Study MS Computer Science in the US:Â Considered a hotbed of the Information Technology domain, the US with its top-ranked world-class universities, latest technology, and teaching mechanism is among the most favoured destinations for IT education. Students from across the globe compete to get enrolled in their favourite American institute due to bright employment prospects, return on investment (ROI) and networking opportunities. With Computer Science professionals in much demand with the rapidly increasing technology growth, the US offers various specialisations in this domain with a flexible study system. The reason the US stands apart from the other nations is that students are taught through practical approaches. Contests are hosted by many educational institutions in which students are given a deadline to create systems/technology. This enhances their creativity as well as logical reasoning potential.
MS Computer Science Colleges in USA Highlights
| Total number of MS Computer Science Colleges in the USA |
Approximately 280+ MS Computer Science Colleges |
| MS Computer Science Cost in the USA |
Tuition Fees: INR 18-25 lakhs (average for the first year) Living Expenses: INR 8 lakh approx (for one year) |
| Top Specialisations |
Data Science, Machine Learning, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Artificial Intelligence, Computing Theory, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing |
| Admission Process (subject to university) |
Bachelor’s degree + GRE score, GPA (3.0/4) + TOEFL/IELTS score + Internship/Work Experience + Resume + Letters of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose + Final Transcripts |
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Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science
The list below features the best universities in USA for MS in Computer Science along with their global rankings.
| University |
QS World University (Subject) Rankings 2022 |
US News & World Report: Best Global Universities 2022 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, United States |
#1 |
#2 |
| Stanford University Stanford, United States |
#2 |
#3 |
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, United States |
#3 |
#102 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) Berkeley, United States |
#4 |
#4 |
| Harvard University Cambridge, United States |
#7 |
#1 |
| Princeton University Princeton, United States |
#13 |
#16 |
| Cornell University Ithaca, United States |
#14 |
#22 |
| University of Washington Seattle, United States |
#16 |
#7 |
| University of California Los Angeles, United States |
#18 |
#14 |
| New York University New York City, United States |
#19 |
#30 |
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MS Computer Science Cost/Fees in the US
To pursue MS in computer science in USA, the tuition cost may differ for different universities and institutions. Students are recommended to do thorough research regarding the tuition fee as well as the living cost while applying for admission. This will aid in filtering the universities as per your budget. The average first-year cost of studying MS Computer Science in the US is INR 18-25 lakh and the average living cost can be anywhere near INR 8 lakh per annum. Factors affecting a student’s living expenditure are choice of accommodation, personal expenditure, casual travelling, etc.
Student Visa costs for the US
There are 2 types of visas which are required for students who wish to pursue a Master's in Computer Science in USA. Both of them have been explained in detail below:
F1 Visa: This student visa is for international students who wish to pursue studies in the US. To obtain an F1 visa, one would need to possess Form I20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status. The F1 visa student fee is $160. Additional fees might be required to be paid based on your home country and the US Embassy you approach for form filling.
J-1 Visa:Â J-1 visa, J student visa or exchange visitor visa is required for international students who want to participate in exchange programs in the US.
MS Computer Science requirements for the US - Eligibility Criteria
The basic criteria that students wishing to pursue MS in Cs in USA need to possess have been summed up below:
- A Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree with an aggregate GPA of 3.0 GPA out of 4.0.
- GREÂ score between 290-330. The score required may vary depending upon the university.
- English language proficiency test score in IELTS (6.5 to 7) or TOEFL (7 to 7.5).
- Internship or work experience certificate or proof.
- Photocopies of passport.
- A good resume with a detailed summary of your education and work (if applicable).
- Letter of Recommendation by your home country mentor or employer, stating why you’re fit for admission.
- Statement of Purpose clearly defines your future goals and purpose to study in the US.
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of funds via bank statements stating that you’ve enough balance to pay your 1- year tuition and living fee.
Work Permit after MS Computer Science in the US
After pursuing Computer Science in USA, you may want to extend your stay for employment or other related work. To stretch your stay, you may require any of the following:
- Optional Practical Training (OPT):Â With the help of an OPT extension, graduates can stay in the US after completing their course and work for a maximum of 12 months.
- STEM OPT Extension: This is required by those studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. STEM OPT extension will let you stay and work in the United States for 24 months post-graduation.
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MS Computer Science Scholarships for the US
More than 100 scholarships are listed on our Shiksha website for students wishing to pursue MS in Computer Science from the US. Different scholarships and grants are available for students which can aid in reducing their loans. These can also help those who are targeting top colleges with a tight budget. Students can refer to our US scholarship page to get details regarding the same.
MS Computer Science Jobs and Salaries in the US (ROI)
| Specialisations |
First-Year Tuition Fee |
Average Salaries – by degree (Source: emolument/official websites) |
| Master of Science in Technology and Policy Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
INR 41,29,389 |
$63,900 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science Stanford University |
INR 27,98,552 |
$90,000 |
| M.S in Computer Science Carnegie Mellon University |
INR 37,43,305 |
$84,400 |
| Master of Science in Computer Science University of California |
INR 19,74,608 |
$67,546 |
| MS in Computational Science & Engineering Harvard University |
INR 43,31,283 |
n/a |
Top Recruiters for MS Computer Science in the US
While filtering the top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science, students often keep in mind the post-graduation recruitment prospects. Getting hired by top market players is everyone’s dream. Listed below are a few top companies hiring Computer Science graduates from the best universities.
University |
Top Recruiters |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Google | Microsoft | Oracle | Apple | Amazon | DropBox |Airbnb | IBM | Cisco |Facebook |Akamai | Intel | Adobe | Benchling | Quizlet |
| Stanford University |
CITADEL | Carta | Accenture |Bloomberg | CIA Research Labs | Cerebras | eBay | ENPHASE | Google |Fujitsu | Hitachi | Honda | IBM | Infosys | Meta | Nissan |
| Carnegie Mellon University |
Adobe | Agility Robotics | AI Foundation | Alibaba Group | Amazon | Aurora | Barclays | Bayer | Bloomberg | Deloitte | EY | Facebook | Goldman Sachs | JP Morgan Chase |
| University of California |
Intel | Microsoft | Google | Synopsys | Samsung | Apple | Twitter | SAP | Dolby Labs | Meta Inc. | Orange | Broadcom |
| Harvard University |
Agile Communications | Accenture | Microsoft | McKinsey & Company | Morgan Stanley | Oracle / BEA Systems / Plumtree Software | Procter & Gamble | Sun Microsystems | The Walt Disney Company | TIBCO Software Inc |
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MS Computer Science in the US FAQs
Q. Can I apply for MS in Computer Science if I don’t have a background in the same?
A. Yes, you can still apply if you don’t have a background in this subject provided you possess a similar or equal background that matches most of the prerequisite courses required for admission. Considerations will be made if you have laudable work experience in software development or if you’ve pursued similar courses at other universities or colleges.
Q. Why do Indian students target the US to pursue MS in Computer Science?
A. Due to brilliant job prospects, return on investment (ROI) and networking opportunities students in India wish to get enrolled in the top US universities. With Computer Science professionals in much demand with the rapidly increasing technology growth, the US offers various specialisations in this domain with a flexible study system. The reason US stands apart from the other nations is that students are taught through practical approaches.
Q. How much budget should I expect to maintain to pay the tuition fee for MS Comp. Science in the US?
A. To pursue MS in computer science in the USA, the tuition cost may differ for different universities and institutions. The average first-year cost of studying MS Computer Science in the US is INR 18-25 lakh. Also, the average living cost can be anywhere near INR 8 lakh per annum.
Q. What visas can I apply for to study in the US?
A. Students wishing to study MS Computer Science in the US can apply for F1 Visa or J-1 Visa. The former is for international students who wish to pursue studies in the US and the fee for the same is $160. J-1 visa, J student visa or exchange visitor visa is required for international students who want to participate in exchange programs in the US.
Q. What work permits would I require if I want to extend my stay after graduation in the US?
A. Students who want to extend their stay for employment or other related work will require a work permit for the same. With the help of an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, graduates can stay in the US after completing their course and work for a maximum of 12 months. STEM OPT Extension is required by those studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Q. Are there any scholarships available for students planning to pursue MS in Computer Science from the US?
A. Yes, more than 100 scholarships are listed on our Shiksha website for students wishing to pursue MS in Computer Science from the US. Different scholarships and grants are available for students which can aid in reducing their loans. These can also help those who are targeting top colleges with a tight budget.
Q. Which are some of the top companies hiring Computer Science graduates from the US?
A. Getting hired by top market players is everyone’s dream. Some of the renowned agencies/organisations which have offered placement to MS Comp. Science graduates from the US are Google, Apple, Microsoft, Nissan, IBM, Quizlet, Cisco, Facebook, Hitachi, Infosys, Adobe, Intel, Dropbox, eBay, Accenture, etc.
Q. What is a Statement of Purpose? Why is it mandatory to apply for admission?
A. Almost all the universities in the US will require you to submit an SOP when you’ll submit your application form. An SOP is a long essay which needs to include your reason for applying to a particular university and your future goals. Your SOP will prove you are serious and ready you are to pursue a course from that university.
Q. When should I enrol for admission to US universities?
A. Students are recommended to begin their admission process at least six months before the application deadline date. Most of the universities have 2 deadlines, from Oct to Jan. Students can opt for the deadline as per their convenience.
Q. Is it important to get health insurance before starting your course in the US?
A. Yes, an insurance policy is mandatory for international students as their courses require them to stay for a long time. The insurance costs are around $500-$1,000 per year. The US government has made it compulsory for all international students targeting American institutions to possess year-round health and accident insurance.Â
Q. What is the duration of an MS Computer Science course in the US?
A. The duration of MS in Computer Science in the US may be either 1 or 2 years. The one-year course is research-oriented and students who wish to join a professional domain, later on, enrol for it. They will be required to complete a project/thesis for the same. Those enrolled on the master’s program can apply to the doctoral program.Â
