For years and even decades, the USA has been the global technology hub. Silicon Valley, in particular, has given rise to numerous tech giants like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Tesla. As the epicentre of innovation and technological advancement, it’s no surprise that aspiring students from across the globe choose to pursue their MS in Computer Science in USA. Getting a Master’s degree in CS from the USA can put you at the forefront of tech innovation and research. But as an international student, it can be confusing to navigate the whole study in USA process. To help you, we will guide you through the top universities for an MS in computer science, including their fees, eligibility requirements, and more.
Table of Contents
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Stanford University
3. Carnegie Mellon University
4. University of California, Berkeley
5. Princeton University
6. Harvard University
7. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
8. Cornell University
9. University of Washington
10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
1. Why should I pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA?
2. Do I Need GRE Scores to Get Admission to an MS in Computer Science in the USA?
3. When Should I Apply for an MS in Computer Science Programs?
4. What are the Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in the USA?
5. How Much Does It Cost to Pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA?
| Number of colleges | 260 – 300+ |
| Top Universities | |
| Duration of Program | 1.5 - 2 years |
| Top specializations |
|
| Average MS in computer science in USA for Indian students fees | $30,000 - $70,000 per year |
| Average living costs | $10,000 - $20,000 per year, depending on the location |
| Admission Requirements |
|
| Average GRE Scores | 310 – 330 (out of 340) |
| Top recruiters | Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and start-ups in Silicon Valley, as well as finance, healthcare, and academia. |
| Work Authorization | Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months (STEM OPT extension for additional 24 months if applicable). |
| Post-Graduation Salary | $80,000 - $150,000 per year depending on the job role |
| Application Deadlines | Fall intake, which is usually between December and March (Some universities offer spring or summer intakes as well) |
Let’s take a look at all the top universities in USA for MS in computer science, all of which are highly ranked by the QS World University Rankings by subject.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT, is ranked #1 in the world, according to both the QS World University Rankings 2026 and the QS WUR Ranking by subject. Its MS in Computer Science program focuses on hands-on and project-based learning, emphasising the motto “Mens et Manus,” which means “Mind and Hand,” and incorporates both theoretical and real-world knowledge.
| QS Ranking | #1 QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Popular Courses | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Optimization |
| Average Fees | $86,530 (estimated 12-month annual cost) |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 10% |
Stanford University is one of the best institutions for pursuing an MS in computer science in USA. The MSCS program often competes for the #1 or #2 ranking in the US with other institutions, such as MIT and Carnegie Mellon. What makes it even more worthwhile is that it is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering students access to work opportunities with tech leaders.
| QS Ranking | #3 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Popular Courses | Artificial Intelligence, Software Systems, and Theoretical Computer |
| Fees | $75,329 - $75,742 annually |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% - 7.75%. |
For pursuing a masters in computer science in USA, Carnegie Mellon University offers an esteemed faculty and a rigorous, challenging program that ranks #1 (tied with MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley). Thirteen of its faculty members and alumni have won the A.M. Turing Award, which is known as the “Nobel Prize of computing”. Carnegie Mellon also boasts a high employment rate for CS graduates, with average annual salaries exceeding $120,000.
| QS Ranking | #52 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Popular Courses | Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. |
| Fees | $60,400 for an academic year ($839 per unit) |
| Acceptance Rate | 5% - 7% |
The University of California offers exceptional programs for a master's in computer science in USA for international students. Its programs are a part of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS), whose faculty are pioneers in CS fields like AI and machine learning. It also includes facilities like the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab and the RISELab.
| QS Ranking | #17 in QS World University Rankings 2026. |
| Popular Courses | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Algorithms, Systems, and Human-Computer Interaction. |
| Fees | $37,670 (estimated annual cost) |
| Acceptance Rate | Not officially published |
The next on our list of top MS colleges in USA for computer science is Princeton University, whose computer science department ranks at the top globally. Apart from its high ranking, Princeton’s CS graduates are highly sought after by major tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The university also provides fully funded financial help, which covers tuition and living expenses.
| QS Ranking | #=25 in QS World University Rankings 2026. |
| Popular Courses | Algorithms and Data Structures, Programming Systems, Machine Learning, and Theoretical Computer Science. |
| Fees | $65,210 annually |
| Acceptance Rate | Not officially published, but is expected to be around 3-4% |
Harvard University’s MS in computer science program is highly regarded and is known for providing a rigorous curriculum and exceptional career opportunities. What makes studying MS in computer science in USA at Harvard University even great is that it allows for cross-registration opportunities, which give students exposure to a wide range of courses and teaching styles.
| QS Ranking | #5 in QS World University Rankings 2026. |
| Popular Courses | Data Science, Computational Science and Engineering, and courses within the CS50 curriculum. |
| Fees | $59,320 (estimated annual cost) |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly available, but is considered to be below 4% |
Caltech is another top university in USA for MS in computer science. Its MS in computer science program is highly research-oriented and provides students with the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects. This makes it an excellent option for students seeking a PhD or a career in research and development (R&D).
| QS Ranking | #10 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Popular Courses | Algorithms, Computer Systems, and AI |
| Fees | $68,001 annually |
| Acceptance Rate | 3 - 6.7%. |
Cornell is the strongest of all the Ivy League schools, and its MS in CS program in the USA has consistently ranked in the top 10 in the world. Apart from this, Cornell is also a R1 research university with a strong focus on research. Due to this, students have the opportunity to work with world-class faculty and intern at top tech companies, such as Google, Amazon, and Meta.
| QS Ranking | #16 in QS World University Rankings 2026. |
| Popular Courses | Algorithms and Theory (Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Theory of Computation), Systems (Distributed Systems, Computer Systems Verification), and AI and Machine Learning (Applied Machine Learning, Data Mining). |
| Fees | $29,500 annually |
| Acceptance Rate | 8 - 8.41% |
For students who want to study MS computer science in USA at a university that provides strong industry connections, then the University of Washington is a great choice. It is located in Seattle, a major global tech hub, which provides students with opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and post-graduation job placements.
| QS Ranking | #81 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Popular Courses | Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Data Science/Databases, Systems and Software Engineering, and Human-Computer Interaction. |
| Fees | $42,882 per year |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% and 40% |
The last on our list of top MS universities in USA for computer science is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Its MS in computer science program consistently rank among the top 5 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025 rankings) and also has one of the longest-established CS departments in the world.
| QS Ranking | #70 in QS World University Rankings 2025 |
| Popular Courses | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Mining, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering |
| Fees | $38,276 annually |
| Acceptance Rate | 7.4% |
Also Read: Top 100 Universities in USA
You can choose from either a full-time or a part-time course when it comes to pursuing an MS in computer science in USA. Let’s take a look at them to understand which one will be better for you:
A full-time course for a masters in computer science in USA is typically offered to traditional students and international students who require an F-1 visa.
A part-time course for an MS in computer science USA is designed for working professionals and those with other commitments. What makes it different from a full-time MS in CS in USA is that it takes longer to complete (students take 1-2 courses per semester) and can also be offered online.
As an international student, you can also pursue an MS in computer science in USA with scholarship. Some of which not only cover tuition fees but also cover other living expenses associated with studying in the USA. Popular ones include:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship (AKFS) | For international students from developing countries | A 50% grant and 50% loan (Covers tuition and living expenses) |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program/Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships | A prestigious scholarship for outstanding international students from eligible countries | Fully-funded (Covers tuition, living costs, airfare, and health insurance) |
| Microsoft Scholarship Program | Students pursuing a degree in Computer Science or related fields | Varies (tuition, fees, and stipend) |
| Google Lime Scholarship | Students with disabilities pursuing Computer Science or related fields | $10,000 (US), $5,000 (international) |
| Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Scholarship | International students from India, China, and other countries pursuing STEM degrees | Varies by university |
| Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship | Female students pursuing an MS or PhD in Computer Science or related fields | $10,000 + paid internship at Adobe |
| IBM Ph.D. Fellowship Award | Graduate students in AI, machine learning, and Computer Science | Up to $40,000 per year |
| P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship | Female international students pursuing graduate studies in the US or Canada | Up to $12,500 |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Female international students pursuing graduate degrees in the US | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Facebook Fellowship Program | PhD students in Computer Science, Engineering, and related fields | $42,000 stipend + tuition and fees |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Indian students wishing to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. | Varies (covers tuition, living expenses, etc.) |
Applying for an MS in computer science in USA for Indian students involves meeting key eligibility criteria and having a strong application. Below is a breakdown of each:
Note: Some programs may ask for a portfolio of projects or research, especially if you're applying for specialised areas like AI or data science. A personal interview is rare but may be required by some universities.
After completing an MS in computer science in USA, as a graduate, you can explore a wide range of career opportunities across technology, finance, healthcare, education, and research sectors. Below is a list of popular job roles along with their estimated salary:
| Job Role | Estimated Salary (Annual) |
| Software Engineer | $99,000 - $134,000 |
| Data Scientist | $100,000 - $112,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $104,371 |
| AI Research Scientist | $115,443 - $130,117 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $72,000 - $100,000 |
| Cloud Solutions Architect | $112,577 - $149,545 |
| Full Stack Developer | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| Software Development Manager | $70,000 - $123,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | $105,000 - $144,500 |
| Systems Architect | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| Quantitative Analyst (Quant) | $98,000 - $138,000 |
| Research Scientist (Tech) | $160,000 - $213,000 |
| Blockchain Developer | $78,000 - $262,000 |
Also Read: MBBS in USA for Indian Students
Summing up, no doubt pursuing an MS in computer science in USA can offer great career opportunities and high salaries. But it also comes with its own challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the whole MS in USA process. But don’t worry, you can connect with our study abroad consultant who can make your journey easier by providing expert advice on universities, financial planning, and cultural adjustments. Connect today!
The USA is a global leader when it comes to tech, and pursuing an MS in computer science in the USA can help in landing advanced research and career opportunities, and high starting salaries (typically around $100,000). The USA also has significant investments in AI, which can help you land a job in major tech companies in Silicon Valley.
GRE is not a requirement for getting admission to an MS in computer science in the USA, and many universities have waived it. However, its requirement usually varies from university to university, and you will have to check the admission criteria of the university you wish to pursue an MS in computer science.
Most of the USA universities have fall intakes that generally start around August or September. And the application process usually starts a year earlier, so the best time to apply for an MS in computer science program is in August, as soon as the application process begins. This can increase your chances for early intakes.
Top universities in the USA that provide exceptional MS in computer science programs are:
Pursuing an MS in computer science at a top university in the USA can cost around $25,000 – $55,000+ annually for tuition alone. In addition to this, other living costs like accommodation, utilities, health insurance, and books & supplies can cost an extra $13,200 - $27,000 annually.
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