The US is a popular destination for students worldwide, with almost a million international students studying there in 2022 despite political tensions, the pandemic, and the global recession.
The US is known for providing high-quality education, with 27 of the world's top 100 universities, according to QS World University Rankings 2023, situated in the US, including prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Cornell. However, studying in the US can be challenging due to high tuition fees, which comprise more than half of the program's total cost.
This article aims to identify the top ten affordable universities for Masters's programs in the US, focusing on universities offering low tuition fees for MS programs.
Why study MS in the US?
- High-quality education: The US has many top-ranked universities offering excellent programs in various fields. Studying in the US can give you access to world-class faculty and resources and help you develop a deep understanding of your subject area.
- Career opportunities: Studying for an MS in the US can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many US universities have strong industry connections, and studying in the US can help you build a network of contacts that can be invaluable in your future job search.
- Cultural diversity: The US is a melting pot of cultures, with students from all over the world studying and living together. Studying in the US can allow you to meet people from different backgrounds and learn about different cultures.
- English language skills: Studying in the US can significantly improve your English skills. The US is an English-speaking country, and studying in an immersive environment can help you develop fluency and confidence in the language.
- Personal growth: Studying in the US can be a transformative experience, helping you develop independence, self-confidence, and a global perspective. Living and studying in a new culture can challenge your assumptions and broaden your horizons, helping you become more well-rounded.
Entry Requirement for MS in the US
- Bachelor's degree: You must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution outside the US.
- Academic transcripts: You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended, including proof of your undergraduate degree.
- Standardized test scores: Most MS programs in the US require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). However, some programs may accept other standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination in Business (GRE).
- English language proficiency: If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English proficiency by taking a standardized test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Letters of recommendation: You will typically need to provide two to three letters of recommendation from professors or other professionals who can speak to your academic or professional abilities.
- Personal statement: Many MS programs require applicants to submit a personal statement or essay outlining their academic background, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a master's degree.
- Resume/CV: You may also be required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your work experience and academic achievements.
Popular MS Courses in the US
There are many popular MS courses available in the US. Here are some of the most popular fields of study:
- Computer Science: MS in Computer Science is one of the most popular courses in the US. It covers algorithms, programming languages, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity.
- Business Administration: MS in Business Administration is a popular course for those pursuing a business career. It covers accounting, finance, marketing, management, and operations.
- Engineering: MS in Engineering is a popular course for those interested in designing, developing and improving technology. It covers topics like civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering.
- Data Science: MS in Data Science is a popular course for those interested in working with large amounts of data. It covers data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, and visualization.
- Health Care Administration: MS in Healthcare Administration is a popular course for healthcare management students. It covers topics like healthcare policy, healthcare systems, healthcare finance, and healthcare operations.
- Psychology: MS in Psychology is a popular course for those interested in studying human behaviour and mental processes. It covers topics like social psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and cognitive psychology.
- Education: MS in Education is a popular course for those interested in becoming teachers or educational administrators. It covers curriculum design, instructional strategies, educational psychology, and classroom management.
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Talk to an ExpertTop Affordable University for MS
The cost of pursuing an MS degree in the US can be high, but many universities offer affordable programs. Here are the top 10 affordable universities for MS in the US:
- Brigham Young University (Provo, UT)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
- Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
- University of Houston (Houston, TX)
- University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
- University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR)
- University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO)
- Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
Tuition Costs
|
University |
Tuition Costs (per year) |
Programs Offered |
|
Brigham Young University |
$7,290 (in-state) or $14,940 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, Public Health |
|
Georgia Institute of Technology |
$13,482 (in-state) or $33,014 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Public Policy |
|
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
$10,552 (in-state) or $36,159 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Health Policy and Management, Public Health, Statistics |
|
Texas A&M University |
$10,077 (in-state) or $25,126 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration |
|
University of Houston |
$8,703 (in-state) or $21,673 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Business Administration |
|
University of Utah |
$9,222 (in-state) or $27,220 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Business Administration |
|
University of Arkansas |
$8,841 (in-state) or $22,121 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Agricultural and Extension Education |
|
University of Colorado Boulder |
$12,466 (in-state) or $39,444 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Environmental Engineering |
|
Oklahoma State University |
$7,515 (in-state) or $23,935 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Business Administration |
|
Kansas State University |
$10,383 (in-state) or $25,887 (out-of-state) |
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering |
Career Scope
An MS from a US university can open many career opportunities for graduates. Here are some of the most popular career paths for MS degree holders:
- Computer and Information Technology: Graduates with an MS in Computer Science or Information Technology can pursue careers in software development, web development, data science, network administration, cybersecurity, and many other fields.
- Business and Management: Graduates with an MS in Business Administration or Management can pursue careers in finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and other business-related fields.
- Engineering: Graduates with an MS in Engineering can pursue careers in various fields, including aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering.
- Healthcare: Graduates with an MS in Healthcare Administration or Public Health can pursue careers in healthcare management, healthcare policy, and public health research.
- Education: Graduates with an MS in Education can pursue careers in teaching, curriculum development, instructional design, and educational leadership.
- Science and Research: Graduates with an MS in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science can pursue careers in research, development, and analysis in various industries.
