The USA is a popular choice for international students pursuing a master's degree abroad. Many students consider studying in the USA because of its high academic standards and globally recognised degrees. However, one of the main concerns for students is the cost of an MS degree in the USA.
It's essential to remember that an MS degree in the USA is generally a two-year program, so the cost should be calculated accordingly. This can help students make a more informed decision about pursuing an MS degree in the USA.
The cost of an MS degree in the USA can vary depending on the university and program, with tuition fees ranging from university to university and state to state. There are lists of universities offering MS courses in the USA, with their tuition fees and other details that can be helpful for students.
There are scholarships available for students studying MS in the USA that can help significantly reduce costs. Students can also consider taking out student loans to finance their tuition fees.
Cost of Studying MS in the USA
A master's degree in the USA typically costs Rs 30.27 lakh a year. This comprises Rs. 8.02 lakh for living expenditures and Rs. 22.25 lakh for first-year tuition.
Affordable MS Colleges in the USA
Many affordable colleges in the USA offer MS programs in various fields of study. These colleges provide high-quality education at a lower cost compared to some of the more prestigious universities in the USA. Here is a table that lists some of the affordable MS colleges in the USA, along with their tuition fees:
|
College |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
|
University of Alabama |
$11,000 |
|
University of Kentucky |
$12,000 |
|
University of South Dakota |
$11,000 |
|
Texas A&M University-Commerce |
$10,000 |
|
Southern Illinois University Carbondale |
$13,000 |
|
University of West Florida |
$10,000 |
|
University of North Dakota |
$11,000 |
|
California State University, Chico |
$14,000 |
|
Missouri University of Science and Technology |
$13,000 |
|
Florida Institute of Technology |
$17,000 |
Fees of Top MS Courses in the USA
The top 5 MS programs in the USA are shown in the table below. Although the choice of courses varies depending on the student's academic credentials, this list will act as a guide for them:
|
University |
Program |
Tuition Fee |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
MS Computational Science and Engineering |
$53,450 |
| Columbia University |
MS Computer Science |
$45,440 |
|
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor |
MS Computer Science |
$54,046 |
|
University of California |
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering |
$32,487 |
|
Duke University |
MS Computer Science |
$57,900 |
Scholarships to Study MS in the USA
Scholarships are one of the ways that can substantially reduce your overall cost. However, there are different parameters based on which a student can receive a scholarship, such as scholarship essays and the strength of the application. Students can apply for financial aid at the time of submitting their applications. There are two types of scholarships, merit-based and need-based. Some US universities offer financial assistance automatically after the student is selected. While in some universities, you have to check the eligibility criteria for the scholarships and apply for them individually. The type of scholarship and the amount of money that will be disbursed is the complete prerogative of the university. There are various scholarships to study MS in the USA.
Apart from this, different organisations offer financial aid to students pursuing a master's degree in the USA. You need to check their eligibility criteria and apply to them individually.
Besides applying for scholarships, you can also apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions. A good IELTS/TOEFL score will help you in this regard. In addition, networking with your professors is extremely important to gain these positions.
Some of the popular scholarships available for MS students in the USA are.
- Fulbright Scholarship: The Fulbright Scholarship is available for Masters's degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Check out the Fulbright scholarship's full specifications to find out more information.
- AAUW International Fellowships: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships are intended to give Latin American women a chance to pursue graduate and postgraduate courses in the US.
- Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship: The goal of the Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship is to make it easier for low-income students to pursue master's degrees in the United States.
- Generation Google Scholarship – USA: The Generation Google Scholarship was created to assist aspirant students studying computer science degrees in excelling in technology and becoming leaders in their area.
- Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program: Graduate students from developing nations who are also members of the World Bank are eligible for the Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship Program. Among the American universities taking part are Harvard University, Cornell University, Columbia University, and others.
