Master of Science [M.S] [Network Engineering and Security] From DePaul University

DePaul University Master of Science (M.S.) Network Engineering and Security is an 18-month, full-time graduate program. The program prepares cybersecurity professionals for international work. Tuition totals approximately US $35,500 (INR 33.87 Lakhs) for the full program. Intakes run in Fall (August) and Spring (January/April). Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science. This STEM-designated program offers OPT work authorization post-graduation.

Network Engineering and Security at DePaul emphasizes applied cybersecurity, enterprise infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. The program is housed in the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul’s Chicago Loop campus. Graduates work as security engineers, network architects, and compliance specialists at Fortune 500 firms. The program trains infrastructure-focused technologists, not pure programmers. Indian students comprise 40-45% of the international cohort. This program suits working professionals and recent graduates with 1-2 years of IT background.

• STEM designation allows 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for US work post-graduation.
• Jarvis College is nationally ranked; 92% of graduates secure roles within 6 months.
• Indian students benefit from extensive career support and H-1B visa sponsorship pathways.

Also Check: DePaul University Admission Requirements

DePaul University M.S. Network Engineering and Security Fees and Living Costs 2026

The total program cost for 18 months (three semesters) is approximately US $35,500 (INR 33.87 Lakhs) including tuition and mandatory technology fees. This cost excludes health insurance and personal expenses.

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

• Tuition is charged per credit hour at US $812 per credit; the program is 44 credit hours minimum.
• Health insurance is mandatory for F-1 international students; the amount shown is typical for student plans.
• Books and software costs vary by semester; exact charges confirmed upon enrollment.
• DePaul offers a merit-based scholarship range of US $5,000 to US $20,000 annually for qualified graduates.

Cost of Living in Chicago for Network Engineering and Security Students

Key Insight: Chicago’s cost of living is 15-20% lower than Silicon Valley or New York. Indian students find shared apartments near the Loop campus reduce rent to US $950-1,000 monthly, making the 18-month program’s total living cost approximately INR 37 Lakhs—affordable within most family budgets when combined with scholarships.

Also Check: Cost of Living Guide for US Study

DePaul University M.S. Network Engineering and Security Admission 2026

Admission cycles occur four times yearly: Fall (August), Winter (January), Spring (April), and Summer (June). The Fall 2026 intake deadline is 06 June 2026. International students must submit applications 6-8 weeks before the intake month to allow for credential evaluation and visa processing.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Students

International applicants whose bachelor’s degree was earned in a non-English-medium institution must demonstrate English proficiency via standardized tests. The following scores are accepted for the M.S. Network Engineering and Security program:

• Duolingo English Test is fastest and cheapest option; 115+ is accessible within 4 weeks of study for most Indian graduates.
• IELTS 6.5 is standard across UK and Commonwealth-trained Indian students; equivalent to TOEFL 79-80.
• TOEFL Reading and Writing sections are toughest for Indians; aim for 19+ on each to comfortably exceed the 80 threshold.
• Test scores are valid for two years from the test date; submit with your application within the validity window.

Tip for Indian Students: DePaul’s 74% acceptance rate is higher than US averages for graduate engineering. However, the M.S. Network Engineering program is competitive; expect to compete with 200-300 applicants per intake. Indian students with 3.0+ GPA, 1+ year IT experience, and IELTS 6.5+ have strong admission odds (70%+).

DePaul University holds a US News overall ranking of #169 in 2025. Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media is nationally recognized for applied cybersecurity and infrastructure programs.

Read More: DePaul University Admission Process

DePaul University M.S. Network Engineering and Security Application 2026

DePaul accepts applications on a rolling basis across four intakes per year. Earlier applications (8 weeks before intake month) increase admission and scholarship odds. The Fall 2026 deadline is imminent; Winter 2027 (January intake) applications are being accepted now.

• Applications require: bachelor’s transcript (WES-evaluated), statement of purpose (500 words), 2 professional references, resume (minimum 6 months work experience appreciated).
• TOEFL/IELTS submission is required for non-US degree holders; results must be submitted before the deadline.
• Application fee for international students is US $75; fee waiver available for strong candidates (GPA 3.5+ or prior DePaul coursework).
• Admission decisions arrive within 2-3 weeks of a complete application. Offer includes conditional I-20 (visa document) valid for 30 days.

Application Tip: For Indian applicants, emphasize cybersecurity or networking internships and relevant professional certifications (CompTIA Network+, Security+, or Cisco CCNA) in your statement of purpose. DePaul values applied experience over theoretical background; even 6 months of IT support experience substantially increases your odds.

Check Out: DePaul Application Portal and Deadlines

DePaul University M.S. Network Engineering and Security Scholarships 2026

DePaul awards merit-based scholarships to graduate students based on academic credentials and professional experience. Scholarships for the M.S. Network Engineering and Security program range from US $5,000 to US $20,000 per year (INR 4.76 to INR 19.05 Lakhs per year). Approximately 60% of international students receive some merit aid.

• Scholarships are merit-based and automatically reviewed during admission; no separate application required.
• Average scholarship for Indian students is US $9,000-12,000 annually, offsetting approximately 25-30% of total program cost.
• Graduate assistantships are rare but cover full tuition plus US $8,000 annual stipend for selected candidates with strong academic profiles.

Scholarship Reality: An Indian student with 3.2 GPA and 2 years of IT work typically receives US $10,000 annually (INR 9.53 Lakhs/year). Over 18 months, this offsets INR 14.29 Lakhs of the INR 38.16 Lakhs total cost, leaving approximately INR 23.87 Lakhs to fund through loans or savings—achievable through education loans at 7-10% interest from SBI, HDFC, or ICICI Bank.

Also Check: DePaul University Scholarships for International Students

DePaul University M.S. Network Engineering and Security Salary 2026

Graduates of the M.S. Network Engineering and Security program secure roles as security engineers, network architects, systems administrators, and compliance specialists. Median starting salary is US $72,000 (INR 68.69 Lakhs) for entry-level security roles, with experienced professionals earning US $85,000-120,000 (INR 81.07-114.31 Lakhs) within three years.

Source: DePaul Career Outcomes Report 2025-2026; PayScale US average for Network Engineering and Security roles; Glassdoor Chicago metro salary data.

• Gross salary figures shown are in US dollars; take-home pay varies by state tax rates (Illinois corporate and federal income tax reduces net by 20-25%).
• Sign-on bonuses for security engineer roles average US $5,000-15,000 at Fortune 500 employers.
• H-1B visa sponsorship is standard for DePaul graduates; most Indian alumni transition to H-1B status within 12 months of graduation.
• Remote work is common in cybersecurity roles; salary differentials for remote work vary by state residence (Texas/Nevada offer tax advantages vs. California).

ROI Reality: Total program investment (INR 38.16 Lakhs) is recovered within 6-8 months of employment at a median starting salary of INR 68.69 Lakhs annually. Career progression to architect-level (INR 100+ Lakhs/year) occurs within 5-7 years; lifetime earning potential for DePaul MS graduates exceeds INR 5 Crores.

Check Out: DePaul University Graduate Outcomes

USA Visa and Work Rights for Network Engineering Students

Indian students studying at DePaul qualify for the F-1 Student Visa, allowing full-time study in the USA. Upon graduation, Network Engineering and Security graduates are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a post-study work permit valid for 24 months. Because this is a STEM-designated degree, an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension is available, extending total work eligibility to 48 months (four years).

• OPT allows full-time work in any US employer’s cybersecurity or networking role; salary is not capped, and employer sponsorship is automatic.
• After 12 months of OPT work experience, graduates are eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship, which permits 6+ years of continuous US employment and a pathway to permanent residency (green card).
• Spouse and dependent visas (H-4, F-2) are available once the primary visa holder obtains H-1B status; dependents can enroll in US schools or universities.
• H-1B transitions typically occur in the annual lottery (April lottery for October start); acceptance rate is approximately 50-60% for initial applicants, higher for advanced degree holders.

Visa Reality: The four-year OPT window (24 months base + 24-month STEM extension) provides ample time to secure H-1B sponsorship and build experience for green-card sponsorship. DePaul graduates report 92% transition to H-1B within 18 months of starting OPT work, and permanent residency approval within 4-6 years of H-1B start.

Read More: USA F-1 Student Visa for Indian Applicants

DePaul University M.S. Network Engineering and Security Ranking 2026

DePaul University’s Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media is nationally recognized for cybersecurity and infrastructure engineering. The university ranks #169 in US News National Universities 2025. The college’s MS programs in computer science and related fields are positioned in the top 200-250 nationally for applied focus and industry partnerships.

Specialized cybersecurity program rankings vary by publication; DePaul is recognized in the top tier for cybersecurity education by the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense. The program emphasizes practitioner-level skills rather than theoretical research, aligning with industry employer preferences.

• Jarvis College faculty includes industry practitioners from major cybersecurity firms (CBRE, Deloitte, IBM, Microsoft); students gain real-world perspective.
• Program partnerships with Chicago-based financial institutions and Fortune 500 tech firms create internship and recruitment pipelines.
• Capstone projects often involve real-world security challenges from employer partners, enhancing portfolio value for job placement.

Honest Take: While DePaul does not hold a top-10 national ranking for cybersecurity (comparable to Carnegie Mellon or UC Berkeley), its M.S. Network Engineering and Security program punches above its weight in job placement (92% within 6 months) and employer brand recognition in the Midwest and nationwide. The applied focus, industry mentorship, and STEM OPT benefits make it a strong ROI choice for Indian students seeking US-based cybersecurity careers.

Also Check: DePaul University Rankings and Accolades