Master of Science [M.S] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$8,064 /Yr
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona MS Computer Science is a 30-unit, on-campus degree commonly planned across four semesters in Pomona, California. Admission requires a computer science or closely related bachelor’s and GPA 3.0 of 4.0, approximately 65% to 75% or CGPA 7.0 to 8.0 of 10. Fall 2027 tuition is unpublished; 2026-27 academic charges for 16 units were US$17,812 (INR 17.00 Lakhs), as a prior-cycle reference.
The curriculum builds depth in architecture, algorithms and software engineering before a project or thesis tests independent problem-solving. It best suits applicants with complete mathematics and systems preparation who want evening classes and a technical culmination. However, electives run on different schedules, so early course planning matters.
- The four required graduate courses are offered annually, giving students a stable foundation for planning the degree sequence.
- Up to nine approved semester units may transfer into the degree, which can reduce repeated coursework after faculty review.
- Advanced candidates may pursue limited graduate assistant or teaching associate work after meeting the department’s candidacy conditions.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 April 2027.
Cal Poly Pomona publishes no cutoff time or timezone for this date. Indian applicants should complete payment and document uploads by 31 March 2027 IST.
Also Check: Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Admission
Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
Fall 2027 tuition remains unpublished, although the live fee page confirms how international graduate charges are structured. The latest readable reference is 2026-27, when a full-time term combined flat tuition, campus fees and a per-unit nonresident charge.
Prior-cycle context: Every amount below is from 2026-27 except the current application fee. The academic-year illustration uses 16 units because Cal Poly Pomona bases its graduate budget on eight units per semester.
| Fee item | Amount | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time base tuition per semester | US$4,274 | INR 4.08 Lakhs |
| Mandatory campus fees per semester | US$863.97 | INR 82,440 |
| Nonresident tuition per unit | US$471 | INR 44,943 |
| Calculated academic charges for 16 units | US$17,811.94 | INR 17.00 Lakhs |
| Current application fee | US$70 | INR 6,679 |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.42 as of 29 October 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
Source: Cal Poly Pomona graduate tuition and fees for 2026-27.
The calculated charge includes US$8,548 (INR 8.16 Lakhs) tuition and US$1,727.94 (INR 1.65 Lakhs) campus fees. It also includes US$7,536 (INR 7.19 Lakhs) nonresident tuition. Because Fall 2027 rates may change, this total is a prior-cycle planning illustration rather than the target fee.
Read More: Cal Poly Pomona Courses and Fees
Cost of Living in Pomona for MS Computer Science Students
The official 2026-27 on-campus estimate gives US$22,864 (INR 21.82 Lakhs) for nine months beyond tuition and mandatory fees. Monthly figures below divide each university component by nine, so they are calculated planning equivalents rather than monthly bills.
| Expense | Monthly (US$) | Monthly INR value |
|---|---|---|
| Food | US$622.22 | INR 59,372 |
| On-campus housing | US$1,256.67 | INR 1.20 Lakhs |
| Books, supplies and equipment | US$123.56 | INR 11,790 |
| Transportation | US$210.67 | INR 20,102 |
| Personal expenses | US$308.67 | INR 29,453 |
| Direct loan fees | US$18.67 | INR 1,781 |
| Calculated monthly total | US$2,540.44 | INR 2.42 Lakhs |
Adding 2026-27 academic charges of US$17,812 (INR 17.00 Lakhs) to on-campus living costs produces US$40,676 (INR 38.81 Lakhs). This is a prior-cycle planning illustration for nine months, not the Fall 2027 bill or a full-programme cost.
Fee verification
Cal Poly Pomona has not posted Fall 2027 graduate rates after successful checks of its tuition and cost pages. Verify the target fee on the official fee page before arranging an education loan.
ROI reality: The latest on-campus annual budget is US$40,676 (INR 38.81 Lakhs), while Fall 2027 tuition remains unknown. Keep a fee increase buffer before committing funds.
Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Admission 2027
Fall 2027 applicants need GPA 3.0 of 4.0 and complete preparation across mathematics, programming and upper-division systems subjects. International applicants cannot use conditional admission, so every prerequisite must be complete before admission.
The approximate Indian ranges below provide planning context only because Cal Poly Pomona makes the final equivalency decision. The department describes its thresholds as minimums and states that meeting them does not guarantee admission.
| Requirement | Published standard | Indian applicant meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Degree background | Bachelor’s in computer science or a closely related field | A four-year computing degree should map clearly to the listed prerequisite subjects |
| Overall academic record | GPA 3.0 of 4.0 in all courses or the latest 60 semester units | Approximately 65% to 75%, or CGPA 7.0 to 8.0 of 10 |
| Mathematics | 10 to 12 semester units with GPA 3.0, including calculus, probability and statistics | Show separate quantitative courses and grades on the transcript |
| Computing foundations | 12 to 15 semester units with GPA 3.0 | Cover object-oriented programming, discrete structures, data structures and computer organisation |
| Upper-division preparation | 12 to 15 semester units with GPA 3.0 | Cover algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and software engineering |
A transcript audit matters more than the degree title because the department checks three distinct prerequisite groups. Applicants should map each Indian course to the published topics, then explain unclear titles through concise syllabus evidence.
The Graduate Record Examination is not required, although the department recommends it when the major GPA misses 3.0. That recommendation does not cure missing prerequisites for an international applicant, who remains ineligible for conditional admission.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants educated mainly outside English must meet one current university threshold. Cal Poly Pomona now publishes both TOEFL scales and applies the test-date rule shown below without converting one scale into the other.
| Test | Minimum for graduate admission | Policy detail |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall | No separate component minimum is published |
| TOEFL iBT on or after 21 January 2026 | 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale | The revised-scale minimum applies by test date |
| TOEFL iBT before 21 January 2026 | 80 on the 0 to 120 scale | The score remains usable for up to two years |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | The university lists this as a graduate route |
- An English-medium bachelor’s can support a waiver when English was the institution’s principal language of instruction.
- Three years of full-time university study in English can also satisfy the published graduate waiver route.
- Applicants using TOEFL should verify their test date before comparing the published 4.5 and 80 minimums.
Cal Poly Pomona suggests, but does not require, a professional credential evaluation for non-US study. World Education Services is one accepted example, while the university retains the official equivalency decision.
Tip for Indian students: Build a prerequisite map before paying US$70 (INR 6,679), because international applicants cannot enter conditionally. Address every missing mathematics or systems subject first.
Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Application 2027
The Fall 2027 international deadline is 01 April 2027, followed by the intent-to-enrol deadline on 01 July 2027. The on-campus programme accepts fall and spring applications but not summer, while Spring 2027 is already closed.
Confirmed Fall 2027 schedule: Cal Poly Pomona publishes calendar dates but no cutoff time or timezone. The university’s portal controls receipt, so Indian applicants should finish each submission step by 31 March 2027 IST.
| Stage | Confirmed date | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| International application deadline | 01 April 2027 | Pay the fee and upload every required programme document |
| Intent-to-enrol deadline | 01 July 2027 | Accept the offer after checking funding and visa-document readiness |
The university does not publish a Fall 2027 decision date or a formal interview stage for this programme. This means applicants should not build visa or loan schedules around an assumed result month.
Documents and Selection Strategy
A complete file requires Cal State Apply, the MS Computer Science supplemental form, a statement of purpose, resume, two recommendations and an unofficial transcript PDF. The department may decline an application without reviewing it when the supplemental form is missing.
- Map transcript courses to every mathematics, foundations and upper-division prerequisite so reviewers can verify unconditional eligibility quickly.
- Use the statement to connect architecture, algorithms or software engineering preparation with a realistic project or thesis direction.
- Choose recommenders who can evaluate graduate computing readiness through coursework, research, technical work or a substantial software project.
- Send official records early enough for processing because the admissions office reports a two-week transcript update period.
The statement should explain why the on-campus curriculum fits the applicant, not the separate online route. A project-focused applicant can emphasise implementation, while a thesis-focused applicant should identify a research problem and relevant faculty alignment.
Course planning also affects the application case because the four core courses run annually while other graduate electives may run every two years. A focused goal helps reviewers see that the applicant understands this sequencing tradeoff.
Timing note
The university has not announced Spring 2028 dates. Applicants wanting the next spring entry should wait for an official table instead of projecting the closed Spring 2027 deadline.
Application tip: Treat 31 March 2027 IST as the operational finish line because the official cutoff time is unpublished. A complete prerequisite map should accompany the technical narrative.
Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Scholarships 2027
The 2027-28 Bronco Scholarship Portal cycle is open, with the general season running from 01 October 2026 through 02 March 2027. New applicants need a Cal State Apply record and student identifier before portal matching can begin.
The university encourages applications regardless of immigration status, but each donor controls degree level, residency and other conditions. Public pages list the computer science awards below without publishing target-cycle values or confirming graduate eligibility.
| Named opportunity | Published field scope | Application route |
|---|---|---|
| Alvarez/Microsoft Computer Science Scholarship | Computer Science | Bronco Scholarship Portal matching |
| BBH Scholarship | Computer Science | Bronco Scholarship Portal matching |
| Boeing Company Computer Science Department Scholarship | Computer Science | Bronco Scholarship Portal matching |
| Debra A. Brum Memorial Endowed Scholarship | Computer Science | Bronco Scholarship Portal matching |
No target-cycle award value appears on the readable public pages, and specific deadlines may fall before the general season closes. Applicants should open each matched opportunity weekly, verify graduate and international eligibility then complete any supplemental prompt.
Assistantships and Funding Limits
The department separately offers limited Graduate Assistant and Teaching Associate employment, but availability and compensation vary. Only students advanced to candidacy qualify, so an incoming international student should not budget this support for the first term.
Two prominent funding routes also have important exclusions. The State University Grant generally requires California residency or eligible AB540 status, while CyberCorps Scholarship for Service requires United States citizenship or permanent residence.
- Submit the general scholarship application early, then revisit the portal weekly because opportunities are not posted simultaneously.
- Use the essay to connect technical preparation, research direction and financial need without assuming that one response completes every award.
- Keep first-year funding independent of assistantship income because department eligibility begins only after advancement to candidacy.
Funding verification
Award amounts and individual eligibility remain portal-specific for 2027-28. Check the official scholarship page before reducing the loan amount.
Scholarship reality: The portal is open through 02 March 2027, but no named award publishes a guaranteed value for this applicant profile. Build the first-year budget without assumed funding.
Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Salary 2027
Course-cohort salary, offer rate and employer data are unpublished for the MS Computer Science. Cal Poly Pomona describes relevant roles, but it does not provide a current placement report that supports graduate-level salary claims.
The figures below are national external job-market benchmarks from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, not Cal Poly Pomona graduate outcomes. Each median covers employed workers across experience levels, industries and locations.
| Evidence scope | Role and measure | 2025 median pay | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| External national benchmark | Computer and information research scientists | US$140,300 annually | INR 1.34 Crore |
| External national benchmark | Software developers | US$135,980 annually | INR 1.30 Crore |
| External national benchmark | Data scientists | US$120,230 annually | INR 1.15 Crore |
Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025 occupational medians.
The research-scientist benchmark is the closest of these roles to a master’s-level entry norm. By contrast, software developer and data scientist medians cover occupations where a bachelor’s is the typical entry credential.
Applicants can inspect the official occupational benchmark table before selecting a role target. This dataset helps compare occupations but cannot predict an individual offer or programme placement.
Return on Investment for Indian Students
The current cost anchor is the 2026-27 on-campus budget of US$40,676 (INR 38.81 Lakhs) for nine months. Since Fall 2027 tuition and course-specific outcomes are unpublished, a reliable payback calculation is not possible.
- Use US$40,676 (INR 38.81 Lakhs) as a prior-cycle annual baseline, then secure loan headroom for the unpublished target fee.
- Treat the BLS medians as market screens, then request role, location and experience details before modelling repayment.
- Because course offer rates are unpublished, base the career case on existing experience and the planned project or thesis portfolio.
- Standard post-completion work permission lasts 12 months, so verify the I-20 programme code before assuming a longer STEM extension.
A United States job search makes the national benchmarks relevant, while an India return requires verified local offers and INR debt comparison. The programme’s algorithms, architecture and software engineering core can support either route, but role fit depends on prior preparation.
Take-home pay varies by state, filing status and deductions, so gross medians cannot fund a precise repayment forecast. Use the official tax withholding estimator only after receiving a real offer.
Check Out: MS in Computer Science in USA
ROI reality: The degree offers project or thesis depth, but no course placement rate supports a guaranteed return. Decide only after stress-testing debt against a conservative role-specific offer.
US Visa for Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science Students 2027
International students normally use F-1 student status, with a US$185 (INR 17,653) visa fee and US$350 (INR 33,397) I-901 SEVIS fee. Standard Optional Practical Training gives eligible graduates 12 months of related work permission, while a further 24 months depends on the I-20 programme code.
- Verify that the I-20 code appears on the federal STEM list before treating the potential work window as 36 months.
- A STEM extension requires qualifying paid work with an E-Verify employer for at least 20 hours weekly.
- H-1B employment requires the higher applicable actual or prevailing wage, not one national salary threshold for every computer role.
- F-2 dependants may accompany the student but cannot work, while the degree creates no automatic permanent-residence timeline.
Read More: Post-Study Work Visa in USA
Visa reality: Budget the two initial government fees separately from tuition. Confirm the issued I-20 code before making a loan decision around extended work permission.
This programme fits applicants with complete computing prerequisites who want evening study and a project or thesis culmination. Its structured core supports technical depth, while rotating electives require deliberate sequencing. The material tradeoff is committing before Fall 2027 tuition and course-level employment outcomes are published. Map every prerequisite, secure a conservative funding plan and submit the complete file by 31 March 2027 IST.
Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Is the Cal Poly Pomona MS Computer Science suitable for an Indian non-CS graduate?
Ans. It can fit a closely related degree when the transcript covers every published mathematics, programming, algorithms and systems prerequisite. International applicants cannot use conditional admission to repair gaps after enrolment. Map each course before applying, and treat missing upper-division systems preparation as an eligibility problem.
Ques. What total budget should an Indian student plan for the first year?
Ans. The 2026-27 on-campus reference totals US$40,676 (INR 38.81 Lakhs) for nine months, including academic and living costs. Fall 2027 tuition is unpublished, so this is not the target bill. Add a fee-increase buffer and exclude unconfirmed scholarships or assistantship income from secured funding.
Ques. Can a GRE score compensate for a GPA below 3.0?
Ans. The Graduate Record Examination is optional, although the department recommends it when the major GPA misses 3.0. However, the published programme minimum remains GPA 3.0 with complete prerequisites. An international applicant should not assume an optional score overrides the unconditional-admission rule.
Ques. Should I choose the project or thesis route?
Ans. Choose the project route for an applied computing deliverable, or the thesis route for supervised research and a formal defence. Both sit within the 30-unit degree, but their elective totals differ. Review faculty fit and two-year elective scheduling before presenting the intended route in the statement.
Ques. Does the MS Computer Science guarantee 36 months of US work permission?
Ans. No, eligible F-1 graduates first receive up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training. Another 24 months requires a qualifying programme code, related paid work and an E-Verify employer. Verify the code printed on the issued I-20 before using 36 months in an ROI plan.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $8064 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $10980 |
| Food | $5390 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake | |
Scores Required
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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