Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science in the USA is a dream for many students. The country has many top-rated programs for MS in Computer Science that help students learn cutting-edge skills and gain the knowledge required to bag top roles in the biggest technology companies in the USA.
Some prestigious universities that offer MS in Computer Science in the USA include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University, and Stanford University. All of these institutions consistently rank highly because of their academic reputation, comprehensive curriculum, and research contributions. Moreover, the programs at these universities are renowned for offering excellent hands-on experience opportunities.
When choosing the best MS in Computer Science program, students should consider several factors, including program rankings, academic reputation, tuition fees, living costs, and scholarships. Additionally, identifying specific areas of interest—like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or cybersecurity—can help students select a program that aligns with their career goals.
In the next part of this guide, we will learn about the top-ranked universities in the USA that offer the MS in Computer Science program.
List of top 25 universities in the USA for an MS in Computer Science
| QS World University Ranking | Name of the University | Overall Score |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 94.8 |
| 2 | Carnegie Mellon University | 93.2 |
| 3 | Stanford University | 93.2 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 90.1 |
| 5 | Harvard University | 88.5 |
| 6 | Princeton University | 84.3 |
| 7 | Cornell University | 82.9 |
| 8 | University of Washington | 82.8 |
| 9 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 81.3 |
| 10 | Columbia University | 79.7 |
| 11 | New York University (NYU) | 79.7 |
| 12 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 79.3 |
| 13 | Georgia Institute of Technology | 78.3 |
| 14 | University of Texas at Austin | 77.7 |
| 15 | Yale University | 77.4 |
| 16 | University of Pennsylvania | 76.7 |
| 17 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 76.3 |
| 18 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 76.3 |
| 19 | University of Maryland, College Park | 75.7 |
| 20 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 75.4 |
| 21 | University of Chicago | 74.9 |
| 22 | University of Southern California | 74.9 |
| 23 | Johns Hopkins University | 72.6 |
| 24 | Purdue University | 72.4 |
| 25 | Duke University | 70.5 |
Now let us understand more about these top-ranking universities for MS in Computer Science programs in the USA. We will lay special emphasis on the ranking, annual fees, and applications deadlines for these universities.
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The MS in Computer Science program at MIT is ranked #1 worldwide by QS World University Rankings 2024. The annual tuition fee to pursue an MS in Computer Science at MIT is $29,895. The last date to submit your application was 1 December 2024. However, the portal is now closed, and the university is no longer accepting applications for 2024. Students can next apply for the Spring 2025 intake.
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Carnegie Mellon University
The Carnegie Mellon University’s MS in Computer Science program is ranked #2 in the USA by the U.S. News and World Report. The annual tuition fee to pursue this program is $57,500. The last date for submitting the application for 2024 is 11 December 2024.
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Stanford University
The MS in Computer Science program at Standford University is ranked #1 by the U.S. News and World Report. The annual tuition fee to pursue this program is $66,000. The last date for application submission is 3 December 2024.
How to choose the best MS in Computer Science program in the USA?
To choose the best MS in Computer Science program in the USA, you can follow the steps below:
- Research and make a list of universities that have consistently ranked among the top 100 in the USA for the last five years, for their Computer Science programs.
- Check each program’s assessment score and academic reputation.
- Identify your specific areas of interest such as including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
- Make sure that their curriculum includes courses you are interested in.
- Consider the tuition fee and living costs. Also, explore the different scholarship options and financial rewards offered by the university.
Of course, choosing the best MS in Computer Science program in the USA from hundreds of programs can be exhausting and confusing. That is why we built SelectRight–to make it easy and free for every student to find the best university and program for them. You can overcome all your confusion by simply creating a profile on SelectRight and letting the AI algorithm match your profile with 40,000+ programs to find the best-suited ones. You will also get access to a SelectRight expert at every stage of the search, who will give you relevant and actionable advice when you need it most.
Application process for the top universities in the USA that offer MS in Computer Science programs
The application process for an MS in Computer Science at most of the top universities in the USA is quite similar and straightforward.
- The first step is researching and selecting the university that best suits your requirements.
- The second step is to check the university’s eligibility criteria and complete the application form. Once done, upload the necessary documents. These include transcripts, essays, GMAT/GRE test scores, and resumes. Some universities also ask for letters of recommendation and IELTS/TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency.
- Complete the process by paying the application fee, if applicable.
- Wait for an intimation from the admsisions office of the universities you applied to.
- If required, give the interview and wait for the admission decision.
Note that the application process for the top universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science program is highly competitive. So, applying early and having a strong GMAT/GRE score will help your application stand out.
Eligibility for studying AN MS in Computer Science in top universities in the USA
To get admitted to one of the top 30 universities for studying MS in Computer Science in the USA, you need to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- You should have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field. The minimum GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0, i.e., 85% marks or above.
- You also need to submit proof of English proficiency. This means you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80-100.
- You should have a GRE score of 310 to 320. Some universities may also accept GMAT scores.
- You also have to submit SOPs that highlight your achievements and career goals.
- Lastly, you may also have to submit letters of recommendation and a resume with relevant work experience.
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Computer Science in the USA
The GMAT/GRE requirements to study MS in Computer Science in one of the top universities in the USA are as follows:
- You should have a GRE score between 310 and 320 to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA.
However, many universities offer a GRE waiver. These include:
- California State University, East Bay
- University of Pittsburgh
- Boston University
- George Mason University
- Pace University
- Colorado University
- If you are requesting a GRE waiver, make sure your GPA is above 3.0 and that you have relevant work experience. It is also important to make your statement of purpose compelling.
- You must also submit positive letters of recommendation and strong scores in tests of English proficiency.
Scholarships to study an MS in Computer Science in the USA
Many financial institutions and government organizations offer various scholarships to students. These include:
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to outstanding students from developing countries. It covers both tuition fees and living expenses through a mix of grants and loans.
- AAUW Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to women in over 150 countries, including India. It covers tuition and living expenses in the USA.
- Global Study Awards: This scholarship was launched by the British Council in 2015. It is awarded to international students based on merit and english proficiency.
- Google Lime Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to students with disabilities pursuing computer science in the USA or Canada.
- Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to women in computer science and engineering.
- University-Specific Scholarships: The top universities in the USA offer several scholarship options to international students to help them finance their education. Some of these include:
- University of Massachusetts: Bay State Master’s Program Scholarship (10% tuition fee waiver)
- Northeastern University: Double Husky Scholarship (up to 25% tuition fee waiver)
- University of South Carolina: Graduate Assistantships (partial tuition waiver)
How to get an education loan for a Master’s in Computer Science in the USA
Most Indian banks and NBFCs in the USA offer education loans to students who wish to study for a Master’s in Computer Science.
First, you need to identify the right bank and their suitable loan product, considering factors like interest rates, terms, moratorium period, etc. Next, prepare your documents to submit along with your loan application. Then, wait as the bank processes your application and makes a decision.
While it’s common for students to choose banks close to their homes for education loans, but this doesn’t always guarantee the best terms and interest rates. That’s why we created FundRight to simplify the search process. All you need to do is create a free account and complete your profile. Then, you will receive competitive loan offers from the top 15 banks and NBFCs in India, as well as some international lenders.
After receiving the offers, you can compare them and negotiate for better terms. Finally, submit your documents via the portal and get loan approval in as few as 10 days. This streamlined process helps you find the best loan options without the hassle of visiting multiple banks and comparing offers on your own.
Benefits of studying MS in Computer Science in the USA
Studying an MS in Computer Science in the USA at top public universities has the following benefits:
- An MS in Computer Science in the USA allows you to specialize in areas like machine learning, data science, visualization, or game design, which are in high demand.
- You can earn a competitive salary. The median annual salary of MS in Computer Science graduates in the USA is $104,420. This is higher than the median starting salaries for almost all other occupations.
- The USA has numerous highly-ranked and well-recognized universities that offer this program. So, you can expect a lot of choice with regards to universities you can apply to.
- MS in Computer Science programs in the USA are more focused on practical application of skills. This will ensure that you will gain hands-on experience in solving real-world issues.
- Studying in the USA offers you many opportunities to network with industry experts and participate in workshops and events, which can lead to better job prospects and professional connections.
Career and job opportunities after doing MS in Computer Science in the USA
Students pursuing an MS in Computer Science from top universities in the USA commonly land high-paying jobs in top companies. Some of the job roles and their accompanying average annual salaries are outlined below:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Data Scientist | $101,555 |
| Software Engineer | $98,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | $132,977 |
| Principal Software Engineer | $136,243 |
| Computer Scientist | $157,000 |
| AI and Machine Learning Specialist | $108,000 |
| C++ Developer | $104,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $98,700 |
| Android Developer | $91,900 |
| Software Developer | $91,900 |
FAQs
Ans: The average annual tuition fee to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA is $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Q.2 Which is the best university in the USA to pursue an MS in Computer Science?
Ans: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University are well-recognized and among some of the best universities to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the USA.
Q.3 Which is the best city in the USA to study for an MS in Computer Science?
Ans: Michigan, Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco are some of the top cities to study MS in Computer Science in the USA.
Q.4 Which country is best for Indian students to study for an MS in Computer Science?
Ans: The USA is the best country for Indian students who want to study for an MS in Computer Science.
Q.5 What exam will help my application for an MS in Computer Science in the USA stand out?
Ans: GRE, i.e., Graduate Record Examination, scores are accepted by almost all top MS in Computer Science programs in the USA. So, a strong GRE score will help your application stand out.
