Netflix, Adobe, etc.
| Top Recruiters | Annual Fresher Salary (USD) | Annual Base Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 118,000 | 141,000 | |
| Amazon | 107,000 | 134,000 |
| Microsoft | 104,000 | 127,000 |
| Apple | 105,000 | 124,000 |
| 121,000 | 143,000 | |
| IBM | 87,000 | 106,000 |
| Intel | 85,000 | 106,000 |
Work Permit in USA
After earning your MS in Computer Science in USA, students can apply for an OPT (Optional Practical Training) card and find a job with OPT within 90 days of starting. Your H1-B visa will then be applied for by the company. After completion of the course, most international students look for job opportunities in the US itself, thus the most common type of work visa in USA is H1B visas. To apply for an H1-B visa, you must need:
- An offer of Employment
- To file an I-29 petition with the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Department.
The Computer Science sector is booming day by day, as most of the American GDP is driven by Silicon Valley Companies. With a projected increment of around 40,000 new job openings by the next few years, the computer science field has become one of the mainstream subjects as considered by most international students.
To know most about Post Study Visa in USA, Click here!
ROI for Top Computer Science Universities
Mentioned below is a table displaying the ROI of top MS computer science universities in USA, based on the 20-year net earnings of their graduates, according to the PayScale's 2022 College ROI Report. The figures in the table represent the average annual tuition fees for international students and the average annual salary for computer science graduates from each university.
| University | Annual Tuition Fees in USD | Annual Salary in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 54,040 | 148,000 |
| Stanford University | 55,473 | 143,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 44,066 | 122,000 |
| Harvard University | 51,925 | 124,000 |
| Princeton University | 53,890 | 124,000 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 42,994 | 118,000 |
| University of Washington | 38,790 | 116,000 |
| Columbia University | 64,380 | 122,000 |
| New York University | 54,880 | 115,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 57,119 | 112,000 |
Research Post MS in Computer Science in USA
After completing a master's degree, it is a general tendency that students look for job opportunities, rather one can apply for a Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D.) degree in USA too. Colleges like MIT, Stanford, University of California, etc. are among the top schools giving doctoral degrees in computer science and its specializations. According to recent statistics, an individual with a doctoral certificate gains up to 23% more than a master's graduate.
Masters in Computer Science in USA: Course Summary
| Courses Available | Master of Science(MSc.) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering Master of Engineering (M.E) in Computer Science |
| Eligibility | 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 GPA or 83-86% |
| Entrance Exams | IELTS: 6.5-7.5 | TOEFL iBT: 87-102 GRE:292-328 |
| Duration | 1-2 Years |
| Course Type | Full Time |
| Tuition Fees | 13,200- 141,000 USD for the total program |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Amazon, Facebook, Google, Cognizant, Cisco Systems Inc., Booz, Allen & Hamilton Group etc. |
| Average starting Salary | 50,000 USD to 75,000 USD |
Pursuing an MS in Computer Science in the USA can be a lucrative and rewarding option for international students. With top-ranked universities, high-paying job opportunities, and a diverse culture, studying in the USA can provide a solid foundation for a successful career in the tech industry.
FAQ
Ques. Is USA good for MS in computer science?
Ans. An MS in Computer Science from the United States is one of the world's most prestigious programs. According to the QS World Ranking, 2023, the top 15 universities in the United States are among the top 50 computer science colleges in the world.
Ques. Which state in USA is best for MS in computer science?
Ans. California is one of the best states in the United States for pursuing an MS in Computer Science. With an average yearly salary of more than 95,000 USD, computer graduates are in high demand in states such as California, New York, Michigan, and Massachusetts.
Ques. Which exam is required for MS in computer science in USA?
Ans. GRE is commonly required for admission in MS in Computer Science States in USA. Most of the top US universities consider GRE scores (300) for MS in CS with special emphasis on the GRE quant scores.
Ques. What is the cost of MS in CS in USA?
Ans. The tuition fee for Master's in Computer Science in USA starts from ~9.9 lakhs INR for Indian students. However, for Tier-I USA colleges, MS in Computer Science cost starts from 19.1 Lakhs INR.
Ques.What are the top jobs after completing MS in CS from USA?
Ans. The top job options available after completing MS in CS from the US include web developer, mobile application developer, software engineer, systems architect, machine learning Engineer, and Data Engineering.
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