University of Cincinnati MS in CS: Fees, Living Costs, Test Scores, Visa Process, Work during Study, Entry Requirements.

University of Cincinnati MS in CS Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

Cincinnati, OhioLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1819established year
53682enrollment
Public
Partner [12 Courses]
8.1/10

Master of Science [MS] (Computer Science)

2 years
Full Time
On Campus
6.0 1 Review | Ranked #601 out of 722 by QS Global Ranking 2024

$19,995 /Yr

105 Students Applied
19 Students Admitted
Chetna Sharma's profile photo

Chetna Sharma

Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated on - Jun 18, 2026

The University of Cincinnati Master of Science [MS] Computer Science is a two-year graduate program equipping international students with advanced computing expertise in algorithms, systems, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Coursework emphasizes both theoretical foundations and industry-relevant applications.

  • Annual cost USD 27,902 annually (INR 26.7 Lakhs) 
  • living costs of USD 23,368 per year (INR 22 Lakhs)
  • The program requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus English language proficiency and GRE scores. This MS prepares graduates for senior software engineer roles, data scientist positions, and research opportunities at top technology companies.

Cincinnati’s MS Computer Science program distinguishes itself through the college’s emphasis on practical, project-based learning and partnerships with Fortune 500 tech employers. The curriculum balances core computer science theory with modern specialization tracks in machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and distributed systems. The College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) maintains 25+ research laboratories and active collaborations with Intel, Microsoft, and Google, creating co-op and internship pathways during the degree. Graduates emerge with both academic rigor and proven professional experience, translating to faster placement and higher starting salaries. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong programming fundamentals, curiosity about emerging technologies, and career goals in software development, AI engineering, or technical leadership.

Also read:

Current Admission Status

Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are closed. International student deadline: 31 March 2026.

Indian applicants with GRE scores of 310+ and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering from a recognized Indian institute are highly competitive. Plan for TOEFL or IELTS testing 2-3 months before the deadline and request official transcripts and recommendation letters immediately; WES credential evaluation adds 10-15 days.

University of Cincinnati Master of Science Computer Science Fees 2027

The total cost of the MS Computer Science program combines tuition, mandatory fees, health insurance, and living expenses over two academic years. International students at UC pay non-resident tuition rates. Below is the itemized fee breakdown for the 2027-2028 intake.

Cost Component USD (Annual) INR (Annual)
Tuition (Non-Resident) USD 27,902 INR 26.7 lakh 
Living Expenses  USD 23,368 INR 22 lakh 
Health Insurance  USD 2,521  INR 2.38 lakh 
Total USD 53,791 INR 50.8 lakh 

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95 as of June 2026. 

Also check: Cost of living in the USA for international students

University of Cincinnati Master of Science Computer Science Admission

UC’s MS Computer Science welcomes international applications. The program admits students for fall and spring intakes. Academic prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or mathematics from an accredited institution. Indian applicants from AICTE-approved or UGC-recognized universities are equally evaluated against domestic applicants.

Prepare the following documents before starting your online application: official bachelor’s degree transcript (English translation if issued in another language), GRE score report sent directly from ETS, TOEFL or IELTS score report, and two letters of recommendation from academic faculty or research supervisors.

  • Submit transcripts through WES Credential Evaluation Service; allow 2 weeks for evaluation and another 3-5 days for transmission to UC.
  • GRE and English test scores are submitted electronically by testing agencies directly to UC’s admissions office upon request; keep your UC institutional code (1830) handy.
  • Request recommendation letters from professors or research advisors who taught you in quantitative or programming courses; these letters carry most weight in admissions decisions.
  • A statement of purpose (500 words) describing your research interests, career goals, and why UC’s MS CS program aligns with your aspirations is highly recommended, though not formally required.
Application tip: Complete and submit your application by mid-March (one month before the April 15 deadline) to allow time for any missing documents and to signal serious intent to the admissions committee.
Intake Deadline Status
Fall 2026 1 March, 2026 closed 

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from the final two years of undergraduate study. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is competitive for merit-based scholarships. UC accepts official transcripts sent via WES (World Education Services) for Indian degrees; evaluate your transcript immediately after bachelor’s degree completion.

English Language Proficiency for MS Computer Science

Test Minimum Overall
TOEFL iBT 92
IELTS Academic 6.5
Duolingo English Test 110
Pearson English Test 54
GRE Requirements for Graduate Admission

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required unless your bachelor’s degree is from a US-accredited institution or you hold an ABET-accredited engineering degree from India with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Competitive GRE scores for MS Computer Science are: Quantitative 160+ (96th percentile), Verbal 155+ (68th percentile), Analytical Writing 4.0+. Indian applicants typically score well on the Quantitative section; focus practice on Verbal English comprehension.

Competitive edge for Indian applicants: A GRE Quantitative score of 165+ combined with IELTS Writing 6.5+ and a strong research portfolio significantly boosts admissions probability.

Take a look at the U.S. student visa requirements for Indian students.

University of Cincinnati Master of Science Computer Science Scholarships

Graduate scholarships at UC for international students are competitive but available, particularly for MS Computer Science applicants with strong academic profiles. Merit-based scholarships offset tuition costs and are renewable annually if academic performance standards are met.

The Graduate Incentive Award (GIA) provides 20-40% tuition reduction for qualified international students. For an MS CS student paying USD 19,995 annually (INR 19.08 Lakhs), a 30% GIA scholarship equals USD 5,999 (INR 5.74 Lakhs) per year, reducing net tuition to USD 13,996 (INR 13.39 Lakhs). Over two years, this saves USD 11,998 (INR 11.48 Lakhs) in total program costs, bringing the effective two-year cost down to approximately USD 56,792 (INR 54.38 Lakhs) including living expenses.

Research assistantships (RA positions) are available within UC’s 25+ engineering research laboratories. RAs typically receive USD 18,000 to USD 22,000 annually (INR 17.24 Lakhs to INR 21.08 Lakhs) plus full tuition waiver. These positions require 15-20 hours per week and are highly competitive; applicants with published research or prior internships are prioritized. Teaching assistantships (TA positions) are less common for MS students but occasionally available in introductory programming courses, offering comparable benefits.

Scholarship reality for Indian students: Approximately 35-40% of MS CS cohorts receive merit scholarships averaging USD 6,000-USD 8,000 (INR 5.75 Lakhs to INR 7.67 Lakhs) annually. Strong GRE scores (310+) and bachelor’s degree GPA above 3.5 increase scholarship odds significantly.

Check out: External scholarships available for international students to study in the USA

University of Cincinnati Master of Science Computer Science Salary

Graduates of UC’s MS Computer Science program enter strong job markets with average starting salaries of USD 85,000 to USD 105,000 (INR 81.43 Lakhs to INR 100.60 Lakhs) gross annually. Placement rates exceed 85% within six months of graduation. Top recruiters include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Intel, IBM, Deloitte, and Cincinnati-area tech firms. Common roles include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Architect, Systems Engineer, and Machine Learning Engineer.

Role Average Starting Salary (USD) INR Equivalent 5-Year Average INR (5-Year)
Software Engineer USD 95,000 INR 91.02 Lakhs USD 140,000 INR 1.34 Crore
Data Scientist USD 105,000 INR 100.60 Lakhs USD 155,000 INR 1.48 Crore
Cloud Solutions Architect USD 110,000 INR 105.40 Lakhs USD 165,000 INR 1.58 Crore
Machine Learning Engineer USD 115,000 INR 110.19 Lakhs USD 180,000 INR 1.72 Crore

Source: UC Career Services 2026 Graduate Employment Report, Levels.fyi, and Glassdoor salary aggregates.

Take-home pay varies by state income tax and federal withholdings; Ohio’s state income tax is 0-5.75% depending on income, reducing gross pay by approximately 25-30% for federal and state taxes combined. Use a US salary calculator to estimate net income for visa and banking applications.

  • Silicon Valley (California) and Seattle (Washington) tech hubs offer 15-25% higher starting salaries but significantly higher living costs.
  • Mid-career progression: Software Engineers advance to Senior Engineer (USD 140-170K) by year 5; exceptional performers reach Staff Engineer (USD 200K+) by year 7-10.
  • Internships during the MS program earn USD 25-40 per hour (INR 2,395-3,833), typically USD 5,000-USD 10,000 per internship; two internships can offset 25-40% of total program costs.
ROI reality: A USD 68,790 two-year program cost paired with a USD 95,000 starting salary generates full return on investment within 1-1.5 years; by year 5, MS CS graduates earn cumulative salary multiples of 8-10x their program cost.

Also check: Part-time jobs in the USA for international students

UC’s MS Computer Science combines theoretical rigor with practical industry engagement, positioning graduates for rapid advancement in software engineering, data science, and emerging technology fields. The two-year program cost is offset by strong placement outcomes and early-career salary growth; Indian applicants with competitive GRE scores and English proficiency are encouraged to apply for the Fall 2027 intake now.

Master of Science Computer Science FAQs

Ques. Does UC’s MS Computer Science require a bachelor’s degree specifically in computer science, or can I apply from engineering or mathematics?

Ans. The program welcomes applicants from computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, and physics backgrounds. A strong foundation in discrete mathematics, data structures, and at least one high-level programming language is required. Applicants from unrelated majors are asked to complete prerequisite coursework before admission or during the first semester.

Ques. What is the typical GRE Quantitative score for admitted MS Computer Science students?

Ans. Admitted students typically score 160-169 on the Quantitative section (90th percentile and above). Verbal scores average 150-160. A combined GRE score of 315+ is competitive for merit scholarships. The Analytical Writing section (minimum 3.5) is less heavily weighted but strengthens applications for teaching assistantship positions.

Ques. Can I work part-time or pursue an internship while completing my MS?

Ans. Yes. F-1 visa regulations allow up to 20 hours of on-campus work per week during semesters. Paid internships during summer breaks (May to August) are unrestricted and common; most students complete 1-2 internships over two years, earning USD 5,000-USD 12,000 per internship. Off-campus employment requires specific F-1 authorization (CPT or OPT) but is generally available for MS-level students.

Ques. Is TOEFL or IELTS easier for Indian students, and how much preparation time should I plan?

Ans. IELTS is generally easier for Indian applicants due to familiarity with British English spelling and the speaking interview format. Both tests require 6-8 weeks of focused preparation for a competitive score (TOEFL 92+ or IELTS 6.5+). Dedicate 10-15 hours per week to preparation; take two full-length practice tests under timed conditions before the actual test.

Ques. What is the employment outlook for MS Computer Science graduates in the USA versus returning to India?

Ans. US employment is strongly preferred post-graduation immediately; starting salaries average USD 95K-USD 115K (INR 91 Lakhs to INR 1.10 Crore) versus INR 15-25 Lakhs for equivalent roles in India. Three years of US experience significantly increases an India-based salary by 200-300%. Most UC MS CS graduates work 3-7 years in the USA before returning to India in senior technical or management roles, leveraging both international experience and permanent residence pathways.


Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees$19995

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Housing and food$17526
Transportation$3038

Per Credit Cost: 1,333

Previous Year Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
2024$26644
2023$27902
2021$13224

Important Dates

EventApplication Date
Final Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake Mar 31, 2026
Document Submission Deadline For 2026 Intake May 1, 2026

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15 Reviews Found

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6.0 /10

  • I usually say job opportunities depend on what knowledge you have and what level of skills you have. But besides that, you will get more opportunities through this college by applying in Handshake. Most of the average salary would be 80k per annum. The highest salary I can't predict purely depends on skills and knowledge.

academic: 6/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 7/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10

Scores Required

92 / 120

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

6.5 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

70

Application Fees

30

ECTS Credits


Ranking

20222021

Academy Ranking of World Universities,Clasificación Académica de Universidades Mundiales logo
Sciences 101 out of 500 in Global Ranking
( #27 out of 147 in USA 2022)

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TOP Scholarships

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ProgramDelivery TypeDurationProgram TypeTuition Fees
M.S Computer Engineeringfull time2 yearson-campus$30614

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