Pursuing an MS in the USA can cost over INR 1 crore at some universities and around INR 35 lakhs at others. With careful research, you can reduce the expense of your MS in the USA without compromising on the quality of education or employment prospects. If you plan to study in the USA on a budget, this blog is for you.
Universities like San Diego State University, University of Texas at El Paso, California State University, Long Beach, and Missouri University of Science and Technology offer some excellent options. While pursuing an MS at these institutions isn’t exactly cheap, they provide a good balance between affordability and quality. The tuition fees for their graduate programs range from $15,000 to $20,000 per year.
Another way to find affordable MS programs in the USA is to target states with lower costs of living. You can explore universities in Texas, Arkansas, South Dakota, Ohio, Missouri, and other similar locations.
Read the full blog below for a curated list of the most affordable universities and states for MS programs in the USA. We will also cover how to find top scholarship options to help fund your education.
Why pursue an MS program in the USA?
The quality of higher education offered in universities in the USA is indisputable. Here’s why:
- 7 of the top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025 are from the USA.
- Universities in the USA offer a wide range of STEM specializations. In fact, in Engineering alone, there are more than 5,300 MS programs offered across all educational institutions in the USA.
- The US government allocates over $68 billion for R&D to help MS students engage in groundbreaking research opportunities.
- During 2022-23, over 1.1 million international students were pursuing education in the USA. Of these students, 40% were enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or other graduate programs.
- US universities boast a powerful and global network of alumni who help graduates advance their careers. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has nearly 149,000 alumni representing various sectors.
- Universities in the USA offer a good return on investments. STEM graduates across the USA can earn an average annual salary of $81,000.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Affordable colleges for an MS in the USA
Affordability is a great factor for international students when finalizing an MS college to study in the USA. So, we have curated a list of 7 most affordable MS colleges in the USA that you can explore:
San Diego State University (SDSU)
Located in one of the most vibrant cities in California, San Diego State University emphasizes practical skills and research. For graduate programs, non-resident students pay a tuition of $3,356 – $4,862 per unit.
Here’s the estimated tuition fee for various MS programs at SDSU:
| MS Programs | Estimated Tuition Fee (Annual) | Additional Program Fees (Annual) |
| Computer Science | $15,066 | $19,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $15,066 | $19,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | $15,066 | $19,000 |
| Public Health | $15,066 | $19,000 |
| Bioinformatics | $15,066 | $19,000 |
| Environmental Engineering | $15,066 | $19,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | $15,066 | $19,000 |
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
The tuition for master’s programs at the University of Texas at El Paso ranges from $782 to $575 per credit hour. This means the tuition for an entire program goes only up to $23,460, which is much lower than expensive universities in the USA (Ivy League).
Here are some of the top MS programs offered at UTEP, along with their tuition fee:
| MS Programs | Tuition Fee (Per Credit Hour) |
| Master of Science in Construction Management | $782 |
| Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner | $782 |
| Master of Science in Systems Engineering | $782 |
| Master of Business Administration | $664 |
| Master of Multidisciplinary Studies | $590 |
| Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Public Policy and Management | $590 |
| Master of Music with a Concentration in Conducting | $575 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing | $575 |
| Master of Defense and Strategic Studies | $575 |
| Master of Education in Educational Administration with a Concentration in Higher Education Leadership | $575 |
| Master’s in Special Education with a Concentration in Bilingual Education | $590 |
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Ranked amongst one of the best universities in the West USA, California State University offers affordable graduate programs to international students. CSULB’s proximity to major corporate headquarters also provides its graduates with ample job and internship opportunities.
Here is a list of master’s programs at the university, along with their cost:
| MS Programs | Estimated Tuition Fee (Annual) | Additional Expenses (Annual) |
| Computer Science | $16,680 | $20,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | $16,680 | $20,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $16,680 | $20,000 |
| Aerospace Engineering | $16,680 | $20,000 |
| Business Analytics | $16,680 | $20,000 |
| Environmental Science and Policy | $16,680 | $20,000 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $16,680 | $20,000 |
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Here are some top graduate programs offered at Missouri S&T, along with their tuition fee:
| Graduate Programs | Cost Per Credit Hour |
| Aerospace Engineering | $1,500 |
| Applied and Environmental Biology | $1,475 |
| Applied Mathematics | $1,375 |
| Ceramic Engineering | $1,500 |
| Business Administration | $1,375 |
| Civil Engineering | $1,500 |
| Chemical Engineering | $1,500 |
| Chemistry | $1,475 |
| Electrical Engineering | $1,500 |
| Computer Engineering | $1,500 |
| Computer Science | $1,500 |
| Explosives Engineering | $1,500 |
| Engineering Management | $1,500 |
| Environmental Engineering | $1,500 |
| Geological Engineering | $1,500 |
| Explosives Technology | $1,500 |
| Industrial Organizational Psychology | $1,300 |
| Geology and Geophysics | $1,475 |
| Geotechnics | $1,500 |
| Information Science and Technology | $1,375 |
University of North Texas (UNT)
This research-focused university offers various academic programs and over $70 million in scholarships annually. Here are some programs that you can explore at UNT:
| Graduate Programs | Estimated Tuition Fee (Annual) | Additional Expenses (Annual) |
| Computer Science | $19,650 | $19,200 |
| Electrical Engineering | $19,650 | $19,200 |
| Data Science | $19,650 | $19,200 |
| Information Science | $19,650 | $19,200 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $19,650 | $19,200 |
| Business Analytics | $19,650 | $19,200 |
| Environmental Engineering | $19,650 | $19,200 |
University of South Florida (USF)
The University of South Florida is located in Tampa and offers various STEM-designated and research-oriented programs. Here are some of them with their tuition fee:
| MS Programs | Estimated Tuition Fee (Annual) | Additional Expenses (Annual) |
| Computer Science | $17,324 | $19,500 |
| Electrical Engineering | $17,324 | $19,500 |
| Data Science | $17,324 | $19,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $17,324 | $19,500 |
| Industrial Engineering | $17,324 | $19,500 |
| Bioinformatics | $17,324 | $19,500 |
| Public Health | $17,324 | $19,500 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Below, you can find various schools and colleges at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with their program fee for international students:
| Schools/Colleges/Departments | Tuition Fee Per Semester Hour |
| College of Arts and Sciences, Collat School of Business, School of Education, Graduate School | $1,260 |
| School of Engineering | $1,333 |
| School of Health Professions, School of Nursing | $1,587 |
| School of Public Health | $1,295 |
| Joint Health Sciences | $1,214 |
Also Read: Cost of Masters in France For Indian Students: Visa Costs, Tuition Fees
Most affordable states in the USA to pursue an MS as an international student
Texas, Arkansas, and South Dakota are some of the most affordable states in the USA. Here’s how much living in the 7 states with the most affordable costs of living may cost you as an international student:
| State | Annual Housing Cost* | Annual Transportation* | Annual Food Cost* | Miscellaneous (Books, etc.)* | Total Annual Expenses* | Top Affordable Universities |
| Texas | $7,200 – $10,800 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $3,600 – $4,800 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $15,500 – $22,900 | University of Houston, University of Texas, and Texas A&M |
| Arkansas | $6,000 – $8,000 | $1,200 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $4,000 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $13,700 – $18,500 | Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas |
| South Dakota | $6,000 – $9,000 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $3,000 – $4,000 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $13,500 – $19,500 | University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University |
| Ohio | $6,500 – $9,500 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $3,200 – $4,000 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $14,400 – $20,500 | University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, and Ohio University |
| Missouri | $7,000 – $9,000 | $1,200 – $1,800 | $3,200 – $4,200 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $14,900 – $20,000 | University of Missouri–St. Louis, Missouri S&T, and University of Missouri |
| Indiana | $7,200 – $10,000 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $3,200 – $4,200 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $14,900 – $20,900 | Ball State University, Purdue University, and Indiana University |
| Alabama | $6,500 – $9,500 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $3,200 – $4,000 | $1,500 – $2,000 | $14,200 – $20,000 | University of Alabama, Auburn University, and University of Alabama at Birmingham |
*The costs are estimates and may vary highly.
Also Read: Best Exams to Study in USA for Indian Students(Masters & UG)
Scholarships to study an MS course in the USA
Scholarships and fellowships are great tools for you to reduce the financial burden of paying for quality education in the USA. Here are some scholarships that you can opt for to study an MS in the USA:
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is one of the most prestigious fellowships for studying abroad. If you’re interested in fields like international affairs, art, public administration, culture management, etc, you can opt for this fellowship. It covers the recipient’s tuition, accommodation costs, traveling costs (to and from India), and additional expenses.
This is a merit-based scholarship, and no consideration is given to one’s race, religion, or ethnicity. Here are the eligibility requirements you must meet for the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship:
- You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a prestigious and accredited university
- You must demonstrate an excellent academic background
- You must have great leadership qualities and show motivation towards your goal
- Holding professional experience may help strengthen your application
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program
The Reliance Group funds the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship Program and offers it in association with Stanford Graduate Business School. Five students interested in pursuing graduate programs in business management receive this scholarship every year.
The scholarship award is around $150,000, covering the tuition and other expenses. The condition for this scholarship is that students must come back to India after graduation. Here are the eligibility requirements for this fellowship program:
- You must be holding an acceptance letter for a two-year-long management program from Stanford Graduate Business School
- You must demonstrate an excellent academic record
- You must have a social impact and lead a positive change in society
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is offered to Indian students interested in pursuing master’s, doctoral, M.Phil, and research programs in Europe and North America. Your selection chances may increase if your intended field of study generates practical value in society.
The scholarship award is up to $100,000. Here are the requirements and conditions you must meet to receive this award:
- You must prove that you have lived in India for at least six months before applying
- You must prove that you can financially sponsor your education in the USA, which costs more than $100,000
- You must have a good academic record and be involved in extracurricular activities
- You must hold at least two years of work experience
Also Read: 10 UBC scholarships for international students to Study Abroad
Average salary after an MS program in the USA
Your salary after an MS program in the USA can vary based on your:
- Area of Study
- Specialization
- Skills and competence
- Work location
- Organization or employer
- Role or position
So, here are some top MS programs in the USA, along with their average annual salary range as per Payscale:
Salary after an MS in Technological Entrepreneurship in the USA
| Job Titles | Average Annual Salary |
| Technical Product & Program Manager | $137,330 |
| Operations Analyst | $66,550 |
| Information Technology (IT) Manager | $81,523 |
| Product Manager, Software | $85,634 |
| Portfolio Manager | $192,003 |
| Project Manager (Unspecified Type / General) | $113,774 |
| Project Engineer | $101,665 |
| Project Manager, Information Technology (IT) | $95,409 |
| Program Manager, Aviation / Aerospace | $108,389 |
Salary after an MS in Accountancy in the USA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Senior Accountant | $79,268 |
| Financial Controller | $102,471 |
| Staff Accountant | $55,788 |
| Senior Internal Auditor | $82,343 |
| Accountant | $54,321 |
| Senior Auditor | $65,148 |
| Auditor | $60,401 |
| Associate Auditor | $55,584 |
Salary after an MS in Artificial Intelligence in the USA
| Job Title | Average Salary Package |
| Software Engineer | $96,094 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $103,979 |
| Data Scientist | $95,136 |
| Data Engineer | $95,506 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $129,673 |
| Senior Reservoir Engineer | $158,878 |
| Senior Data Scientist | $117,438 |
Salary after an MS in Marketing Analytics in the USA
| Job Titles | Average Salary (per annum)* |
| Market Research Manager | $87,186 |
| Research Analyst | $58,503 |
| Market Research Analyst | $60,276 |
| Marketing Manager | $66,909 |
| Senior Research Analyst | $67,998 |
| Business Insight and Analytics Manager | $94,114 |
Salary after an MBA in the USA
| Job Title | Annual Salary Range | Average Annual Salary |
| Financial Analyst | $55k – $94k | $70,053 |
| Senior Financial Analyst | $76k – $111k | $93,116 |
| Human Resources (HR) Manager | $50k – $98k | $70,481 |
| Director of Operations | $76k – $182k | $119,738 |
| Project Manager | $65k – $135k | $94,674 |
| Financial Controller | $66k – $140k | $97,071 |
Salary after an MS in Biotechnology in the USA
| Job Roles | Median Wage (per annum) |
| Health Informative Specialist | $103,314 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $157,747 |
| Natural Sciences Manager | $157,747 |
| Clinical Data Managers | $107,043 |
| Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $164,837 |
| Medical Appliance Technicians | $44,657 |
FAQs
An average MS program in the USA can cost from $40,000 to $70,000, including tuition and other living expenses. The cost may also increase or decrease for specific universities.
For Indian students, an MS in the USA can cost about INR 30 to 55 lakhs. Depending on the university, location, and program, the entire cost of education may go as high as INR 1 crore (for a two-year program).
Depending on the university, program or area of study, location, and employer, the salary of Indian students after an MS in the USA can be $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. Programs in the STEM fields, marketing, computer science, data science, business, etc offer attractive salaries.
As an Indian student, pursuing an MS in the USA would mean a high-quality education, the potential of a high salary, better job prospects, and prestige. So, it is worth doing an MS in the USA for Indian students.
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you are looking for high-ranking universities and aren’t worried about your budget, states like California, New York, and Massachusetts can be great options. However, if you want to study on a budget, you can explore Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, etc.
