The United States of America is the most popular study abroad destination for students across the world. In 2022 alone, there were close to a million students studying in the United States (US). Despite the effects of the pandemic, political tension, and global recession, the US continues to hold sway among international education aspirants even today.
It is not just the destination that attracts students from all over, but the quality of education as well. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, 27 of the top 100 universities in the world are based in the US. Think of Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, and Cornell…The list goes on.
However, studying in the US can bring about its own set of challenges, the primary among which is high tuition fees. Tuition fees make up more than half of the total cost incurred during the course duration – apart from the living cost that an aspirant like you incurs.
But if you are looking for the best universities that are not only best for your profiles, but also are affordable for you, you have come to the right place! With Yocket Premium, you get full assistance in Unversity Shortlisting by our expert counsellors. So not only do you get the best university to shape your future ahead but you also get to balance it perfectly with your finances! Want to see how?
Well, for now, in this article you get to explore the 10 best yet affordable universities for masters in the US. The main focus would be on enlisting universities offering MS with low tuition fees!
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Why Study MS in the US?
The US is a global centre of knowledge and undeniably, the centre for global tech and all the technological revolutions and disruptions. Needless to say then that the US hosts students from every nook and corner of the world. So it is safe to assume (and as a matter of fact, the truth) that the US happens to be the top choice for study abroad aspirants to pursue an MS.
And why would you not want to have all this at a reasonable, affordable price, right? So, here are the top 3 reasons why you should choose affordable universities offering world-class education and academia for MS in the US:
Minimise your Student Debt
Studying in the US is notoriously famous for high student loan debts. And it only goes higher for international students. It is better to go for a university you can afford and still get the world-class education you want (don’t worry we’ll tell you how to do that 😉). It is critical catching hold of your student debt early on to gain long-term financial health and stability.
Invest in other aspects of your education
Majority of the costs that you would see while surfing the internet only talk about the tuition fees. This does not include your textbooks and living expenses. So, going to one of the top affordable universities in the US not only lets you study with a relaxed mind but also invest in other aspects of your education. Needless to say, this helps you focus on your education better.
Get the same perks as high-cost universities
Even while studying in an affordable university for your MS in the US, you get to share the same perks! You will get to enjoy the same opportunities as those of high-cost universities, like research, internships, networking, and a lot more.
Tuition Fees for MS in the US
The tuition fee for any MS course in the US depends upon the university you choose and the course you pursue. On average, the fees for MS in the US can be anywhere between USD $20,000 to USD $70,000.
The cost of living in the USA for international students again depends upon factors like location and lifestyle. If you have a tight budget, you must opt for student accommodation. Besides, there are some costs that are unavoidable. The average cost of living in the US for international students ranges from USD $900 to USD $1500 per month.
“But studying in the US is very expensive” – well, it doesn’t have to be! All you need to do is find the best approach for financing your education – loans with lower interest rates, scholarships, forex, and more. Sounds like a task, right? Not anymore. With Yocket Premium, you not only get end-to-end counselling curated just for you, but you also get help with all your finances! The best loans, the best scholarship for your profile, and easy forex – all on a single platform.
Top 10 Cheap & Affordable Universities for MS in the US
Getting admitted to universities that charge a low tuition fee for an MS in the US is a dream of many. But before you read further and come across the list of affordable universities for international students in the US, it is important for you to understand how tuition fees are calculated.
In US universities, a Master’s degree program requires a student to take a specified number of credit hours ranging anywhere between 30 hours and 60 hours. The tuition fee you have to pay is calculated based on the number of credit hours taken in that semester.
For example, the tuition fee for, say, MS in Computer Science at a particular university is calculated at USD $1000/Credit Hour. If you take 6 credit hours in a semester, the total tuition fee would be USD $6000 for that semester.
Now that you have an idea of how to best judge a university for you, here are the top 10 cheapest universities in USA offering master’s degree:
- University at Buffalo SUNY
- University of South Florida
- University of Houston
- Florida State University
- University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M College Station
- Michigan Technological University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Purdue University
- University of Florida
Given below is a list of low tuition fee universities in the US with their fees and the popular courses offered by them.
| University | Tuition Fees for International Students/year (in USD) | Popular Courses Offered |
| University at Buffalo SUNY | 17000 – 23000 | MS in Management Information Systems MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Aerospace Engineering |
| University of South Florida | 17000 – 24000 | MS in Industrial Engineering
MS in Business Analytics and Information Systems |
| University of Houston | 18000 – 22000 | MS in Computer Science
MS in Civil Engineering MS in Information System Security |
| Florida State University | 20100 – 20200 | MS in Industrial Engineering
MS in Computer Science |
| University of Texas at Austin | 21000 – 25000 | MS in Computer Science
MS in Management Information Systems |
| Texas A&M College Station | 22500 – 30500 | MS in Data Science
MS in Electrical Engineering MS in Aerospace Engineering |
| Michigan Technological University | 23000 – 27000 | Masters of Science in Computer Engineering
Master of Science in Civil Engineering Master of Science in Environmental Engineering |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 25500 – 26500 | MS in Industrial Engineering
MS in Supply Chain Management |
| Purdue University | 30000 – 31500 | MS in Computer Science
MS in Industrial Engineering |
| University of Florida | 30100 – 32000 | MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
MS in Aerospace Engineering |
Please note that the tuition fees are approximate and subject to change at the discretion of the respective universities.
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How to save money while applying to universities in the US?
One way to save up significantly is by applying to universities with low tuition fees for MS in the US. However, there are other ways as well to further reduce your tuition fees or overall expenses while pursuing the program.
Applying to these universities involves several steps, from researching your options to submitting your application. Here are some general steps to follow:
- Research your chosen universities and MS programs thoroughly.
- Check the admission requirements for your chosen program.
- Prepare necessary documents like transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.
- Apply through the university’s application portal or common application platforms.
- If accepted, proceed with visa application and other formalities.
Assistantships
An assistantship is an arrangement where a student performs specialised duties during their course of study. Assistantships can provide you with a stipend that could cover your living expenses there.
There are three types of assistantships available at most universities in the US. These include:
- Teaching Assistantships (TA)
- Research Assistantships (RA)
- Graduate Assistantships (GA)
Loans
Many organisations based in India also offer collateral/non-collateral loans at low-interest rates for students aiming to study overseas. The key here is to find the right sources, understand the terms and conditions, and apply them on time.
Surely, you must have searched for the best interest rates for your education loan. But it’s difficult to find such loans. And if you want that, along with someone negotiating the best loans for you, you guessed it right – you are at the right place!
Yocket Premium helps you not only search for the best university for you, but also the best loan interest rates for you!
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Scholarships
Gaining scholarships is another way to reduce your expenses while studying abroad. Most scholarships are awarded to meritorious students or those from a financially disadvantaged background. Indian students applying for MS in the US can avail of scholarships like Cornell University Tata Scholarship, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships, and so on.
Public University vs Private University
Public universities in the US usually receive funding from the state governments and are, hence, much more affordable than private universities on average.
From the Desk of Yocket
There are plenty of universities for MS in the US and some of them will have lower tuition fees too. While it is alright to be on the lookout for reducing expenses, do not optimise only for it. Focus on the right program and the right university instead. Getting the program-university fit will get you a higher RoI in the long run, thereby offsetting any additional costs incurred.
A credible degree in the resume and a great brand name can help you stand out in the competition With easier access to loans, you can definitely get access to top-quality education too. Think of it as an initial investment, the results of which would accrue over a lifetime!