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

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 |
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Top recruiters |
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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 |
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Others |
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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.
- Visit the official website of GMAT, IELTS or GRE (as per the university requirement) and then apply for the examination.
- Download the admit card and sit for the examination.
- 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.
- Once you verify the eligibility criteria, if you are eligible for admission, select "MS in Information Systems" while filling the application form.
- 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 |
| GMAT: 700+ |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| GRE score: 600+ |
Johns Hopkins University |
| GRE Score: 600+ |
Cornell University |
| Optional |
Carnegie Mellon University |
| 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.
- 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.
- 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.