Masters in Engineering USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Level of study

Streams

Countries

Cities

Fees

Exams Accepted

Course Duration

Masters
Clear All

863 results found

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (MS)

University of Scranton, USA

DURATION
1 Year 2 Months
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

View details

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Kettering University, USA

DURATION
1 Year 8 Months
FEES
INR 23.42L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

View details

M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Columbia University, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
INR 45.10L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
SEP 2026

View details

MS in Machine Learning Engineering at Drexel University

Drexel University, USA

DURATION
Online:8 Months
On-campus:1 Year 3 Months
FEES
Online: INR 5,25,000
On-campus: USD 33,750

View details

MS in Electrical Engineering

State University of New York at New Paltz, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
INR 14.00L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
JAN 2026

View details

Electrical & Computer Engineering, M.S.

New York Institute of Technology, USA

DURATION
1 Year
FEES
-
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

View details

Engineering, M.S.

University of West Florida, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 20.48L/yr
EXAMS
IELTS-6.0
INTAKE SESSION
JAN 2026

View details

MS in Computer Engineering at Rochester Tech, NY

Rochester Institute of Technology, USA

DURATION
Online:8 Months
On-campus:1 Year
FEES
Online: INR 4,50,000
On-campus: USD 30,000

View details

Security Informatics, Master of Science/Computer Science, Master of Science in Engineering

Johns Hopkins University, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 46.98L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

View details

Dual Master in Engineering Management and Business Administration

Lawrence Technological University, USA

DURATION
2 Years
FEES
INR 14.53L/yr
EXAMS
-
INTAKE SESSION
-

View details

Highlights: Masters in Engineering in USA

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2024), engineering jobs are projected to grow 6% by 2032, with higher demand in AI, robotics, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Key Factor	Details
Program Duration	1-2 years (Course-based or Research-based)
Degree Options	MS in Engineering (Research), MEng (Professional)
Top Universities	MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, Michigan
Tuition Fees	$25,000 - $70,000 (₹20 - ₹58 lakh) per year
Living Expenses	$15,000 - $30,000 (₹12 - ₹25 lakh) per year
Scholarship & Funding	Merit-based, need-based, and STEM-focused grants
Job Prospects	Average salary: $90,000 - $120,000 (₹75 lakh - ₹1 crore)
Work Opportunities	3-year STEM OPT for F-1 Visa holders
Visa & PR Pathways	H-1B visa, employer-sponsored PR (EB-2/EB-3)

Which US universities offer the best MS programs for engineering?

With over 1.7 million engineers working in the USA (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024), studying at the right university can set the foundation for a high-paying and future-proof career. The USA has 10 of the top 50 global engineering schools (QS World University Rankings 2025).

Best Universities for Engineering in the USA (2025)

University Name	Ranking (QS 2025)	Engineering Strengths
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	#1	AI, Robotics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering
Stanford University	#2	Software Engineering, AI, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)	#3	Civil, Environmental, Renewable Energy Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)	#4	AI, Machine Learning, Data Science & Robotics
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	#5	Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical Engineering
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	#6	Automotive, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)	#7	Cybersecurity, Software, Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)	#8	Computer Engineering, AI, Telecommunications
Purdue University	#9	Civil, Structural, Mechanical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin	#10	Petroleum, Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering

Looking for cost-effective programs? Public universities like UIUC, Purdue, and Georgia Tech offer lower tuition fees with strong job placement rates.

How to Choose the Right Engineering University?

Check Specializations: If you're interested in AI & Robotics, MIT and Carnegie Mellon are top picks. For Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Michigan and Purdue are ideal.
Compare Tuition Fees: Private universities like MIT and Stanford charge $50,000 - $80,000 per year (₹41 - ₹66 lakh), while public universities like UIUC and Georgia Tech cost $25,000 - $45,000 (₹20 - ₹37 lakh) annually.
Look at Research & Industry Ties: Berkeley, Caltech, and Georgia Tech have strong partnerships with Tesla, Google, and NASA.

Best Specializations for Masters in Engineering in the USA

Engineering is evolving fast, and some specializations offer better career prospects than others.

The National Science Foundation (NSF, 2024) reports that over 190,000 international students enroll in USA graduate engineering programs annually, which makes it one of the most sought-after fields. Emerging areas like AI, clean energy, and automation are shaping the future job market, with the AI engineering sector expected to grow by 30% by 2030 (McKinsey, 2024).

Most In-Demand Engineering Specializations

Specialization	Industry Demand	Average Salary (Per Year)
Computer & Software Engineering	High demand in AI, cybersecurity, and big data	$110,000 - $140,000 (₹91 lakh - ₹1.1 crore)
Mechanical Engineering	Robotics, aerospace, and automotive innovations	$90,000 - $120,000 (₹75 lakh - ₹1 crore)
Electrical & Electronics Engineering	Power systems, embedded systems, and IoT	$95,000 - $125,000 (₹79 lakh - ₹1 crore)
Biomedical Engineering	Healthcare technology, AI-driven medical devices	$85,000 - $115,000 (₹70 lakh - ₹95 lakh)
Civil & Structural Engineering	Smart cities, sustainable infrastructure, and transportation	$80,000 - $110,000 (₹66 lakh - ₹91 lakh)
Chemical & Environmental Engineering	Clean energy, sustainability, and climate solutions	$88,000 - $118,000 (₹72 lakh - ₹96 lakh)

Choosing a specialization? Consider industry demand, salary growth, and job opportunities in the USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Engineering in USA

A Master’s in Engineering in USA requires a strong academic background and competitive test scores. Engineering is a STEM field, meaning students benefit from a 3-year OPT work permit after graduation.

Who Can Apply?

Bachelor’s Degree – A 4-year undergraduate degree in engineering, technology, or a related field.
Minimum GPA – Most top universities expect a 3.0 - 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (varies by university).
Prerequisite Subjects – Mathematics, physics, and core engineering courses.

Do You Need GRE for Engineering in the USA?

Many universities have waived GRE requirement, but some still require it, especially for top-tier programs.

Test	Requirement	Recommended Score
GRE	Optional for some universities, required for top programs	310+ (Quant: 160+)
GMAT	Needed only for engineering management or MBA-based programs	650+

English Language Requirements

International students must prove their English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Language Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS	6.5+ (Some universities prefer 7.0)
TOEFL	90+ (Competitive programs may require 100+)
PTE	60+

Not sure which test to take? Read about TOEFL vs. IELTS: Which one is better for the USA?

Admission Process for Masters in Engineering in USA

Every year, over 200,000 international students apply for engineering master's programs in the USA (Institute of International Education, 2024). The process can be competitive, but early preparation, strong academic records, and strategic application choices can improve your chances.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

Step 1: Research & Shortlist Universities

Consider program rankings, research focus, job placement rates, and tuition fees.
Public universities like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer lower tuition than Ivy League schools.

Step 2: Check Admission Deadlines (Fall vs. Spring Intake)

Fall Intake (August/September): Primary intake with more courses, funding, and job opportunities.
Spring Intake (January): Fewer programs but still a viable option.

Intake	Application Deadlines
Fall Intake	September – March
Spring Intake	June – October

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Document	Requirement
Bachelor’s Degree	4-year undergraduate degree in engineering or related field
GPA	3.0+ on a 4.0 scale (Top universities may require 3.5+)
GRE Scores	Optional in many universities, but 315+ preferred for Ivy League schools
English Proficiency	TOEFL (90+), IELTS (6.5+), or PTE (60+)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	1-2 pages explaining your goals and why you chose the program
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	2-3 from professors or employers

Step 4: Submit Applications via University Portals

Some universities accept applications via Common App, ApplyWeb, or direct portals.
Application fees range from $50 - $150 (₹4,100 - ₹12,300) per university.

Step 5: Track Admission Results & Apply for a Visa

Universities send admission decisions between December and April.
If accepted, you’ll receive an I-20 form required for an F-1 Student Visa application.

Cost of Studying Masters in Engineering in the USA

The USA offers some of the best engineering programs, but tuition and living expenses can add up quickly. According to the College Board (2024), the average cost of a master's degree in engineering is between $40,000 - $80,000 per year (₹33 - ₹66 lakh), varying by university and location.

Tuition Fees: Public vs. Private Universities

University Type	Annual Tuition Fees	Examples
Public Universities	$25,000 - $50,000 (₹20 - ₹41 lakh)	UC Berkeley, UT Austin, Georgia Tech
Private Universities	$50,000 - $80,000 (₹41 - ₹66 lakh)	MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon

City-Wise Cost of Living

Living costs in the USA vary by city and state. Tech hubs like California and New York are more expensive, while cities in Texas and the Midwest are more affordable.

City	Monthly Cost of Living	Annual Cost
San Francisco, New York	$2,500 - $3,500 (₹2 - ₹2.9 lakh)	$30,000 - $42,000 (₹25 - ₹35 lakh)
Boston, Seattle, Chicago	$2,000 - $3,000 (₹1.6 - ₹2.5 lakh)	$24,000 - $36,000 (₹19 - ₹30 lakh)
Austin, Houston, Atlanta	$1,500 - $2,500 (₹1.2 - ₹2 lakh)	$18,000 - $30,000 (₹15 - ₹25 lakh)

Additional Costs to Consider

Apart from tuition, students must budget for health insurance, student fees, and textbooks.

Expense	Annual Cost
Health Insurance	$1,500 - $2,500 (₹1.2 - ₹2 lakh)
Student Fees (Library, Tech, Labs)	$500 - $2,000 (₹41,000 - ₹1.6 lakh)
Books & Research Materials	$500 - $1,500 (₹41,000 - ₹1.2 lakh)

How to Reduce Costs?

Option	Savings Potential
Apply for University Scholarships	Can cover 20% - 100% tuition
Work as a Teaching/Research Assistant	Can cover tuition & provide a monthly stipend
Choose Affordable Cities	Can save $10,000+ (₹8 lakh) per year
Part-Time Jobs (20 hrs/week)	Can earn up to $1,600 (₹1.3 lakh) per month

Best Cities in the USA for Engineering Students

According to the National Science Foundation (NSF, 2024), over 50% of engineering master’s students find their first jobs in the same city where they study. Some cities are tech and research hubs, while others offer a lower cost of living and strong industry connections.

Top Cities for Engineering Students

City	Specialization Focus	Cost of Living (Monthly)
San Francisco & Silicon Valley	AI, Software, Robotics, Semiconductor	$2,500 - $3,500 (₹2 - ₹2.9 lakh)
New York City	Finance Tech, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical	$2,500 - $3,200 (₹2 - ₹2.7 lakh)
Boston	Biotech, Aerospace, Mechanical, AI	$2,000 - $3,000 (₹1.6 - ₹2.5 lakh)
Austin	Renewable Energy, AI, Manufacturing	$1,500 - $2,500 (₹1.2 - ₹2 lakh)
Chicago	Civil, Mechanical, Transportation Engineering	$1,800 - $2,500 (₹1.5 - ₹2 lakh)
Seattle	Cloud Computing, Electrical, Aerospace	$2,000 - $3,200 (₹1.6 - ₹2.7 lakh)

Choosing an affordable city? Austin and Chicago offer lower living costs with strong job markets.

Scholarships for Masters in Engineering in the USA

According to EducationData.org (2024), more than 60% of international master's students receive some form of financial aid.

Top Scholarships for MS in Engineering

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Funding Amount
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	Outstanding academic record, leadership skills	Full tuition + living stipend
AAUW International Fellowship	Women in STEM	Up to $50,000 (₹41 lakh)
MIT Graduate Fellowships	High-achieving engineering students	Partial to full tuition waiver
UC Berkeley Engineering Fellowship	Merit-based for international students	Covers tuition + research stipend
Stanford School of Engineering Scholarships	MS students with research potential	Up to $40,000 (₹33 lakh)
Google Lime Scholarship	Students in AI, Data Science, ML	$10,000 (₹8 lakh)

How to Maximize Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship

Apply Early – Most scholarships have deadlines 6-12 months before the program starts.
Write a Strong SOP – A compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) can help stand out.
Consider Assistantships – Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs) can cover tuition and provide stipends.

Pro Tip: Universities like MIT, UC Berkeley, and Stanford offer generous funding to students with strong research backgrounds.

Career Opportunities After Masters in Engineering in the USA

Over 65% of international engineering graduates secure full-time jobs in the USA within six months of graduation (ASEE, 2024). The country’s engineering industry generates over $1.5 trillion annually, with high demand in AI, automation, clean energy, and aerospace.

Top Engineering Careers & Salaries

Job Role	Average Salary (U.S. BLS, 2024)	Top Employers
Software & AI Engineer	$120,000 - $150,000 (₹99 lakh - ₹1.2 crore)	Google, Microsoft, Tesla
Mechanical Engineer	$85,000 - $115,000 (₹70 lakh - ₹95 lakh)	Ford, Boeing, General Motors
Electrical Engineer	$95,000 - $130,000 (₹79 lakh - ₹1.1 crore)	Intel, Qualcomm, Apple
Civil & Infrastructure Engineer	$80,000 - $110,000 (₹66 lakh - ₹91 lakh)	AECOM, Bechtel, Fluor
Biomedical Engineer	$85,000 - $120,000 (₹70 lakh - ₹99 lakh)	Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, GE Healthcare
Renewable Energy Engineer	$90,000 - $125,000 (₹75 lakh - ₹1 crore)	Tesla, Siemens, NextEra Energy

Internships & Work Opportunities

Internships: Most engineering programs in the USA offer internship opportunities through university partnerships with top companies. 90% of international students secure internships before graduating (National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2024).
Part-Time Jobs: Engineering students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. Some roles include lab assistants, research assistants, and IT support.
Co-op Programs: Universities like Northeastern, Drexel, and Purdue offer co-op programs that let students work full-time for 6-12 months before graduation.

Work Visa Options After Completing MS in Engineering in the USA

After completing your master's, staying in the USA for work requires the right visa strategy. Engineering graduates qualify for STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training), allowing them to work for up to 3 years without needing employer sponsorship.

Post-Study Work Visa Options

Visa Type	Duration	Who Can Apply?
F-1 STEM OPT	Up to 3 years	MS Engineering graduates (STEM)
H-1B Work Visa	6 years (renewable)	Requires employer sponsorship
EB-2 Green Card	Permanent Residency	Highly skilled professionals

Pro Tip: The H-1B lottery system has 85,000 slots annually, and STEM graduates have a higher selection rate due to demand in tech and engineering.

Which US universities offer good internship opportunities for engineering students?

Internships are a major advantage of pursuing an engineering degree in the US. Many universities maintain strong partnerships with global companies, offering students hands-on experience in industries like technology, manufacturing, and energy. These programs often integrate co-op opportunities or summer internships, helping students build real-world skills and networks that lead to full-time roles post-graduation.

Top US Universities with Strong Engineering Internship Opportunities:

University	Key Internship Partners/Opportunities	Highlight
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Google, Boeing, NASA	Research-driven internships and innovation labs
Stanford University	Tesla, Apple, Intel	Silicon Valley proximity offers abundant tech internships
Purdue University	GE, Cummins, Ford	Robust co-op programs for engineering majors
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor	General Motors, 3M, Siemens	Extensive alumni network supports placements
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)	Delta Airlines, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin	Known for structured co-op and internship programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)	Amazon, Caterpillar, IBM	Career-focused engineering internship fairs

Is a Masters in Engineering in the USA Worth It?

Spending ₹50 lakh or more on a degree is a huge decision, so it’s natural to ask—will it actually pay off? The short answer? It depends on your career goals, financial situation, and where you study.

Why It’s Worth It

Better Salaries & Job Opportunities

Engineers with a master’s degree earn 20-30% more than those with just a bachelor’s (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Fields like AI, Machine Learning, Renewable Energy, and Robotics are growing at over 25% per year and need skilled engineers.

Top Companies Are Hiring

Google, Tesla, Boeing, Intel, Microsoft, and Apple actively recruit MS Engineering grads.

Cutting-Edge Research & Innovation

The USA leads in AI, automation, and aerospace research, with funding from NASA, DARPA, and Fortune 500 companies.

When It Might Not Be Worth It

If You’re Not Looking for a Technical Career

A Master’s in Engineering is highly specialized. If you want to work in management, business, or finance, consider an MBA or an Engineering Management degree instead.

If You Can’t Afford It Without Financial Aid

If cost is a concern, look for scholarships, assistantships, or consider public universities where tuition is lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a Master's in Engineering in the USA without GRE?

Yes, many universities have made the GRE optional or waived it altogether. Some programs focus more on academic records, work experience, and research projects rather than standardized test scores.

What are the best universities for MS in Engineering without work experience?

Most top universities, including MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech, do not require work experience. However, internships and research projects can strengthen your application.

How competitive is admission for top engineering programs?

Admission to top engineering schools is highly competitive, with acceptance rates ranging from 10-25%. A strong GPA, solid research experience, and recommendation letters improve your chances.

Which engineering specialization has the highest salary?

Fields like AI, Data Science, Robotics, Cybersecurity, and Petroleum Engineering offer some of the highest salaries, often starting at $100,000 - $150,000 (₹83 lakh - ₹1.2 crore) per year.

Can I stay in the USA after completing my MS?

Yes, after graduation, students can apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training), allowing them to work for up to 3 years for STEM degrees. Many transition to H-1B visas and later apply for a Green Card.

What is the success rate of getting an H-1B visa after an MS?

The H-1B visa is lottery-based, with 85,000 visas issued annually. STEM graduates have an advantage due to the extra 20,000 H-1B slots for advanced degree holders.

What are the cheapest universities for MS in Engineering in the USA?

Affordable universities include University of Texas at El Paso, Missouri S&T, San Diego State University, and University of New Mexico, with tuition fees starting at $10,000 - $20,000 (₹8 - ₹16 lakh) per year.

Are there fully funded scholarships for international students?

Yes, programs like Fulbright, AAUW International Fellowship, and university assistantships cover tuition and living costs. Many universities also offer research and teaching assistantships.

What is the difference between an MEng and MS in Engineering?

An MEng (Master of Engineering) is coursework-based and designed for industry roles, while an MS in Engineering is research-focused, often requiring a thesis and leading to PhD opportunities.

Can I study engineering in the USA without a bachelor's in engineering?

Some universities accept students from physics, mathematics, or related fields if they complete prerequisite courses in engineering fundamentals.

What is the average cost of living for engineering students in the USA?

Living expenses range from $10,000 - $18,000 (₹8 - ₹14.8 lakh) per year, depending on the city. Places like New York and San Francisco are more expensive than mid-sized cities.

How much do engineering students earn from part-time jobs?

On-campus jobs typically pay $10 - $20 (₹830 - ₹1,660) per hour, allowing students to earn $800 - $1,600 (₹66,000 - ₹1.3 lakh) per month while studying.

What GPA is required to get into top engineering schools in the USA?

Ivy League and top engineering schools prefer a GPA of 3.7 - 4.0, while mid-tier universities accept 3.0 - 3.5. Strong research and a good GRE score (if required) can help offset a lower GPA.

What are the benefits of doing a research-based MS in Engineering?

A research-based MS helps build expertise in a specialized field, opens doors for PhD opportunities, and can lead to high-paying R&D roles in industries like aerospace, AI, and materials science.

How do I improve my chances of getting into Ivy League engineering programs?

Focus on maintaining a high GPA, gaining research experience, publishing papers, securing strong recommendation letters, and showcasing internships or industry projects. A well-written SOP and a competitive GRE score (if required) can also strengthen your application.

Explore Your Options

Other Universities

Calculators

Masters Courses

Bachelors Courses