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Planning to pursue an MS in the USA in 2025? Don’t worry we are all here to help you. This informative blog provides a detailed breakdown of the MS cost in USA for Indian students. We are also going to cover information like tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, visa charges, and more. We know that this is something almost every Indian student who is willing to study MS in a country like the USA. Also, I must mention that MS in the USA cost varies widely depending on the university and location. And that will cost you tuition fees ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 per year for Indian students.
Also, the average cost of masters in USA can be significantly influenced by lifestyle and city of residence. The total cost of MS in USA for Indian students, including accommodation, travel, and other personal expenses, may reach up to $80,000–$100,000 for the entire MS program.
We can also help you to get available scholarships and know about part-time work opportunities to manage MS fees in USA. This is what Indian students do to manage the cost of pursuing MS in the USA for Indian students. We will help you to understand your complete financial outlook to help you plan your MS journey in the USA effectively. Also, we will work with you to make informed decisions for a successful academic experience in the US.
The average cost of pursuing an MS in USA ranges from approximately $50,000 to $55,000 per year, depending primarily on two key factors:
Thus, the overall cost of an MS in USA is a combination of tuition fees and living expenses.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the MS cost in USA for Indian students, covering expenses incurred both in India and USA. This includes tuition fees, visa charges, travel expenses, and living costs. Understanding the MS in USA cost helps students plan their finances effectively. The cost of masters in USA varies based on university, location, and lifestyle. The total cost of MS in USA for Indian students can range from $37,650 – $74,850, depending on these factors. Additionally, insights into scholarships and funding options can help manage MS fees in USA efficiently.
| Factors/Parameter | Amount (in USD) |
Amount (in INR) (Approx @ ₹84/USD) |
| GRE | $220 | ₹18,480 |
| TOEFL | $195 | ₹16,380 |
| Applications (5–7 universities) | $500 | ₹42,000 |
| Counselling (optional) | $300 – $1,000 | ₹25,200 – ₹84,000 |
| Other Expenses During Applications | $200 | ₹16,800 |
| VISA Fee (F1) | $185 | ₹15,540 |
| SEVIS Fee | $350 | ₹29,400 |
| Airfares (one-way) | $700 – $1,200 | ₹58,800 – ₹1,00,800 |
| Tuition Fee (per year) | $25,000 – $50,000 | ₹21,00,000 – ₹42,00,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year) | $10,000 – $20,000 | ₹8,40,000 – ₹16,80,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $37,650 – $74,850 | ₹31,62,600 – ₹62,87,400 |
Yes, you need to spend the process of studying MS in USA while in India. You need to take GRE exam and pay for exam fees, you also need to take the TOEFL exam fees as the exam is a requirement for non-native English speakers applying to US universities. Also the visa fees and flight ticket. But if you choose WayUp Abroad, you can do everything easily. We will also help you to get an education loan for study abroad for Indian students without collateral. Let’s check what would be the Pre-Arrival Cost of MS in USA While in India:
The GRE exam fee is an essential expense for students planning to study in USA. As of 2025, the GRE registration fee is approximately $220 (₹18,480). This cost includes the test fee but excludes additional charges for rescheduling or score reporting. Many students also invest in GRE preparation materials and coaching, adding to the MS cost in USA. Proper preparation is crucial, as a high GRE score enhances your chances of securing admission and scholarships, reducing the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students.
The TOEFL exam is a requirement for non-native English speakers applying to US universities. The test fee is approximately $195 (₹16,380), excluding costs for additional score reports or rescheduling. Many students also purchase TOEFL preparation books or enroll in coaching classes, increasing the MS in USA cost. A strong TOEFL score is necessary for university admission and scholarships. This exam is a critical component of the cost of masters in USA, impacting the overall MS fees in USA for Indian students.
The application process for US universities includes costs such as application fees, transcript evaluation, and courier services. Each university charges an application fee ranging from $50 to $100 per university, and students typically apply to 5–7 universities, making the total expense $500 to $700 (₹42,000 to ₹58,800). This is a crucial part of the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students. Additional expenses include SOP and LOR assistance, increasing the MS cost in USA before arrival.
Beyond application fees, students incur additional expenses such as transcript evaluations, document attestations, and courier services. These costs typically range from $200 to $500 (₹16,800 to ₹42,000). Many students also invest in profile-building activities, internships, and certification courses to enhance their admission chances. These expenses contribute to the MS fees in USA, making them an integral part of the cost of masters in USA. Proper budgeting for these costs ensures a smooth application process.
Securing a US student visa (F-1 visa) involves a non-refundable visa application fee of $185 (₹15,540) and a SEVIS fee of $350 (₹29,400). The total visa cost is approximately $535 (₹44,940). Students may also incur costs for visa interviews, travel to the US embassy, and document verification. The visa process is a critical step in the MS in USA cost, as a successful visa application determines your ability to study in the US. It is essential to plan for this expense when calculating the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students.
Airfare is a significant pre-arrival expense for students traveling to USA. A one-way economy-class flight ticket from India to USA typically costs between $700 and $1,200 (₹58,800 to ₹1,00,800), depending on the airline, season, and booking time. Some students opt for additional baggage, increasing the cost. Early booking and student discounts can help reduce the MS cost in USA. This expense must be factored into the MS in USA cost, as it directly impacts the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students.
Yes, there will be post arrival costs too. If we move to another city or home we need new things right? Similarly, if we move to another country we need to spend more, especially if we are moving to study abroad in a country like the USA. Yes, you need to pay tuition fees while managing other living expenses. This is why there is a guide to help understand the post-arrival cost while studying MS in USA:
The tuition fee is the most significant expense when calculating the MS cost in USA. Tuition varies by university, program, and location, typically ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 (₹21,00,000 to ₹42,00,000) per year. Public universities generally have lower tuition fees than private institutions. Many students seek scholarships, assistantships, or grants to reduce the MS in USA cost. Understanding the MS fees in USA beforehand helps in planning finances and securing funding options to manage the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students.
| University | Ranking | Annual Tuition Fee (USD) | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) (Approx @ ?84/USD) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | $56,000 | ₹4,704,000 |
| Stanford University | 2 | $55,000 | ₹4,620,000 |
| Harvard University | 3 | $54,000 | ₹4,536,000 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 4 | $53,000 | ₹4,452,000 |
| University of Chicago | 5 | $52,000 | ₹4,368,000 |
| Princeton University | 6 | $51,000 | ₹4,284,000 |
| Columbia University | 7 | $50,000 | ₹4,200,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 8 | $49,000 | ₹4,116,000 |
| Yale University | 9 | $48,000 | ₹4,032,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 10 | $47,000 | ₹3,948,000 |
Living expenses in USA depend on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. On average, students spend $10,000 to $20,000 (₹8,40,000 to ₹16,80,000) per year on rent, food, utilities, transportation, and personal expenses. Cities like New York and San Francisco have higher living costs compared to smaller towns. Managing expenses through shared accommodations and part-time jobs can help lower the MS in USA cost. Factoring in living costs is crucial when estimating the total cost of MS in USA for Indian students. Here is Living Expenses in USD and Indian rupees:
| City | Monthly Living Expenses (USD) | Monthly Living Expenses (INR) |
| New York City, NY | $2,500 | ₹210,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $2,200 | ₹184,800 |
| Boston, MA | $2,000 | ₹168,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,800 | ₹151,200 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,500 | ₹126,000 |
| Houston, TX | $1,200 | ₹100,800 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,200 | ₹100,800 |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,000 | ₹84,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,000 | ₹84,000 |
| St. Louis, MO | $900 | ₹75,600 |
Do you know what will be the living expenses if you choose to study masters in USA. Living costs of any place can be managed by eliminating some miscellaneous expenses. Here are listed the living expenses Monthly and Annually while studying MS in USA:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) | Monthly Cost (INR) (@?84/USD) | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) (@?84/USD) |
| Rent (Shared Apartment) | $800 - $1,500 | ₹67,200 - ₹1,26,000 | $9,600 - $18,000 | ₹8,06,400 - ₹15,12,000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet, etc.) | $100 - $150 | ₹8,400 - ₹12,600 | $1,200 - $1,800 | ₹1,00,800 - ₹1,51,200 |
| Food & Groceries | $250 - $500 | ₹21,000 - ₹42,000 | $3,000 - $6,000 | ₹2,52,000 - ₹5,04,000 |
| Health Insurance | $100 - $300 | ₹8,400 - ₹25,200 | $1,200 - $3,600 | ₹1,00,800 - ₹3,02,400 |
| Transportation | $70 - $150 | ₹5,880 - ₹12,600 | $840 - $1,800 | ₹70,560 - ₹1,51,200 |
| Books & Study Materials | $50 - $100 | ₹4,200 - ₹8,400 | $600 - $1,200 | ₹50,400 - ₹1,00,800 |
| Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Shopping, etc.) | $100 - $300 | ₹8,400 - ₹25,200 | $1,200 - $3,600 | ₹1,00,800 - ₹3,02,400 |
| Total Living Cost | $1,470 - $3,000 | ₹1,23,480 - ₹2,52,000 | $17,640 - $36,000 | ₹14,81,760 - ₹30,24,000 |
Pursuing an MS in USA is a significant investment, with costs including tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, and application costs. The total cost of MS in USA for Indian students varies based on university rankings, city-wise living costs, and personal spending habits. While tuition can range from $25,000 to $50,000 per year, living expenses can add $17,640 to $36,000 annually. Managing finances wisely through scholarships, assistantships, and part-time jobs can ease the burden.
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