MS in the US Cost: Total Expenses For Masters in the US
MS in the US Cost: Total Expenses For Masters in the US
Want to get your Master’s degree in the US but worried about the cost of doing so? While it is true that doing your Master’s from the US is substantially more expensive than completing it from India, knowing well about the expenses involved and proper planning can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, there are ways to save money on your fees and minimize the financial burden.
The cost of studying in the US for your Master’s is typically divided into two parts:
- Entrance Exam Tests
- Admission Costs
- Expenses While Living in the US
This blog will give you a detailed overview of the expenses involved in the cost of MS in the USA in 2023 and also provide information on minimizing the expenses.
Entrance Exam Costs
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): The GRE fee in India is about $228 or INR 17,209.44. You will need a solid GRE preparation plan because low scorers typically need to retake the exam for an additional $205 or INR 16,574.39.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The TOEFL test evaluates your English language proficiency and is vital for applying to a university in the US. It costs about $190 (INR 15,356.66). The minimum score depends on the university, but it’s best to score 80 or above.
- International English Language Testing System Examination (IELTS): The IELTS costs about INR 14,700 in India. Depending on your chosen university, the minimum IELTS score varies between 6.5 to 9. Most universities require either IELTS or TOEFL.
- Application Fees: The cost of applying to the US for a Master’s degree typically includes the application fees (ranging between $50 to $100) and the cost of sending your GRE ( $27) and TOEFL ($20) scores.
Admission Costs to Study MS in USA
- Counselling: You’ll spend approximately INR 25000 if you opt for counselling before applying to your preferred universities. Counselling typically provides essential information about the application process and guides you through it.
- Visa: Your visa cost would typically include the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) cost of $350 (INR 28,328.65) and the cost for the F1 visa of about $160 (INR 12,950.24). You can apply for your visa after you receive the I20 document from your university stating your stay in the US and the amount you need to spend that year.)
- Airfare: One-way economy class fares from India to the US typically cost between INR 40000 to INR 70000. You can travel to the US from New Delhi, Mumbai, or any other international Indian airport.
- Other Expenses: These include the cost of transcripts on the college letterhead, bank statements, affidavits with the sponsor’s name, and dispatching these documents to the university. Typically this would cost over INR 10000.
Expenses While Living in the US
- Tuition Fees: Your fees depend on your university and your preferred course. The tuition fees for some popular universities are given below*:
| University | Tuition Cost (Course Name) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | $53,450 (MS Computational Science and Engineering) |
| Stanford University | $56,487 (Computer Science) |
| Columbia University | $45,440 (MS Computer Science) |
| University of California | $32,487 (MS Electrical and Computer Engineering) |
| Duke University | $57,900 (MS Computer Science) |
*Disclaimer: The data provided here is subject to change as per the university fee structure.
- Living Costs: Living costs in the US for a student typically include food, accommodation, transport, additional study material, health insurance, and other routine expenses. It also depends on the apartment size, the number of roommates, and the location. The cost of living for two years in the US can be about $18000 (INR 14,57,307) or more.
Tips to Save Money
As per the data above, you can estimate that studying and living in the US will usually cost around INR 1650000, along with university fees and some other potential expenses. However, some methods to save this money and ease your financial liability include:
- Scholarships: Popular scholarship programs for students pursuing a Master’s in the US include Fulbright Scholarship, AAUW International Fellowships, Generation Google Scholarship-USA, etc. You can connect with a good counsellor to learn more about such programs.
- Part-time work: Students with F1 visas can work on-campus in the 1st academic year and off-campus in the 2nd academic year under certain work-study programs in the USA.
If you are preparing to study abroad, you need to consider every current and future expense possible before you apply and go to your place of study. Remember that you’ll be staying away from home, and unexpected situations may likely need you to spend more than usual. It’s best to understand your financial situation accurately and talk to a well-experienced counsellor to make an informed decision. Imperial Overseas Educational Consultants is your one-stop destination to get all information you need about the expenses involved in studying for your Master’s degree in the US. Contact our team today, and we can guide you through the entire application and admissions process.
FAQS Related to MS in the US Cost: Total Expenses For Masters in the US
A: As of December 2023, the GRE exam fee in India is approximately $270or INR 22,550/- including taxes. This fee applies to both the GRE general test, whether taken at the test center or through the home edition. Additionally, the GRE Subject test incurs a fee of INR 14,500, inclusive of taxes. GRE test scores are accepted worldwide for admission at graduate programs.
A: The TOEFL exam is extensively accessible through the computer-delivered format known as TOEFL iBT (internet-based test). Those intending to register for the TOEFL test will need to make a payment of ₹16,900 INR, covering all three test formats: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home edition, and the paper-based TOEFL test.
A: The IELTS exam fee in India stands at INR 16,250. Individuals intending to undergo the IELTS exam must submit an IELTS Registration Fee of INR 16,250 each time they schedule their exam. Likewise, the fees for the Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI have been updated to INR 16,500.
A: Application fees range from $50 to $100, and sending GRE and TOEFL scores incurs additional costs.
A: Counseling expenses before university applications can be around INR 25,000.
A: Visa costs include SEVIS fees of $350 and F1 visa fees of about $160.
A: Visa costs include SEVIS fees of $350 and F1 visa fees of about $160.
A: One-way economy class fares range from INR 40,000 to INR 70,000.
A: Document submission costs, including transcripts and affidavits, can be over INR 10,000.
A: Tuition fees vary; for example, Stanford University charges $56,487 for Computer Science.
A: Living costs, including food, accommodation, and other expenses, can be around $18,000 or more.
A: Explore scholarships, consider part-time work (allowed under F1 visas), and plan carefully to manage expenses efficiently.
