Top 10 Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science for 2024

Looking at the top universities in the USA for MS in Computer Science is a great idea since there are excellent career prospects in the field. Computer Science is a one or two-year program available at top USA universities. International students have to fulfil specific eligibility criteria to gain admission into the same. Tuition costs stand at $30,000-60,000 annually for this program while annual base salaries are usually around $111,000 (Payscale) approximately.

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Top Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science

Here is a list of the leading universities in the USA for MS in computer science:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is known for offering the world’s most exemplary computer science program. The Computer Science and Electrical Engineering departments at MIT are the two largest departments on campus. Computer Science researchers have contributed to cybernetics, artificial intelligence, computer languages, machine learning, robotics, and cryptography. Its pioneering research in this area is well known. In 2022, MIT received the highest score in the workplace reputation index.

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University is renowned in the United States of America for its computer science program. It has received an excellent score on the academic reputation indicator, making it the most outstanding college in the USA.

The Master's in Computer Science at CMU is an interdisciplinary program and draws the attention of graduates from across the streams. It’s a flexible course with thesis and non-thesis options and can be completed in either three or four semesters. 

3. Stanford University

The university’s vicinity in the famous Silicon Valley in California, where many of the world’s most significant high-tech corporations are located, places it third in the USA and globally for computer science. The School of Engineering’s Computer Science department was founded in 1965.

4. University of California, Berkeley

UCB is among the best universities to pursue computer science in the United States. Just like MIT, it has a computer science and electrical engineering school.

The Turing Award, known as the “Nobel Prize in Computing,” was given to 11 UCB alumni and 10 current and former faculty members, including Douglas Engelbart, the computer mouse’s inventor.

5. Princeton University

It is placed 13th in the world for computer science and sixth in the United States, as per the QS World Rankings 2023. The university is doing exceptionally well in research citations per publication parameter. 

The Computer Science department is part of the University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, and there are 1,900 students. John von Neumann, Alan Turing, the “Father of Computer Science,” Alonzo Church, and the Founder and CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, are among its alumni.

6. University of Washington

The Computer Science and Engineering college at the University of Washington was founded in 1967 as an inter-college graduate program. Undergraduates in large numbers are involved in research at the university, with 33 students earning the Computing Research Association Undergraduate Research Award in the last decade, more than any other program.

7. Cornell University

It is based in Ithaca and operates Cornell Tech, a technology-focused graduate campus in New York City. The Computer Science department here was founded in 1965, making it one of the country’s oldest of its kind. Cornell University, a member of the famous Ivy League, is at 17th rank for computer science. 

8. University of California, Los Angeles

Located in Los Angeles, the University of California is ranked 9th in the United States and 18th globally for computer science (UCLA), as per the QS World University Ranking. UCLA receives good marks across the board, notably in the H-index and research citations per paper metrics, representing the university’s research quality.

9. Columbia University 

MS in CS at Columbia can be pursued in eight different tracks: Computational Biology, Network Systems, Software Systems, Machine Learning, Computer Security, Vision, Graphics, Interaction, and Robotics, Natural Language Processing, and Foundations of Computer Science. 

10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

MS in CS here is a research-oriented degree and requires 28 credit hours of coursework and 4 credit hours of thesis. The course at UIUC is offered by the Grainger College of Engineering. 

Here is a list of top universities in the USA offering programs in Computer Science, as per the QS World University Ranking by Subject. 

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Eligibility Criteria for Leading Universities in USA to Pursue MS in Computer Science

The eligibility criteria for studying MS in computer science in the USA are as follows: 

• Candidates should have undergraduate degrees in computer science or relevant fields. Aggregate GPAs should stand at 3 on a four-point scale. 
• Equivalent marks usually stand at 83-86% with a B being the equivalent grade. 
• You should submit your GRE scores with average scores ranging between 292-328. 
• You should also submit your scores in English language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

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Admission Process

Before beginning the process, ensure you are ready with the required documentation and finances.

Step 1: Shortlist respective universities and apply online via their websites within the specified deadlines.

Step 2: Wait for a provisional acceptance letter.

Step 3: Apply for a Student Visa and wait for the approval.

Step 4: After Visa approval and reservations, see the accommodation arrangements and other requirements before flying.

Application Deadlines in Top Universities for MS in Computer Science in USA

The deadlines for applying for a master’s degree in the USA for fall and spring sessions are in December and October, respectively. In some circumstances, deadlines for each university or selected MS specialization vary.

Most universities in the USA receive applications between December and January.

After receiving their selection notification, applicants must confirm within 2-4 weeks for admission to an MS program in the US.

Officially, they must accept the admittance offer in May.

Admissions to several universities are open on a rolling basis. As a result, applicants can apply at any time during the year.

Cost of Studying MS in Top Universities for MS in CS in USA

The cost of studying MS in the United States of America is one of the most critical deciding considerations. It is a well-known truth that pursuing a master’s in Computer Science in the United States is more expensive than in other countries. However, it is possible to finish the graduation within the budgeted expenditure. All you need is a correct understanding and a pre-planned strategy to help you save money on non-essential spending. Furthermore, financial aid is available to help students in overcoming economic difficulties.

The average cost of living for a student ranges from $14,000 to $20,000. The expenses include meals, rent, and the cost of transportation. With a student visa, students can also work while studying. The student cannot work for more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. However, they can work full time throughout extended vacations and summer sessions (up to 40 hours a week).

Financial aid is available to students at some of the most competitive colleges to assist them in managing their finances. Harvard, Amherst, Yale, Princeton, and MIT are among the universities that have vowed to give adequate financial aid to students. An international student gets 60 days after graduation to enroll in another program for additional study or get employed.

Scholarships Available at Top Universities for MS in CS in USA

MS in Computer Science Scholarships in the USA can be obtained with exceptional grades, supported certificates, and outstanding academic scores. Unsurprisingly, MS Computer Science grants are available in the country for international students. You can get all information online, but finding the course-specific ones or suitable for you is a challenge.

Need-Based Scholarships

Students pursuing an MS in Computer Science in the United States can avail need-based scholarships which are dependent on the family’s income and the student’s financial need, universities that give them also consider the student’s grades and test scores in determining whether or not he is eligible for the grant.

Graduate Assistantship

A graduate assistantship is financial assistance granted to students who work as teaching or research assistants. It can help you earn a monthly stipend and, in some instances, waive your tuition fees.

Merit Scholarships

These are scholarships for MS in Computer Science in the United States for students who have excelled academically. There is no extra application for Merit scholarships; you will be considered for them as part of your MS program application. If you are proven qualified, you could get anywhere from USD2000 to nearly half of your tuition fee.

Research Assistantship

A Research Assistantship is a position that allows you to assist a Professor with their research while also reducing your workload. The monies for the fellowships come from university coffers, which are in turn funded by the US government or other private entities. Students apply for this position throughout their university application process, but the results are not available until the first semester.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

For postgraduate courses, such as master’s degrees, the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is the best option. Typically, this is distributed as a 50/50 grant and loan. Students that submit competitive applications will be able to take advantage of this financial aid without difficulty.

Google’s Generation Google Scholarship is available to computer science students. The US scholarship will be worth roughly USD10,000.

AAUW International Fellowships

This award is for women who want to study in the United States. More than 3600 women from 150 countries worldwide have benefited from the fellowships.

The British Council established the Global Study Awards fellowship in 2015. In addition to IELTS examinations, highly motivated aspirants with a strong commitment are eligible for rewards.

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Benefits of Studying Masters in Computer Science in USA

Here are the benefits of pursuing your master’s degree in computer science in the USA: 

• The USA is home to the foremost global universities and educational institutions offering computer science courses. 
• The Research & Development landscape in the USA is witnessing steady growth, with abundant opportunities in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, software, and automation. 
• Graduates in computer science can expect handsome average salaries of $85,000 per annum with experience or approximately INR 63.15 lakh. 
• Job opportunities are expected to increase exponentially in computer science and related technological fields over the next decade. 

Job Opportunities After Pursuing MS in CS in USA

A computer science graduate’s typical professional function revolves around computer and software technologies, such as AI, virtual reality, software development, networking, and big data management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a Computer and Information Research Scientist earns an average yearly salary of USD 118,000. In contrast, a Hardware Computer Engineer earns an average annual salary of around USD 114,000.

MS in Computer Science graduates in the United States can expect a salary increase of roughly 9% every 15 months. According to a recent analysis by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for specialists in this industry is predicted to expand by roughly 16% between 2018 and 2028. A work permit is required to work in the United States.

Having said that, here are the top opportunities after the program: 

Research Opportunities Post MS in CS in USA

Students can apply for Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Research Assistantship (RA) after completing their MS. Students working part-time as TAs can earn between USD500 and USD1200 per month.

Research assistants might earn up to USD1,500 per month as a stipend. For MS courses, the curriculum is organized into core sections and electives. As a result, it expands the chances of pursuing research-based MS by more than 30%.