The USA remains a leading destination for international students pursuing Computer Science. It offers access to globally ranked universities such as MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Arizona State University. These institutions are known for their research output, industry partnerships, and specialized CS programs. Tuition fees for CS in USA can vary from 18,000 USD-80,000 USD for MS and from 50,000 USD- 85,000 USD for BS.
Graduates benefit from OPT (Optional Practical Training) and STEM OPT Extension policies, allowing up to 3 years of post-study work rights. Average salaries for roles like Software Engineer or Data Scientist typically exceed $100,000/year.
The presence of global tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Seattle further supports employment opportunities. Scholarships like the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, Inlaks Scholarships (up to $100,000), and NSHSS ($10,000) are available to eligible Indian students, helping reduce financial barriers.
Also Check: Study in USA
- Why Study Computer Science in the USA?
- Top Universities for Computer Science in USA
- Top Colleges for MS in Computer Science in USA
- Top Computer Science Colleges in USA for Undergraduate Programs
- Scholarships for Indian Students Applying to Top CS Universities in the USA
- Jobs for Computer Science in USA
- FAQs
Why Study Computer Science in the USA?
- Top-Ranked Universities: MIT, Stanford, and rank among the top 10 globally (QS 2026) and universities like Arizona State University ranking #134 in QS ranking for Computer Science 2025.
- High Salaries:
- Software Engineer: $105,719
- ML Engineer: $110,382
- Principal Software Engineer: $156,276
- 36-Month OPT: STEM-designated CS degrees offer 3 years of post-study work.
- Scholarships for Indians:
- Fulbright-Nehru: Full funding
- Inlaks: Up to $100,000
- NSHSS: $10,000/year
- Global Tech Hub: Access to Silicon Valley, NYC, and Seattle job markets
Top Universities for Computer Science in USA
The following table shows the top universities for computer science in USA based on the QS Subject Rankings 2025 for Computer Science and Information Systems:
| QS Rank | University Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, United States |
| 2 | Stanford University | Stanford, United States |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, United States |
| 7 | Harvard University | Cambridge, United States |
| 8 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, United States |
| 13 | Princeton University | Princeton, United States |
| 16 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, United States |
| 17 | New York University (NYU) | New York City, United States |
| 18 | Cornell University | Ithaca, United States |
| 19 | University of Washington | Seattle, United States |
| 26 | Yale University | New Haven, United States |
| =27 | Columbia University | New York City, United States |
| 34 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, United States |
| =37 | University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | San Diego, United States |
| 40 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, United States |
| =41 | University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, United States |
Read More: Top Universities in USA
Top Colleges for MS in Computer Science in USA
USA is the top destination for popular computer science courses with its high-quality education and popular research facilities. The top universities for Masters in Computer Science in USA are:
| University | Top Course | Program Duration | Tuition Fee (USD/year) | Tuition Fee (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | 64,730 | 56.14L |
| UC–Los Angeles (UCLA) | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | 18,148 | 15.74L |
| Columbia University | M.S Computer Engineering | 1 year | 77,520 | 67.23L |
| Carnegie Mellon University | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 16 months | 60,300 | 52.3L |
| Duke University | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | 67,724 | 58.74L |
| Northwestern University, Evanston | M.S Computer Engineering | 1 year | 66,912 | ?58.03L |
| New York University (NYU) | M.S Computer Engineering | 2 years | 72,840 | ?63.17L |
| UC–San Diego (UCSD) | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | 30,657 | ?26.59L |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 1 year | 45,690 | ?39.63L |
| University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) | M.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 2 years | 39,344 | ?34.12L |
Also Read: MS in Computer Science in USA
Top Computer Science Colleges in USA for Undergraduate Programs
US universities are at the forefront of computer science education, consistently ranking among the best in the world. Here are the top US colleges with their undergraduate programs in cs:
| University | Top Course | Program Duration | Tuition Fee (USD/year) | Tuition Fee (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | B.S Computer Science | 4 years | 86,836 | ?75.31L |
| University of Pennsylvania | B.S Computer Engineering | 4 years | 56,212 | ?48.75L |
| Johns Hopkins University | B.S Computer Engineering | 4 years | 64,730 | ?56.14L |
| UC–Los Angeles (UCLA) | B.S Computer Engineering | 4 years | 50,328 | ?43.65L |
| Columbia University | B.S Computer Engineering | 4 years | 68,000 | ?58.98L |
| Cornell University, Ithaca | B.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 4 years | 71,266 | ?61.81L |
| University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | B.S Computer Engineering | 4 years | 60,946 | ?52.86L |
| Carnegie Mellon University | B.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 4 years | 62,260 | ?54.00L |
| Duke University, Durham | B.S Electrical and Computer Engineering | 4 years | 63,450 | ?55.03L |
| Northwestern University, Evanston | B.S Computer Engineering | 4 years | 94,878 | ?82.29L |
Know More: Best BS in Computer Science Colleges & Universities in USA in 2025
Scholarships for Indian Students Applying to Top CS Universities in the USA
Pursuing a degree at top CS universities in the USA can be financially demanding. Fortunately, several scholarships help Indian students reduce the cost of studying in the U.S., whether you're applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program.
Here are some key scholarships available:
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Level of Study | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Scholarships | Up to $100,000 | Master’s | Indian students with GPA of 3.0/4 in STEM or 2.6/4 in Social Sciences |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Full tuition, airfare, living stipend | Master’s | Indian students with strong academic background |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | Up to ?20 lakhs (~$25,000) | Master’s | Indian citizens under 30 with an undergraduate degree |
| Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant | $100–$4,000/year | Bachelor | Applicants who haven't previously earned a bachelor’s degree |
| NSHSS Scholarships | ?8.7L/year (~$10,000) | Bachelor | Merit-based award for high-achieving undergraduate applicants |
Know More: Popular Scholarships in USA
Jobs for Computer Science in USA
Graduates from top CS universities in the USA are highly sought after in the job market, especially those with degrees from institutions like MIT, Stanford, or Carnegie Mellon. Whether you hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science (MS in CS), the U.S. tech sector offers strong earning potential across various roles.
Salaries After Master’s in Computer Science
For students targeting top universities in USA for MS in Computer Science, here are the average salary figures across popular roles:
Salaries After Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Graduates with a bachelor’s from top CS universities in the USA can also secure lucrative roles, especially with internship experience and coding skills:
Check Out: Job Opportunities in USA for Indian Students
The United States hosts several top-ranked universities for Computer Science and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With tuition fees varying by institution, students can explore scholarships to manage costs. Post-study work options like the STEM OPT extension allow international graduates to gain up to three years of work experience. The presence of major tech hubs also contributes to strong employment outcomes across various CS roles.
FAQs
Ques: What are the top universities for computer science in the USA?
Ans: MIT, Stanford, CMU, Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Princeton are among the top CS universities as per QS 2025.
Ques: What is the average tuition fee for MS in Computer Science in the USA?
Ans: It ranges from $18,000 to $77,000 per year, depending on the university.
Ques: Do Indian students get scholarships for studying CS in the USA?
Ans: Yes. Scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru, Inlaks, and NSHSS offer funding up to $100,000.
Ques: Is GRE required for MS in Computer Science in the USA?
Ans: Not always. Many top universities have made the GRE optional or waived post-2020.
Ques: How long can I work in the USA after completing my CS degree?
Ans: With STEM OPT, international students can work for up to 3 years after graduation.
Ques: What is the average salary after MS in Computer Science in the USA?
Ans: Average salaries exceed $100,000/year, with roles like Principal Software Engineer earning $156,000/year.
Ques: Can I study CS in the USA without a CS background?
Ans: Some universities accept students from related fields but may require prerequisite coursework.
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