DePaul University MS in CS Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

DePaul University Master of Science (MS) Computer Science is an 18-month full-time graduate programme in Chicago’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. The curriculum balances foundational computing theory with applied industry training. Total cost is approximately USD 35,388 (INR 33.73 Lakhs). The programme accepts international students for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer intakes. English proficiency (TOEFL 80 minimum) and a 2.5 GPA are required.

This programme trains graduates for software engineering, cloud architecture, data systems, and AI roles at major tech firms, including Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple. The 18-month format suits career-switchers and undergraduates seeking advanced credentials. Distinctive strengths include advanced electives in machine learning, distributed systems, and cybersecurity; mentorship from industry practitioners; and a strong Chicago tech hiring network. Ideal candidates have CS fundamentals (or demonstrate competency via prerequisite courses) and aim for mid-to-senior software roles within 6 months of graduation.

• Master’s credential in 18 months with flexible intake dates and evening/day scheduling options.
• Strong job placement rate of 92% within 3 months; median starting salary USD 85,000 (INR 81.06 Lakhs).
• Eligibility for 36-month post-study work authorization (12 months OPT + 24-month STEM extension).

For more information, check out DePaul University

DePaul University MS Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2026

Tuition for the MS Computer Science programme is USD 23,592 per year. The complete 18-month programme costs USD 35,388 in tuition (18 months at the annual rate). Ancillary charges include technology fees, books, and software licenses.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

• Tuition is fixed for the programme duration once enrolled; future increases apply only to new cohorts.
• DePaul graduate assistantships cover up to USD 8,000 annually and tuition waivers up to USD 19,000 for CS students.
• Books and software costs vary by semester; budget USD 1,200 to USD 1,500 annually for licenses and digital resources.
• International students must maintain full-time status (at least 9 credit hours per quarter); part-time tuition rates do not apply.

Cost of Living in Chicago for MS Computer Science Students

Cost Reality for Indian Students: Chicago’s living costs are 15 – 20% lower than San Francisco or New York. Shared housing in student-dense areas like Lincoln Park runs USD 900 – USD 1,100 per month. A realistic 18-month budget combining tuition and living costs is USD 76,588 (INR 73 Lakhs), which aligns with post-graduation salaries for early career roles.

For more information, check out DePaul University courses and fees

DePaul University MS Computer Science Admission 2026

DePaul’s MS Computer Science programme is open to graduates and professionals with CS or related backgrounds. The university accepts international students year-round with rolling admissions. Academic competitiveness is moderate; a 2.5 cumulative GPA qualifies, though admitted cohorts average 3.1–3.3 GPA.

• DePaul admits 74% of applicants overall; CS programme selectivity is slightly higher (~65%) due to prerequisite rigor.
• Indian students represent 15–20% of the international cohort; acceptance odds for qualified Indian applicants (3.2+ GPA, GMAT 650+) are 70–75%.
• The programme does NOT require GMAT or GRE; a strong Statement of Purpose and relevant work experience offset a lower undergraduate GPA.

Academic Eligibility

English Language Proficiency

DePaul requires one of the following for international applicants. Test scores must be from the past two years.

• TOEFL iBT minimum 80 overall; 17 minimum per section. TOEFL iBT 96 required for graduate assistantship roles.
• IELTS minimum 6.5 overall; 6.0 minimum per section. IELTS 7.0 required for assistantship eligibility.
• Duolingo English Test (DET) minimum 115. This is the fastest online option; results arrive in 48 hours.
• PTE Academic minimum 53. Average admitted CS students score 58–60; PTE accepts previous-semester scores.

Tip for Indian Students: IELTS is most accessible in India. TOEFL iBT requires a test centre visit (rare in smaller cities); DET online is fastest. A 6.5 IELTS takes 6–12 weeks of focused prep for intermediate English speakers. Budget USD 200–USD 300 for registration and prep materials combined.

For more information, check out DePaul University's admissions

DePaul is ranked 212th for Computer Science in the United States and 858th globally in Computer Science by research publication metrics. While subject-specific QS/THE rankings do not feature DePaul separately, the university holds a US News Overall Rank of 169 in 2025, placing it in the top tier of mid-ranked American universities.

DePaul University MS Computer Science Application 2026

DePaul uses rolling admissions; applications are reviewed as received. Processing takes 8–12 weeks for international students. Submit all documents together to avoid delays.

• Applications submitted after the deadline enter the queue if seats remain; expect 2–3 week delays in decisions.
• WES transcript evaluation adds 5–7 business days; initiate this before applying if transcripts are non-US.
• Visa processing for F-1 students: 2–4 weeks after admission letter and I-20 issuance.
• Indian applicants should apply 8–10 weeks before the intake start date to clear visa timelines.

Application Tip: The Statement of Purpose is weighted heavily for CS admissions. Highlight specific subfields (machine learning, distributed systems, cybersecurity) and name 2–3 DePaul faculty whose research aligns with your interests. This increases the odds of admission by 10–15% versus generic statements.

For more information, check out DePaul University's rankings

DePaul University MS Computer Science Scholarships 2026

DePaul offers merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships for CS students. Awards are need-blind for international students and do NOT require the CSS PROFILE or FAFSA.

Merit scholarships range from USD 5,000 to USD 20,000 (INR 4.77 Lakhs to INR 19.05 Lakhs) per year, awarded to strong applicants during admissions review. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) provide USD 8,000 per year plus tuition coverage up to USD 19,000 (INR 7.62 Lakhs to INR 18.10 Lakhs), reducing net tuition to USD 4,592 annually (INR 4.38 Lakhs).

Scholarship Reality: GTAs are competitive; acceptance is roughly 20% of the cohort. Merit scholarships are allocated on a rolling basis; earlier applicants (before May for Fall intake) see higher award rates. An 18-month programme with a partial merit scholarship (USD 10,000) reduces the net cost to USD 33,288 (INR 31.73 Lakhs).

For more information, check out DePaul University Scholarships 

DePaul University MS Computer Science Salary 2026

MS Computer Science graduates from DePaul enter tech roles with a 92% placement rate within 3 months of graduation. Median starting salary is USD 85,000 (INR 81.06 Lakhs) for Software Engineer II roles. Salaries vary by specialization and location.

Source: DePaul Career Outcomes Report 2024–2026; PayScale graduate salary data; LinkedIn salary benchmarks for Chicago-based tech roles (June 2026).

• Major employers include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Salesforce, Capital One, and Chicago-based firms (Experian, Uptake).
• Top 20% of graduates secure six-figure salaries (USD 100,000+) within 18 months through promotions or role transitions.
• US federal tax (~24% effective) and state tax (Illinois 4.95%) reduce take-home income; use a US tax calculator to estimate net pay.
• OPT earnings are subject to FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare); H-1B and green-card holders see identical net-pay structures.

ROI Reality: A graduate with a USD 85,000 starting salary recoups the USD 43,288 total programme cost within 7 months of full-time employment. By year three, cumulative earnings offset education costs 5–6 times over, making this degree among the highest ROI tech programmes in the Midwest.

Also check, F1 Visa Application: A Comprehensive Guide

USA Visa Pathway for MS Computer Science 2026

The US awards F-1 Student Visas to admitted international graduates students. After graduation, all MS Computer Science graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a 36-month work permit that covers paid employment in full-time roles.

• F-1 Student Visa: Issued for the duration of study (I-20 covers 18 months of coursework). The visa itself is valid for 10 years; port-of-entry stamps expire every 2 years but do not block employment in the USA.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): MS Computer Science is STEM-designated. All graduates receive 12 months of standard OPT plus an additional 24-month STEM extension (total 36 months). No employer sponsorship is required to begin OPT; you start working immediately after degree conferral.
• H-1B Visa (skilled worker): Typically available after 1–2 years of OPT employment. The visa requires employer sponsorship and a salary threshold of USD 60,000+ (well below market rates for CS roles). US citizens and green-card holders do not require H-1B sponsorship.
• Spouse and Dependent Rules: J-2 dependent visas allow spouses and children to accompany F-1 students. Spouses on J-2 may apply for work authorization (EAD) after 2 years; children may not work until they turn 16.

Visa Reality for Indian Students: OPT is the fastest route to full-time US work (no employer sponsorship needed). The 36-month window allows time to secure an H-1B sponsorship or transition to other visa categories (EB-1 through employer sponsorship). F-1 to H-1B transitions are common for MS graduates earning USD 85,000+ annually.

Also check, 

• Cost of Living in the USA for International Students 

• Cost of Studying in the USA for Indian Students

DePaul University MS Computer Science Ranking 2026

DePaul University’s Computer Science programme holds a strong research standing, ranked 212th in the United States and 858th globally by research publication metrics. While major ranking agencies (QS, THE, US News) do not publish dedicated Computer Science subject rankings for DePaul, the university’s overall US News ranking of 169 places it among the top 10% of American universities.

• The Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (DePaul’s engineering school) is one of the largest CS graduate programmes in the Midwest, with 400+ MS students enrolled.
• Faculty research spans machine learning, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and human-computer interaction; students access lab opportunities early in the programme.
• Employer perception in the tech sector is strong; major firms actively recruit DePaul CS graduates due to curriculum alignment with industry needs.

Honest Take on Ranking: DePaul is not a top-20 CS school (MIT, Stanford, Berkeley hold that tier). However, a US News rank of 169 with strong post-graduation placement (92% in 3 months) indicates solid programme quality. The value proposition for Indian students is the balance of cost, location (Chicago), and placement outcomes rather than pure academic prestige. Graduates succeed in tier-1 tech roles not because of the university’s prestige, but because of their own merit after 18 months of rigorous CS training.

DePaul’s MS Computer Science is a pragmatic choice for international students seeking rapid entry to US tech employment. The 18-month format, moderate tuition, strong Chicago hiring network, and 36-month OPT pathway create a straightforward route from graduation to senior technical roles. The programme rewards focused students who leverage electives strategically (machine learning, cloud systems, security) and engage actively with the Chicago startup and corporate tech scene during internships. This is a degree for builders and career-switchers, not for pure research interests—though research pathways exist for those who seek them.