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Master’s in Computer Science in USA: Top Universities, Courses, Cost, Requirements & Eligibility

Pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science (MSCS) in USA remains a top choice for tech aspirants aiming for cutting-edge careers. As of late 2025, the field is experiencing a pivotal shift entry-level software jobs shrinking due to AI-driven automation and Big Tech layoffs, while demand surges for specialists in AI, cloud infrastructure, data science, and cybersecurity. 

Choosing from elite institutions like MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon, ranked among the top U.S. universities for MS in Computer Science, this degree continues to offer unparalleled access to advanced research, industry connections, and high-impact roles.  

Whether you’re searching for MS in Computer Science USA program fees, US universities for MSCS, or career outcomes for MSCS graduates. 

Which are the top Universities offering Masters in computer science in USA?   

The Masters in Computer Science in USA is globally renowned for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and strong industry connections.  

With over 200 universities offering MSCS programs, students often target the top-ranked universities in USA for computer science to maximize career opportunities in fields like AI, data science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and cloud computing.  

The best universities are divided into private Ivy League and tech-focused schools, as well as leading public research institutions, both offering strong return on investment and global recognition. 

Top 5 Private Universities for Masters in computer science in USA  

Let us know the top 5 private universities for Masters in computer science in USA, along with their fees and programme name:   

University 

Tuition Fee (USD/year) 

Approx. Fee (INR/year) 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)  $64,310  ₹53.4 lakh  
Stanford University  $51,887  ₹43.1 lakh  
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)  $60,400  ₹50.1 lakh  
Harvard University  $57,328  ₹47.6 lakh  
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)  $65,706  ₹54.6 lakh 

Note- INR conversion shows an approximate value and may vary based on the currency exchange rates. 

Also Read: Best Universities in USA 2025: Your Complete Guide to the 12 Best Choices 

Top 5 Public Universities for Masters in computer science in USA 

Let us know the top 5 public universities for Masters in computer science in USA, along with their fees and programme name:   

University 

Tuition Fee (USD/year) 

Approx. Fee (INR/year) 

UC Berkeley (Out-of-State/Intl)  $27,864  ₹23.1 lakh  
UIUC (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)  $24,532  ₹20.4 lakh  
University of Washington (UW)  $28,500 (estimated full-time)  ₹23.7 lakh  
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor  $53,000 (approx. Rackham grad rate)  ₹44.0 lakh  
University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)  $63,000  ₹52.3 lakh  

Note- INR conversion shows an approximate value and may vary based on the currency exchange rates. 

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

What are the top Master’s in Computer Science in USA?   

The Master’s in Computer Science in USA offers students the chance to tailor their degree through specialized tracks aligned with today’s fastest-growing tech industries. 

Let us have a look on the top Master’s in Computer Science specialization in USA: 

Specialization 

What It Covers 

Best Career Roles / Industries 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  Machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision  AI Engineer, Research Scientist, Autonomous Systems Developer 
Data Science  Big data analytics, statistical modeling, data visualization  Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Quantitative Researcher 
Cybersecurity  Network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, cyber risk management  Security Analyst, Cybersecurity Consultant, Information Security Manager 
Cloud Computing  Distributed systems, cloud architecture, virtualization, DevOps  Cloud Engineer, Solutions Architect, Cloud Security Specialist 
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)  User experience (UX), interface design, cognitive systems  UX Designer, HCI Specialist, Product Designer 
Robotics  Control systems, automation, computer vision, embedded systems  Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist, Autonomous Vehicle Developer 
Software Engineering  Software architecture, agile development, system design  Software Engineer, Full-Stack Developer, Systems Architect 

What is the Course Curriculum of Masters in computer science in USA?    

The MS in Computer Science course curriculum in USA combines strong foundational knowledge with advanced electives and research opportunities. While details differ across universities, the general structure includes: 

  • Core Courses – Algorithms, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Database Systems, Programming Languages, and Computer Networks. 
  • Specializations/Electives – AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, Robotics, and Software Engineering. 
  • Capstone Project/Thesis – Hands-on industry projects or research work that strengthen analytical and technical skills. 
  • Internships/Co-ops – Practical work placements with leading tech companies in the USA, offering real-world exposure. 

This blend of core knowledge, electives, and industry application ensures that graduates are job-ready and capable of thriving in competitive technology sectors. 

What is the admission process for Masters in computer science in USA?   

The admission process for Master’s in Computer Science in USA is highly competitive and rigorous, as leading institutions like MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley attract thousands of applicants worldwide.  

With acceptance rates often between 5%–15%, students must prepare strategically: 

  • Choose the right intake (Fall or Spring): Fall is the most popular, offering more courses and funding options. 
  • Meet academic and English proficiency requirements: Strong GPA, GRE (where required), and TOEFL/IELTS scores are crucial. 
  • Prepare a strong application package: SOP, LORs, academic transcripts, and a well-structured resume highlighting technical and research skills. 
  • Apply early: Early applications increase chances of admission and access to scholarships, assistantships, and housing. 
  • Highlight research or work experience: Prior internships, projects, or publications in CS can strengthen your profile. 

Many universities also review applications on a rolling basis, meaning earlier submissions are prioritized. 

Read more: Sample SOP for MS in Computer Science in USA

Intakes for Masters in Computer Science in USA 

Most universities offer two main intakes

  • Fall Intake (August/September): Primary intake with the widest program availability and better scholarship opportunities. Applications usually open between September and December of the previous year. 
  • Spring Intake (January): Available at select universities with fewer course options. Application deadlines typically fall between April and September

Students should apply 9–12 months in advance to secure admission and allow sufficient time for visa and funding arrangements. 

What are the Academic requirements for Master’s in Computer Science in USA? 

The eligibility for MS in Computer Science in USA usually includes: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (GPA requirement: 3.0/4.0 or ~65–70%). 
  • GRE scores (though many top universities have made GRE optional in recent years). 
  • English proficiency tests such as TOEFL (90–100 iBT) or IELTS (6.5–7.0 overall). 
  • Some universities may expect programming experience in C++, Python, or Java, along with coursework in algorithms, data structures, and mathematics. 

What documents are required for Master’s in Computer Science in USA? 

Applicants typically need to prepare the following documents: 

  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree and previous education). 
  • Standardized test scores (GRE, if required; TOEFL/IELTS for international students). 
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) – highlighting academic background, technical skills, and career goals. 
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – usually 2–3 from professors or employers. 
  • Updated Resume/CV – showcasing projects, internships, and relevant work experience. 
  • Passport copy & financial documents – required later for visa and I-20 issuance. 

What is the cost of studying Masters in computer science in USA?  

The cost of studying MS in Computer Science in USA depends on the university type (public vs. private), location, and specialization. On average, tuition fees for international students range between $25,000 – $65,000 per year (₹20 – 54 lakhs)

University Type 

Annual Tuition Fees (USD) 

Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 

Notes 

Top Private Universities (MIT, Stanford, CMU)  $50,000 – $65,000  ₹41 – 54 lakhs  Higher tuition, but top-ranked and globally recognized 
Public Universities (UC Berkeley, UIUC, UT Austin)  $25,000 – $45,000  ₹20 – 37 lakhs  More affordable, strong research reputation 
With Assistantships/Scholarships  Can reduce costs by 25%–100%  Varies  Covers tuition + living expenses depending on award 

Note- INR conversion shows an approximate value and may vary based on the currency exchange rates. 

Overall, a 2-year MSCS degree in USA costs between $50,000 – $120,000 (₹41 – 98 lakhs), excluding living expenses. 

What is the cost of living in USA?   

The cost of living for MS in USA students varies by city. Major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston are more expensive compared to mid-sized cities like Austin, Ann Arbor, or Pittsburgh. 

Expense Category 

Monthly Estimate (USD) 

Annual Estimate (USD) 

Annual Estimate (INR) 

Accommodation (rent)  $800 – $1,500  $9,600 – $18,000  ₹7.9L – ₹14.9L 
Food & Groceries  $250 – $400  $3,000 – $4,800  ₹2.4L – ₹4L 
Transport  $100 – $200  $1,200 – $2,400  ₹99K – ₹2L 
Utilities & Internet  $150 – $250  $1,800 – $3,000  ₹1.5L – ₹2.5L 
Health Insurance  $600 – $1,000  $7,200 – $12,000  ₹6L – ₹10L 
Miscellaneous/Leisure  $150 – $300  $1,800 – $3,600  ₹1.5L – ₹3L 
Total Estimate  $2,000 – $3,500  $24,000 – $42,000  ₹19.8L – ₹34.7L 

Note- INR conversion shows an approximate value and may vary based on the currency exchange rates. 

Students in affordable cities may spend closer to $20,000 per year, while those in big metros may need $40,000+ annually

What are the top Scholarships for Masters in computer science in USA? 

Pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science in USA can be expensive, but several scholarships help international students manage tuition and living costs. These awards are offered by the US government, universities, and private organizations.  

While some are fully funded, others provide partial tuition waivers or living stipends. Applying early and demonstrating strong academic, research, or leadership achievements significantly improves your chances. 

Popular Scholarships for MS in Computer Science in USA 

Scholarship Name 

Eligibility 

Benefit 

Fulbright Foreign Student Program  International students with academic excellence and leadership potential  Covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance 
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University)  Exceptional students applying to Stanford MS/PhD programs  Full tuition + stipend + academic development grants 
Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF)  Research-focused MS/PhD students in STEM  $34,000 annual stipend + tuition support 
AAUW International Fellowships  Women international students pursuing graduate studies in the US  $18,000–$30,000 depending on program 
Harvard Graduate Scholarships  Admitted CS/engineering students with financial need  Partial to full tuition coverage 
MIT/CMU Departmental Fellowships  Based on academic merit and research potential  Covers part or full tuition + living allowance 
University-specific Graduate Assistantships  Offered by most US universities (RA/TA roles)  Tuition waiver + monthly stipend 

Many US universities also offer early-bird merit scholarships and teaching/research assistantships, which are highly competitive but greatly reduce the financial burden. 

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarship in USA for International Students 

What are the Top Jobs after Masters in computer science in USA?  

Graduates of a Master’s in Computer Science in USA are highly sought after across industries like technology, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and consulting.  

With the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, job opportunities have expanded significantly. 

Top Job Roles after MS in Computer Science in USA 

Job Role 

Key Responsibilities 

Approximate Salary (Annual) 

Software Engineer  Designing, coding, and testing applications and systems  $90,000 – $130,000 (₹74L – ₹1.07Cr) 
Data Scientist  Analyzing data, building ML models, deriving insights  $95,000 – $135,000 (₹78L – ₹1.11Cr) 
Machine Learning Engineer  Developing AI/ML algorithms for automation and analytics  $100,000 – $145,000 (₹82L – ₹1.19Cr) 
Cybersecurity Analyst  Protecting systems from breaches and ensuring compliance  $85,000 – $120,000 (₹70L – ₹98L) 
Cloud Solutions Architect  Designing scalable cloud-based infrastructure  $110,000 – $150,000 (₹90L – ₹1.23Cr) 
Product Manager – Tech  Overseeing product lifecycle, working with engineering teams  $105,000 – $145,000 (₹86L – ₹1.19Cr) 
Research Scientist (AI/CS)  Conducting advanced research in AI, NLP, robotics, or systems  $95,000 – $140,000 (₹78L – ₹1.15Cr) 

Salaries vary based on specialization, location (Silicon Valley vs. mid-tier cities), and experience. 

Also Read: Jobs in USA for Indian Freshers – Demand Roles, Salaries, Top Recruits & More 

What are the Top Recruiters for Masters in computer science in USA?  

Graduates from top US universities like MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Berkeley are directly recruited by global tech giants and leading startups. 

Top recruiters include: 

  • Tech Giants: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Meta (Facebook) 
  • Consulting & Finance: Deloitte, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase 
  • Cloud & AI Leaders: IBM, Oracle, NVIDIA, Intel 
  • Startups & Unicorns: Stripe, Snowflake, Palantir, OpenAI 
  • Research Labs: NASA, Microsoft Research, IBM Watson, OpenAI 

These recruiters value not only strong coding and analytical skills but also expertise in AI, big data, machine learning, and cybersecurity

Begin your global Master’s in Computer Science journey, Book 1:1 session and connect with upGrad experts today and unlock your path to top U.S. universities! 

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11305 results found

MS Aeronautics and Astronautics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 67.56L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    FEB 2026
View details

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (MSA)

Ohio Northern University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (MS)

University of Scranton, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 2 Months
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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MBA at Northeastern University(Admission closing on 15th September)

DAmore McKim School of Business Northeastern University , USA

  • DURATION
    Online:11 Months
    On-campus:1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    Online: INR 5,25,000
    On-campus: USD 83,536

Symbolic Systems (MS)

Stanford University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 32.17L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Master of Liberal Arts (A.L.M.) in Cybersecurity

Harvard University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 32.46L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Kettering University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 8 Months
  • FEES
    INR 23.42L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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MBA at Clark University (Admission closing on 15th September)

Clark University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:7 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 23,280

MS in Information Technology

California Lutheran University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 25.92L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Computer Science MS

University of California, Berkeley (UCB), USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 26.79L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024
View details

Masters in Computer Information Technology (MCIT)

Elmhurst University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.36L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Business Administration at Drexel University

Drexel University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:7 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 5,25,000
    On-campus: USD 33,950

Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics, MSE

University of Pennsylvania, USA

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 45.53L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2026
View details

Master of Science in Chemical & Environmental Engineering

Yale University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 40.10L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JAN 2026
View details

Computer Science(M.S)

Cornell University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 23.90L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

MBA at Clarkson University (Admission closing on 15th September)

Clarkson University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:7 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 27,855

Master of Science in Business Analytics

Notre Dame College, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 46.24L (Total)
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    OCT 2025
View details

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Columbia University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 45.10L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2026
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MS in Electrical Engineering

State University of New York at New Paltz, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 4 Months
  • FEES
    INR 14.00L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JAN 2026
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Master of Business Administration at Utica University

Utica University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:4 Months
    On-campus:9 Months
  • FEES
    Online: INR 400,000
    On-campus: USD 16,800

Cybersecurity, M.S.

New York Institute of Technology, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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BIOLOGY (MS)

Georgia College, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 9.62L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
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Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Princeton University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 50.54L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2026
View details

MBA at Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 18,312*

Computer Science, M.S.

University of West Florida, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.48L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUN 2025
View details

Security Informatics MS

Johns Hopkins University, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 46.97L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUN 2025
View details

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