The United States of America is one of the most popular destinations for pursuing an MS degree for international students. By completing an MS degree, students can obtain well-paid jobs, valuable learning experiences, and great exposure. The cost of studying in the USA may vary based on the course and the type of university.
Key highlights:
- Why Study MS Courses in the US?
- Cost of Doing an MS in the USA - Influencing Factors
- Cost of Doing an MS in the US: By Degree Type
- How Much Does It Cost to do an MS in the Best US Universities?
- Living Expenses for MS Students in the USA
Why Study MS Courses in the US?
Studying in the USA boosts career prospects for students, owing to its strong industry connections, world-class education and wide range of courses. Here are some key benefits of studying MS courses in the US:
Academic Excellence
The United States is known for its many top-ranked universities, which focus on research and academic innovation. With advanced technology and state-of-the-art libraries, these universities emphasise critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Diverse & Inclusive Environment
The US is home to students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive academic environment.
Internship & Work-Study Programmes
In the US, paid internships and work-study programmes allow students to attain valuable industry experience in diverse fields of technology, finance, healthcare and more.
Research Opportunities & Innovation
The US is at the forefront of research in many exciting areas, allowing students to get involved in innovative projects through funded research assistantships offered by universities.
Cost of Doing an MS in the USA - Influencing Factors
Several factors can influence how much it will cost to do an MS in the USA for Indian students. These include:
Course Type (STEM Fields vs Non-STEM Fields)
The tuition cost of doing an MS in the USA depends on the programme type and the study field. Generally, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses can cost more than the non-STEM fields (Social Sciences, Humanities, Public Policy).
City and State of Study
The location of the educational institute is another key factor that can increase or decrease the average cost of doing an MS in the US. States like New York, Massachusetts and California have higher study and living expenses than Ohio, Georgia and Texas.
Programme Duration
While the duration of an MS in the US is 2 years, some courses can be completed in 3 years or even 18 months. The tuition fees normally increase with the course duration.
Cost of Doing an MS in the US: By Degree Type
When looking at the cost of doing an MS in the US, the expenses vary depending on the field of study. Here is a breakdown of the typical tuition fee range:
- STEM Fields (Data Science, CS, AI, Engineering) - $30,000–$60,000
- Non-STEM (Humanities, Social Sciences, Public Policy) – $20,000–$40,000
- Business and Management (MBA, Business Analytics) - $40,000–$80,000
How Much Does It Cost to do an MS in the Best US Universities?
The table below presents the annual tuition and estimated book and material costs for MS programmes at the top 5 universities in the United States:
| Sr. No. | University | Programme | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Books and Study Material Annual Costs (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Management Studies | ~ 84,000 | ~ 910 |
| 2 | Harvard University | Data Science Master of Science (SM) | ~ 65,000 | ~ 1000 |
| 3 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Master of Science | ~ 65,000 | ~ 1428 |
| 4 | University of Chicago | MS in Computer Science | ~ 64,000 | ~ 1800 |
| 5 | Yale University | Master of Environmental Management | ~ 51,000 | ~ 500-1000 |
Also Read: Tier 1 Universities in the USA
Living Expenses for MS Students in the USA
The cost of living in the US for international students can vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation, and personal spending habits.
| Expenses in the USA | Average Monthly/Annually (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ~ 9,800 - 11,100 (Annually) |
| Food | ~ 250 - 600 (Annually) |
| Travel | ~ 300 - 700 (Annually) |
| Electricity | ~ 100 - 150 (Monthly) |
| Health Insurance | ~ 700 - 1,110 (Annually) |
| Phone & Internet | ~ 45 - 50 (Monthly) |
| Clothes | ~ 500 (Annually) |
| Lab Fees | ~ 500 - 1,500 (Annually) |
Studying in the USA is a valuable investment, and with proper understanding and planning, students can manage the expenses effectively. However, the cost of doing an MS in the USA for Indian students can sometimes feel overwhelming. At Avanse Financial Services, we help students achieve their academic dreams without financial stress.
Our student loans are designed to cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation costs, living costs, and other education-related expenses. Our customised loan for education abroad comes with quick sanctions and flexible repayment options. You can use our education loan EMI calculator to plan your finances accordingly. Connect with us if you have any queries regarding the study loan!
