Pursuing a master’s in technology (MTech) in engineering in the USA is a popular choice among international students. The USA offers master’s programmes in engineering in the form of research-oriented Master of Science (MS) in Engineering courses and professionally oriented master’s in engineering (MEng) courses that you can choose from. MS in engineering and MEng in the USA are specialised 1-2-year postgraduate degree programmes that are designed for students looking to further their bachelor’s degree in engineering.
If you, too, are planning to pursue an MTech in the USA, here’s all you need to know about the top universities, their Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, cost of living in the USA, eligibility, admission process, and more:
Key highlights:
- Why Study a Master’s in Engineering in the USA?
- Top Universities for Master’s in Engineering in the USA
- Cost of Living in the USA for Engineering Students
- Eligibility Criteria for Master’s of Engineering in the USA
- Admission Process and Deadlines for 2026 Intakes
- Career Opportunities after Master’s in Engineering in the USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Study Master’s in Engineering in the USA?
- Home to world-class universities that offer globally recognised degrees and boost your employability.
- The US education system emphasises practical learning through labs and industry-linked projects, offering real-world readiness.
- Access innovation labs, advanced research facilities, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- US university campuses promote global learning and cultural diversity.
- Master’s programme curricula in the USA are designed with employer input and come with three-year Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities and direct campus recruitments by global firms.
Top Universities for Master’s in Engineering in the USA
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Popular Engineering Specialisations | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Aeronautics and Astronautics Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| QS World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering and Technology 2025(USA-Specific) | 1 |
| THE World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering 2025(USA-Specific) | 3 |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ USD 31,000 to ~ USD 91,000 |
2. Stanford University
| Location | Stanford, California |
|---|---|
| Popular Engineering Specialisations | Computer Science Management Science and Engineering Electrical Engineering |
| QS World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering and Technology 2025(USA-Specific) | 2 |
| THE World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering 2025(USA-Specific) | 2 |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ USD 36,000 to ~ USD 96,000 |
3. University of California, Berkeley
| Location | Berkeley, California |
|---|---|
| Popular Engineering Specialisations | Computer Science Engineering and Project Management Bioengineering |
| QS World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering and Technology 2025(USA-Specific) | 3 |
| THE World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering 2025(USA-Specific) | 4 |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ USD 29,000 to ~ USD 1,30,000 |
4. Georgia Institute of Technology
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
|---|---|
| Popular Engineering Specialisations | Computer Science Aerospace Engineering Civil Engineering |
| QS World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering and Technology 2025(USA-Specific) | 6 |
| THE World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering 2025(USA-Specific) | 7 |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ USD 24,000 to ~ USD 86,000 |
5. California Institute of Technology
| Location | Pasadena, California |
|---|---|
| Popular Engineering Specialisations | Chemical Engineering Aeronautics Electrical Engineering |
| QS World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering and Technology 2025(USA-Specific) | 5 |
| THE World University Ranking by Subject: Engineering 2025(USA-Specific) | 5 |
| Average Annual Tuition Fees | ~ USD 43,000 to ~USD 68,000 |
Cost of Living in the USA for Engineering Students
Average Monthly Expense
| Expense Category | Average Cost – On-Campus(Per Month) | Average Cost – Off-Campus(Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | ~ USD 1,200 | ~ USD 900 |
| Food and Groceries | ~ USD 400 | ~ USD 350 |
| Health Insurance | ~ USD 250 | ~ USD 250 |
| Transportation | ~ USD 100 | ~ USD 200 |
| Mobile and Internet Plans | ~ USD 80 | ~ USD 60 |
| Miscellaneous | ~ USD 150 | ~ USD 120 |
City-Wise Cost of Living in the USA
| City | Average Monthly Costs |
|---|---|
| High-Cost Cities | |
| New York, NY | ~ USD 3,200 |
| San Francisco, CA | ~ USD 3,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~ USD 2,500 |
| Affordable Cities | |
| Austin, TX | ~ USD 2,000 |
| Dallas, TX | ~ USD 1,900 |
Eligibility Criteria for Master’s of Engineering in the USA
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised institution.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (some universities may require 3.5+ GPA).
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of 310-330 (if required).
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score of 680-740 (if required).
- Work experience (if required).
- English language proficiency test scores, like 90-100 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), 6.5-7.5 in the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS), or 60-70 in the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
Admission Process and Deadlines for 2026 Intakes
Admission Process for Master’s in Engineering in the USA
- Research and shortlist universities and programmes.
- Check the eligibility requirements.
- Take the required standardised tests and English language proficiency tests.
- Prepare the documents required beforehand.
- Fill and submit your application online through the university’s official portal.
- Track your application status.
- Attend interviews (if required).
- Once admitted, pay the enrolment deposit and fill out any required forms to confirm your seat.
2026 USA University Intakes
| Intake | Programme Starts In (Month) | Application Window |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (Most Popular and Competitive) |
August/September | October to December 2025 |
| Spring 2026 (Second Major Admission Cycle) |
January/February | July to November 2025 |
| Summer 2026 (Least Common Admission Term) |
May/June | March to May 2025 |
US University Application Deadlines
- August to November 2025: Applications are open for most universities. Early Action (EA), Restrictive Early Action (REA), and Early Decision (ED) deadlines are usually between November 1 and November 15.
- January to February 2026: Regular Decision (RD) deadlines for most universities. Rolling Admissions continue until all seats are filled.
- Binding and Flexible Applications: Early Decision (ED) is binding. You must enrol if accepted. While, Early Action (EA/REA) and Regular Decision (RD) are non-binding and allow you to compare multiple offers before accepting.
Career Opportunities after Master’s in Engineering in the USA
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Research and Development (R&D) Engineer | USD 1,00,000 to USD 2,00,000 |
| Controls Engineer | USD 91,000 to USD 1,00,000 |
| Hardware Engineer | USD 80,000 to USD 1,00,000 |
| AI Engineer (Engineering Focus) | USD 87,000 to USD 1,00,000 |
| Project Engineer | USD 70,000 to USD 1,00,000 |
Pursuing a master’s in engineering or Master of Science in Engineering in the USA is a great way to expand your knowledge and expertise in the field and access global career opportunities. Furthermore, with the right educational loan for studying abroad from Avanse Financial Services, you can finance your dream of studying abroad with ease. At Avanse, we offer customised education loans for students, which come with numerous benefits, like a quick loan sanction, flexible repayment options, and much more. If you have any queries related to an education loan, education loan interest rate or your academic aspirations, feel free to get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to do a master’s in engineering in the US?
The cost of pursuing a master’s in engineering in the US usually ranges between ~ USD 30,000 to ~ USD 1,20,000, as it can vary significantly on the university, city, programme, and specialisation you choose.
How long is a master’s in engineering in the USA?
A master’s in engineering or Master of Science in engineering programme usually involve 1 to 2 years of full-time study.
Which universities offer the best MEng programmes in the USA?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Georgia Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offer some of the best MEng programmes in the USA.
Also Read: Universities in the USA Without Application Fee in 2026
