30 July 2025
5 minutes read
What is the Average Masters Fee in USA for Indian Students?
10 August 2024
5 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Average masters fee in USA ranges from $25,000–$70,000 annually, with the total cost of MS (including living) often reaching $40,000–$80,000.
- Public universities, scholarships, and affordable cities can help cut the cost of pursuing an MS in the USA.
- Early planning and profile building with Ambitio make studying at US universities more affordable and achievable.
Over 200,000 Indian students choose to study in the US each year, yet many are blindsided by the average masters fee in USA, which can range from $25,000 to $70,000 annually, excluding living expenses and tuition-related costs.
The cost of MS in USA doesn’t stop at tuition, housing, insurance, and other expenses in the USA quickly pile up, making the total cost of studying MS overwhelming. Planning early, targeting public universities, and exploring scholarships available for MS can help offset the cost significantly.
What Is the Average Masters Fee in USA?
The average masters fee in USA for Indian students ranges between $25,000 and $60,000 per year, but the total cost of studying MS can exceed $70,000 annually when factoring in living expenses and tuition.
The cost of MS in USA varies university to university, with public universities offering relatively affordable tuition fees, while top universities in the USA charge higher rates. International students can reduce the overall cost by exploring scholarships available for MS and assistantships.
What is the Cost of Studying MS in USA at Top Universities?
The average masters fee in USA at top universities can range from $30,000 to over $70,000 per year, and the total cost of studying MS in USA can cross $80,000 annually once living expenses and tuition are included.
The cost of MS in USA varies university to university, with public universities offering lower average tuition, while colleges in the USA like Ivy League schools and private institutions have higher tuition fees. Here’s a quick look at the cost of studying MS in USA for Indian students at top universities:
| University in the US | Average Tuition Fee for MS (per year) | Living Expenses (per year) | Total Cost of Studying MS (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $55,000 – $60,000 | $20,000 – $25,000 | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Stanford University | $50,000 – $55,000 | $18,000 – $23,000 | $68,000 – $78,000 |
| Harvard University | $48,000 – $52,000 | $18,000 – $22,000 | $66,000 – $74,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley | $28,000 – $45,000 (varies by program) | $17,000 – $20,000 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $47,000 – $52,000 | $18,000 – $22,000 | $65,000 – $74,000 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | $30,000 – $45,000 (public university) | $16,000 – $20,000 | $46,000 – $65,000 |
| Columbia University | $50,000 – $60,000 | $20,000 – $24,000 | $70,000 – $84,000 |
Cost Breakdown for Indian Students Pursuing a Master’s in the USA
The average masters fee in USA for Indian students goes beyond just the tuition fee. The cost of MS in USA includes living expenses, health insurance, books, and other charges, which can make the overall cost much higher than expected.
While tuition fees for MS vary from university to university, students may also need to budget for other expenses in the USA for international students to fully plan their study abroad journey. Here’s a cost breakdown for pursuing a Master’s degree in the USA:
| Expense Category | Average Cost per Year (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (MS Courses in USA) | $25,000 – $60,000 | Varies university to university, with public universities on the lower end, and top universities higher. |
| Living Expenses in USA | $12,000 – $25,000 | Includes housing, food, utilities, and personal expenses; cost of living in USA depends on city. |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 – $4,000 | Mandatory for international students to study in the USA. |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 – $2,000 | Costs vary based on MS courses in USA and program requirements. |
| Transportation | $1,000 – $2,500 | Depends on location and living costs (public transit vs. car). |
| Miscellaneous/Personal Expenses | $2,000 – $4,000 | Covers personal needs, entertainment, and unplanned costs. |
| Total Cost of Studying MS in USA | $43,000 – $97,000 annually | Reflects tuition and fees, living expenses, and other charges for students in the USA. |
Cheapest and Most Affordable Universities in the USA for Indian Students
For Indian students planning to study MS in the USA, choosing public universities with affordable tuition fees can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying. The average masters fee in USA varies widely, but some universities in the USA offer MS courses at far lower costs compared to top universities, helping students manage living expenses and tuition while pursuing a master’s degree in the USA.
Here’s a list of cheapest universities offering MS in the USA for Indian students:
| University in the US | Average Tuition Fee for MS (per year) | Living Expenses (per year) | Total Cost of Studying MS (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin (Public) | $12,000 – $18,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 | $24,000 – $34,000 |
| University of Florida (Public) | $13,000 – $20,000 | $11,000 – $15,000 | $24,000 – $35,000 |
| San Diego State University (Public) | $15,000 – $20,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 | $27,000 – $36,000 |
| University of Houston (Public) | $13,000 – $18,000 | $11,000 – $15,000 | $24,000 – $33,000 |
| California State University, Long Beach | $10,000 – $16,000 | $12,000 – $15,000 | $22,000 – $31,000 |
| Iowa State University (Public) | $11,000 – $17,000 | $10,000 – $14,000 | $21,000 – $31,000 |
| University of North Texas (Public) | $12,000 – $18,000 | $11,000 – $15,000 | $23,000 – $33,000 |
Scholarships and Funding Options to Reduce Masters Fee for Indian Students
Many Indian students hesitate to pursue an MS in the USA because the average masters fee in USA is high, and the total cost of MS can easily exceed $70,000 annually. However, students can apply for financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships offered by US universities to offset the tuition cost and manage the cost of pursuing an MS while studying at universities and colleges in the USA.
Here’s a list of scholarships and funding options for Indian students:
| Scholarship/Funding Option | Eligibility | Benefits (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | Indian students with strong academics applying to programmes in the USA | Full or partial tuition fees, living expenses, and travel |
| AAUW International Fellowships | Women international students based in the USA | Up to $20,000–$50,000 per year |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Indian students pursuing master’s courses in the USA | Up to $100,000 covering tuition and living costs |
| Tata Scholarship (Cornell University) | Indian students admitted to Cornell (list of universities) | Covers full tuition fees and living expenses |
| Graduate Assistantships (Many Universities) | Available at universities for MS in USA | Provides stipends and tuition fee waivers |
| Rotary Foundation Global Grants | For courses in the USA (MS and MBA) | Up to $30,000 towards tuition and living |
| University-specific Scholarships | Varies depending on the university | Partial or full funding to help reduce the cost to study MS |
Tips to Manage the Average Masters Fee in USA as an Indian Student
Managing the average masters fee in USA is essential for Indian students planning to pursue MS or even MBA in USA, as the cost for MS in USA can be overwhelming. Since the ms fees in USA varies and the average cost of studying is high, smart planning can help students get the degree without heavy debt.
Here are tips to manage the cost of a master’s degree:
- Target Public Universities – Tuition fees in the USA at public schools are lower; ms fees in USA varies greatly depending on the university.
- Apply for Scholarships and Assistantships – Helps reduce the tuition fees for masters and cost of an MS.
- Choose Affordable Cities – The cost for MS in USA isn’t just fees; living costs can make or break budgets.
- Start with an Undergraduate Degree in India – Reduces total expenses before you study in USA for a master’s.
- Plan Early for Financial Aid – Tuition fees may differ, and USA is one of the most expensive destinations for international students, so apply early.
- Work Part-Time (Legally) – Students to get work experience and offset fees may vary depending on income.
- Budget for Hidden Costs – Remember, USA is around $40,000–$80,000 a year including housing, so plan for the cost of pursuing an MS carefully.
Conclusion
The average masters fee in USA can feel daunting, especially when tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs quickly add up to $40,000–$80,000 per year. But with the right strategy, choosing affordable universities, securing scholarships, and building a strong profile, your dream to study in USA doesn’t have to stay a dream.
At Ambitio, we don’t just guide you; we build your entire study abroad journey, from profile building to university selection and funding strategies. Ready to make your MS in the USA affordable and achievable? Click here to connect with Ambitio and start your future today!
FAQs
What is the minimum age to study in the USA?
What is the academic calendar for universities in the US?
The academic year typically spans from August to May, including holiday breaks
What are the popular courses in the USA?
STEM topics are popular among international and domestic students in the United States. Other popular courses include psychology, business administration, education, economics, and political science
Can I work in the United States while on a student visa?
When school is in session, your US student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week on campus and full-time during school breaks
What is the credit system in U.S. universities?
Each course is given a credit value that reflects the amount of hours the students will meet with the professor each week
Are any scholarships available for international students in the USA?
Scholarships are typically provided to international students in the United States on the basis of merit, need, or other outstanding excellence such as athletics, cultural activities, or a significant contribution to community service
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