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Master’s in Machine Learning in USA: Eligibility, Fees, Scope

A Master’s in Machine Learning in USA opens access to advanced AI labs, OPT-friendly degrees, and job roles that pay ₹80L–₹1.2Cr/year. With the global ML market projected to hit $309.68 by 2032, USA tech hubs are hiring specialists in neural networks, NLP, and autonomous systems faster. USA Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 36% job growth for ML roles between 2023–2033. 

So, if you’re targeting top ML programs in the US—like MIT or Stanford—this guide covers what you need: eligibility, GRE and GPA cutoffs, tuition fees (₹30L–₹60L), best universities for Indian students, and job scope after graduation.

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Highlights: Master’s in Machine Learning in USA

Feature

Details

Program Duration

1.5 – 2 years (Duration of MS in Machine Learning USA)

Intakes

Fall (Aug–Sep), Spring (Jan), some Summer options

Degree Type

MS, MEng, or MSc in Machine Learning / ML & AI

Avg Tuition (Top Unis)

$40,000–$60,000/year (₹33–₹50L)

Avg Salary After Graduation

$95,000–$130,000/year (₹80L–₹1.1Cr)

STEM Classification

Yes (eligible for up to 3 years OPT)

Medium of Instruction

English

Post-Study Work Visa

F-1 visa with OPT extension (12 + 24 months for STEM programs)

Still Understanding USA Education System?

Curriculum for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

The Master’s in Machine Learning in USA teaches you how to build, test, and apply real ML systems. You’ll write code, build models, and work with real datasets in labs and internships. Most programs run for 1.5 to 2 years and follow a project-based or internship-heavy format.

Below is what you’ll study in the top ML programs in the US:

Curriculum Area

What You’ll Do

Core Subjects

Learn algorithms like regression, classification, SVMs, deep learning, and model evaluation

Programming Tools

Write ML code in Python, use TensorFlow, PyTorch, cloud APIs, and version control

Math for ML

Work through linear algebra, probability, statistics, and optimization from an ML lens

Electives

Choose from NLP, reinforcement learning, robotics, or ethical AI, based on your job goals

Capstone/Thesis

Build an ML solution or write a research paper. Required in most thesis-track universities

Internship Module

Work at a USA company or lab during summer or final semester. Helps with job placements

Hands-on Labs

Run GPU models, fine-tune networks, and collaborate with professors in ML or AI research labs

Top programs like CMU and Georgia Tech offer ML-AI dual degrees or electives in applied ML and data science. If you're targeting jobs after a Machine Learning master’s in USA, choose electives linked to your career—like NLP for tech firms or computer vision for healthcare.

Worried About the Cost of Studying in USA?

Best Universities for MS in Machine Learning in USA (2025)

MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Berkeley rank in the global top 5 for tech. Their machine learning programs are built around advanced research in deep learning, language models, and robotics. These universities lead hiring pipelines into Google, Meta, Nvidia, and research labs.

Best ML Universities in USA

University (City)

QS Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Ranking 2025

Avg Tuition Fees (USD/year)

MIT (Cambridge)

1

$53,000–60,000 (₹44–50 lakh)

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh)

2

$54,000–57,000 (₹45–47.3 lakh)

UC Berkeley (Berkeley)

4

$47,000–52,000 (₹39–43 lakh)

Harvard University (Cambridge)

6

$50,000–55,000 (₹41.5–45.6 lakh)

Yale University (New Haven)

9

$48,000–54,000 (₹39.8–44.8 lakh)

NYU (New York City)

=13

$45,000–50,000 (₹37.3–41.5 lakh)

University of Washington (Seattle)

=13

$42,000–47,000 (₹34.9–39 lakh)

Cornell University (Ithaca)

=15

$49,000–54,000 (₹40.7–44.8 lakh)

Georgia Tech (Atlanta)

=15

$40,000–45,000 (₹33.2–37.3 lakh)

UIUC (Champaign)

=21

$39,000–44,000 (₹32.4–36.6 lakh)

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

27

$46,000–52,000 (₹38.1–43 lakh)

Looking for Scholarships and Funding Options?

Specializations in Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Top MS in Machine Learning programs in USA let you pick a focus area that matches your career plan. Most ML programs offer specializations like NLP, robotics, or AI systems tailored to job roles.

Here are the most in-demand ML specializations offered by top ML universities in the US:

Specialization

What You’ll Learn

Career Outcomes

Deep Learning

Neural nets, CNNs, transformers (BERT, GPT), image/audio processing

AI R&D, medical AI, autonomous systems

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Text mining, sentiment analysis, chatbots, LLM tuning

NLP engineer, language AI, search tech

Computer Vision

Object detection, facial recognition, video analysis

Robotics, surveillance AI, healthcare imaging

Reinforcement Learning

Model training via rewards and penalties; decision-making under uncertainty

Game AI, robotics, supply chain ML

Robotics + Perception

Sensor data, control systems, embedded AI

Robot design, automation, drones

AI Systems

Core AI, ethics, planning, intelligent agents

AI product teams, automation, edge AI

ML + Data Science

Business-focused ML, data pipelines, predictive analytics

ML engineer, data scientist, analytics lead

Master's in Deep Learning

Full degree track focused on scalable deep learning systems

Research labs, LLM roles, academic pathways

Planning Your Visa & Application Steps?

Intakes for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Most Master’s in Machine Learning programs in USA have two main intakes: Fall (August/September) and Spring (January). Fall is the most popular intake, especially at top ML universities in USA.

Intake Timeline Overview for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Intake

Application Timeline

Why It Matters

Fall

Apply between October to January

More programs open, more scholarships, full courses

Spring

Apply between July to September

Fewer options, but faster admissions

Rolling Deadlines

Some universities accept applications year-round

First-come-first-serve; good for late planners

You’ll often see application rounds for Master's in Machine Learning in USA:

  • Early Round: Closes by November. Increases chance of scholarship and seat availability.
  • Regular Round: Closes by January or February. Standard for most students.

Not Sure Which Intake to Choose?

Who Can Apply for a Master’s in Machine Learning in USA?

To get into a Master’s in Machine Learning in USA, you need a technical background, good grades, and coding experience. Most programs don’t need work experience but expect you to know math and programming.

Academic & Test Requirements for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Requirement

Details

Academic Background

Bachelor's in CS, IT, ECE, Math, Statistics, or a related field

Minimum GPA

3.0/4.0 (65%+ for Indian students). Top ML programs may ask for 3.3+

Coding Prerequisites

Skills in Python, C++, or Java; some require data structures/algorithms

GRE Score

Many top schools require 310–325+; some waived post-2024

English Language Test

IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+ for non-native English speakers

Top ML universities in the USA also look at your SOP, LORs, and project work. Good profiles include GitHub ML projects, Kaggle rankings, or research papers.

Want to Know What Exams You’ll Need?

Read: SOP for Masters

Admission Process for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

To apply for a Master’s in Machine Learning in USA, you’ll need to submit your application through the university’s official portal and meet deadlines for Fall or Spring intake. Most programs ask for a technical undergraduate degree, GRE or IELTS/TOEFL scores, and proof of coding skills.

The process includes shortlisting universities, preparing documents like SOPs and LORs, paying the application fee, and tracking your decision status online. Admission decisions typically take 6–12 weeks.

Step-by-Step Admission Process for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Step

What You Need to Do

1. Shortlist Universities

Choose based on fees, specializations, job outcomes

2. Prepare Documents

Resume, Statement of Purpose (SOP), 2–3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), transcripts

3. Take Required Tests

GRE (if required), IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency

4. Apply Online

Use the official university portal; pay application fees (~$75–$150)

5. Track Your Status

Use your dashboard or email updates for admission decisions

6. Get Offer Letter

Most offers arrive within 6–12 weeks

7. Accept and Pay Deposit

Pay the seat confirmation fee ($500–$1,000)

Looking to Get into Top-Tier Universities?

Cost of Studying Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Planning your budget is one of the most important steps before applying for a Master’s in Machine Learning in USA. Apart from tuition, you’ll need to account for living costs, insurance, visa fees, and travel. Universities and visa officers require proof of financial capacity to complete the program.

That’s why USA visa officers check your yearly financial capacity, which usually ranges between $40,000 to $85,000 (₹33–70 lakh) depending on location and university.

Cost Breakdown – Yearly Estimate for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

Expense Type

Cost (USD/year)

Approx. Cost in INR (yearly)
Tuition Fees $25,000 – $60,000 ₹21–50 lakh
Living Costs $12,000 – $20,000 ₹10–17 lakh
Health Insurance $1,000 – $2,000 ₹80,000 – ₹1.6 lakh
Student Visa (F-1) $510 ₹43,000
Books & Supplies $1,000 – $1,500 ₹80,000 – ₹1.2 lakh
Flights + Local Travel $1,200 – $2,000 ₹1–1.6 lakh
Total Yearly Estimate $40,000 – $85,000 ₹33 – ₹70 lakh

Most ML students work part-time on campus (20 hours/week) to offset living costs. Cities like Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Austin are cheaper than San Francisco or New York.

Still Deciding Between Countries?

Scholarships for Master's in Machine Learning in USA

The cost of a Master’s in Machine Learning in USA can cross ₹50 lakh per year at top universities. To make this more affordable, many schools offer merit-based scholarships, STEM grants, and international student funding. Indian students can also apply for government-backed or private scholarships.

Most scholarships for MS in Machine Learning USA universities are awarded at the time of admission. Some require a separate application, while others apply discounts automatically based on your academic record and SOP.

Machine Learning Scholarships USA

Scholarship Name

What It Covers

Offered By

Dean’s Merit Award

Partial tuition fee (10–50%)

Offered by most Top ML programs in US

STEM OPT Scholarships

Tuition support for eligible STEM degrees

Select USA universities

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship

Full tuition, living expenses, airfare

USIEF & USA State Dept.

Tata Scholarship (Cornell)

Full tuition for Indian students

Tata Education and Development Trust

AAUW International Fellowship

$20,000–$50,000 for women in STEM

American Association of University Women

Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

Interest-free loan scholarships (up to ₹20 lakh)

Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

Need a Focused Guide on ML in USA?

Career Scope and Salary After MS in Machine Learning in USA

A Master’s in Machine Learning in USA leads to high-paying roles across tech, healthcare, finance, and research. Top ML companies in the USA hire graduates as engineers, analysts, and specialists in artificial intelligence and deep learning. Due to high salaries and 3-year STEM OPT, ML degrees offer good career returns.

Most entry-level ML roles start between $90,000–$120,000/year (₹75–₹1 crore). Salaries go higher in cities like San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle or at companies like Meta, Apple, or OpenAI.

Career Outcomes After MS in Machine Learning in USA

Job Role

Average Salary (USD/year)

Top Employers

Machine Learning Engineer

$110,000 – $140,000 (₹91.3 – ₹1.16 crore)

Google, Meta, Amazon, Nvidia

Data Scientist (ML)

$100,000 – $130,000 (₹83 – ₹1.08 crore)

IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Tesla, healthcare startups

AI Researcher

$120,000 – $160,000 (₹99.6 lakh – ₹1.33 crore)

OpenAI, DeepMind, Microsoft AI, top university labs

Computer Vision Engineer

$105,000 – $135,000 (₹87.1 lakh – ₹1.12 crore)

Robotics firms, self-driving tech, surveillance systems

NLP Engineer

$95,000 – $125,000 (₹78.8 lakh – ₹1.03 crore)

Language AI startups, fintech companies, SaaS platforms

Deep Learning Specialist

$115,000 – $145,000 (₹95.5 lakh – ₹1.20 crore)

AI labs, medical imaging, audio/video intelligence firms

ML graduates are hired in tech, finance, healthcare, robotics, and government AI labs. Roles in healthcare, defense, and climate-tech also prefer candidates with AI + ML expertise.

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FAQs About Master's in Machine Learning in USA

What is the deadline to apply for Master’s in Machine Learning in USA for 2025?

Most MS in Machine Learning USA universities have application deadlines between December 2024 and March 2025 for the Fall intake. Some programs also offer Spring intake (deadline around September). Always check the university website for exact dates.

Is GRE required for Master’s in Machine Learning in USA in top universities?

Many top ML programs in USA still recommend the GRE. However, some universities have waived it, especially for 2025. MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley may keep it optional. Check individual department requirements.

Can I study Master’s in Machine Learning in USA without a computer science background?

Yes, but you must meet key Machine Learning master's requirements USA like programming skills (Python/C++), math foundations (linear algebra, calculus), and relevant coursework or experience. Some universities offer bridge courses.

What is the average salary after Master’s in Machine Learning in USA?

Jobs after Machine Learning master's USA pay well. Entry-level roles in 2025 average $95,000–$120,000 per year, with higher salaries at tech firms and AI startups. Experience and internship exposure increase this figure.

Which are the best specializations under MS in Machine Learning in USA?

Top specializations include deep learning, computer vision, NLP, AI systems, and reinforcement learning. Some colleges also offer an ML and AI dual degree USA to combine broader skills.

Are there fully funded Master’s in Machine Learning programs in USA?

Yes. While rare, some Machine Learning scholarships USA offer full tuition plus stipends—especially through research assistantships, university fellowships, or programs like Fulbright or DAAD (for dual-country MS).

What are the top universities for MS in Machine Learning in USA for Indian students?

Best ML colleges in USA for Indian students include:

  • MIT Machine Learning program
  • Stanford University
  • Carnegie Mellon (CMU)
  • Georgia Tech
  • University of Washington
  • UC Berkeley

Is Master’s in Machine Learning in USA better than MS in Data Science?

If you want to work on algorithms, models, and AI systems, Master's in Machine Learning in USA offers deeper technical focus. MS in Data Science covers broader tools and analytics. Choose based on your career goal.

Can Indian students get a scholarship for studying Machine Learning in USA?

Yes. Indian students can apply for Machine Learning scholarships USA like university-based RA/TA roles, government schemes, or private scholarships (e.g., Inlaks, JN Tata Endowment).

What programming languages should I know before applying for MS in ML in USA?

You should be fluent in Python, and comfortable with R, Java, or C++. Most top ML programs in USA expect applicants to have hands-on coding experience with libraries like NumPy, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

How long can I stay in USA after completing a Master’s in Machine Learning?

As an international student on an F-1 visa, you get 12 months of OPT, extended to 36 months if your program is STEM-designated. Most Master's in Machine Learning in USA fall under STEM, allowing longer stay and H-1B transition.

What is the cost of studying MS in Machine Learning in USA for Indian students?

Machine Learning course fees in USA range from $30,000–$60,000 per year (₹25L–₹50L), depending on the university. Public universities are usually cheaper than private ones. Living costs are extra.

Do USA universities accept Indian 3-year degrees for MS in Machine Learning?

Some universities do, but most MS in Machine Learning USA universities prefer a 4-year degree (like B.Tech or B.E). If you have a 3-year degree (like B.Sc), consider adding a PG diploma or master’s to strengthen your application.

What are the job opportunities after Master’s in Machine Learning in USA in 2025?

In 2025, top roles include Machine Learning Engineer, AI Researcher, Data Scientist, Robotics Developer, and NLP Engineer. Tech hubs like California, New York, and Texas offer high salaries and visa-friendly employers.

How to get admission in USA for Master’s in Machine Learning without GRE?

Shortlist top ML programs in USA that waive the GRE—like Northeastern, NYU Tandon, and University of Arizona. Focus on building a well-written SOP, resume, and coding projects. Letters of recommendation also matter.

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5 results found

Master of Professional Studies in Applied Machine Intelligence

Northeastern University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 22.33L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUL 2025
View details

Masters of Computational Social Science (MACSS)

University of Chicago, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 40.29L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Master of Science in Machine Learning Engineering (MSMLE)

Drexel University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
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

MPS in Applied AI (Admission closing on 15th August)

Northeastern University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year 3 Months
  • FEES
    Online: INR 5,25,000
    On-campus: USD 36,754
View details

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