Master of Science [MS] (Information Technology)
Field of Study:
₹28.2 L/Yr
Arizona State University Master of Science in Information Technology is a 1-2 year, industry-focused program offered at the Polytechnic campus and online. ASU ranks #1 in innovation (US News 2026) and #173 globally (QS 2026). The program costs approximately USD 60,696-63,810 (₹56.56-59.50 lakhs) for tuition over two years, with total living expenses around USD 40,000-50,000 (₹37.3-46.6 lakhs). International students receive F-1 visa sponsorship and are eligible for 24-month STEM-OPT work extension after graduation.
ASU hosts 6,641 Indian students as of Fall 2024, with over 3,900 pursuing engineering graduate degrees. The MS IT program attracts Indian students due to flexible delivery (online or on-campus), lower tuition than peer universities, and strong industry connections. Fall 2026 priority deadline is March 1, 2026, and Spring 2027 deadline is August 1, 2026.
Current Admission Status (April 2026): Fall 2026 applications are closed. Spring 2027 intake is now open with August 1, 2026 priority deadline. Prospective students should apply immediately for Spring 2027 entry.
- Why Study MS Information Technology at Arizona State University
- Tuition Fees for MS Information Technology
- Cost of Living in Tempe, Arizona
- Admissions Requirements and Process
- Program Curriculum and Specializations
- University and Program Rankings
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Placements and Career Outcomes
- Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
- Visa and Work Authorization
- Program Delivery Options
- FAQs
Why Study MS Information Technology at Arizona State University
- Flexible delivery options: Choose between online (complete in 1 year) or on-campus Polytechnic campus (2 years) based on career needs and lifestyle.
- Lower GPA requirement: Minimum 3.0 GPA (equivalent to 7.5/10 on Indian scale) compared to 3.25 for CS programs, making admission more accessible.
- STEM-OPT eligible: 24-month post-graduation work authorization allows extended US employment opportunities beyond standard 12-month OPT.
- Two specialization tracks: Choose between Cybersecurity (network security, risk management) or Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, data analytics) based on career goals.
- Strong placement outcomes: 89% placement rate within 3 months with average starting salaries of USD 75,000-95,000 (₹69.9-88.6 lakhs).
Tuition Fees for MS Information Technology
Exchange Rate Note: 1 USD = ₹93.19 INR (as of April 14, 2026). Rates fluctuate; verify current rates before payment.
| Cost Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tuition (per semester, 9 credits) | $30,348 | ₹28.29 lakhs |
| Tuition Surcharge | $350 | ₹32,617 |
| Advanced Technology Fee | $200 | ₹18,638 |
| Graduate Student Support Fee | $300 | ₹27,957 |
| Student Initiated Fees | $807 | ₹75,252 |
| 2-Year Program Total | $60,696 | ₹56.56 lakhs |
Key Insights: Tuition is charged per credit hour (9 credits minimum per semester for full-time status). Online students can complete in 1 year (2 semesters) at approximately USD 63,810 (₹59.50 lakhs). On-campus students typically complete in 2 years. No automatic tuition waivers; departmental scholarships available on merit basis.
Cost of Living in Tempe, Arizona
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus Housing | $875-1,125 | $10,500-13,500 | ₹9.80-12.59 lakhs |
| Off-Campus Rent | $600-1,200 | $7,200-14,400 | ₹6.72-13.43 lakhs |
| Food (Groceries) | $300-400 | $3,600-4,800 | ₹3.36-4.47 lakhs |
| Utilities | $100-150 | $1,200-1,800 | ₹1.12-1.68 lakhs |
| Transportation | $60-100 | $720-1,200 | ₹67,097-111,828 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous | $200-300 | $2,400-3,600 | ₹2.24-3.36 lakhs |
| Health Insurance | $230 | $2,765 | ₹2.58 lakhs |
| Total Monthly | $2,365-3,475 | $28,385-42,165 | ₹26.47-39.32 lakhs |
On-Campus Housing Options:
- Standard dorm (shared): ₹9.80-12.59 lakhs annually
- Residence halls include meal plans ranging from ₹1.71-3.13 lakhs per semester
Off-Campus Housing:
- 1-bedroom apartment: ₹1.21-1.58 lakhs/month
- Shared 4-bedroom: ₹55,914-83,871 per person/month
Part-Time Work: International students can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during semesters at approximately USD 15-18/hour (₹139.86-167.74). Off-campus CPT work available during breaks and after first semester with employer sponsorship.
Admissions Requirements and Process
| Intake | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | March 1, 2026 | Rolling | Closed |
| Spring 2027 | August 1, 2026 | Rolling | Open |
| Fall 2027 | March 1, 2027 | Rolling | Upcoming |
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Applied Computing, Computer Engineering, or closely related field from regionally accredited institution
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 7.5/10 on Indian scale) in first bachelor's degree or last 60 credit hours
- No specific prerequisite courses required (unlike CS programs)
- No GRE requirement
Application Documents Required:
- Graduate admission application and USD 115 application fee
- Official transcripts from all universities attended
- Professional resume (1-2 pages)
- Personal statement (500-750 words)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
- No letters of recommendation required (optional)
English Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 (no waiver for international applicants)
- IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall band score
- PTE: Minimum 60
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum 105
- Waiver: Applicants who completed junior and senior years at English-medium universities may qualify for waiver
GRE Requirement: GRE is NOT required for MS Information Technology admission. This is a major advantage over CS programs.
Program Curriculum and Specializations
The MS Information Technology program requires 30 credit hours with two completion options: portfolio (0 credits) or applied project (3 credits).
Core Requirements (12 credit hours):
- IFT 510: Principles of Computer and Information Technology Architecture (3)
- IFT 520: Advanced Information Systems Security (3)
- IFT 530: Advanced Database Management Systems (3)
- IFT 540: Information Systems Development (3)
Two Specialization Tracks (12 credit hours):
Cybersecurity Focus:
- Network security and cloud security
- Risk management and compliance
- Systems design and configuration
- Information assurance
Artificial Intelligence Focus:
- Machine learning and deep learning
- AI-powered data analytics
- Data visualization and natural language processing
- Secure cloud-integrated data systems
Culminating Experience Options:
- Portfolio (0 credits): Showcase 3 notable projects completed during program
- Applied Project (3 credits): Real-world industry project with deliverables
University and Program Rankings
| Ranking Body | Rank | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News & World Report | #1 | Innovation (Overall) | 2026 |
| QS World University Rankings | #173 | Overall University | 2026 |
| US News | #25 | Information Technology (USA) | 2026 |
| US News | #1 (tie) | Information and Technology Management | 2026 |
| ASU Overall | #30 | USA Rankings | 2026 |
ASU ranks #1 for innovation for 11th consecutive year, ahead of MIT and Stanford. The IT program emphasizes practical skills with strong industry partnerships.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New American University (NAMU) | Varies (partial tuition) | International F-1 students, high academic achievement | Rolling |
| Graduate College University Grant | Up to ₹4.66 lakhs per semester | Minimum 3.0 GPA, 6+ credit hours/semester | Rolling |
| Departmental Scholarships | ₹1.86-9.32 lakhs | IT graduate students, merit-based | Varies by department |
| Graduate Assistantships | Tuition + stipend | Research/teaching positions, competitive | Ongoing |
Important Notes: International students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Merit-based scholarships are limited and highly competitive. Most Indian students fund studies through personal savings, education loans, or employer sponsorship. ASU offers education loan options through partner institutions with collateral-free terms up to 100% of costs.
Placements and Career Outcomes
| Metric | Data | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 89% within 3 months | N/A |
| Average Starting Salary | $75,000-95,000 | ₹69.9-88.6 lakhs |
| Median Salary | $85,000 | ₹79.22 lakhs |
| Salary Range | $65,000-110,000 | ₹60.57-102.51 lakhs |
Top Recruiting Companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Adobe, Cisco, Honeywell, American Express, Accenture, Deloitte.
Career Paths (Cybersecurity Focus):
- Cybersecurity Manager: $95,000-115,000 (₹88.6-107.2 lakhs)
- Information Security Analyst: $85,000-105,000 (₹79.22-97.85 lakhs)
- Cloud Security Architect: $100,000-120,000 (₹93.19-111.83 lakhs)
- Risk and Compliance Officer: $80,000-100,000 (₹74.55-93.19 lakhs)
Career Paths (AI Focus):
- Machine Learning Engineer: $95,000-125,000 (₹88.6-116.49 lakhs)
- Data Scientist: $90,000-120,000 (₹83.87-111.83 lakhs)
- AI Systems Developer: $100,000-130,000 (₹93.19-121.15 lakhs)
- Intelligent Automation Specialist: $85,000-110,000 (₹79.22-102.51 lakhs)
Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
| Metric | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Total 2-Year Cost (Tuition + Living) | $100,696-110,696 | ₹93.9-103.2 lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary (Year 1) | $85,000 | ₹79.22 lakhs |
| Salary After 5 Years (avg. 7% annual growth) | $119,000 | ₹110.9 lakhs |
| Break-Even Period | 16-18 months | N/A |
| 5-Year Net Gain | $425,000 | ₹3.96 crores |
ROI Calculation: With average starting salary of USD 85,000 (₹79.22 lakhs) and total program cost of USD 100,696 (₹93.9 lakhs), students break even within 16-18 months of employment. Over 5 years, cumulative earnings (USD 425,000 or ₹3.96 crores) far exceed program investment, delivering strong financial returns.
Visa and Work Authorization
F-1 Student Visa: All international students receive F-1 visa sponsorship. ASU provides I-20 documentation required for visa application at US embassy/consulate in India.
On-Campus Employment: F-1 students can work up to 20 hours/week on-campus during semesters without additional authorization. Typical wages: USD 15-18/hour (₹139.86-167.74).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Off-campus internships available after first semester with employer sponsorship. Full-time CPT (40 hours/week) permitted during breaks.
Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12-month standard OPT available after graduation for any field. STEM-OPT extension adds 24 additional months (total 36 months) for STEM degree holders like MS Information Technology.
H-1B Visa: After OPT completion, employers can sponsor H-1B work visa for specialty occupations. Typical H-1B salary: USD 100,000-130,000 (₹93.19-121.15 lakhs).
Program Delivery Options
Online Program:
- Complete in as few as 2 semesters (1 academic year)
- Multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year
- Flexible schedule for working professionals
- Same degree as on-campus program
- Tuition: USD 63,810 (₹59.50 lakhs) for 1-year completion
On-Campus (Polytechnic):
- Structured cohort model
- Typically 3-4 semesters (1.5-2 years)
- In-person networking and mentorship
- Access to campus facilities and resources
- Tuition: USD 60,696-63,810 (₹56.56-59.50 lakhs) for 2-year completion
FAQs
Ques. Is GRE required for ASU MS Information Technology admission?
Ans. No, GRE is NOT required for MS Information Technology. This is a major advantage over MS Computer Science, making IT admission more accessible for Indian students without strong GRE scores.
Ques. Can I complete MS Information Technology in 1 year?
Ans. Yes, online students can complete the program in as few as 2 semesters (1 academic year) by taking full course loads. On-campus students typically complete in 3-4 semesters (1.5-2 years) following a structured cohort model.
Ques. What is the difference between MS Information Technology and MS Computer Science at ASU?
Ans. MS IT focuses on practical technology management, cybersecurity, and AI applications with lower GPA requirement (3.0 vs 3.25) and no GRE needed. MS CS emphasizes research and theory with higher admission standards. Both are STEM-OPT eligible; choice depends on career goals (industry leadership vs research).
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹2818722 (USD 30348) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and meals | ₹1958561 (USD 21087) |
| Travel | ₹343284 (USD 3696) |
Tuition fee per Credit: $1,686
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ₹2818722 (USD 30348) |
| 2024 | ₹3757182 (USD 40452) |
Important Dates
Applications are accepted through the Fall and Spring Semesters, both on a rolling basis.
Reviews
73 Reviews Found
Likes
- Campus and job opportunities for on campus are really good
Dislikes
- Faculty support is not that great
- There are plenty of WhatsApp groups available for accomodation and on average, the monthly rent is between 450 and 600
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| AAUW International Fellowships (for Women | $18,000 | Must have citizenship in a country other than the U.S. Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent) completed by November 15 of the year you apply. Must intend to return to home country to pursue a professional career. |
| The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) | $8,000/10 weeks | Open to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. Dissertation Fellowship applicants must be entering their dissertation year |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program at ASU | Varies (include tuition, health insurance and monthly stipends_ | Merit-based scholarship for outstanding international students accepted into ASU |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
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College Student Profiles
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.7 L/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 18.6 L/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.6 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student₹ 9.3 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | INR 61.6 L/Yr USD 66,330 /Yr |
| ||
Application deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (15th Aug 2026) Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (31st Dec 2026) | INR 29.6 L/Yr USD 31,860 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (1st Sep 2026) Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (15th Jan 2027) | INR 33.6 L/Yr USD 36,212 /Yr |
|
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