For many Indian students, NRIs, and other international students, a U.S. Master of Science degree still feels like the best path to global tech and research careers. Strong STEM programs, the chance to work in the U.S. for up to three years through STEM OPT, and powerful alumni networks all make the United States 🇺🇸 a top choice. The main barrier is usually money: high tuition, high rent, and strict financial proof rules for the F‑1 student visa.
That’s why the Cheapest MS Programs can make such a difference. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, students who target lower‑cost public universities often finish their degrees with far less debt while still getting good job offers and STEM OPT approvals. The 10 universities below combine low tuition, affordable living, and solid STEM reputations, based on the source data you provided.
How this low‑cost MS ranking was built
This list focuses on full‑time on‑campus MS programs that:
- Keep annual tuition for international students in the roughly $8,000–$19,000 range.
- Sit in states or towns with lower rent and daily expenses.
- Offer STEM fields like computer science, data science, engineering, math, or environmental science.
- Commonly qualify for the 24‑month STEM OPT extension, giving up to 3 years of U.S. work after graduation.
- Provide at least some scholarships, assistantships, or on‑campus jobs.
- Have support services for international students, such as orientation, visa help, and academic advising.
All 10 schools below can be smart options for students who want a strong start in the U.S. job market without paying Ivy League prices.
The 10 Cheapest MS Programs (summary view)
- Minot State University, North Dakota
- Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico
- South Dakota State University, South Dakota
- Missouri State University, Missouri
- Bemidji State University, Minnesota
- Fort Hays State University, Kansas
- University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas
- California State University (CSU) System, California
- Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri
- Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Texas
For quick comparison, the following table summarizes approximate tuition and popular MS programs for each school:
| No. | University | Approx. tuition (per year) | Popular MS programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minot State University (ND) | $8,000–$10,000 | Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics |
| 2 | Eastern New Mexico University (NM) | ~$8,500 | Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry |
| 3 | South Dakota State University (SD) | ~$12,000 | Data Science, Electrical Eng., Mechanical Eng., Biostatistics |
| 4 | Missouri State University (MO) | ~$12,000 | Computer Information Systems, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture Sciences |
| 5 | Bemidji State University (MN) | ~$10,000 | Environmental Science, Mathematics, Engineering Technology |
| 6 | Fort Hays State University (KS) | ~$12,000 | Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Applied Technology |
| 7 | University of Central Arkansas (AR) | $11,000–$12,000 | Computer Science, Applied Data Analytics, Biology |
| 8 | California State University (CSU) System (CA) | $17,000–$19,000 | Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Biotechnology |
| 9 | Northwest Missouri State University (MO) | ~$9,500 | Computer Science, GIS, Applied Computer Science |
| 10 | Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) (TX) | ~$14,000 | Information Systems, Engineering Science |
Detailed school notes
1. Minot State University, North Dakota
- Approx. tuition: $8,000–$10,000 per year
- Popular MS programs: Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics
Minot State often appears at the very top of Cheapest MS Programs lists because its tuition is among the lowest in the entire country. Minot, North Dakota has very low living costs, especially for rent and food, so your total yearly budget can stay far below big‑city levels.
Class sizes are small, which means more one‑on‑one time with professors and easier access to research or teaching assistant roles. The computer science and math tracks can qualify for STEM OPT, so you can earn U.S. work experience after you finish your degree.
2. Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico
- Approx. tuition: ~$8,500 per year
- Popular MS programs: Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry
Eastern New Mexico University is another very low‑cost choice, especially for students who want solid STEM fundamentals without heavy debt. The campus is known for being safe and student‑centered, a comfort for parents sending their children abroad for the first time.
Computer science and science majors here can also be strong bases for later H‑1B or research careers. With careful budgeting and possible on‑campus work, many international students can cover a good part of their living costs while they study.
Research each school’s TA/RA opportunities early and apply before deadlines; pair this with on‑campus jobs to cover living costs while staying under a typical 20-hour weekly limit for F‑1 students.
3. South Dakota State University, South Dakota
- Approx. tuition: ~$12,000 per year
- Popular MS programs: Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biostatistics
South Dakota State offers a stronger research focus while still staying budget friendly. Students praise the data science and engineering programs, which tie in well with current U.S. job trends in analytics, hardware, and health tech.
Living expenses in South Dakota are much lower than in large coastal cities, and that helps when you show bank statements during your F‑1 visa process. Graduates often point to good STEM OPT outcomes, meaning many find work with U.S. employers willing to train and sometimes later sponsor them.
4. Missouri State University, Missouri
- Approx. tuition: ~$12,000 per year
- Popular MS programs: Computer Information Systems, Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture Sciences
Missouri State is a reputable public university that has built a strong international community over many years. New students from India, Nigeria, Nepal, and the Middle East often find seniors from the same background already on campus, ready to share advice on professors, part‑time jobs, and internships.
Tuition remains low for a school with this level of name recognition. STEM majors such as computer information systems and science fields can lead to STEM OPT and solid job prospects in tech, pharma, or agriculture‑related industries.
5. Bemidji State University, Minnesota
- Approx. tuition: ~$10,000 per year
- Popular STEM programs: Environmental Science, Mathematics, Engineering Technology
Bemidji State stands out for students interested in environmental and applied sciences. The surrounding region, with its lakes and forests, also fits well for those planning careers in climate, conservation, or natural resource management.
Tuition is relatively low, and the town has inexpensive living costs compared to bigger Minnesota cities like Minneapolis. For international students who like smaller, quieter settings, Bemidji can feel less stressful than large urban campuses, while still giving access to STEM OPT‑eligible fields.
6. Fort Hays State University, Kansas
- Approx. tuition: ~$12,000 per year
- Popular MS programs: Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Applied Technology
Fort Hays State appeals to tech students who want flexibility. Many programs are offered both on‑campus and online, which can help if you want to start from home and later move to the U.S., or if you need to manage work and study.
The cybersecurity and information systems tracks match well with growing U.S. demand for IT security and cloud skills. The university is known for being friendly to international students, with staff who regularly help with visa questions, course planning, and CPT/OPT guidance.
7. University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas
- Approx. tuition: $11,000–$12,000 per year
- Popular MS programs: Computer Science, Applied Data Analytics, Biology
The University of Central Arkansas offers a strong balance of cost and curriculum. Applied data analytics and computer science fit directly into entry‑level roles in software, analytics, and business intelligence, while biology supports students aiming at research labs or later professional degrees.
Arkansas living costs stay lower than many coastal states, which reduces how much money you need to show for visa funding and makes day‑to‑day life easier. With the right STEM program, you can complete one year of regular OPT and then apply for the 24‑month STEM OPT extension.
8. California State University (CSU) System, California
- Approx. tuition: $17,000–$19,000 per year
- Popular MS tracks: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Biotechnology
The CSU system is not the absolute cheapest on this list, but it is far cheaper than many other California options, including private tech schools. For students who want Silicon Valley or Southern California job access, this can be an excellent trade‑off.
Campuses such as San José State, Long Beach, or Fullerton sit near major tech and biotech hubs. That means easier access to internships, CPT jobs, and full‑time roles during and after your MS. For many Indian and other international students, the slightly higher tuition is offset by stronger salary potential after graduation.
9. Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri
- Approx. tuition: ~$9,500 per year
- Popular MS programs: Computer Science, GIS, Applied Computer Science
Northwest Missouri State is very popular among budget‑focused tech students. One major draw is its free laptop program, which cuts down your initial setup cost. Tuition is low, and local housing is often much cheaper than in larger cities.
Programs in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and applied computer science link to niche but growing job areas such as mapping, logistics, and smart city planning. With strong planning, students can pair coursework with on‑campus jobs or internships and then move into STEM OPT roles with U.S. companies.
10. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), Texas
- Approx. tuition: ~$14,000 per year
- Popular MS programs: Information Systems, Engineering Science
TAMIU gives students a way into the Texas tech and engineering market at a lower cost than many larger Texas campuses. The information systems and engineering science programs can prepare graduates for IT, systems design, and technical project roles.
The campus is known for being safe and academically focused, which is important for parents and students alike. For those planning long‑term lives in the United States, starting with a degree that leads to STEM OPT and then perhaps an H‑1B sponsorship can be a smart step.
How STEM OPT and immigration rules fit into your MS choice
When picking among these Cheapest MS Programs, it is important to check that your exact major appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List used by U.S. immigration. Only then can you use the 24‑month STEM OPT extension after your first 12 months of standard OPT.
The official government guide on STEM OPT is on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website:
USCIS STEM OPT information
Key points for international students:
- You will usually enter on an F‑1 student visa, based on a Form
I‑20issued by your university. Details about theI‑20are available from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement here: Form I‑20 overview. - After completing your MS, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). For many students this is 12 months of full‑time work in a job related to your major.
- If your degree is on the official STEM list, you can apply for an extra 24‑month STEM OPT extension, giving up to 36 months of work.
- You usually request OPT or STEM OPT by filing Form
I‑765with USCIS. Official details and instructions are here: Form I‑765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Always verify that your chosen MS program is on the STEM OPT list and confirm current tuition, CoA, and visa requirements directly with the university before applying.
Because tuition and living costs at these universities are lower, the financial documentation you must show in your visa interview may also be easier to meet. This can make a real difference for families who would struggle to show funds for high‑priced private universities.
Important: Always confirm the current tuition, eligibility for STEM OPT, and the exact program titles with each university before applying. Policies and costs can change year to year.
Choosing the right low‑cost MS program for your goals
All 10 universities on this list are affordable, but the best fit depends on your career plan, comfort level, and budget.
- If you want the lowest possible cost, focus on Minot State University and Eastern New Mexico University, where tuition is under or close to $8,500 per year.
- If you want stronger research and a broader campus, consider South Dakota State University and Missouri State University, which offer wider lab options and larger alumni networks.
- If you care most about location and job access, the CSU system provides direct routes to California’s tech and biotech hubs, even if tuition there is higher than the others on this list.
To keep your total MS cost under control, it helps to:
- Apply early for scholarships, teaching assistant (TA), or research assistant (RA) roles.
- Look for on‑campus part‑time jobs allowed under F‑1 rules (up to 20 hours per week during classes).
- Compare each school’s full Cost of Attendance (CoA), not just tuition; that includes housing, food, transport, health insurance, and fees.
- Favor STEM majors that offer paid internships or CPT during your degree, which can support living costs and build your resume.
- Share housing with other students and pick low‑cost towns instead of big cities, when possible.
A U.S. MS does not need to drain your family’s savings. With careful school selection and attention to STEM OPT rules, these Cheapest MS Programs can give international students a realistic path to high‑quality education, U.S. work experience, and long‑term career growth.
VisaVerge highlights 10 affordable U.S. MS programs for international students, focusing on tuition $8,000–$19,000, low living costs, STEM fields, and eligibility for STEM OPT. Schools like Minot State and Eastern New Mexico offer the lowest tuition, while CSU campuses provide stronger job access near tech hubs. The ranking prioritizes on‑campus support, assistantships, and programs commonly qualifying for the 24‑month STEM OPT extension. Students should verify program STEM designation, compare full Cost of Attendance, and pursue scholarships or on‑campus roles to minimize debt and boost employability.
