Top Computer Science & AI Universities in USA (2026)
Top universities offering Computer Science, Software Engineering and AI/ML masters programs in USA. We rank 1128 universities by QS standing, fees, scholarships and post-study work outcomes for international students.
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Computer Science & AI shortlist
For USA applicants
42 FR
Abilene Christian University
📍 Abilene, United States
Adelphi University
📍 New York, United States
Air Force Institute Of Technology
akron
📍 Summit County, United States
Alabama A&M University
📍 Normal, United States
Albany Medical College
📍 New York, United States
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
📍 Bronx, USA
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
📍 Bronx, United States
Albertus Magnus College
📍 New Haven, United States
Albion College
📍 Albion, United States
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Allen University
📍 South Carolina, United States
Alvernia University
📍 Reading, United States
AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts
📍 New York, United States
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts
American Collegiate, Washington
American University
📍 Washington, United States
American University in Cairo
📍 Cairo, United States
American University in Dubai
📍 Dubai, United States
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
📍 Sint Maarten, United States
American University Washington D.C.
📍 Washington D.C., United States
amherst
📍 Amherst, United States
Amherst College
📍 Amherst, United States
Anderson University
Anna Maria College
📍 Massachusetts, United States
More top courses in USA
An MS in computer science in the USA takes about two years and 30–32 credits. Published 2026-27 tuition runs from $29,194 a year at Purdue (about ₹28 lakh) and $40,444 at Illinois (about ₹38.7 lakh) to $1,922 a credit at Northeastern (about ₹1.84 lakh). Most programmes want a four-year BTech/BE, a GPA near 3.0 and IELTS 6.5 or more; the GRE is not required or is optional on the admission pages of the seven universities here (UT Dallas says optional for Fall 2026, so check Fall 2027), and Computer Science (CIP 11.0701) is on the DHS STEM list, giving 12 months of OPT plus 24 months of STEM OPT.
What does an MS in computer science in the USA involve, and why do Indian students choose it?
The United States hosted 1,177,766 international students in 2024/25 and India was the largest source country with 363,019, up 10% on the year before. Math and computer science was the leading field, taken by 26% of all international students (Open Doors 2025).
"MS in computer science" covers three products. A research-oriented MS, such as Illinois's MS in CS, offers a thesis, project or course-only route and suits students who may want a PhD. A professional master's, such as the 32-credit Master of Computer Science at Illinois or the MS programmes at Northeastern's Khoury College, is coursework-led and aimed at industry roles. AI and cybersecurity tracks sit inside these: Khoury lists separate MS degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Cybersecurity, and UT Dallas covers AI and machine learning inside its MS in CS, which is where "ai masters usa" searches usually land. Illinois states that research and teaching assistantships for its Master of Computer Science are limited and not promised, so MS students should plan to self-fund unless a department offers funding in writing.
How much does an MS in computer science in the USA cost in 2026-27?
Published 2026-27 rates on each university's own page, read on 26 September 2026. Public universities charge international students the non-resident rate; private universities charge per credit. Mandatory fees, insurance and housing are extra, so use the last column for what the university itself tells students to budget.
| University | Published 2026-27 tuition (USD) | Approx. INR | What else the university says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University (West Lafayette) | $29,194 a year, graduate international base | ₹28.0 lakh | A programme differential adds $562 a semester (≈ ₹53,800); housing and food estimate $16,734 (≈ ₹16.0 lakh) |
| UT Dallas | $14,784 a semester for 9 credits (non-resident) + $95 per credit school fee (≈ ₹9,100) = $15,639 | ₹15.0 lakh a semester, ≈ ₹30 lakh a year | Fixed-rate plan for new entrants: $16,657 for 9 credits (≈ ₹16.0 lakh); other mandatory fees not included |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $40,444 a year, Grainger Engineering and engineering-related graduate band | ₹38.7 lakh | Confirm the band for your programme in the Illinois cost calculator |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | $16,540 a semester for 12+ credits at the out-of-country rate ($1,379 per credit hour, ≈ ₹1.32 lakh) | ₹15.8 lakh a semester, ≈ ₹31.7 lakh a year | Mandatory fees $758 a term (≈ ₹72,600); non-tuition budget $22,612 a year (≈ ₹21.7 lakh); online OMSCS is $248 per credit hour (≈ ₹23,800) and is not a visa route |
| Northeastern University (Khoury College) | $1,922 per credit (≈ ₹1.84 lakh); $61,504 if the programme is 32 credits | ₹58.9 lakh over the degree, if 32 credits | The 32-credit total is an assumption for illustration; confirm your programme's credit count in the Northeastern catalogue |
| UMass Amherst | $37,995 tuition and fees for 9 credits (international) + $4,443 health insurance line (≈ ₹4.3 lakh) | ₹36.4 lakh + ₹4.3 lakh | UMass estimates $74,249 for 12 months including living costs (≈ ₹71.1 lakh) |
Sources: Purdue Bursar, UT Dallas Bursar, Illinois Registrar, Georgia Tech Bursar and Financial Aid, Northeastern Student Financial Services, UMass Amherst Financial Aid; all read 26 Sep 2026. $1 = ₹95.8 (Wise mid-market). Georgia Tech and UMass state that some figures are estimates until approved. ASU publishes $29,196 a year (≈ ₹28.0 lakh) for nonresident base tuition on its Admission page.
How do you pay for an MS in CS in the USA from India?
Most Indian students fund the first year from savings plus an education loan; a collateral-free loan covers only part of a ₹30–60 lakh bill. Get the sanction letter before you apply for the I-20, because the international office wants proof that you can pay at least the first year (UMass Amherst asks for 12 months).
Budget separately for the visa: the F-1 visa fee is $185 (≈ ₹17,700) and the I-901 SEVIS fee is $350 (≈ ₹33,500), about ₹51,000 together. Overseas payments fall under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme and its tax collection rules, so check the current rules with your bank before you remit. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation lists computer science and engineering among its ineligible subjects, so do not plan around it.
What are the entry requirements and deadlines for an MS in computer science in the USA?
Each department sets its own rules; these figures are printed on the admission pages. TOEFL iBT moved to a 1–6 scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026, so both scales appear.
| University | Academic entry | GRE | English test | Next deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue CS | Four-year bachelor's or equivalent; past competitive applicants had at least 3.5/4 or 8.5/10 | Not required by the CS admissions committee | Recommended, not minimum: TOEFL 100 (subscores 22+) or 4.5 per section (new); IELTS 7.5, no band under 7.0 | Fall 2027: 1 Dec 2026; Spring 2027: 1 Oct 2026 |
| UT Dallas MS CS | GPA 3.0 over the last 60 credit hours, 3.3 in quantitative courses | Optional for Fall 2026 | TOEFL 80 or 4 (new); IELTS 6.5 | Check the UTD deadlines page for your programme: master's Fall priority is 15 Jan (early schedule) or 1 May (regular) |
| UIUC MS in CS / Master of CS | US four-year equivalent; MCS needs no recommendation letters | Not required | TOEFL or IELTS required of all international students | MS in CS Fall: 1 Dec; MCS Fall: 1 May |
| Georgia Tech MS CS | GPA 3.0 desirable minimum, most admits higher; strong CS and C programming | Not required; considered if sent | TOEFL 100 or 5.0 (new); IELTS 7.5 with 6.5/6.5/6.5/5.5 sections | Fall only: 1 Feb 2027 |
| Northeastern Khoury MS CS | GPA 3.0 / 8.0 of 10 / 80%; programming, data structures, calculus, discrete maths | Test-optional | TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5 recommended; Duolingo not accepted | Fall 2027: 15 Jun 2027 (international, outside US); Spring 2027: 1 Nov 2026 |
| UMass Amherst MS CS | Four-year US equivalent; core CS and maths courses | Optional | TOEFL 4 (new) or 80 (old); IELTS 6.5 | Fall 2027: 15 Dec 2026; Spring 2027: 1 Oct 2026 |
Sources: department and graduate-school admission pages for each university, read 26 Sep 2026. ASU (MS CS, 30 credits) requires a GPA of 3.25 in the last 60 hours and proof of English proficiency; see the ASU Graduate College English requirements. A programme page overrides the general university rule.
How do Indian degrees, percentages and backlogs fit these rules?
- A four-year BTech/BE in CS, IT or ECE fits every programme above. Northeastern states its cut-off as 3.0 of 4.0, 8.0 of 10 or 80%, so an 8.0 CGPA is the floor there, not a competitive score; Purdue says past competitive applicants held at least 3.5/4 or 8.5/10.
- A three-year BSc, BCA or BCom is accepted by some and refused by others. Northeastern reviews it if four semesters of marks are uploaded; UT Dallas uses holistic review; Georgia Tech's graduate FAQ, published on its MS Analytics site, says it generally wants four years or three plus one year of degree study; UMass Amherst states that three-year Indian BA, BSc and BCom degrees are not equivalent to a US four-year bachelor's.
- Upload semester mark sheets and the degree or provisional certificate. If sheets are missing, Northeastern asks for a letter on letterhead stating any retakes or backlogs; explain a backlog in your statement of purpose.
- Non-CS graduates should expect bridge courses. UMass Amherst advises taking non-degree courses first, and Illinois runs a Fall-only accelerator for non-specialists (iCAN, deadline 30 June). With the GRE gone, replace it with a strong CGPA, two or three substantial GitHub projects and a statement of purpose that names faculty or labs.
How to apply for an MS in computer science in the USA: timeline for Fall 2027
Deadlines above run from 1 October 2026 (Purdue and UMass Spring) to 15 June 2027 (Northeastern Fall). A NexStudy counsellor can review your shortlist and statement of purpose, but the application is yours.
September–October 2026: shortlist by cost and fit
Pick 6–8 programmes across a range of tuition, mixing public universities ($29,000–$40,000 a year, about ₹28–38 lakh) with one or two private ones. Confirm credits, thesis option, GRE policy and the CIP code (11.0701 for Computer Science).
October–November 2026: English test and documents
Book IELTS or TOEFL now if you are aiming for the 7.5 band that Purdue and Georgia Tech publish. Collect mark sheets, the degree certificate and a backlog note, and brief three recommenders.
1–15 December 2026: first deadlines
Purdue (Fall 2027) and the Illinois MS in CS close on 1 December; UMass Amherst Fall closes 15 December. Write a tailored statement of purpose for each programme.
January–February 2027: mid-cycle deadlines
Georgia Tech closes 1 February. Check the UT Dallas deadlines page for your programme's schedule.
March–May 2027: decisions, I-20 and funding proof
Compare offers on net cost, accept one, pay the deposit and upload first-year proof of funds. UIUC MCS Fall closes 1 May.
May–July 2027: visa and remittance
Pay the $350 SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, pay the $185 visa fee and book the interview as soon as the I-20 is in hand. Northeastern's last Fall date for international applicants outside the US is 15 June 2027.
August–September 2027: arrive and register
You can enter up to 30 days before the I-20 start date. Report to the international office, sort out health insurance (UMass states that international students must enrol in its Student Health Benefit Plan) and use CPT or on-campus work only as your DSO allows.
What does official US labour data say about computer science jobs?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook, read 26 September 2026) reports a median annual wage of $135,980 (about ₹1.30 crore) for software developers in May 2025 and $104,300 (about ₹1.00 crore) for software quality assurance analysts and testers. The combined group had 1,905,400 jobs in 2025, and BLS projects 10% growth from 2025 to 2035, adding 185,400 jobs, with about 106,100 openings a year. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry requirement and notes that some employers prefer a master's. These are national figures for everyone in the occupation, not an offer for a fresh international graduate, and BLS does not say how many openings go to candidates who need sponsorship.
How long can you work after an MS in computer science: OPT, STEM OPT and the H-1B
On an F-1 visa you can work on campus up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session; off-campus work during the degree needs Curricular Practical Training authorised by your school. After the degree, Optional Practical Training gives 12 months of work in your field. Computer Science (CIP 11.0701), Artificial Intelligence (11.0102), Information Technology (11.0103) and Information Assurance (11.1003) appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List updated on 22 July 2024, which makes a 24-month STEM OPT extension available, 36 months in total.
The extension needs Form I-765 up to 90 days before OPT expires, an E-Verify employer and an endorsed I-20. Unemployment is limited to 90 days on OPT and 60 more during the extension. Ask the international office to confirm the CIP code on your I-20: ASU, for instance, states that its STEM OPT extension is not available to students completing a degree through ASU Online. Separately, DHS published a final rule on 17 July 2026 to replace "duration of status" with a fixed admission period for F students; a federal court paused it on 14 September 2026 (Ohio State's international office reports a nationwide preliminary injunction), so read our USA student visa guide and ask your DSO before you travel.
The H-1B is the longer-term route. The regular cap is 65,000 a year, with 20,000 more for beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher. Employers register you for $215 (about ₹20,600), and from fiscal year 2027 USCIS applies weighted selection that favours higher OEWS wage levels. A Presidential Proclamation of 19 September 2025 also requires a $100,000 payment (about ₹95.8 lakh) to accompany certain new H-1B petitions. Read the USCIS H-1B FAQ again close to graduation rather than relying on any blog summary, including this one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of an MS in CS in the USA at a public versus a private university?
Published 2026-27 tuition is $29,194 a year at Purdue (≈ ₹28 lakh) and $40,444 a year in the Illinois engineering band (≈ ₹38.7 lakh), against $1,922 per credit at Northeastern (≈ ₹1.84 lakh), about $61,504 (≈ ₹59 lakh) if you take 32 credits. Add $17,000–$32,000 a year (≈ ₹16–31 lakh) for living costs.
What GPA or percentage is needed for an MS in computer science in the USA from India?
UT Dallas and Georgia Tech ask about a 3.0 on the 4.0 scale, ASU asks 3.25 over the last 60 credit hours, and Northeastern lists 8.0 out of 10 or 80%. Purdue says past competitive applicants had at least 3.5/4 or 8.5/10, and it reports admitting about 290 of 3,900 PhD and MS applicants for Fall 2024.
Can I do an MS in computer science in the USA with a 3-year BSc or BCA?
Sometimes. Northeastern reviews three-year degrees if four semesters of marks are uploaded, and UT Dallas considers them by holistic review. UMass Amherst states that three-year Indian BSc, BA and BCom degrees are not equivalent to a US four-year degree, and Georgia Tech's graduate FAQ says it generally wants four years or three plus one year of degree study.
Do I need a computer science background to get an MS in CS in the USA?
You need a strong base in programming, data structures, calculus and discrete mathematics. ASU limits its MS to computer science, computer engineering or closely related degrees, UMass Amherst advises non-degree courses first if you lack CS preparation, and Illinois runs a Fall-only accelerator (iCAN) with a 30 June deadline.
Is an AI master's in the USA eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Usually yes, if the degree is classified under a CIP code on the DHS STEM list. Artificial Intelligence (11.0102) and Computer Science (11.0701) are both listed, so a STEM-designated AI or CS master's can take OPT from 12 to 36 months. An online-only degree does not give F-1 status. Ask the international office for the code on your I-20.
How do I fund an MS in computer science in the USA: assistantship, loan or savings?
Plan on loans and savings. Illinois says assistantships for its Master of Computer Science are limited and not promised, and a collateral-free loan usually covers only part of a ₹30–60 lakh bill. UMass Amherst asks for proof that you can pay 12 months of costs before it issues the I-20.
Which US universities have no GRE requirement for an MS in computer science?
Purdue, Illinois and Georgia Tech do not require it (Georgia Tech reads scores if you send them). UMass Amherst and Northeastern make it optional, UT Dallas calls it recommended but optional for Fall 2026 applicants, and ASU lists none. Confirm the page for your intake before skipping it.
Official sources used on this page
- Purdue University Bursar — Graduate tuition and fees 2026-27 — Purdue University · checked 26 September 2026
- Purdue Computer Science — Application steps and deadlines — Purdue University · checked 26 September 2026
- Purdue Computer Science — Admission FAQ (GRE and competitive GPA) — Purdue University · checked 26 September 2026
- Purdue Computer Science — Admission requirements — Purdue University · checked 26 September 2026
- Purdue Computer Science — English proficiency — Purdue University · checked 26 September 2026
- Northeastern University — Tuition and fees 2026-27 (graduate per-credit rates) — Northeastern University · checked 26 September 2026
- Khoury College — Master's apply: timelines and admissions requirements — Northeastern University · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas Bursar — Tuition rates 2026-27 (non-resident graduate) — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas — Master of Science in Computer Science fact sheet — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas Graduate Admissions — International students — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas Graduate Admissions — Deadlines and fees — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- University of Illinois Registrar — 2026-27 graduate and professional tuition rates — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · checked 26 September 2026
- Siebel School of Computing and Data Science — Graduate application deadlines — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · checked 26 September 2026
- Siebel School of Computing and Data Science — Graduate application checklist — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · checked 26 September 2026
- Siebel School — MCS tuition, fees and financial assistance — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · checked 26 September 2026
- ASU Admission — Graduate student tuition 2026-27 — Arizona State University · checked 26 September 2026
- ASU — Computer Science, MS: admission requirements and deadlines — Arizona State University · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech Bursar — Fall 2026 tuition and fee rates per semester — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech Financial Aid — Graduate costs 2026-27 — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech — MS in Analytics admissions FAQ (three-year degree rule) — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech College of Computing — MS Computer Science admission requirements — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- UMass Amherst Financial Aid — Graduate costs 2026-27 — University of Massachusetts Amherst · checked 26 September 2026
- UMass Amherst CICS — How to apply, MS program (on campus) — University of Massachusetts Amherst · checked 26 September 2026
- UMass Amherst CICS — MS Computer Science (on campus): application deadlines — University of Massachusetts Amherst · checked 26 September 2026
- UMass Amherst Graduate School — International applicants — University of Massachusetts Amherst · checked 26 September 2026
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Software developers, QA analysts and testers — US Bureau of Labor Statistics · checked 26 September 2026
- Open Doors 2025 — International students in the United States (2024/25) — Institute of International Education / US Department of State · checked 26 September 2026
- DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (updated 22 July 2024) — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement · checked 26 September 2026
- USCIS — STEM OPT extension — US Citizenship and Immigration Services · checked 26 September 2026
- USCIS — H-1B cap season (FY 2027 weighted selection) — US Citizenship and Immigration Services · checked 26 September 2026
- USCIS — H-1B FAQ (Proclamation of 19 September 2025) — US Citizenship and Immigration Services · checked 26 September 2026
- Study in the States — Working in the United States (OPT and CPT) — US Department of Homeland Security · checked 26 September 2026
- Ohio State University OIA — Duration of Status final rule and 14 Sep 2026 preliminary injunction — The Ohio State University · checked 26 September 2026
- Study in the States — Final rule on a fixed period of admission for F students (FAQ) — US Department of Homeland Security · checked 26 September 2026
- US Department of State — Fees for visa services — US Department of State · checked 26 September 2026
- ICE SEVP — I-901 SEVIS fee — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement · checked 26 September 2026
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation — Scholarships (computer science not eligible) — Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation · checked 26 September 2026
- Wise — USD to INR mid-market rate — Wise · checked 26 September 2026
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