MS Fees in USA for 2025: Tuition, Living Costs & Hidden Expenses

The cost of doing MS in the USA varies by program and institution. For international students, annual expenses covering tuition, living costs, and other essentials, typically range from $30,000 to $120,000 (approximately INR 24–96 lakhs). 

Registered expenses include not just tuition but also accommodation, health insurance, textbooks, visas, and other “hidden” costs.

On average, combining tuition and cost of living in the USA can translate into ₹24–96 lakhs per year, depending on whether you choose a public university (which tends to be more affordable at around $20,000–$40,000) or a private institution.

Review university websites for accurate fee structures, especially if you're interested in niche, tech-focused programs like the Master of Professional Studies in Applied Machine Intelligence at Northeastern University. 

You should also explore multiple master’s programs to align your academic goals with your budget. Scholarships and financial aid can help trim costs significantly, making your journey toward an MS in the USA more affordable.

Average Tuition Fees for MS in USA

The cost of pursuing an MS in USA can vary widely depending on the course and the type of university you choose. The average cost of Master’s in USA ranges between $30,000 and $120,000 annually, which is around INR 24 -96 lakhs. However, the average tuition fee may vary from university to university.

• MS fees in Public Universities in USA: $20,000 to $40,000 (INR 16,79,305 to INR 33,58,644) annually
• MS fees in Private Universities in USA: $30,000 and $60,000 (INR 25,18,957 to INR 50,37,915)

Note: All costs are updated to INR using the exchange rate of 1 USD = 83 INR. The conversion rate might change in the future.

Factors Affecting MS Cost in USA for Indian Students

The average cost of MS in USA can be affected by multiple factors. These are:

• Course Type (STEM vs Non-STEM): The tuition fees are comparatively higher for STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) than traditional courses. 
• Program Duration: The duration of MS in USA is 2 years. However, some courses can be completed in 18 months or even 3 years. The tuition fees generally increase with the duration of the course. 

State and City of Study: The location of the university is one of the important deciding factors that can increase the average cost. Generally, states like California, New York, and Massachusetts have higher MS costs and living expenses compared to Texas, Georgia, and Ohio. 

University-Wise MS Fees in USA

The cost of Master’s in USA can be expensive for international students. The top-ranked universities in the USA charge higher tuition fees from international students. Check the latest cost of MS in USA universities in 2025:

University	Type	Annual Tuition (USD) (INR  INR Equivalent)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Private	$58,000 (INR 48L)
Stanford University	Private	$57,861 (INR 47.8L)
Harvard University	Private	$56,000 (INR 46.2L)
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	Public	$29,000 (INR 24L)
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)	Private	$55,000 (INR 46L)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)	Public	$35,000 (INR 29L)
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	Public	$34,500 (INR 28.5L)
University of Southern California (USC)	Private	$48,000 (INR 40L)
University of Texas at Austin	Public	$22,000 (INR 18L)
Purdue University	Public	$25,000 (INR  20.6 L)
Arizona State University (ASU)	Public	$16,000 (INR 13L)
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)	Public	$21,000 (INR 17.5L)
Northwestern University	Private	$52,000 (INR 43L)
University of Washington	Public	$39,000 (INR 32L)

Cost of Doing MS in USA: By Degree Type

The tuition cost for an MS in USA largely depends on the type of program and the field of study. Typically, the STEM courses in USA tend to charge higher tuition fees compared to other traditional degree programs. 

• STEM Fields (CS, AI, Data Science, Engineering): $30,000–$60,000 (INR 25L–INR 50L)
• Business & Management (MBA, Business Analytics): $40,000–$80,000 (INR 33L–INR 66L)
• Non-STEM (Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Policy): $20,000–$40,000 (INR 16L–INR 33L)

MS Cost in USA by Degree Type 2025

Degree	Tuition Fees (USD)	Tuition Fees (INR)
MS in Computer Science	$40,000 – $60,000/year	INR 33.2 lakh – INR 49.8 lakh/year
Master’s in Engineering Management	Approx. $47,000/year	Approx. INR 39 lakh/year
Master's in Project Management	$30,000 – $80,000/year	INR 24.9 lakh – INR 66.4 lakh/year
MS in Information Technology	$25,123/year	INR 20.85 lakh/year
MS in Business Analytics	$50,400/year	INR 41.83 lakh/year
MS in Cyber Security	$30,800 – $119,000	INR 25.56 lakh – INR 98.77 lakh

Note: All costs are updated to INR using the exchange rate of 1 USD = 83 INR. The conversion rate might change in the future.

Living Expenses for MS Students in USA

The living expenses in USA are approximately 234.7% expensive than in India. On average, an international student requires around USD 1,000 - USD 2,500 per month to manage their cost of living in USA. The average may vary depending on the choice of accommodation, place of living, university location, personal spending habits, and more. 

Cost of Living in the USA for Indian Students

Expense category	Cost (USD)	Cost (INR)
Tuition and fees	USD 20,000 - USD 50,000	INR 1,640,000 - INR 4,100,000
Room and board	USD 10,000 - USD 15,000	INR 820,000 - INR 1,230,000
Books and supplies	USD 1,000 - USD 1,500	INR 82,000 - INR 123,000
Personal expenses	USD 2,000 - USD 3,000	INR 164,000 - INR 246,000
Health insurance	USD 1,000 - USD 2,000	INR 82,000 - INR 164,000

Hidden Costs of Doing MS in USA

When planning your MS in the USA, several additional expenses can significantly impact your budget. Here are some hidden costs you should be prepared for:

Hidden Costs of Doing MS in USA

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (USD)	Estimated Cost (INR)
Health Insurance	$1,000 – $2,000/year	INR 83,000 – INR 1.66 lakh/year
Student & Lab Fees	$500 – $1,500/year	INR 41,500 – INR 1.24 lakh/year
Books & Study Materials	$500 – $1,000/year	INR 41,500 – INR 83,000/year
Initial Setup Costs	$1,000 – $2,500 (one-time)	INR 83,000 – INR 2.08 lakh
Visa & Travel Expenses	$1,000 – $1,500 (one-time)	INR 83,000 – INR 1.24 lakh
High-Cost City Living	Varies significantly	+INR 4–INR 8 lakh/year extra
Unpaid Internships	Income impact	Depends on duration & field

Top Affordable Universities for MS in USA

Pursuing MS in USA can be financially challenging for Indian students. The cost of MS tuition fees in top-tier MS universities in USA is very high. However, some cheap universities in USA offer various master’s courses at affordable tuition costs. 

Some of the most affordable universities in USA for international students are as follows:

• South Dakota State University
• University of South Florida
• Texas Tech University
• San Diego State University
• University of New Mexico
• North Dakota State University

Scholarship to Study MS in USA

Pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA can be expensive, but USA offers numerous scholarships and financial aid to international students to cut down the financial burden. These scholarships are offered by U.S. universities, private foundations, government bodies, and global organizations to support potential students in pursuing their dream education in the USA. Scholarships for MS programs in USA can be merit-based, need-based, or program-specific. 

Scholarships for MS in USA

Name of the Scholarship	Funding/Coverage
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships (Govt.)	Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health cover
Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (Govt.)	Tuition, monthly stipend, living costs, airfare, professional costs
#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (Non-Govt.)	Minimum 50% of tuition fees (renewable)
IEFA Scholarship (Non-Govt.)	$1,000 per student (high school summer program)
AAUW International Fellowships (Non-Govt.)	$5,000–$18,000

Is the Cost of Doing MS in USA Worth It?

The USA is an expensive country to pursue MS studies as an international student. However, thousands of students from different corners of the world apply to study MS in USA. The main question arises, whether studying MS in USA is worth it. Students can consider the following factors before applying for an MS in USA:  

• Strong career opportunities: An MS degree from a recognised university in USA offers multiple career opportunities to international students. Students get the opportunity to work for well-paying jobs in the US and globally.
• Return on investment (ROI): The Return on Investment (ROI) in USA is very high. Students can recover their overall cost of MS in USA within 2-3 years of employment. 
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Allows work experience in the US for up to 3 years for STEM graduates, improving job prospects. 
• Global recognition: An MS degree in USA is highly valued worldwide, which can boost your profile for better job opportunities and networking.
• Exposure and networking: MS courses in USA offer access to cutting-edge research, which can be valuable to get global exposure.

Long-term immigration options: Pursuing MS in USA can offer a post-work visa in USA for international students. Additionally, students get the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in the USA. 

Cost Comparison: MS in USA vs. Other Countries

The USA has always been a top choice for international students, but studying MS in USA can be expensive. For many students who are planning things on a tight budget or just want to explore other practical options, it’s important to look at what different countries offer in terms of cost. The overall expenses, like tuition fees, daily living, insurance, and visa processes, can vary depending on where you go. That’s why doing a clear comparison helps you understand what you’re getting into before making a decision.

Cost of MS in USA vs Other Countries

Country	Average Tuition Fees for MS (Per Year)
MS in USA	$30,000 – $120,000 (INR 24.9L – INR 99.6L approx)
MS in UK	£15,000 – £35,000 (INR 15.6L – INR 36.4L approx)
MS in Canada	CAD 18,000 – CAD 45,000 (INR 11L – INR 27.5L approx)
MS in Australia	AUD 22,000 – AUD 50,000 (INR 12L – INR 27.5L approx)
MS in New Zealand	NZD 22,000 – NZD 35,000 (INR 11L – INR 17.5L approx)
MS in Germany	€150 – €350 (INR 13,321 – INR 31,083)

Tips to Save Money as an MS Student in USA

Living in the USA as an international student is a great deal of money. However, with proper planning and budgeting, it is possible to cut down additional costs. Here are a few practical tips that can help you manage your cost of MS in USA: 

• Accommodation: Choose on-campus dorms and hostels to save your money on high-rent accommodation in USA. In case of living off campus, choose shared apartments to divide rent and utilities. 
• Food: Cook your meal at home. Eating outside often can increase your monthly budget and impact your health negatively. 
• Avoid Buying New Textbooks: Take help from your seniors and classmates to buy second-hand books and study materials. Buying new books can be very expensive. Check rental websites like Chegg or Amazon to buy used books. 
• Use Your Student ID: USA offers high student discounts in numerous public services. Always carry your student ID card to avail discounts on food, groceries, transportation, hospital, and more. 
• On-Campus Jobs: Many top MS universities in USA offer on-campus job opportunities to international students. Use your F1 visa to work up to 20 hours a week on campus. 
• Track Your Expenses: Use mobile phones or digital devices to track your monthly expenses. Look for student-friendly options like Mint Mobile or Visible.
• Scholarships: Apply for scholarships to manage your tuition fees and other living costs in the USA. 

Important Resources to Study in USA
How to Settle in USA from India	Best Scholarships for MS in USA
USA F-1 Visa Requirements for Indian Students	How to Apply & Obtain PR in USA
Education System in the USA	Best Cities to Study in USA

Conclusion

Studying for a master's degree in the U.S. provides a world-class education, an international experience, and excellent job prospects. However, the costs associated with doing an MS in the USA can add up, from tuition fees to living expenses and other necessities. 

By budgeting realistically each semester, exploring options with more affordable universities, and making sure to apply for scholarships or financial aid, it is possible to minimize costs. 

With the right planning and determination, students can achieve the most from their investment in their education while developing academically and professionally in one of the planet's most desirable study destinations. 

If you need help understanding the costs or planning your budget, connect with upGrad experts.