GENERAL

MS in Information Systems in USA: Top Universities, Deadlines, Fees, Scholarships, & Placements

SA
Shaurya • 11 Mins read • 15 Aug 25
MS in Information Systems in USAMS in Information Systems in USA

MS in Information Systems in the USA is a popular course in the field of Information Systems. This postgraduate degree gets completed in 2 years to complete. For admission in MS Information Systems in the USA, universities ask for scores of tests like TOEFL, GRE, IELTSand many others. Some best universities for MS in Information Systems in USA known for good education are MIT, Johns Hopkins University, Boston University and various others. Other requirements include around 85% marks in the bachelor’s degree. Job roles in USA after completing this degree include Engineers, Manager of Information Systems, Data Analyst in Information Systems, etc.

MS in Information Systems in USA fees for completing this degree are between $ 33,000 - $ 88,000, which is ₹28,78,000 - ₹76,75,000. If any students face financial issues, students can apply for various scholarships for Indian students in the USA, like Harvard Need-Based Scholarships, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, etc.

After completing their programme, initially, the MS in Information Systems salary in the USA is about $92,000,  which is almost ₹80,24,000. Northrop Grumman, Deloitte and many more companies are the top recruiters for MS in Information Systems in the USA.  


MS in Information Systems in USA - Course Highlights

Students willing to study in the USA often want to get an overview of the total fees, the average salary offered, which are the top institutions and various other details. The table below provides information about the same.

Category

Details

Course Name

Master's in Information Systems

Course Level

Post-Graduate Level

Course Duration

2 years

Eligibility

A Bachelor’s degree with 80% -85% aggregate

Application mode

Online

Required examinations

GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS

Course Fee

$33,000 - $88000 / ₹28,78,000 - ₹76,75,000

Average salary 

$ 92,000/ ₹80,24,000

Top universities

  • Harvard University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • MIT University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • University of California
  • Cornell University
  • University of Washington
  • Boston University

Top recruiters

  • Deloitte
  • Accenture
  • Northrop Grumman


MS in Information Systems in USA - Important Dates and Events 

For admission to MS in Information Systems in USA universities required scorecards on various proficiency tests are required. These tests are mandatory for admission. Various tests like PTE, IELTS are acceptable. Other tests include GMAT, GRE. The application deadlines for the same are mentioned below:

Events

Dates

GRE 2025 Exam

8th September, 2025 - 21st September, 2025

GMAT 2025 Exam

August 2025 - December 2025

PTE 2025 Exam

August, 2025 - December, 2025

IELTS 2025 Exam

August, 2025 - December, 2025


Top Universities - Application Start & End Dates

The starting & ending dates of the application window of some of the best universities for Information Systems in USA are mentioned in the table below. Applicants are required to submit the SOP and other application documents timely manner before the time runs over. In this table, dates for both 2025 & 2026 are given as follows:

University Name

Application deadlines

Harvard University

Fall 2025

MIT University

Summer 2025 - 28 February 2026

University of California

6 January 2026

University of Washington

7 January 2026

Carnegie Mellon University

10 January 2026

Johns Hopkins University

11 March 2026

Cornell University

2 April 2026


Why choose MS in Information Systems in USA?

It is quite obvious to everyone that the USA is one of the biggest countries in the world. Whether it is for living conditions or education, the USA has the most facilities. Though the living costs are bit high, the salary provided is quite good (around $90,000).

  • A budget of around $5,80,00,000 will be put up by the government for Information Technology. So this will increase the opportunities for work in the sector for new graduates.
  • Every year in the USA, over 200,000 new jobs are created in the Information Systems sector. So it is quite beneficial for the students to complete degree in the same field.


MS in Information Systems in USA: Fees

The annual fees for MS Information Systems in USA fees in almost all the best universities are around $33,200 - $88,000, which is ₹28,54,000 - ₹76,08,000 when converted to Indian currency. Candidates must have a look at the fees first and then apply for admission to the suitable university.

University 

Fees in $

Fees in INR

Harvard University

70,700

₹61,14,000

MIT University

1,29,600

₹1,12,07,000

Carnegie Mellon University

1,09,800

₹94,94,000

Johns Hopkins University

1,76,000

₹1,52,19,000

University of California

86,000

₹74,36,850

Cornell University

1,36,800

₹1,18,30,000

University of Washington

99,000

₹85,61,025


MS in Information Systems in the USA: Cost of Living

Students willing to live in the USA and complete their degree should know about the total expenses. The total cost of living in the USA every year ranges from $30,000 to about $42,000. The living rent in the USA for one year is about $20,000 on average, which differs from city to city. The breakdown of expenses is as follows:

Particulars

Annual Cost in $

Annual cost in INR

Accomodation

$20,000

₹17,29,500

Meals

$8,500

₹7,35,000

Utilities

$2,100

₹1,82,000

Transportation

$2,200

₹1,90,000

Personal Expenses

$9,100

₹7,87,000

Total

$40,900

₹35,37,000


MS in Information Systems in the USA: Admission Requirements

Regarding the Qualifications for the MS in Information Systems, the requirements are mentioned in the table. Eligibility requirements include a scorecard of tests like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

Details

Undergraduate Degree

Passed with 85% aggregate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

GPA

3.0+

GMAT Score

600+

GRE Score

320+

English Proficiency Exams

  • IELTS - 7.0-7.5
  • TOEFL - 90-100

Others

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Passport
  • USA Student Visa


MS in Information Systems in USA: Application Process

MS in Information Systems in the USA application process has been mentioned in detail in this section. Students must read the application process step by step and apply timely manner.

  1. Visit the official website of GMAT, IELTS or GRE (as per the university requirement) and then apply for the examination.
  2. Download the admit card and sit for the examination.
  3. Once the result is announced, go through the official website of your chosen university and see what the eligibility criteria are. A minimum 85% aggregate in bachelor's degree is needed for the top universities. The GMAT/GRE, IELTS scores could vary.
  4. Once you verify the eligibility criteria, if you are eligible for admission, select "MS in Information Systems" while filling the application form.
  5. After submitting your application, wait for the outcome of the shortlisted applicants


MS in Information Systems in the USA: Documents Required

Below is the list of the major documents required for admission to MS in Information Systems in USA. Kindly prepare the documents before applying for admission:

  • Statement of Purpose(SOP
  • Letter of Recommendation(LOR)
  • Resume
  • Bachelor’s marksheet and qualifying certificate
  • Entrance Examination Scorecards
  • Academic Transcript
  • Student visa
  • Essays
  • Application confirmation copy


MS in Information Systems in USA: University-wise Cutoff Criteria

Eligibility criteria for MS in Information Systems in USA have been provided in the table below. It includes a score of around 85% in bachelor’s degree, Proficiency score requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.). Some universities also need a GMAT score of about 600-700. Detailed university-wise criteria are as follows:

University

Requirements

Test Scores

Harvard University

  • 4-year accredited US bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • IELTS: 7.5

GMAT: 700+

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • BS in Engineering, Science, or Technology with 85% aggregate.
  • TOEFL iBT: 90
  • IELTS: 7.0

GRE score: 600+

Johns Hopkins University

  • 4-year bachelor’s degree with 85% aggregate.
  • TOEFL iBT: 100
  • IELTS: 7.0

GRE Score: 600+

Cornell University

  • Bachelor’s degree with 85% aggregate.
  • TOEFL iBT: 92
  • IELTS: 7.0

Optional

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 85% aggregate.
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • DET: 130

Optional


GMAT/GRE Preparation Tips

Preparing for GMAT/GRE requires a well-planned, timed and structured study routine as GMAT syllabus is vast. The basic tips include starting early preparation, following official resources, etc.

  1. Analyse the pattern: Look out for old references of the tests, collect them and analyse the pattern. Often in competitive exams, some questions are repetitive. Take notes and revise repeatedly. 
  2. Follow some test series with good reviews. This is because it is important to analyze your mistakes and find tips to overcome them.


IELTS/TOEFL - Exam preparation tips

Students who want to study MS in Information Systems abroad know how important IELTS, TOEFL are. If any candidate wants admission to any top university in the USA, it is a must to score well. Here are a few tips that candidates can keep in mind to ensure admission to any good university:

  • Set an aim that you need to score above 6.5 in IELTS. This will ensure that you get a safe score and secure your admission score. Universities like Harvard, MIT demand scores above 6.5.
  • Do not come under any influence and start late. Always start early so that even if your preparation is slow, you will be able to complete your syllabus.


MS in Information Systems in USA: Scholarships

Scholarships in the USA for Indian students who face financial issues are Harvard Need-Based Scholarships, Global Student Scholarship, Johns Hopkins Federal Loans Fellowship, etc. Some provide scholarship amounts, whereas some cover all the educational costs. Check the table for a suitable scholarship:

Scholarships

Eligibility

Benefits

Harvard Need-Based Scholarships

Students in need of financial assistance can apply.

$ 42000 each year or $ 84000 in total.

Johns Hopkins Federal Loans

Enrolled for at least six credits per semester.

Up to $ 20,500.

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

2 years of college coursework or equivalent.

Up to $ 25000.

Fulbright Scholarships for Indians

An Indian citizen with good academic scores, proficient in English.

Monthly stipend for the course duration.

Inlaks Scholarship

Must be an Indian citizen with a minimum of 65% - 75% marks.

A sum of $ 1,00,000 as scholarship amount.

Fulbright Scholarships

Master's in a US university

Tuition fee, airfare, living expenses, and health insurance are waived off

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

30 years of age, Genuine financial need

Tuition fees and living expenses


MS in Information Systems in the USA - Best Universities

For completing the degree, Harvard University, University of California, Berkley Massachusetts Institute of Technology are considered some of the best universities for MS Information Systems in USA. As per the QS World Rankings 2025, MIT is ranked 1st among the top Information Systems schools in the USA for MS. Look at the table below for rankings 2025:

University Name

QS World Ranking 2025

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1

Harvard University

5

Cornell University

16

University of California, Berkley

17

Johns Hopkins University

24

Carnegie Mellon University

52

University of Washington

81

Boston University

88


MS in Information Systems in USA: Syllabus

Here is the table depicting the syllabus for Information Systems in USA. Although the majority of the syllabus is the same in all the universities, some minor differences might be there. The syllabus is as follows:

Main Subjects

Elective subjects

Top Specializations

Strategic Communications

Data management

Computer Networks

Data mining

Health informatics

Data Analytics

Data management

AI

Security

Data Communications and Networking

Digital Business

Web Application Development

Business Foundations for IT

Security

Health Informatics

Information Systems Analysis & Design


Database Management and Business Intelligence


MS in Information Systems in USA vs India

Here is a comparison table that depicts the comparison between MS in Information Systems in USA VS MS in Information Systems in India based on cost, average salary, alumni network, and living costs. Students thinking of joining universities abroad can check this for a better idea:

Factor

MS in Information Systems in USA

MS in Information Systems in India

Global Recognition

Globally higher-ranked universities

Moderate ranking

Top universities

MIT, Cornell, Harvard, Johns Hopkins

IITs, IISc, JNU, BITS Pilani

Tuition fees

$ 33,200 - $ 88000 (₹28 Lakhs - ₹76 Lakhs)

It may even go up to ₹10 Lakhs

Average starting salary

$ 60,000 - $ 90,000/ Year

₹4,00,000 - ₹10,00,000 /Year

ROI

High returns

Moderate to High 


MS in Information Systems in USA: Career Scope

Career opportunities in USA after completing a Master's in Information Systems are quite good. The average starting salary in the USA ranges around $ 95,900 annually for the post of People Management, $ 87,200 for Information Systems Manager and much more. Refer to the table below to know more:

Profession

Average Annual Salary ($)

Average Annual Salary (INR)

People Management

$95,900

₹82,93,000

Information System Manager

$87,200

₹75,40,000

Project Management

$86,800

₹75,06,000

Data Analysis

$82,700

₹71,51,000

Network Management/ Administration

$80,100

₹69,27,000

Windows Operating System General

$78,400

₹67,80,000


Frequently Asked Questions


QUES 1. Which country is considered the most preferred for MS in Bioinformatics in the USA?

ANS 1. USA is the most preferred country in terms of top universities and the best facilities for anyone who wants to pursue MS in Bioinformatics in the USA. Top-ranked universities like Harvard, MIT are located here. Along with this, the USA has one of the best pay scales.


QUES 2: What is the total duration of MS in Information Systems in the USA?

ANS 2: A Master's in Information Systems in the USA is mainly a 1-2 year postgraduate program. But the total duration might differ depending on whether the course you have chosen is full-time or it is a part-time course.


QUES 3: What is the fee at top universities for an MS in Information Systems in the USA?

ANS 3: The average total annual tuition fees in the majority of the institutions for MS in Information Systems is between  $ 33,000 - $ 88000 in the USA. This charge is just for the tuition fees, excluding the living expenses.


QUES 4: Is a GMAT/GRE scorecard mandatory for admission to an MS in Information Systems in the USA?

ANS 4: In the USA, the top universities may require scorecards of GMAT or GRE for admission. But some also might provide without GMAT/GRE. Try to score high marks on the GRE or GMAT to secure your admission. 


QUES 5: What is the living cost for students willing to study MS Information Systems in the USA?

ANS 5: Students willing to study an MS in Information Systems in the USA must know that, on average, in the USA, the total cost of living may reach up to $40,000 each year.