MS In Cloud Computing in the USA in 2025: Top University, Scholarships & More

Latest Update University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are accepting applications for their MS in Cloud Computing programs until May 30, 2025. Bay Atlantic University is accepting applications for its MS in Cloud Computing Engineering program until July 1, 2025.

The USA hosts over 1.12 million international students, making it one of the best  countries for higher education. Among these, 56% choose STEM programs. Around 25% study math and computer science, while 19% opt for engineering. These numbers reflect the strong demand for technical degrees in the country.

If you're planning to pursue an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA, you join a growing field aligned with global digital infrastructure needs. With top-ranked universities, advanced research, and high employment rates, studying in the USA gives you a strong edge in cloud architecture, software deployment, and data systems.

MS in Cloud Computing in the USA: Highlights

The demand for cloud experts is rising steadily as businesses shift to scalable infrastructure. The U.S. cloud computing market is expected to reach USD 813.01 billion by 2030, growing at a 20.3% CAGR between 2024 and 2030. If you plan to pursue an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA, these key facts will help you understand what to expect from the program.

Take a quick look at the essential program highlights you must know before shortlisting your options.

Particulars	Details
Course Duration	2 Years
Top University	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Stanford University University of Southern California
Average Tuition Fees for the program	USD 30K (INR 25.5L)
High-Paying Job	DevOps Engineer: USD 128K (INR 1.09CR) Data Engineer: USD 126K (INR 1.07CR)
Intakes	Fall (primary) Spring (some universities)
Medium of Instruction	English

Different universities in the USA offer specialized tracks under cloud computing to help you build focused expertise.

Specializations in Cloud Computing

Choosing the right specialization is crucial if you want to stand out in a competitive job market. There are over 26,000 active job openings in the USA for cloud-specific roles like DevOps Engineers, Cloud Architects, and Data Engineers. General degrees won’t meet the technical depth most recruiters now demand.

The table below outlines the main specializations and what you will study in each.

Specialisation	Curriculum
Cloud  Computing Architecture	Design of scalable systems, cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), AWS/Azure/GCP infrastructure
Cloud Security	Identity management, encryption, secure APIs, compliance (GDPR, HIPAA)
DevOps and Automation	CI/CD pipelines, configuration management, tools like Jenkins, Docker, Terraform
Cloud Data Engineering	Big data pipelines, cloud storage, data lakes, Spark, real-time processing
Serverless Computing	Event-driven architecture, AWS Lambda, Kubernetes, microservices, API gateways

Similar Read: MS in Data Analytics in the USA

Now that you know your specialization options, you should explore which universities in the USA offer the strongest programs in each.

Top 6 Universities for MS In Cloud Computing in the USA

Choosing the right university directly affects your learning, job prospects, and research exposure. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, 20 U.S. universities are ranked in the global top 100, reflecting the country’s strong education system and academic excellence. 

Refer to the table below to compare rankings, tuition fees, and program value of top universities in the USA at a glance

University	QS Rankings 2025	Tuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1	USD 34K per term (INR 28.9L)
Stanford University	6	~USD 70K for the full program (INR 59.6L)
University of Southern California	125	USD 19K per semester (INR 16.2L)
Arizona State University	=200	USD 37K a year (INR 31.5L)
George Washington University	=371	USD 19K per semester (INR 16.2L)
Illinois Institute of Technology	601-610	USD 33K per year (INR 28.1L)

Also Read: Top 12 Public Universities in the USA Worth Applying to in 2025

Once you’ve shortlisted universities, the next step is understanding how to apply and what documents to prepare.

Application Process for MS in Cloud Computing in the USA

Admission to MS in Cloud Computing in the USA requires close attention to detail. A GPA of 3.0 and IELTS band scores between 6.5 and 7.0 are standard for most programs. Errors in transcripts, missing forms, or late submissions often lead to rejected applications, even for qualified candidates.

Check the key requirements below to prepare your file correctly.

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualifications	Bachelor's degree (4-year) in a relevant field from an accredited institution.  Some programs may accept 3-year degrees, but additional coursework or a bridge program might be required.
Academic Transcripts	Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.  A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is commonly expected.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)	Non-native English speakers must provide proof of proficiency. Minimum scores typically accepted:  TOEFL iBT:  80 – 100 IELTS:  6.5 – 7.0 PTE: 60-70 DET: 100-120
Competitive Exams	GRE: 310 – 330 GMAT: 600 – 730
Additional Documents	Statement of Purpose Letters of Recommendation Resume/CV Proof of funds Copy of passport

Note: Competitive test scores may vary between programs. Please check the university's official website before applying. 

Also Read: How to Study Masters in the USA without GRE?

After sorting your academic records and exams, you must apply for the student visa to legally begin your program in the USA.

Student Visa for USA

Securing an F-1 visa is one of the most sensitive stages in your plan to study MS in Cloud Computing in the USA. Even a small error in your financial proof or DS-160 form can result in denial. In a recent cycle, the U.S. rejected 279K F-1 student visa applications out of 679K, marking a 41% rejection rate, so precision matters.

Use the information below to understand what makes a strong visa file and avoid common errors.

Criteria	Details
Visa Type	F-1 student visa
Admission Offer	You must hold an official admission letter (Form I-20) from a U.S. university certified by SEVP.
Full-Time Enrollment	Enrolment as a full-time student is mandatory for the entire duration of the program.
Financial Proof	You need to provide documented proof of funds covering both tuition and living costs for your study period.
Valid Passport	Your passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond your expected program end date.
SEVIS Fee Payment	The SEVIS fee of $350 (INR 29K) must be paid before attending your visa interview.
Visa Application	Complete the DS-160 form and schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Health Insurance	Coverage is mandatory during your studies, in line with state or university policies.
Visa Validity	The F-1 visa stays valid for the length of your academic course, typically up to 5 years.

Also Refer: F1 Visa Documents Checklist

Once your studies finish, your focus will shift to staying back and working legally in the USA through a post-study work visa.

Post-Study Work Visa in the USA

After completing your MS in Cloud Computing in the USA, you can apply for OPT to gain hands-on work experience. STEM graduates can extend OPT to 36 months under the STEM OPT Extension. Timing your application is critical.

Explore the available post-study visa options and their key rules below.

Visa Type	Key Details
OPT (Optional Practical Training)	For F-1 students Valid for 12 months The job must relate to the degree Apply 90 days before or 60 days after graduation Requires Form I-765 + SEVIS update
STEM OPT Extension	24-month extension for STEM grads Total 36 months with initial OPT Employers must use E-Verify Apply before the  initial OPT expires
Cap-Gap Extension	For F-1 students with pending H-1B Extends OPT until the H-1B start date No separate application needed

Knowing the work visa options helps you plan for job continuity and long-term employment after your degree. Now let’s take a look at the cost of studying in the USA for cloud computing. 

Cost of Studying Cloud Computing in the USA

Understanding the cost of studying in the USA helps you plan your finances better. Along with tuition fees, you must consider housing, meals, books, and daily expenses. 

In major cities, the cost of living in the USA can go as high as USD 4.5K (INR 3.8L) per month, especially in places like New York and Los Angeles.

Use the breakdown below to estimate your yearly expenses for Cloud computing master's programs in the USA.

Expense	Annual Cost (USD)	Annual Cost (INR)
Tuition Fee	~USD 30K (Vary in programs)	INR 25.5L
On-campus housing and meals	~USD 20K	INR 17L
Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment	~USD 2K	INR 1.7L
Transportation	~UDS 3.5K	INR 3L
Personal (Mobile, Leisure, etc)	~USD 4.6K	INR 3.9L

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on current exchange rate.

You can reduce your financial burden by applying to scholarships available for international students in cloud computing programs.

Scholarships for International Students

Studying abroad comes with high expenses, but several scholarship programs can ease the financial load. At Stanford University, the average need-based award for first-year students is USD 70.5K (INR 60L), making funding opportunities critical for applicants. Many scholarships support tuition, living, and travel costs.

Explore the scholarships below to see which ones match your academic level and goals.

Scholarship Name	Type	Benefits
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program (Stanford University)	University-Based	Full funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford Covers tuition and associated fees Stipend for living and academic expenses Travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford
International Student Scholarship (University of Michigan - LSA)	University-Based	Merit-based scholarships for first-year international students Renewable for four years of undergraduate study
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	Government-Based	J-1 visa sponsorship Funding support for tuition and living expenses Health benefit plan
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program	Government-Based	Payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university Pre-academic English language training, if required Maintenance allowance, including a one-time settling-in allowance Accident and sickness coverage Book allowance and a one-time computer subsidy Air travel to and from the U.S. and domestic travel to required program events
AAUW International Fellowships	NGO-Based	Stipend of $20k (INR 17L)for master’s or professional degree Stipend of $25 (INR 21.2L) for academic doctorate degree Funds are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and midpoint of the fellowship term
Rotary Peace Fellowship	NGO-Based	Covers tuition and fees Room and board Round-trip transportation Internship and field-study expenses

Suggested Read: Scholarships for MS in USA in 2025

Scholarships can also improve your access to top-tier job roles after graduation by easing the financial pressure during your studies. 

Career Options after MS In Cloud Computing in the USA

Cloud computing master's programs in the USA prepare you for high-demand roles across industries. About 60% of organizations now run over half their workloads in the cloud, driving the need for skilled professionals in cloud architecture, security, and automation. These jobs offer strong salaries and long-term career stability.

Explore the jobs in the USA for fresher cloud computing graduates below, along with their average annual earnings, to guide your next move.

Job Title	Avg Annual Salary (USD)	Avg Annual Salary (INR)
DevOps Engineer	USD 128K	INR 1.09CR
Data Engineer	USD 126K	INR 1.07CR
Cloud Solutions Architect	USD 100K	INR 85.1L
Cloud Security Engineer	USD 100K	INR 85.1L
Cloud Admin	USD 98K	INR 83.4L

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on current exchange rate.

Securing these roles depends not just on skills, but also on the right employer. Certain companies lead the hiring space in cloud talent across the USA.

Top Recruiters for Cloud Computing

Over 90% of organizations in the U.S. now use cloud computing in some capacity, creating strong demand for professionals with advanced technical skills. Companies across cloud services, enterprise software, consulting, and IT are actively hiring graduates with cloud computing master's programs in the USA.

Review the top recruiters in the table below to see where your degree can take you.

Name	Industry
Amazon Web Services (AWS)	Cloud Services & E-commerce
Microsoft	Cloud Computing & Software
Google (Google Cloud)	Cloud Services & Technology
IBM	IT Services & Cloud Solutions
Oracle	Enterprise Software & Cloud
Salesforce	CRM & Cloud Applications
Meta (Facebook)	Technology & Infrastructure
Accenture	Consulting & Cloud Solutions
Deloitte	Professional Services & Cloud Consulting
VMware	Cloud Infrastructure & Virtualization

Choosing the right university can help you tap into these recruiters through research labs, internships, and alumni networks.

How to Select the Best University for MS in Cloud Computing?

With over 4,000 universities and colleges in the USA, shortlisting the right one for your MS in Cloud Computing program can be tough. You need to evaluate based on academic quality, career outcomes, and practical exposure rather than just rankings or location.

Use the points below to make your selection process more focused and practical.

• Check for cloud-specialized labs and research groups: Look for universities offering dedicated research in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, or big data. For example, MIT’s CSAIL lab actively collaborates with cloud industry leaders.
• Explore university affiliations with cloud service providers: Some universities partner with AWS, Microsoft, or Google to provide training and certification access. These programs often include real-world projects and mentorship.
• Review career placement data in cloud-specific roles: Don’t just look at overall placement. Check how many graduates secured roles like DevOps Engineer, Cloud Architect, or Security Analyst.
• Compare credit requirements and technical electives: Choose programs that offer electives in cloud automation, Kubernetes, or serverless architecture to match your career goals.
• Evaluate alumni networks in cloud companies:  Strong alumni presence in companies like Salesforce or AWS increases your chances of getting interviews through referrals.
• Check faculty profiles for cloud project involvement: See if professors have industry collaborations or recent research in cloud systems. This signals real-world relevance.
• Look for fully funded scholarships: Universities like Stanford and Michigan offer fully funded scholarships, such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program and International Student Scholarship (LSA). Government-backed options like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and Humphrey Fellowship also cover tuition, living costs, and travel.

A well-chosen university not only delivers quality education but also connects you with the right networks and hands-on experience.

Why Study MS in Cloud Computing in the USA?

Cloud computing master's programs in the USA open the door to strong career prospects, practical training, and access to global tech hubs. In March 2025 alone, 700 new cloud infrastructure jobs were added, bringing the total to 490,200. The STEM OPT extension also offers up to three years of work authorization after graduation.

Here’s why pursuing this degree in the USA can fast-track your career.

• Robust Job Market: The U.S. continues to hire cloud professionals even during economic slowdowns. In March 2025, 700 roles were added, reaching 490,200 active positions.
• Lucrative Salaries: Cloud-related positions like DevOps Engineer and Data Engineer offer annual salaries of USD 126K (INR 1.07CR) to USD 128K (INR 1.09CR), while Cloud Architects and Security Engineers earn around USD 100K (INR 85.15L).
• STEM OPT Extension: With Cloud Computing designated as a STEM field, you’re eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, totaling 36 months of U.S. work authorization after graduation.
• Access to Leading Cloud Providers: Being close to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud offices boosts your chances of landing co-op courses, internships, and full-time jobs with these tech giants.
• Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities: Carnegie Mellon University is building the first university-based cloud lab, giving students hands-on experience in cloud technologies and applied research.
• Comprehensive Curriculum with Co-op Courses: U.S. universities offer well-rounded programs combining cloud theory with practice. Many include co-op courses and lab-based learning in areas like automation, cloud security, and serverless design.

These features make studying cloud computing in the USA both practical and future-focused. Now let’s explore how upGrad can assist in beginning your career in cloud computing in USA. 

How Can upGrad Help You Study Cloud Computing in the USA?

Planning your Cloud computing master's programs in the USA involves strict timelines, detailed paperwork, and visa rules that vary by intake. A single mistake in your application can delay or even cancel your admission. That’s where guided support becomes essential.

upGrad helps you shortlist the right universities based on your academic profile and career goals. You get assistance in preparing key documents like SOPs, LORs, and resumes. The team also reviews your applications thoroughly to avoid errors that could lead to rejections.

If you’re unsure about where to begin, you can schedule a free one-on-one session with upGrad’s counselors. From selecting universities to understanding visa types and financial proof, you’ll get practical answers to move forward with confidence.