Undoubtedly, one of the most popular locations for master's degree programs is the US. Students worldwide enrol in these programs due to the excellent research standards and the lucrative opportunities.
However, studying in the US has its own set of difficulties, chief among them being the exorbitant cost.
This article examines the top 10 affordable master's programs in the USA. The most outstanding universities in the USA for MS with affordable tuition would be the primary focus!
Why study MS in the USA?
- Highly Recognized Universities: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked 1 out of 202 universities in the USA, according to the QS WUR 2023. There are numerous prominent colleges and institutions in the USA, and it is true.
- In addition to the top colleges, 14 American cities are listed in the QS Best Student Cities 2022 ranking. Boston, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities are a few.
- Academic Flexibility: One of the critical advantages of pursuing an MS in the United States is the freedom to declare your major as early as your second year of study. You get a full year to delve into various topics and discover your area of interest.
- Opportunities for Part-Time Work: If you have an F-1 student visa, you can choose from several part-time occupations in the USA. The US government presently enforces a 20-hour work-week requirement for foreign students pursuing MS degrees there. On or off campus, part-time occupations are both acceptable.
- Opportunities for Paid Training: If you have an F-1 student visa, you can take advantage of Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training that are directly related to your course of study. There are, however, additional requirements for eligibility. Visit the Training Opportunities section of the official US website to learn more.
Choosing Affordable Universities for Masters in the USA
Students rarely attempt to conduct independent research or come to their conclusions, instead choosing to enrol at the most affordable universities in the United States for Indian students, as their friends or relatives recommend.
The list of factors a student takes into consideration when selecting the cheapest institutions in the USA for international students includes success stories of their seniors graduating and landing jobs with reputable companies.
- Students must choose what is best for them because everyone has a different study abroad experience. Students occasionally even fail to comprehend that a reputable, top-rated university in the USA that excels in one course or profession may not necessarily be the best choice for their area of interest.
- When selecting a university, students should carefully consider and inquire about potential affordable universities for Indian students regarding the programs and scholarships offered, research and curriculum in their area of interest, funding availability, faculty members in that area, tuition fees and living expenses, and most importantly, the return on investment.
- Selecting public institutions in the US for your MS program would considerably cut costs because they are often more economical than private universities and receive some funding from the state governments.
Cost of doing an MS in the USA
The price of your MS in the USA will depend on the university you select and the courses you enrol in. In the USA, MS fees might cost anywhere from 20,000 and 70,000 USD on average.
Once more, international students' cost of living in the United States will depend on their lifestyle. If you have a tight budget, you must consider student housing. Furthermore, some expenses can't be avoided. International students' average monthly cost of living in the United States ranges from 900 to 1500 USD.
Cheap Universities for doing an MS in the USA
Many aspire to be accepted to US institutions with affordable MS fees. You must comprehend how tuition prices are determined for affordable masters in the US before we go on to the list of cheap colleges in the US for international students.
In US colleges, students must complete between 30 and 60 credit hours of coursework to earn a master's degree. Your required tuition is determined by the number of credits you have taken that semester.
For example, the cost of tuition for a master's degree in computer science at a university is based on 1000 USD per credit hour. The entire semester's tuition would cost 6000 USD if you were to enrol in 6 credits.
A list of affordable MS universities in the USA is provided below. We have provided a list of the annual average range of tuition costs for these economic institutions in the USA for your convenience.
10 Cheap Universities for doing an MS in the USA with Program Specialisation
University Name |
Popular Courses Offered |
University of Houston |
MS in Computer Science MS in Civil Engineering MS in Information System Security MS in Finance in the USA |
Purdue University |
Master of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in the Industrial Engineering |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
MS in Biomedical Engineering MS in Computer Science MS in Environmental Engineering (MSEE) |
Stony Brook University, the State University of NY |
MS in Computer Engineering MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Materials Science and Engineering |
University of Tulsa |
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Master of Science in Engineering Physics |
Michigan Technological University |
Master of Science in Computer Engineering Master of Science in Civil Engineering Master of Science in Environmental Engineering |
San Diego State University |
MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Aerospace Engineering |
The University of Texas at Dallas |
Master of Science in Cyber Security, Technology and Policy Master of Science in Social Data Analytics and Research Master of Science in Software Engineering |
California State University- Fullerton |
MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Chemical Engineering |
University at Buffalo |
MS in Management Information Systems MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Aerospace Engineering |
10 Cheap Universities for doing an MS in the USA with Tuition Fees
University Name |
Average Tuition Fees in USD |
University of Houston |
20,000 |
The Purdue University |
25,000 |
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
30,000 |
Stony Brook University, the State University of NY, |
20,000 |
University of Tulsa |
20,000 |
Michigan Technological University |
20,000 |
the San Diego State University |
15,000 |
the University of Texas at Dallas |
20,000 |
California State University- Fullerton |
15,000 |
University at Buffalo |
20000 |
You will notice that out-of-state tuition at these universities is typically more than twice as expensive as in-state tuition when considering affordable universities in the USA for master's programs for overseas students. So how do you receive a discount on your tuition?
In addition to making significant savings by going to the affordable MS programs in the US, students can further cut their overall costs by submitting scholarship applications.
To lower overall costs, students can also apply for assistantships at their colleges. Sometimes, these assistantships will also pay for your tuition and give you a stipend to help with living expenses.
Many Indian-based organisations also provide low-interest loans and scholarships to students who want to study abroad. Finding the appropriate sources and applying on time
Each US university's website contains funding information. Students should often apply for financial aid at the same time as their application.
In conclusion, there are numerous MS-granting institutions in the US. Students should carefully consider their options before choosing.
Additionally, it's crucial to remember that paying for your international education is an investment in your future.
Developing your talents will increase your employability. A firm brand name plus a reputable degree on your resume might make you stand out from the competitors.
While making certain compromises is acceptable, you should be aware of your top priorities to ensure you have the most significant university experience possible.