• USA

Cost of Masters (MS) in the USA

345 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Mar 02,2024 01:21 PM IST

Pursuing an MS in the USA directly translates to a brilliant future, and almost every student knows that, which is why, each year, there's a high number of applications from international students. Some students dare to take the leap and fulfil their dreams, while some don't even try because of the high cost of studying in the USA, without realizing the various affordable options available for international students. The cost of MS in the USA for Indian students can be reduced if students make the right decision at the time. Read the blog to know more.

MS in the USA is a dream of many, but who doesn't get scared of that huge mountain of student debt that comes with top-notch higher education? It may be a big concern, but it shouldn't come at the cost of a student's dreams and ambitions. There are many ways students can cut down on the expenses of studying in the USA and learn from the best professors in the world. That's why this blog focuses on the cost of MS in the USA for Indian students and some of the most affordable states to pursue a master's degree in the USA. Get insights on affordable study options and expected financial outcomes post-graduation.

Why Study Master's (MS) Courses in USA?

The US education system is in a league of its own, which shows in the way the US allows its students to customize their program according to their interests rather than forcing a standard curriculum on everyone. With freedom in its motto, the USA is one of the best study-abroad destinations among international students to pursue higher education.

And living up to its name, the USA is popular for its plethora of universities providing cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence to international students. The high-quality education system, combined with a vibrant campus culture and dynamic networking opportunities, plays a pivotal role in drawing Indian students to the US for their MS degrees. But there's a factor that single-handedly makes the most significant impact on a student's decision- the high cost of studying in the USA.

Cost of Studying Master's (MS) Courses in USA

The high cost of education in the USA is one of the biggest factors influencing a student's decision on their study abroad destination. The cost of pursuing an MS in the USA varies significantly across different universities and states. On average, the tuition fees for an MS course can range from approximately $10,000 to $50,000 per academic year, depending on the institution's public or private status and the program's prestige.

It is important to note that public universities generally offer lower tuition fees compared to private ones. Apart from the tuition fees, students must also keep additional expenses in mind, such as application fees, standardized test fees (ACT, SAT, etc.), English language test fees (IELTS, TOEFL) visa charges, and health insurance.

Cost of Living in USA

How much a student spends is directly proportionate to the state they have chosen to live in. Other than location, one's personal spending, habits, and student lifestyle also matter. Students are advised to budget approximately $10,000 to $18,000 annually for accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Proper research and planning for these costs can significantly impact the total expenditure of studying abroad.

Cost of MS in USA MS in USA Fees for Indian Students.webp

Category	Approx. Average Range	Notes
Accommodation	$9,800 - $11,100	Varies based on location, type of housing, and roommates
Food	$3,600 - $7,200	Groceries are generally cheaper than eating out
Transportation	$300 - $700	Public transport costs vary by city
Utilities	$1,200 - $1,800	Costs depend on location, dwelling size, and usage
Books & Study Materials	$900 - $2,000	Varies based on program and study habits
Health Insurance	$1,200 - $2,500	Mandatory for international students, costs vary by plan and provider
Personal Expenses	$1,200 - $2,400	Varies based on individual lifestyle and needs
Total Estimated Cost	$17,400 - $27,200	Remember, these are estimates. Consider individual needs and research specific locations for accuracy.

Most Affordable States in the US

Though the US is known for high living standards, certain states offer more cost-effective options for international students. There are many factors that a student must consider when choosing from different cities in America, such as:

Cost of living	Different states have different standards and costs of living that students must consider before deciding on the province.
Job Market	It's evident that a state with better job opportunities and the market will be costlier than other states. So, choosing a state that's affordable and provides job opportunities is essential.
Taxes	Some states may have higher taxes than others, significantly impacting the total cost of living.

Here's a list of the most affordable states in the US:

Mississippi
Kansas
Alabama
Oklahoma
Georgia
Tennessee
Missouri
Iowa
West Virginia
Indiana

Average Salary After Completing Master's (MS) in USA

One of the most persuasive factors for Indian students contemplating an MS in the USA is the potential for a lucrative career post-graduation. The average salary for those with an MS degree varies according to the field of specialization, but it can range from $70,000 to over $100,000 annually. Here are some of the average salaries for specialized courses in MS in the USA:

Field of Study	Specialization	Average Salary USD)
Computer Science	Artificial Intelligence	$125,000
	Cybersecurity	$108,000
Engineering	Software Engineering	$112,000
	Mechanical Engineering	$87,000
Business	Finance	$95,000
	Marketing	$79,000
Data Science	Machine Learning	$132,000
	Data Analytics	$93,000
Healthcare	Nursing	$73,000
	Medical Research	$91,000

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey to earning an MS in the USA does entail a significant financial undertaking. Still, the long-term benefits and career gains can provide a substantial return on investment. By choosing affordable states for their studies, managing living expenses wisely, and leveraging the strong US job market after graduation, Indian students can make their dream of an American education both valuable and viable.

Prospective Indian MS candidates should have detailed research, adequate financial planning, and a clear vision of their academic goals. With the proper preparation and guidance from Canam Consultants, pursuing an MS in the USA can be a transformative experience that paves the way for professional excellence and personal growth.

FAQ

Are there any affordable city options in the USA for Indian students?

Here are some affordable city options that students can consider while applying:

• Mississippi

• Kansas

• Alabama

• Oklahoma

• Georgia

• Tennessee

• Missouri

Are there any cost-saving tips for living expenses in the USA?

Budgeting and choosing affordable housing options can help cut costs in the USA, and students can also consider utilizing public transportation, exploring on-campus housing, and sharing accommodations to cut costs further.

Are there any visa restrictions or limitations on working in the US after graduation?

Yes, international students graduating with F-1 student visas have work opportunity limitations. However, students can opt for Optional Practical Training, which allows temporary work experience after graduation.

What are the factors that affect the cost of living in a state?

Although many factors play a pivotal role in determining the cost of living in a state, here are some significant factors that a student must consider:

• Job market

• Taxes

• Median home price

• Availability of housing

• Rental rates

• Cost of groceries and utilities

• Public transport

• Healthcare

• Entertainment

What is the job market outlook for MS graduates in the US, specifically for Indian students?

The job market for MS graduates in the USA generally offers an excellent salary package, with many fields experiencing high demand. However, specific fields and location factors are essential in how much a graduate gets paid.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Canadian Institute of Management and Technology (CIMT) - Malton Campus

Ontario, Canada • 13 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 11000-17500 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - University for the Creative Arts - Canterbury Campus

England, UK • 74 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 16000-17000 / year

Fleming College - Frost Campus (Lindsay)

Ontario, Canada • 70 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17000-28000 / year

Yukon University - Whitehorse Campus

Yukon Territory, Canada • 18 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 12000-19500 / year

International School of Management - Munich Campus

Bavaria, Germany • 28 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 11400-11400 / year

University of Greenwich - Avery hill Campus

England, UK • 12 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 15000-16000 / year

Education Centre of Australia (ECA) Group - University of Canberra - Sydney Hills Campus

New South Wales, Australia • 2 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 34500-35000 / year

Shorelight Group - University of Massachusetts - Boston

Massachusetts, USA • 68 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 35000-36000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Dubai

5th June to 15th June • 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In-Person Event

University Visits - Humber college

Study in Canada • University Visit

Chandigarh • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

University Visit - Dalhousie University

Study in Canada • University Visit

Mumbai - Andheri West • 10:30AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

LLM in Australia: Top Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Scholarship for Indian Students

Master in Laws (LLM) is a globally recognised postgraduate degree designed to broaden the legal knowledge of students. LLM (Master of Laws) in Austral...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 05:26 PM IST • Australia

Cost of Studying in UK

Did you know Brits drink about 100 million cups of tea daily? That sounds a lot, but that's not the only astounding fact about the UK; apparently, the...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:18 PM IST • UK

SOP for MBA - Format, Samples and Expert Tips

A statement of purpose (SOP) is essential for an MBA application and allows students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations ...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:11 PM IST • SOP

Why Study in Ireland ?

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, which is home to the world's most reputed universities and colleges, famous for their we...

Updated on • Apr 25,2024 03:43 PM IST • Ireland

Why study in Canada?

The thought of international education and studying in Canada go hand in hand, and there’s an interesting reason for this. The thing is, almost 80% ...

Updated on • Apr 23,2024 12:15 PM IST • Study in Canada

Timeline for USA Summer Intake: Deadlines & Universities Requirements

Studying in the USA provides high-quality education with diverse academic programs along with personal and professional growth opportunities. The Unit...

Updated on • Apr 19,2024 03:45 PM IST • USA

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

IELTS is one of the most popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test has many versions, such as IELTS Academic, IELTS General Tra...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 05:42 PM IST • IELTS

Study in Canada after 12th

Canada is a popular study abroad destination for international students seeking to study in Canada after 12th due to its world-class education system,...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 01:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 15,2024 01:35 PM IST • IELTS

How can you Apply to University in Canada for Indian Students?

Studying in Canada is a dream of many international students today. There were 642,480 international students in Canada in December 2019, ...

Updated on • Apr 13,2024 01:36 PM IST • Study in Canada • Colleges in Canada

PTE Score Chart 2024: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 13,2024 11:39 AM IST • PTE

Study in New Zealand without IELTS

English language proficiency is necessary to seek education opportunities in New Zealand. As an English-speaking country, it is well-known for its col...

Updated on • Apr 11,2024 05:36 PM IST • New Zealand

Tips to Write a Great GRE Analytical Essay

The GRE looms as a hurdle for many postgraduate aspirants, but for some, it harbors a hidden gateway: The Analytical Writing Issue Essay. This blog co...

Updated on • Apr 11,2024 10:03 AM IST • Education

Top 5 Mistakes CELPIP Test Takers Make

The CELPIP exam is Canada’s leading exam that students take to get permanent residency in Canada or pursue a professional course there. Therefore, i...

Updated on • Apr 10,2024 05:38 PM IST • CELPIP

Study and Work in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide

Australia is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for international students. It is famous for its natural wonders, wide-open spaces, bea...

Updated on • Apr 05,2024 12:59 PM IST • Australia

Social Media Vocabulary IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures a student’s language proficiency. Its Speaking section further evaluates the abil...

Updated on • Apr 04,2024 11:43 AM IST • IELTS

Crime & Punishment Essay IELTS

Crime & Punishment Essay Titles The list below gives out essay titles on crime and punishment that might appear in the IELTS exam. These ess...

Updated on • Apr 02,2024 10:31 AM IST • IELTS

Believing These 8 Myths About IELTS Keeps You From Growing

Believing These 8 Myths About IELTS Keeps You From GrowingOnce you start thinking about taking IELTS Examination, you might end up believing in cert...

Updated on • Apr 02,2024 09:49 AM IST • IELTS

20 Common IELTS Essay Topics for Writing Task 2

"This blog discusses some common essay topics which appear as writing Task 2 in the IELTS Exam. The blog further talks about the subtopics of essays i...

Updated on • Apr 01,2024 05:46 PM IST • IELTS

Masters in Psychology in Canada: Best Universities, Eligibility, Documents, Admissions Process and Scholarships

Masters in Psychology in Canada is a popular two-year course that allows students to embark on a journey to understand human behavior better. The one ...

Updated on • Mar 29,2024 11:47 AM IST • Study in Canada

Cost of Masters (MS) in the USA

Table of Contents

Why Study Master's (MS) Courses in USA?

Cost of Studying Master's (MS) Courses in USA

Cost of Living in USA

Most Affordable States in the US

Average Salary After Completing Master's (MS) in USA

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams