Cost of Doing MS in USA

A masters degree in USA generally costs between USD 15,000 and USD 135,000 (INR 14.17L–1.28Cr) in tuition for the complete program.

The overall cost also includes:

• Living expenses without rent: Around USD 1,192 (INR 1.13L) per month
• Accommodation: Around USD 734–2,657 (INR 69K–2.51L) per month
• Visa, tests, applications, and initial expenses: USD 3,000–10,000 (INR 2.83L–9.45L)
• Health insurance: USD 1,500–5,000 (INR 1.42L–4.72L) per year
• Estimated total cost for the complete MS: Around USD 45,000–180,000 (INR 42.52L–1.70Cr), depending on the university, course length, city, and lifestyle

In the sections below, we will look at the total cost of doing MS in USA, living costs, affordable universities, additional expenses, and scholarships in detail.

Cost of Doing MS in USA by Course

The cost of doing MS in USA generally starts from the range of $25,000 (INR 23.6L) and can reach nearly $100,000 (INR 94.6L). Although, some universities offer advanced courses that can cost up to $135,000 (INR 1.28Cr). 

The duration of completion of these courses are generally 1-2 years but various factors like mode of course, credits and university may alter this time frame. 

Some of the most reputed MS courses to study in USA along with their fee details are mentioned below:

MS Course	Approx. Total Tuition (USD/INR)	Course Duration
MS in Computer Science	USD 25,000–85,000 (INR 23.62L–80.32L)	1–2 years
MS in Data Science	USD 30,000–90,000 (INR 28.35L–85.04L)	1–2 years
MS in Artificial Intelligence	USD 30,000–90,000 (INR 28.35L–85.04L)	1–2 years
MS in Cybersecurity	USD 25,000–75,000 (INR 23.62L–70.87L)	1–2 years
MS in Engineering	USD 30,000–80,000 (INR 28.35L–75.59L)	1–2 years
MS in Mechanical Engineering	USD 25,000–70,000 (INR 23.62L–66.14L)	1–2 years
MS in Electrical Engineering	USD 30,000–80,000 (INR 28.35L–75.59L)	1–2 years
MS in Biotechnology	USD 25,000–70,000 (INR 23.62L–66.14L)	1–2 years
MS in Business Analytics	USD 40,000–100,000 (INR 37.80L–94.49L)	10–24 months
MS in Finance	USD 40,000–100,000 (INR 37.80L–94.49L)	10–24 months

A shorter program is not necessarily affordable, especially in cases where it’s a business school program. But, completing the course within 10-12 months will reduce your costs since you won’t be spending an extra year for rent, meals, insurances, and transportation.

So, before making a comparison between the two programs, it is also necessary to find out whether the university is charging a fixed fee per program or per credit.

These figures are broad tuition estimates for early planning. INR conversions use USD 1 = INR 94.49.

Cost of Doing MS in USA at Top Universities

For a complete Masters in USA, you may need around USD 35,000–135,000 (INR 33.07L–1.28Cr) for tuition. That’s a difference of nearly USD 100,000 (INR 94.49L) between the lower and upper ends.

The university name isn’t the only reason for this gap. A 30-credit course can cost much less than one requiring 45 or 48 credits, even when both are completed at well-known institutions. 

Some universities also offer one-year programmes with a larger yearly bill, but these can work out cheaper than studying and living in US for 2 full years.

Here’s what you may pay to complete an MS at some leading universities in USA: 

University Name	Approx. Tuition for Complete MS (USD/INR)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USD 67,000–133,000 (INR 63L–1.26Cr)
Stanford University	USD 76,000–116,000 (INR 72L–1.10Cr)
Harvard University	USD 68,000–101,000 (INR 64L–95L)
Columbia University	USD 85,000–102,000 (INR 80L–96L)
Carnegie Mellon University	USD 62,000–123,000 (INR 59L–1.16Cr)
University of California, Berkeley	USD 74,000–82,000 (INR 70L–77L)
University of California, Los Angeles	USD 37,000–74,000 (INR 35L–70L)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	USD 40,000–81,000 (INR 38L–77L)

The numbers mentioned above are to give you clarity about the expenses. The exact figures will be mentioned in your offer letter in the fee structure section.

Top 10 Affordable Universities for MS in USA

Some US universities offer affordability where completing an MS degree will cost you around $15,000 to $60,000(INR 14.17L - 56.69L). 

Although, the final amount depends on the credit score required for completion of course. Generally, courses require 30,33 or 36 credits. Also, the university can add a separate programme fee, which may further result in increased amounts . 

Here are some of the universities where the average cost of doing MS in USA for Indian students is comparatively affordable:

University Name	Approx. Tuition for Complete MS (USD/INR)
Eastern New Mexico University	USD 12,500–25,000 (INR 11.81L–23.62L)
University of Central Missouri	USD 19,000–24,000 (INR 17.95L–22.68L)
South Dakota State University	USD 21,000–25,000 (INR 19.84L–23.62L)
Texas A&M University–Kingsville	USD 24,000–29,000 (INR 22.68L–27.40L)
California State University, East Bay	USD 26,000–35,000 (INR 24.57L–33.07L)
Wichita State University	USD 27,000–34,000 (INR 25.51L–32.13L)
Troy University	USD 28,500–34,200 (INR 26.93L–32.31L)
Arkansas State University	USD 30,000–37,000 (INR 28.35L–34.96L)
University of West Florida	USD 34,000–41,000 (INR 32.12L–38.74L)
Central Washington University	USD 55,000–60,000 (INR 51.96L–56.69L)

Don’t compare these ranges without checking the total credits required by your chosen course. 

Engineering, Computer Science, and Business programmes may charge more than the university’s standard graduate rate, even when the base tuition looks affordable.

Cost of Living in USA for MS Students

According to Numbeo, the cost of living for an individual in USA is $1,192 (INR 1.13 Lakh) per month, without including rent. 

If rent comes in picture, the cost adds up to more than $2000 (INR 1.89 Lakhs) considering your stay at cities like New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. 

Although, the total cost for every individual is subjective and depends on various factors like lifestyle, facilities, type of housing and commute cost, the section below traces the base factors constituting the cost of living in USA: 

Accommodation Costs

Rent is usually the largest part of your monthly living expenses in US.

Here are the accommodation costs in USA as listed by Numbeo: 

• One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: USD 1,340 (INR 1.27L) per month
• One-bedroom apartment in the city centre: USD 1,647 (INR 1.56L) per month
• Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: USD 2,202 (INR 2.08L) per month
• Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre: USD 2,657 (INR 2.51L) per month

Food and Grocery Costs

Your grocery costs will depend on how often you cook and how much you eat outside.

Some everyday grocery prices in US are approximately:

• Milk: USD 1.06 per litre (INR 100)
• White rice: USD 4.58 per kilogram (INR 433)
• Eggs: USD 4.31 for 12 (INR 407)
• Chicken fillets: USD 12.37 per kilogram (INR 1,169)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: USD 20 (INR 1,890)

Cooking at home can help you manage your budget more comfortably. 

Transportation and Personal Expenses

A one-way local transport ticket costs around USD 2.40 (INR 227), while a monthly public transport pass costs about USD 65 (INR 6.14K). 

Your daily travel cost may be lower if your accommodation is close to campus or if your university provides a shuttle service.

You should also plan for shared household bills and phone connectivity:

• Basic utilities for an 85-square-metre apartment: USD 218 (INR 20.62K) per month
• Mobile phone plan with 10GB or more data: USD 62 (INR 5.84K) per month
• Broadband internet: USD 74 (INR 6.95K) per month

Other Costs to Consider for Doing MS in USA

Tuition and living expenses aren’t the only costs you need to plan for. Application charges, tests, visa payments, insurance, flights, and initial purchases can add around USD 3,000–10,000 (INR 2.83L–9.45L) to your first-year budget.

The lower end may apply if you apply to fewer universities, share accommodation, and choose a reasonably priced insurance plan. The total can be higher when several application fees, flight tickets, deposits, and insurance payments fall in the same year.

Here are the main additional costs to keep in mind:

Extra Costs to Consider for MS in USA	Approximate Cost (USD/INR)
University application fees	USD 50–150 per university (INR 4.72K–14.17K)
English proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL	USD 200–300 (INR 18.90K–28.35K)
Graduate admission test, such as GRE or GMAT, if your programme requires it	USD 275–300 (INR 25.98K–28.35K)
F-1 student visa application fee	USD 185 (INR 17.48K)
SEVIS I-901 fee	USD 350 (INR 33.07K)
Health insurance	USD 1,500–5,000 per year (INR 1.42L–4.72L)
Books and course materials	USD 500–1,500 per year (INR 47.25K–1.42L)
One-way flight from India to US	USD 600–1,500 (INR 56.69K–1.42L)
Initial settling-in expenses	USD 500–1,500 (INR 47.25K–1.42L)

This is not going to be a one-time expense for you, however. The application and test expenses come first, then visa and SEVIS fees upon getting admitted, while the rest will become relevant as your departure draws near.

Don’t forget to review the information on the tuition and fee schedule at your prospective university before making your budget. At some schools, health insurance, student fees, deposits, and books may be listed separately from tuition, thus inflating the total cost.

Scholarships That Can Reduce the Cost of MS in USA

Scholarships can definitely help you lower the tuition costs but every scholarship has different fund coverage. Depending on scholarships is not the most reliable way because if the scholarships fully covers the expense, still it will be received by a small number of students. 

For obtaining a scholarship, scores do matter but a good project, research experience, work background, or clear career plan is equally important. 

Also, rather than waiting for a single fully funded scholarship it is better to look for university scholarships, department funding, assistantships, and external awards.

Now, let us look at some of the most known scholarships in USA for MS:

1. Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship

• Eligibility criteria: At least 55% marks in a recognised degree and a relevant paid work experience of 3 years or more is required.
• Coverage: It supports up to two years of study. The benefits include tuition, living expenses, return airfare, J-1 visa support, and accident and sickness coverage. You may still need personal funds for some costs.

2. Knight-Hennessy Scholarship

• Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must apply to Knight-Hennessy separately and an eligible full-time graduate programme at Stanford. Upcoming 2027 intake is valid for a bachelor's degree holder who is graduated in 2020 or later.
• Scholarship coverage: The scholarship covers tuition and university fees of six academic quarters and a full fledged funding for living, books, academics supplies, annual travel, and relocation charges.

3. AAUW International Fellowship

• Eligibility: You must be a woman who isn’t a US citizen or permanent resident. You also need at least a 3.5/4 GPA and admission to your first full-time master’s degree in an eligible STEM subject.
• Coverage: Master’s applicants receive a USD 20,000 (INR 18.90L) stipend. The amount is paid directly to the fellow in two equal installments during the fellowship period.

4. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship

• Eligibility: Applicant must be an Indian passport holder living in India and have admission in an eligible overseas course. Applicants applying in 2026 must match an age criteria of birth year January 1,1996 and later.
• Coverage:  This scholarship provides up to $120,000 (INR 1.13 Cr) for tuition fee, living expense, one-way travel, visa costs, and health allowance
• Important: Computer science, business, finance, management, and most engineering courses aren’t covered under this scholarship.

5. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

• Eligibility: You must be an Indian national living in India, be below 30 years of age, and hold or be completing a degree from an accredited Indian university. Your postgraduate course should begin in the Fall intake.
• Coverage: The foundation provides interest-free financial assistance, but there is no fixed minimum or maximum award. Repayment begins after a one-year break and is completed through three annual installments.

Conclusion

The cost of doing MS in USA can look very different from one university to another. Tuition may range from around USD 15,000 to USD 135,000 (INR 14.17L–1.28Cr), and living expenses, insurance, travel, and other charges add to the final amount. The most affordable option on paper may not always be the best choice if it offers fewer funding opportunities, higher living costs, or weaker career support.

Before you decide, compare the complete course fee, credit requirements, location, accommodation, assistantship options, scholarships, and expected career outcomes. This gives you a more realistic picture than looking at tuition alone and helps you choose a programme that fits both your academic goals and financial plans. 

If you need guidance with university shortlisting or your other study abroad plans, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts today and get all your answers.