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MS DURATION
2 years
Tuition Range
$25,000 - $55,000/year
Avg Package (Indian Grads)
$85,000 - $110,000/year
Part-time Work
20 hrs/week (on-campus)
Top Universities
University | QS Ranking | Popular Programs | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | #64 | CS, ECE, MechE, Data Science | $35,000/year |
Arizona State University | #179 | Engineering, CS, Business, Data Science | $25,000/year |
University of Texas at Austin | #58 | CS, ECE, Business Analytics | $28,000/year |
Purdue University | #99 | Engineering, CS, Aerospace, ME | $30,000/year |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | #1 | Engineering, CS, Data Science, AI | $55,000/year |
Stanford University | #2 | CS, Engineering, Business, AI/ML | $52,000/year |
Carnegie Mellon University | #22 | CS, Robotics, Data Science, ECE | $50,000/year |
Part-Time Work Rules
International students on F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic semester. Off-campus employment is generally not permitted in the first year unless through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). After the first year, students may be eligible for CPT and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for off-campus work directly related to their field of study. During scheduled breaks and holidays, students can work full-time (40 hours/week) on campus.
Post-Study Work Visa
International students on F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic semester. Off-campus employment is generally not permitted in the first year unless through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). After the first year, students may be eligible for CPT and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for off-campus work directly related to their field of study. During scheduled breaks and holidays, students can work full-time (40 hours/week) on campus.
Average Salary for Indian MS Graduates
ENTRY LEVEL
$85,000 - $110,000/year (INR 70-90 LPA)
MID LEVEL
$120,000 - $160,000/year (INR 100-130 LPA)
Exam Requirements
IELTS: 6.5-7.0 (or TOEFL: 80-100) | GRE: Usually required (300-330 for top universities) | Some universities have GRE-optional policies post-COVID, but a good GRE score strengthens applications for competitive programs.
Indian Community & Living Costs
Living costs vary significantly by location. In major cities like New York, San Francisco, or Boston, expect $1,500-$2,500/month for housing. In smaller college towns, $800-$1,200/month is typical. Groceries cost $200-$400/month. Indian communities are well-established in most university towns, with access to Indian grocery stores, temples, and cultural organizations. Total estimated living cost: $15,000-$25,000/year depending on location.