5 Best Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science

The best universities in USA for MS in Computer Science include the University of Washington, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to name a few. All these universities are some of the top ranked universities in the world. These institutions offer world-class education with the help of qualified professors and state-of-the-art technologies. To find out all about the best universities in USA for MS in Computer Science, keep reading.

5 Best Universities in USA for MS in Computer Science 

The United States is home to many of the world’s top universities for Master’s programs in Computer Science. These institutions offer rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a strong network of alumni. Some of the best universities in USA for MS in Computer Science are as follows:

Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California. The university specialises in offering several top courses, including Computer and Information Sciences. One of the elite universities on the West Coast, it ranks #6 in QS World University Rankings 2025. Not only this, but it also offers 66 major undergraduate study fields. 

MS in Computer Science at Stanford University- Fees

The fee structure for studying at Standford University varies depending on what program the student decides to pursue. If the student wants to pursue an MS in Computer Science at Stanford University, he/she will have to pay an application fee of USD 125 via an online application with a credit card. 

Here is the fee structure for all those students who want to pursue MS in CS.

Tuition Fees for MS in Computer Science for the 2024-25 academic year	USD 65,127
Average cost of living in Stanford
Housing and Food	USD 21,315
Student Fees	USD 2,400
Books and Supplies	USD 825

Scholarships for MS in Computer Science at Stanford University

Stanford University also offers scholarships for international students, but the number of scholarships is limited. To qualify, students must have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Here are a few of the scholarships that are available to students along with their deadline. 

Scholarship  Name	Amount	Deadline
DAAD – (RISE) Research Internships in Science & Engineering	Interns receive a monthly stipend to cover everyday costs.	30 November 2024
Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) Fellowship	Varies; Health and accident insurance, project allowance, maintenance and dependent’s allowance, baggage, travel	29 March 2024
Churchill Scholarship	USD 60,000	1 November 2024

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science at Stanford University

For the student to be eligible for an MS in Computer Science course at Staford University, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Education: Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised college or university. Applicants from outside the United States must have a degree that’s equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. 
• English Language Proficiency Score: Before applying, all students must have the following English language proficiency score.

Here are the minimum English proficiency requirements to study MS in Computer Science at Stanford University:

TOEFL iBT	100
IELTS	7
PTE	68

Application Process for MS in Computer Science at Stanford University

Below is the application process for all the students who want to enrol at Stanford University:

• Statement of Purpose: All students will have to submit their SOP which must be no more than two pages in length, single-spaced. It should be concise, focused, and well-written. It will be submitted as part of the online application.
• 3 Recommendation Letters: Each student will be asked to identify their recommenders and their email addresses. 
• Resume: You will be asked to submit your resume in the online application and include any publications.
• Students will be required to upload unofficial copies of their transcripts or e-transcripts onto the online application for all institutions they have attended for at least a year as full-time students.
• GRE scores are not required for PhD or MS applicants. 
• Stanford University does not accept IELTS scores instead considers TOEFL scores.

Also Read: How to Get into Stanford University? Pro Tips and Tricks!

University of Washington

University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington, United States. Just like all the other universities, it offers some of the top programs such as Computer Science and Information Technology to name a few. As for the ranking, the university stands at #7 for the Computer Science course and #46 for the U.S. News and World Report. 

MS in Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington- Fees

The fee structure for all the courses offered at the University of Washington varies depending on what course the student decides to pursue. The fee structure is the culmination of multiple components such as the tuition fee, hostel fee, insurance, transportation and other deposits, etc. 

Here is average fees for studying MS in Computer Science & Engineering fees for international students:

MS in Computer Science & Engineering University of Washington Fees

USD 34728

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science at University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) has several eligibility criteria for admission, including: 

• GPA: A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4-point scale for the last 60 semesters or 90 quarter credits of study 
• Degree: A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the US or its equivalent 
• English proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency 
• SAT/ACT: The UW considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional 
• College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs): Freshman applicants must complete one credit of a math-based quantitative course in their senior year 
• Statement of purpose: Applicants should include an introduction, relevant background highlights, and a description of their laboratory or research experience 

Application Process

To apply for the MS in Computer Science course at the University of Washington, all applicants will have to apply through the UW Graduate School. 

When applying, there are several documents that a student has to submit which demonstrate academic performance through a variety of methods and personal qualities and achievements. Here is the list of documents that students will have to submit:

• Students will have to pay an application fee once they have filled out all the forms. 
• Applicants can upload unofficial transcripts to the application process.
• One will also have to submit a personal statement to demonstrate their motivation to study their chosen course. 
• The student should arrange for three letters of recommendation and an updated resume to be submitted online.
• To prove yourself, the student will also be required to write an essay of 300-1000 words on the given topic by the University of Washington. 
• Proficiency in English is also required for graduate study at the University of Washington. The student must have scored the following marks in either of the exams to be able to get admission to the University of Washington.

Here are the English language proficiency test requirements to enrol in MS in Comupter Science at University of Washington

TOEFL iBT	92
IELTS Academic	7.0
Duolingo English Test	125 or higher

Also Read: University of Washington Latest Rankings:QS, US News & World Report, FT Rankings and More

Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. One of the top private universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #4 in QS World University Rankings 2025. Not only this, it ranks #1 for QS WUR Ranking by Subject. 

MS in Computer Science at Harvard University- Fees

Harvard University’s fee structure varies depending on the specific program and academic year. Here’s a breakdown of the general tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year for the MS in Computer Science course at Harvard University:  

Utilities	Prices
Our Course Tuition (2024–25 rate)	USD 3,340 per course
Average Course Tuition of Peer Institutions	USD 4,330 per course
Average Total Program Cost	USD 40,080

Keep in mind that the above-mentioned fees are subject to change depending on what time of the year the student opts to take admission.

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science at Harvard University

Harvard University’s eligibility criteria for graduate programs are rigorous and competitive. While there is no single formula for admission, the admissions committees consider a variety of factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, letters of recommendation, and standardised test scores. Check out the eligibility criteria for getting admission to the MS in Computer Science course at Harvard University.

• Students must hold a strong academic record, including a four-year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from an accredited institution.
• Some graduate programs require applicants to submit scores from the GRE or GMAT.
• Submit letters of recommendation from faculty members.
• Finally, some graduate programs may be required to have research experience.

Application Process

Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, has a rigorous application process. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect:

• Complete the online application form by providing your personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities.
• Harvard requires several essays, including a personal essay and supplemental essays specific to the university.
• Submit letters of recommendation as well as your updated resume.
• Finally, make sure you provide a report that includes your transcript, course rigour, and a counsellor’s evaluation.

Also Read: How to Get Into Harvard University?

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The university is ranked #11 in QS World University Rankings 2025. Moreover, it ranks #10 in terms of the Best Colleges in National Universities and #1 in Business Programs. 

MS in Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania- Fees

The fee structure for the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) varies depending on the specific school and program. Here’s a general breakdown of the estimated costs for the 2023-2024 academic year:

Tuition Fee	USD 58,620
General Fee	USD 5,896
Technology Fee	USD 900
Clinical Fee	USD 688
Total Tuition and Fees	USD 66,104

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania

The eligibility criteria for admission to the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) vary depending on the specific program and school. Here is a general overview of the eligibility criteria for all the students who want to get into the University of Pennsylvania.

• Applicants must have completed their four-year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or be in the process of completing a high school diploma.
• A strong academic record, including high grades in challenging courses, is essential.
• Submit essays and letters of recommendation that showcase their personal qualities.
• Finally, the student should have participated in several extracurricular activities and achievements.

Application Process for MS in Computer Science at University of Pennsylvania

The application process for the University of Pennsylvania can be competitive. Below is the application process which can be referred to by all the students who want to apply here:

• The student will have to complete their Common Application form or the Coalition Application online.
• Penn requires several essays, including a personal essay and supplemental essays specific to the university.
• Submit your letter of recommendation to the university as well as your school report.
• Finally, the student will also have to provide some of their work samples at the time of applying to the university. 

Also Read: University of Pennsylvania Rankings 2024-2025

Yale University

Another popular destination for pursuing your education, the Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. The university is consistently ranked at the top in terms of providing education to all students. As for the ranking, Yale University stands at #23 in QS World University Rankings 2025. Next, it ranks #4 in the QS WUR Ranking by subject. 

MS in Computer Science at Yale University- Fees

The tuition fee for the one-year MS in Computer Science program at Yale University is USD 48,300. Other costs to consider include:

Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment	USD 500
Transportation	USD 1,575
Medical insurance	USD 2,894
Living expenses	USD 14, 552
Personal expenses	USD 4,423
Student Activity Fee	USD 375
Student IT Fee	USD 135

Note: The application fee for all degree-seeking applicants is USD 105 and is non-refundable.Students must note that Yale University is usually increased annually. Students can check the official guidelines released by the university for more details.

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Computer Science at Yale University

Yale University considers the following factors when evaluating applications, including: 

• Yale requests letters of recommendation from two teachers and the school counsellor to learn more about the applicant.
• While Yale’s test-optional policy for Class 2027 means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is no longer required, high scores can help an application stand out. The middle 50% of admitted applicants in 2024 had an SAT score of 730–780 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and 750–800 in Math. 
• Applicants must submit a scanned copy of their transcript or academic record from each college or university they have attended.
• Non-native English speakers who have not studied English for at least two years in a secondary school setting must submit results from an English proficiency exam.

Application Process for MS in Computer Science at Yale University

To get into Yale University, students need the following:

• A 4-year bachelor’s degree (or a 3-year bachelor’s from an accredited institute) for PG applicants.
• English proficiency test scores:

TOEFL-iBT	84-100
IELTS	6.0-7.0

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