18 March 2025
6 minutes read
Top 10 Fully Funded Masters Programs Computer Science in the US

Key Takeaways
- Fully funded masters programs computer science cover tuition, living expenses, and stipends at top universities worldwide.
- Fully funded masters programs computer science offer scholarships, assistantships, or grants based on merit, need, or research potential.
- Fully funded masters programs computer science help students pursue advanced studies without financial stress, boosting career opportunities.
While a computer science education can be very costly, many master’s programs in computer science in the US are fully funded. Scholarships that provide full tuition, large annual stipends, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships help to take a sizeable amount of edge off for international students and those applying within the country.
Besides, the top institutions, for example, Princeton University, will always offer fully funded programs where students are by default considered for scholarships and fellowships. These will make it very easy for the students to gain financial support to study a master’s program in computer science, and it will thus be easier for those students who qualify for the program.
This opportunity of complete funding, either as a stipend or assistantship, allows the students to ease into study without financial worries. In this guide, we gonna cover 10 fully funded master’s programs in the US for computer science students.
What is a fully funded computer science scholarship?
In simple terms, a fully funded computer science scholarship is a type of financial aid that provides full funding for students pursuing a degree in computer science and engineering. This scholarship covers all expenses including full tuition, annual stipends, and other forms of financial support such as teaching assistantships and research assistantships.
Available for both international students and domestic applicants, these scholarships and fellowships are often provided by top institutions and are designed to support computer science students throughout their graduate and PhD programs.
With financial aid and fellowships that provides full funding, applicants can focus on their studies without worrying about the financial burden, typically committing around 20 hours per week to assistantships that further enhance their academic experience. This comprehensive financial support is crucial for enabling students to compute their way through rigorous computer science undergraduate and graduate programs.
How can you get a full scholarship in computer science in the US?
Getting a full scholarship or fellowship for computer science in the US is hard but not impossible – with the right approach, you can surely land a fully funded scholarship. However, the process does involve several strategic steps:

Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Applicants need to maintain a strong academic record and demonstrate excellence in their field. Merit-based scholarships are available for deserving students who excel academically. Students actively participating in research and other scholarly activities within the Department of Computer Science can also increase their chances of receiving scholarships.
Apply for Teaching and Research Assistantships
These positions for assistantships not only provide financial support for graduate students by covering the cost of tuition but also offer stipends. Many universities, including those with a program for students in computer engineering and data science, provide these assistantships.
Consider Specific Scholarships for Unique Needs
Students should look into specific scholarships available for students with disabilities, international students applying for master’s programs, and those involved in specific research areas funded by organisations like the National Science Foundation.
Stay Informed About Deadlines and Requirements
Staying informed about deadlines and application requirements is key. Many scholarships and assistantships are open to master’s students who apply early and meet all criteria. Universities often automatically consider students for these awards upon application, so it’s crucial to submit all required documents and recommendations promptly.
10 Fully Funded Master’s Programs in the US in computer science
In these programs, there are some terms and conditions which need to be discussed first:
- Strong academic background, often requiring a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- Highly selective admission process
- Thesis and non-thesis options available at some universities
- Opportunity to complete the program in 1.5-2 years as a full-time student
- Possibility to transfer some credits from another accredited graduate school
Here are 10 fully funded Master’s programs for students pursuing degrees in computer science:
1. Georgia Institute of Technology – Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
This is a fully funded program at Gerogia Institute of Technology designed for students with strong academic backgrounds. It requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. Highly selective, this program is designed for students pursuing degrees in computer science in the US.
2. University of Colorado Boulder – Professional Master’s in Computer Science
Fully funded for PhD students upon completion of the Master’s, this program at the University of Colorado Boulder fosters a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment focused on innovation. Scholarships for computer science are available within the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering.
3. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
This 30-credit-hour program at University of Alabama at Birmingham can be completed in 1.5 years by full-time students. It offers both thesis and non-thesis options and allows up to 12 transfer credits from another accredited graduate school. This university offers fully funded master’s programs in computer science.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Master of Science in Computer Science
Although the tuition fee is $59,750 per year, the average mid-career salary of $79,800 per year ensures an excellent return on investment. MIT’s master’s in computer science program is highly esteemed.

5. Stanford University – Master of Science in Computer Science
With a tuition fee of $58,746 per year and an average mid-career salary of $95,100 per year, Stanford University offers one of the highest returns on investment for master’s students. Scholarships and fellowships are automatically considered for all students enrolled.
6. University of California, Berkeley – Master of Science in Computer Science
The tuition fee is $28,000 per year, with an average mid-career salary of $85,100 per year. This program at the University of California, Berkeley is among the most cost-effective for students pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.
7. Carnegie Mellon University – Master of Science in Computer Science
Tuition is $54,420 per year, and the average mid-career salary is $75,950 per year. This program is known for its excellent return on investment. Carnegie Mellon University offers numerous teaching and research assistantships covering the four primary areas of study.
8. Harvard University – Master of Science in Computer Science
With a tuition fee of $54,032 per year and an average mid-career salary of $76,500 per year, Harvard University‘s program offers a high return on investment. Merit-based scholarships are available for qualified students.
9. University of Chicago – Master of Science in Computer Science
This program at the University of Chicago offers a part-time mode for a working professional, providing a flexible schedule for those pursuing degrees in computer science while managing other responsibilities.
10. Tufts University – Master of Science in Computer Science
Similar to the University of Chicago, Tufts University offers a part-time mode for working professionals, ensuring flexibility and support for students who wish to balance their studies with other commitments.
Conclusion
At last, to enhance your understanding and chances of securing a scholarship, regularly check university websites and dedicated scholarship directories. Stay proactive in your search and reach out to admissions offices for the latest information on available funding opportunities. Networking with current students and alumni can also provide valuable insights and tips.
Just remember, exploring fully funded master’s programs in computer science in the US can significantly ease the financial burden of higher education. With opportunities at prestigious institutions like Georgia Institute of Technology, MIT, and Stanford, students can focus on their studies without the stress of tuition costs.
Transform your educational dreams into reality by finding scholarships with Ambitio. Our Scholarship Finder Tool is designed to connect you with financial resources that enable you to pursue your academic ambitions without compromise.
FAQs
What are fully funded masters programs computer science?
Which universities offer fully funded masters programs computer science?
How can I increase my chances of getting into fully funded masters programs computer science?
To secure admission into fully funded masters programs computer science, maintain a high GPA, gain research experience, and submit a strong SOP and recommendations.
Are international students eligible for fully funded masters programs computer science?
What scholarships help students get fully funded masters programs computer science?
Scholarships like Fulbright, DAAD, and Chevening support fully funded masters programs computer science, covering tuition, stipends, and research costs.
Do fully funded masters programs computer science require students to work?
What are the eligibility criteria for fully funded masters programs computer science?
Most fully funded masters programs computer science require a strong academic record, research experience, and standardized test scores like GRE or TOEFL.

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