MS in Bioinformatics in USA: Universities, Fees, Admission Process

MS in Bioinformatics in USA: The United States, a global leader in scientific research and technological innovation, offers an array of opportunities for international students seeking a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics. With the top universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant academic environment, the USA provides an ideal setting to delve into the fascinating world of biological data analysis. Top universities like Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are the best for their rigorous programs and groundbreaking research in Bioinformatics. 

While the average tuition fee for an MS in Bioinformatics in USA ranges from USD 30,000 to USD 60,000 per year, the acceptance rate for international students can be competitive, often hovering around 10-20% at top-tier institutions.

Why Study MS in Bioinformatics in USA?

Here are a few reasons why pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics in the USA is a great choice:

• The USA is home to some of the top universities in the world, offering the best programs in Bioinformatics.
• Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field with plenty of job opportunities, especially in healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.
• Many US universities offer practical training and research opportunities, giving you real-world experience.
• Studying in the USA allows you to connect with top researchers, industry professionals, and fellow students from around the world.
• An MS in Bioinformatics from a US university can significantly boost your career prospects and earning potential.

Also Read: MSc Bioinformatics: Eligibility, Fees, Scope

Top Universities in USA for MS in Bioinformatics

Here are some of the top universities in the USA for MS in Bioinformatics, along with their QS World University Rankings 2025 and approximate tuition fees:

University	QS World Ranking 2025	Approximate Tuition Fee (USD)	Specialisations
Stanford University	6	USD 55,000 – USD 60,000	Computational Biology, Genomics, Systems Biology
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	10	USD 58,000 – USD 63,000	Computational Biology, Bioinformatics
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)	12	USD 45,000 – USD 50,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics
Harvard University	4	USD 52,000 – USD 57,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Systems Biology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	1	USD 55,000 – USD 60,000	Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Systems Biology
University of Washington	76	USD 40,000 – USD 45,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genome Sciences
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)	72	USD 40,000 – USD 45,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genome Informatics
Johns Hopkins University	32	USD 55,000 – USD 60,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics
University of Michigan	44	USD 50,000 – USD 55,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biostatistics
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	69	USD 35,000 – USD 40,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genetics
Georgia Institute of Technology	114	USD 39,000 – USD 44,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology
Boston University	108	USD 60,000 – USD 65,000	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology
Penn State University	89	USD 30,000 – USD 35,000	Bioinformatics and Genomics
Purdue University, West Lafayette	89	USD 30,000 – USD 35,000	Computer and Information Technology with Bioinformatics focus
Iowa State University	470	USD 25,000 – USD 30,000	Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	#901-950	USD 40,000 – USD 45,000	Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
George Washington University	#371	USD 50,000 – USD 55,000	Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry
State University of New York at Buffalo	#=466	USD 30,000 – USD 35,000	Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Bioinformatics in USA

To apply for an MS in Bioinformatics program in the USA, international students typically need to meet the following criteria:

• You should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field like biology, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics.
• A good academic record, often measured by a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
• While not always mandatory, a good GRE score can strengthen your application.
• You’ll need to prove your English language skills through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers can help your application.
• A well-written SOP explaining your academic and research goals, and why you’re interested in the program.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Also Read: List of Best Universities for Biotechnology in USA

MS in Bioinformatics in USA Admission Process for International Students

Here’s a general overview of the admission process for international students applying to MS in Bioinformatics programs in the USA:

• Identify universities that offer programs aligned with your interests and meet your academic and financial requirements.
• Most universities use online application portals. Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
• Pay the required application fee.
• Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
• Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential.
• Write a compelling SOP explaining your academic and research interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
• Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
• A copy of your valid passport.
• Once you’re accepted, you’ll need to apply for an F-1 student visa to study in the USA.

Required Documents

When applying for an MS in Bioinformatics program in the USA, you’ll typically need to submit the following documents:

• Application Form
• Academic Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• GRE Scores (Optional)
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS or TOEFL scores)
• Financial Documents
• US Students Visa

Also Read: Universities that Accept Low GPA for Masters in the USA

MS in Bioinformatics in USA Without GRE

The United States offers a plethora of opportunities for international students seeking a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, even without the GRE. Several top universities in the USA have waived the GRE requirement for their Bioinformatics programs, making it accessible to a wider range of students. While the average tuition fee for an MS in Bioinformatics in the USA ranges from USD 30,000 to USD 60,000 per year, the acceptance rate for international students can vary between 40% to 80% at these universities.

Here are some of the top universities in the USA that offer MS in Bioinformatics without the GRE requirement, along with approximate fees and acceptance rates:

University	Approximate Tuition Fee (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)
Boston University	USD 60,000 – USD 65,000	40-50%
Northeastern University	USD 57,312	60-70%
Purdue University	USD 30,000 – USD 35,000	60-70%
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	USD 35,000 – USD 40,000	50-60%
University of Massachusetts Lowell	USD 30,000 – USD 35,000	60-70%
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	USD 25,000 – USD 30,000	70-80%
Drexel University	USD 40,000 – USD 45,000	50-60%

Scholarships for MS in Bioinformatics in USA 

While studying in the USA can be expensive, there are several avenues to secure financial aid and scholarships for international students pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics in USA.

Here are some of the common scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics in the USA:

University-Based Scholarships and Fellowships

University	Scholarship/Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Stanford University	Knight-Hennessy Scholars	Full funding	Merit-based, leadership potential
Harvard University	Need-based financial aid	Varies	Demonstrated financial need
UC Berkeley	Chancellor’s Fellowship Program	Full funding	Academic excellence, research potential
MIT	Presidential Fellowship Program	Full funding	Outstanding academic achievement
University of Washington	Graduate Research Fellowship Program	Varies	Research excellence, academic merit
UC San Diego	Chancellor’s Associates Scholarship Program	Varies	Academic merit, leadership potential

External Scholarships and Fellowships

Scholarship/Fellowship	Amount	Eligibility Criteria
Fulbright Foreign Student Program	Full funding	Academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to cultural exchange
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Full funding	Outstanding academic ability and leadership potential
AAAS Fellowships	Varies	For graduate study in science, engineering, and mathematics
NSF Graduate Research Fellowships	Varies	For graduate research fellowships in STEM fields
Hays Foundation Scholarships	Varies	For international students pursuing graduate studies in the US

Also Read: Biomedical Informatics vs Bioinformatics

Cost of Studying MS in Bioinformatics in USA

The cost of studying an MS in Bioinformatics in the USA typically ranges from USD 30,000 to USD 70,000 per year, including tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and other additional costs. Tuition fees for public universities generally range from USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 per year, while private universities may charge between USD 40,000 and USD 70,000 per year. Living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and books, can range from USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 per year. Additionally, international students need to budget for visa fees, SEVIS fees, and application fees.

Cost Category	Estimated Cost per Year (USD)
Tuition Fees (Public Universities in USA)	USD 20,000 – USD 40,000
Tuition Fees (Private Universities in USA)	USD 40,000 – USD 70,000
Cost of Student Accommodation in USA	USD 8,000 – USD 15,000
Cost of Food in USA	USD 5,000 – USD 8,000
Cost of Books and Supplies in USA	USD 1,000 – USD 1,500
Cost of Transportation in USA	USD 1,000 – USD 2,000
Cost of Health Insurance in USA	USD 1,000 – USD 2,000
Visa Fees in USA	USD 160
SEVIS Fee	USD 350
Application Fees for US Universities	USD 50 – USD 100 per application

Cost of Living in USA for MS in Bioinformatics

The cost of living in the USA for international students pursuing an MS in Bioinformatics can vary significantly depending on the city, lifestyle, and specific university. However, a general estimate of the annual cost of living is between USD 15,000 to USD 30,000.

Expense	Estimated Cost per Year (USD)
On-campus housing	USD 10,000 – USD 15,000
Off-campus housing (shared accommodation)	USD 8,000 – USD 12,000
Off-campus housing (private apartment)	USD 12,000 – USD 20,000
Food	USD 5,000 – USD 8,000
Books and Supplies	USD 1,000 – USD 1,500
Transportation	USD 1,000 – USD 2,000
Health Insurance	USD 1,000 – USD 2,000
Personal Expenses	USD 1,000 – USD 2,000

Also Read: Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students

Top Job Roles in MS in Bioinformatics in USA

Here are some of the top job roles for MS in Bioinformatics graduates in the USA, along with some of the top companies hiring in this field:

Job Role	Responsibilities	Average Salary (USD)	Top Companies
Bioinformatics Scientist	Analyse large biological datasets, develop algorithms, and interpret results.	USD 113,919	Genentech, Illumina, Amgen, Pfizer, Merck
Computational Biologist	Apply computational methods to biological problems.	USD 100,000 – USD 150,000	Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Intel, NVIDIA
Data Scientist	Use statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from biological data.	USD 100,000 – USD 150,000	Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Netflix
Bioinformatics Engineer	Develop and maintain software tools and databases for bioinformatics analysis.	USD 80,000 – USD 120,000	Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies
Genomic Analyst	Analyse large biological datasets, develop algorithms and interpret results.	USD 70,000 – USD 100,000	23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage
Biomedical Engineer	Apply engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine.	USD 80,000 – USD 120,000	Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories

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