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MS in Robotics in USA 2025: Top Universities, Cost, Eligibility & Scope

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Tumul Buch
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The United States is one of the top destinations for pursuing a master’s degree in Robotics, with over 58 universities offering specialized programs in the field. QS top 100 universities like Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Institute of Technology attract thousands of international students each year.

With a projected industry growth of 4.80% over the next five years, Robotics offers strong career prospects, making the US a preferred choice for students aiming to build a future in automation, AI, and intelligent systems.

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Why Study MS in Robotics in the USA

Pursuing a Master’s in Robotics in the USA is a strategic choice if you want to build a future in automation, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems. With world-class universities and a booming job market, the US remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Robotics education. Currently, over 58 accredited universities offer MS in Robotics programs, and more than 1.1 million international students choose the US each year for graduate studies.

Let us look at a few reasons why a Master’s in the US could be the best option for you:

Top Universities

The US is home to globally renowned universities offering highly specialized Robotics programs. Institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Michigan, and Northwestern University are leaders in robotics education and research. These universities consistently help you gain a holistic understanding of robotics with suitable electives and research theses.

Research Scope 

The top institutions in the US offer access to advanced labs, interdisciplinary curricula, and world-class faculty. This also allows you high-quality education and exposure to the latest innovations in robotics, like human-robot interaction, autonomous systems, and AI-driven systems. Universities like CMU help you publish your research papers, helping you gain more credibility in the domain of robotics. 

Strong Industry Connections

The universities of the US also maintain close relationships with leading Robotics companies like Google Robotics, Boston Dynamics, NASA, Tesla, Amazon Robotics, and SpaceX. These connections provide students with opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and collaborative research projects, enhancing employability and real-world experience. 

Job Market 

The US Robotics industry is rapidly expanding, with the market projected to exceed USD 142 billion by 2028 and a 19.3% compound annual growth rate. Apart from that, 92% of international robotics graduates from the US Universities have reported employment within six months of graduation. 

Top Universities in MS in Robotics in the US

Top universities for MS in Robotics in the USA include Stanford, Cornell, and NYU. These universities consistently rank under QS 100, and act as a doorway into good career and research opportunities. They also provide specialisations like human-robot interaction, haptics, field robotics, machine learning, and more. 

Let us take a detailed look at the top universities that offer a Master’s degree in Robotics and their program structure in the US:

Let’s discuss the universities in detail:

1. Stanford University 

The program MS in Robotics at Stanford University offers an interdisciplinary approach and covers essential robotics topics like Kinematics, Dynamics, Motion Planning, Control, and Computer Vision. This course provides a blend of theoretical fundamentals and advanced robotics technology, which is crucial to the understanding of Robotics. Let us take a detailed look at the course structure and other specifications of the course. 

University Type 

Private University

Program Offered

MS in Robotics and Autonomous Systems 

Program Duration 

2 years

Application Deadline

Dec, 2025

Annual Tuition Fee

USD 1,514 (INR 1.2 Lakh) per unit 

Acceptance Rate 

4%

GRE Score 

Not required

English Proficiency Test 

100 in TOEFL iBT

Average Salary 

USA 68,000 (INR 58 Lakhs) per year 

2. University of Pennsylvania University 

The MS in Robotics at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on an interdisciplinary curriculum. The course is inclusive of subjects like Information Science, Electrical and Applied Mechanics, and fundamentals of robotics. Let us look at some of the other details of this course. 

University Type 

Private University

Program Offered

MSE in Robotics

Program Duration 

2 years 

Application Deadline

Feb,2026

Annual Tuition Fee

USD 8,484 (INR 7.2 Lakhs)  per unit 

Acceptance Rate 

18.6%

GRE Score 

Optional 

English Proficiency Test 

100 in TOEFL, 7.5 in IELTS

Average Salary 

USD 91,800 per year 

3. Cornell University 

The MS in Robotics at Cornell University offers a highly flexible course module, with topics like Intermediate Dynamics, Feedback Control Systems, and Autonomous Mobile Robots. This allows the students to gain specialisation in desired topics. Some of the general considerations of the course are as follows: 

University Type 

Private University 

Program Offered

MS in Robotics 

Program Duration 

2 years

Application Deadline

Dec, 2025

Annual Tuition Fee

USD 71,266 (INR 60 Lakhs) per year

Acceptance Rate 

8%

GRE Score 

Not Required 

English Proficiency Test 

24 or higher in all components in TOEFL iBT, and 7.0 in IELTS

Average Salary 

USD 83,336 (INR 71.2 Lakhs) per year 

4. Northwestern University 

Northwestern’s MS in Robotics (MSR) is a 12 to 15-month, cohort鈥慴ased, hands-on master's program. It integrates computer science, mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering, ideal for those seeking a fast-paced, real-world robotics education.

University Type 

Private University

Program Offered

MS in Robotics

Program Duration 

12 to 15 months 

Application Deadline

Feb, 2026

Annual Tuition Fee

USD 92,000 per year

Acceptance Rate 

56%

GRE Score 

Not Required

English Proficiency Test 

100 in TOEFL iBT, and 7 in IELTS

Average Salary 

USD 130,000 to USD 150,000 per year

5. University of Michigan 

Michigan's Robotics program is regarded as one of the best courses in Robotics in the US, drawing strengths from computer science, mechanical engineering, and other synchronous dynamic fields. This allows you to gain knowledge of other fields of the industry, thus strengthening your professional profile. Some of the details of the course are listed below. 

University Type 

Public University

Program Offered

MS in Robotics

Program Duration 

2 years

Application Deadline

Jan, 2026

Annual Tuition Fee

USD 75,960 (INR 64 Lakhs) per year

Acceptance Rate 

18%

GRE Score 

Not Required

English Proficiency Test 

84 in TOEFL iBT, and 6.5 in IELTS

Average Salary 

USD 47,000 (INR 40 Lakhs) per year

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Master's in Robotics in the US: Course Curriculum

Pursuing an MS in Robotics in the U.S. typically takes between 18 to 24 months and involves a mix of core studies, elective options, and practical project work. Here’s a general outline of what the curriculum usually includes:

  • Core Subjects: You start with essential courses like Robotics Fundamentals, AI and Machine Learning, Programming Techniques, and Mathematical Foundations for Robotics.
  • Electives & Specializations: Many universities allow you to focus on specific areas, offering electives in fields like Autonomous Systems, Healthcare Robotics, Human-Robot Collaboration, Industrial Automation, Soft Robotics, and Robotics for Aerospace Applications.
  • Practical Experience: In addition to coursework, students participate in research projects, thesis work, and hands-on assignments that provide real-world insights and industry-relevant skills.

MS in Robotics in the USA: Eligibility Criteria & Documents Required

Pursuing an MS in Robotics in the USA can be fascinating, given the beneficial dynamics of the course. However, you must keep track and follow a few steps recommended by various universities to get into one of the top universities in the US. Let us take a detailed look at the eligibility and the documents recommended by the universities in the USA. 

Eligibility Criteria 

To get admission to the universities of the US, it is essential for you to follow their recommended guidelines and meet their standards of eligibility. Although these criteria depend on the university, some of the general criteria to be followed are: 

  • Bachelor's Degree: You must have a valid bachelor's degree from a recognized institution to apply for the MS in Robotics at a US university. Having a degree in a related field is often preferred for admission. 
  • English Language Proficiency Test: If you are an international student whose native language is not English, you are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. The official scores need to be sent directly from ETS, and they must be less than two years old from the first day of your class at the entry. 
  • GRE or GMAT Score: or is most widely accepted worldwide when it comes to studying an engineering or business-related program. You are encouraged to have either a GRE score of 280 - 320 or a GMAT score of 625 and above to get into the best MS in Electronics and Communication Engineering in the universities of the US.
  • Work Experience: To study a master's in Robotics in the USA, students need to have a minimum amount of experience. However, not all US universities demand the same.
  • US Student Visa: A copy of your passport and a US student visa is mandatory to upload in the application. If you don't have a passport, you will be required to have one before the submission of visa eligibility documents. Make sure to apply for the visa as soon as you get the admission letter.

Documents Required

Some of the essential documents that will be crucial for your application to the universities are: 

  • Academic Transcripts
  • Institutional Certificates Original
  • Scorecards of ELP and GRE or GMAT
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Two or three letters of recommendation
  • Updated Resume or CV
  • Personal Essay
  • A valid copy of your passport
  • Proof of Financial Resources

Cost of Studying MS in Robotics in the US for Indian Students

The average cost of studying an MS in Robotics in the US ranges from USD 30,000 (approximately INR 25.6 lakhs) to USD 60,000 (approximately INR 42 lakhs) per year. This cost varies greatly depending on your program, university, and location. Let’s discuss each in detail:

Tuition Fee

If you want to study MS in Robotics in the USA, your tuition fees may range from USD 60,000 to USD 90,000 (INR 51 lakhs to INR 77 lakhs) for the 2-year program. An MS in Robotics is more expensive than other STEM master’s programs in the US due to high research costs, specialised equipment, and strong industry connections (industry partnerships). 

  • The most expensive MS in Robotics is offered by universities like Stanford and Cornell. IVY League schools, in general, are more expensive than other universities.
  • For affordable options, you can look through the robotics curriculum of Lawrence Technological University, Colorado State University, and San Francisco State University.
  • At the affordable US universities, the cost of an MS in Robotics ranges from USD 12,000 to USD 20,000 (INR 10 lakhs to INR 17 lakhs) per year. 

Living Expenses

The cost of living in the US as an international student can range from USD 1000 to USD 1500 per month (INR 86,000 to INR 1.3 lakhs). The biggest chunk of expenses goes to accommodation, followed by food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. 

Let’s look at the cost of living in the US as an international student

Expense

Cost (USD)

Cost (INR)

Rent

714 - 1,252

63,000 - 1.10 lakhs

Transport

52 -  74

4,500 - 6,500

Groceries

250 -  450

22,100 - 39,800

Miscellaneous

390 - 854

37,400 -  82,000

Total

1,406 -  2,740

1.24- 2.42 lakhs 

Student Visa to Study MS in Robotics in the US

If you get an offer letter for an MS in Robotics in the USA but don’t acquire a visa, you will not be able to accomplish your dreaMS of an American higher education. You must apply for and receive an F1 visa for your master’s in Robotics in the US. Let’s discuss the important things you should know about the same:

F-1 Visa Cost 

A US student visa costs USD 535 (INR 46,000). This includes two crucial fees: the SEVIS fee (USD 350/ INR 30,000) and the visa application fee (USD 185/ INR 15,788).

F-1 Visa Application Process

Once you receive your offer letter from an accredited US university, you can apply for your student visa. Let us look at a step-by-step breakdown of the application process. 

  • Get your offer letter: Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. When you are accepted, you will receive your I-20 form, which you will need to apply for your F-1 visa.
  • Pay the SEVIS fee: Pay the requisite SEVIS fee (USD 350/INR 30,000)
  • Fill the DS form: Complete your DS-160 visa application.
  • Book your appointment: You must book an appointment for your visa interview, where questions regarding your course, your intentions, and other related affairs will be asked.
  • Attend interview: After the appointment, you’ll have to attend your visa interview and wait for your Visa to be processed. 

Scholarships to Study Master's in Robotics in the USA

Pursuing a Master’s in Robotics is expensive, as we’ve discussed above. To make this easier for promising students, the universities and the US government offer many scholarships for Indian students, like the Fulbright Scholarships and the Rotary Peace Program Fellowship, which cover both your tuition and living expenses.

Let’s discuss scholarships for master’s in robotics in the USA below:

Scholarship

Awarded to

Award (in USD)

Civil Society Leadership Awards

Postgraduate Students in the USA

Tuition fees and living expenses

Fulbright Scholarship

International students undertaking postgraduate, graduate, or research studies within agriculture, arts, education, environment, humanities, social sciences, public health, and science and technology.

Covers tuition and living expenses, visa assistance, airfare, and medical.

National Overseas Scholarship

Indian SC/ST applicants with 60 percent or higher in the qualifying examination would be required.

Annual Maintenance Allowance of 15400 USD (INR 12.2 lakhs)

Rotary Peace Fellowship Program

International students with NGO work experience

Living expenses, round-trip transportation, and field study/internship costs

How to Apply for a Master's in Robotics in the USA?

To apply for an MS in Robotics, you need to carefully choose your program and university, supervisor, and location. An MS in Robotics in the USA is expensive, and you need to conduct your research thoroughly, so as not to waste your resources. Let’s go through each step you need to undertake before starting your MS in Robotics in the US:

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Universities

Thoroughly research and shortlist universities that offer an MS in Robotics in the US. Check the profiles of the professors, their research interests, and how they align with your goals; check the lab status, equipment, and projects & papers published by the university in robotics. 

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria 

After selecting your desired universities, look through the eligibility criteria. This will give you an idea about the GPA requirements, English proficiency scores, GRE score requirements, and other requisite information. 

Step 3: Prepare the Required Document 

Prepare the required documents, like your academic transcripts, test scores, proof of language proficiency, and a passport. 

Step 4: Apply Online

In the US, you are required to apply to each university individually. Create your account on the university portal, and apply for your MS in Robotics. 

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

After completing the application process and attaching the required documents, pay the application fees to ensure the completion of your application. After it is done, you will receive a notification on your email/message on your cell phone. 

Career Prospects After an MS in Robotics in the USA

After an MS in Robotics, you’ll be eligible to apply to multiple job roles in the US. Let us take a look at the various job roles and certain specifications to access careers in those roles. 

Eligibility criteria to get a job after an MS in Robotics in the USA

To get a job in the US after completing your MS in Robotics, some of the key requirements to start your career are:

  • You must have a Master's degree in Robotics or any other relevant field.
  •  Although not mandatory, most high-end companies look for a strong academic background, with a 3.0 GPA in the course. 
  • You'll also need to apply for an OPT or Optional Practical Training, which will allow you to stay for 12-36 months, depending on the course, to work after your Master's in the US.
  • Language Proficiency test scores are also important criteria that most companies look for in non-native English speakers. 
  • Certifications outlining your proficiency in the field are also considered to be highly favorable. 

Top Recruiters for MS in Robotics in the USA

After you complete your MS in Robotics in the US, you can start looking for a job either by networking, attending job fairs, and applying through several job-seeking portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Some of the top recruiters of Robotics Engineers in the US are: 

  • Amazon Robotics
  • Tesla 
  • NASA 
  • General Electric
  • IBM 
  • Locus Robotics 
  • Mitsubishi Electric Automation 

Average Salary after MS in Robotics in the USA

Just like an MS in Robotics is an expensive program, you also get high-paying job opportunities after you graduate. You can expect to earn over USD 100,000 (INR 86.3 lakhs) after you finish your MS in Robotics. Some of the job roles and their salaries in those roles that a robotics engineer in the US can avail are: 

Job Roles

Salary 

Robotics Software Engineer 

USD 123,240 (INR 1 cr) per year 

Control systems Engineer

USD 143,149 (INR 1.2 cr) per year

AI and Machine Learning Engineer 

USD 170,045 (INR 1.4 cr) per year

Human-Robot Interaction Specialist 

USD 123,240 (INR 1 cr) per year 

Automation Engineer 

USD 102,203 (INR 87 Lakhs) per year

From the Desk of 小优视频

We have covered all the important details of the best universities for MS in robotics in the USA ranging from eligibility criteria to job opportunities in this field. In case you have any further questions, please write to us in the comment below. To get personal assistance in your admission process, get our 小优视频 premium. All the Best for your dream University!

Frequently Asked Questions about Masters in Robotics in USA

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