Master of Science [MS] (Computer Engineering)
Field of Study:
$32,925 /Yr
George Washington University Master of Science in Computer Engineering is a 30-credit, STEM-designated degree delivered on campus in Washington, DC. The visa-compatible path takes two years full-time, requires a relevant bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA, and admits students in Spring 2027. Calculated tuition and standard programme fees are US$66,765 (INR 63.54 Lakhs), excluding the US$80 (INR 7,613) application fee.
The programme develops computer architecture, integrated circuits, embedded systems, hardware security and high-performance data skills using industry-standard design tools. Students choose thesis or coursework routes across four focus areas, so applicants should arrive with clear hardware and systems preparation. Its flexibility suits research-minded engineers, although course-level employment outcomes remain unpublished.
- Late-afternoon and evening classes provide scheduling flexibility while the full-time route preserves the standard F-1 enrolment plan.
- The thesis option assigns six of 30 credits to supervised research, while the non-thesis option uses all 30 credits for coursework.
- Five in-person engineering colloquia add faculty and research exposure beyond the credit-bearing focus-area curriculum.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: rolling, with no final date published after 1 September 2026.
GW explicitly continues Spring 2027 master's applications after its standard deadline. Indian applicants should submit a complete file early enough for admission, funding review and subsequent Form I-20 processing.
George Washington MS Computer Engineering Fees 2027
Spring 2027 uses the published 2026-27 SEAS rate of US$2,195 (INR 2.09 Lakhs) per credit. The 30-credit tuition calculation is US$65,850 (INR 62.67 Lakhs), before school and immigration-related charges.
Spring 2027 fee context: GW publishes charges for Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 on the current School of Engineering and Applied Science schedule.
| Charge | Published or calculated amount | INR equivalent | Billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus graduate tuition | US$2,195 per credit | INR 2.09 Lakhs per credit | Published SEAS rate for the target Spring 2027 term |
| Calculated 30-credit tuition | US$65,850 | INR 62.67 Lakhs | 30 credits multiplied by US$2,195 |
| Application fee | US$80 | INR 7,613 | Paid online before review |
| Matriculation fee | US$495 | INR 47,108 | One-time entering-student charge |
| Student Government Association fee | US$3 per credit, capped at US$45 per semester | INR 286 per credit, capped at INR 4,283 per semester | Actual charge follows registered credits |
| International student fee | US$60 each Fall and Spring | INR 5,710 each Fall and Spring | Charged to F-1 and J-1 students |
| Calculated tuition and standard programme fees | US$66,765 | INR 63.54 Lakhs | Tuition plus matriculation and four semesters of capped association and international fees |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.1675 as of 27 October 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
Source: GW Student Accounts, 2026-27 School of Engineering and Applied Science rates; calculated totals are identified rather than university-published.
- The US$66,765 (INR 63.54 Lakhs) calculation assumes four Fall or Spring semesters and the maximum association charge each semester.
- An F-1 student normally studies full-time, while the published three-year part-time route does not provide the standard visa-compatible enrolment pattern.
- A written scholarship may reduce eligible tuition, but application, matriculation, living and federal immigration charges remain separate.
Cost of Living in Washington, DC for Computer Engineering Students
GW's official 2026-27 graduate budget estimates US$33,500 (INR 31.88 Lakhs) annually across living expenses, books, transportation and personal costs. These categories remain separate from tuition and federal visa charges.
The university publishes one combined living-expense amount, so no invented rent, food or utilities split appears below. Monthly figures divide official annual amounts by twelve for planning.
| Expense | Monthly (US$) | Monthly (INR amount) | Annual (US$) | Annual (INR amount) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined living expenses | US$2,100 calculated | INR 2.00 Lakhs | US$25,200 published | INR 23.98 Lakhs |
| Books and supplies | US$150 calculated | INR 14,275 | US$1,800 published | INR 1.71 Lakhs |
| Transportation | US$91.67 calculated | INR 8,724 | US$1,100 published | INR 1.05 Lakhs |
| Personal expenses | US$450 calculated | INR 42,825 | US$5,400 published | INR 5.14 Lakhs |
| Total | US$2,791.67 calculated | INR 2.66 Lakhs | US$33,500 published | INR 31.88 Lakhs |
A calculated two-year all-in academic and living budget is US$133,845 (INR 1.27 Crore). It adds US$66,765 (INR 63.54 Lakhs) in standard programme charges, US$67,000 (INR 63.76 Lakhs) living costs and the US$80 (INR 7,613) application fee.
The calculation excludes health insurance, course-specific charges, travel and later fee changes because no verified programme total covers them. Use it as a financing baseline rather than a university bill.
Check Out: USA living cost planning for international students
Budget boundary
The university living budget is not a visa maintenance requirement or residence quote. Replace it with your housing plan and written admission charges before arranging education finance.
Key insight: The verified baseline reaches INR 1.27 Crore before insurance and travel. Secure funding against the undiscounted amount because scholarship percentages become usable only after a written award.
GW MS Computer Engineering Admission 2027
Admission requires a relevant bachelor's degree and at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. GW may admit another academic background with department-assigned deficiency courses.
The programme favours applicants prepared for hardware, systems and quantitative graduate work. No employment experience minimum or admitted-class GPA profile appears on the current official pages.
| Requirement | Official standard | Indian applicant meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred academic background | Bachelor's degree in biomedical, electrical, computer engineering or computer science | Map architecture, electronics, programming and mathematics preparation to individual semester marksheets. |
| Alternative background | Another bachelor's field may qualify with deficiency courses determined by the department | Ask which prerequisites add time and cost before accepting a conditional offer. |
| Academic score | Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 undergraduate credits | Approximately 70% to 75%, or CGPA 7.0 to 7.5 on 10, for planning; GW decides equivalency. |
| Area of focus | Every applicant must select the closest focus area in the application | Connect prior projects to architecture, hardware security, data analytics or electronics and photonics. |
| Graduate Record Examination (GRE) | Optional with no minimum; above the 50th percentile in each section is encouraged | Submit a score only when the same GRE version strengthens the academic evidence. |
| Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) | Not accepted as a GRE replacement | Do not prepare a test that cannot substitute in this application. |
The 3.0 GPA is an eligibility floor rather than a published competitiveness benchmark. Applicants near it should use projects, recommendations and the statement to demonstrate readiness for their selected focus.
Thesis students complete 24 coursework credits and six research credits across two semesters. Non-thesis students complete 30 coursework credits, making the route decision important for portfolio planning.
English Language Requirements for Indian Applicants
GW Engineering accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test scores. IELTS means International English Language Testing System, while TOEFL means Test of English as a Foreign Language.
PTE Academic means Pearson Test of English Academic. Lower qualifying scores may still trigger English for Academic Purposes (EAP), which adds non-degree credits and tuition.
| Test or route | Current published minimum | Additional condition |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall | An overall score below 7.0 requires EAP in the first semester. |
| TOEFL taken after 21 January 2026 | 4.0 overall on the 1.0 to 6.0 scale | An overall score below 5.0 requires EAP. |
| TOEFL taken before 21 January 2026 | 81 on the 0 to 120 scale | A score below 100 requires EAP. |
| PTE Academic | 58 overall | GW publishes no separate PTE threshold for avoiding EAP. |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | A score below 130 requires EAP. |
| Published exception | Qualifying degree in the United States or a listed exempt country | English-medium study in India should not be assumed to create an exception. |
GW's current policy expressly uses TOEFL 4.0 after 21 January 2026 and TOEFL 81 for earlier tests. These scales must remain separate, and MyBest scores are not accepted.
- Target the EAP-avoidance score when possible because assigned EAP credits do not count toward the 30-credit degree.
- Submit every Indian semester marksheet, including backlogs, because GW Engineering requires the original academic record rather than a third-party evaluation.
- Use the selected focus area to align the statement, resume and recommenders around one coherent hardware or systems proposition.
Read More: USA study requirements for international applicants
Academic conversion note
The Indian percentage and CGPA ranges are planning approximations because GW publishes no India-specific conversion. The department makes the official equivalency decision from submitted records.
Tip for Indian students: Clear the GPA floor, then prove focus-area readiness through marksheets and technical work. A higher English score can also avoid non-degree EAP tuition.
GW MS Computer Engineering Application 2027
Spring 2027 applications remain open on rolling review, although the standard 1 September 2026 deadline has passed. GW publishes no later final date for this continuing window.
The live schedule also publishes recurring Fall and Summer deadlines without target-year labels. The table marks those 2027 dates as expected rather than confirmed target-cycle deadlines.
Current and future entry schedule: The programme offers Fall, Spring and Summer starts, but Summer normally excludes applicants seeking an F-1 visa.
| Entry term | Application timing | International applicant meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | Open on rolling review after the standard 1 September 2026 deadline | No final rolling date or programme decision date is published. |
| Expected Fall 2027 | Expected priority date of 15 January 2027 from the live recurring schedule | Use this earlier stage when admission-linked merit funding matters. |
| Expected Summer 2027 | Expected deadline of 1 March 2027 from the live recurring schedule | Non-visa-seeking applicants only, unless a faculty adviser requests an exception. |
GW does not publish a cutoff hour or timezone for these dates, so a reliable Indian Standard Time conversion is unavailable. The portal timestamp controls, making previous-date submission the safer practice.
Most university graduate applications receive rolling review after completion, often within four to six weeks. This is a university process estimate, not a Computer Engineering decision guarantee.
Documents for the Computer Engineering Application
The GW graduate application portal is the official submission route. Select the Computer Engineering MS, Foggy Bottom campus and intended term before uploading records.
A complete file must connect one focus area with prior preparation rather than merely listing broad computing interests. No standard interview requirement appears on the checked programme and admissions pages.
| Component | GW requirement | Indian applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Academic records | Unofficial transcripts from every college or university attended | Upload individual semester marksheets in original language and English where required. |
| Recommendations | Two letters from professors, supervisors or colleagues | Choose writers who can assess advanced hardware, programming or research readiness. |
| Statement of purpose | 250 to 500 words covering objectives, interests, plans and qualifications | Name one focus area and support it with specific technical evidence. |
| Resume or curriculum vitae | Current document in PDF or DOCX format | Prioritise architecture, circuit design, embedded systems, security and research outputs. |
| Test evidence | Optional GRE and required English proof unless a published exception applies | Use matching identity details across scores, passport and academic records. |
| Focus selection | Closest programme focus must be stated in the application | Ensure the statement and recommendations support the same technical direction. |
The application fee is US$80 (INR 7,613), and review starts only after payment. The submitted form cannot be changed, so verify every file and focus choice before paying.
- Submit the Spring file while rolling review remains explicitly open because GW provides no later final date for international applicants.
- For Fall 2027, treat 15 January as expected until GW publishes a year-specific deadline and recheck the live schedule before submission.
- Request recommendations that distinguish hardware and systems ability from general software experience because the curriculum is not a generic computer science degree.
- Prepare financial evidence after admission because international master's students must document two years of educational and living resources for immigration processing.
Application tip: Spring 2027 is open on rolling review without a final date. Submit a complete, focus-aligned file and verify the portal term before the non-refundable payment.
GW MS Computer Engineering Scholarships 2027
Incoming on-campus MS applicants receive automatic consideration for merit tuition discounts currently ranging from 25% to 75%. GW normally communicates any award with the admission decision.
These discounts apply to eligible SEAS tuition rather than living costs. Continuing students cannot newly apply, and good academic standing controls renewal across the programme.
Spring 2027 SEAS Tuition Discount Awards
2026-27 target-cycle examples: The official award page gives these discounts for nine registered credits. Most percentage awards cover at most nine Fall or Spring credits and six Summer credits.
| Published award | Nine-credit discount | INR equivalent | Eligibility and application route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Percent Tuition Discount Award | US$4,938.75 | INR 4.70 Lakhs | Incoming on-campus MS applicant; automatic admission consideration |
| 35 Percent Tuition Discount Award | US$6,914.25 | INR 6.58 Lakhs | Incoming on-campus MS applicant; automatic admission consideration |
| 50 Percent Tuition Discount Award | US$9,877.50 | INR 9.40 Lakhs | Incoming on-campus MS applicant; automatic admission consideration |
| 75 Percent Tuition Discount Award | US$14,816.25 | INR 14.10 Lakhs | Incoming on-campus MS applicant; automatic admission consideration |
| International Partnership Award | US$4,938.75 | INR 4.70 Lakhs | Restricted partner-institution recipient; admission letter confirms eligibility |
The admission letter controls the percentage, credit cap and duration. GW publishes no separate Spring 2027 scholarship deadline while rolling admission continues, so late availability cannot be assumed.
The SEAS Honor's Award also provides a published nine-credit discount, but its selection conditions depend on the individual award. Grad2Grad is relevant only to qualifying current GW undergraduates.
- Budget the full US$65,850 (INR 62.67 Lakhs) tuition until a written award identifies eligible credits and semesters.
- Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA after the first semester because GW can revoke a tuition discount below good academic standing.
- Keep the US$67,000 (INR 63.76 Lakhs) two-year living budget separately funded because tuition discounts do not provide housing cash.
- Verify partnership status before counting the International Partnership Award because it is not available to every Indian university.
Funding limitation
Automatic consideration does not mean automatic funding. Decide borrowing only after the award letter states the discount, eligible credits and renewal conditions for Spring 2027.
Scholarship reality: The published discounts can materially reduce eligible tuition, but living costs remain unchanged. Keep an undiscounted financing plan until the admission package confirms an award.
GW MS Computer Engineering Salary 2027
GW publishes no Computer Engineering MS cohort salary, offer rate or placement rate. Its career channel covers bachelor's, master's and doctoral students together without a course-specific outcome denominator.
The closest verified pay evidence is therefore external United States labour-market data for computer hardware engineers. These figures describe occupations and industries, not GW graduate starting salaries.
External market benchmark: The May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data separate the national occupation median from industry medians. Experience, role and location can change individual compensation substantially.
| Evidence scope | May 2025 measure | Annual salary | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| External national benchmark | Computer hardware engineer median | US$161,740 | INR 1.54 Crore |
| External industry benchmark | Physical, engineering and life-sciences research and development median | US$171,820 | INR 1.64 Crore |
| External industry benchmark | Information sector median | US$169,030 | INR 1.61 Crore |
| External industry benchmark | Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing median | US$166,150 | INR 1.58 Crore |
| External industry benchmark | Computer systems design and related services median | US$155,470 | INR 1.48 Crore |
| External industry benchmark | Federal government median, excluding postal service | US$136,990 | INR 1.30 Crore |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics computer hardware engineer data, May 2025; every figure is external market evidence.
The verified two-year cost baseline is US$133,845 (INR 1.27 Crore) before insurance and travel. Course-level outcomes are missing, so the evidence cannot support a credible payback-period calculation.
- The US$161,740 (INR 1.54 Crore) occupation median is not entry pay, so size borrowing against a lower starting scenario and relevant experience.
- A possible 36-month STEM work window depends on immigration and employment conditions, so retain an India-return repayment case without extended United States earnings.
- A 25% to 75% written tuition discount can change cost materially, but living expenses remain US$67,000 (INR 63.76 Lakhs) across two years.
- The thesis route builds supervised research evidence, while the coursework route broadens technical coverage; choose the route matching target role requirements.
United States salary figures are gross, and take-home changes with location, tax status and benefits. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator only when its residency rules fit your case.
Indian returners should compare actual hardware, semiconductor, cloud infrastructure and embedded-systems vacancies with their planned focus. Converting a United States median into rupees does not create an Indian salary benchmark.
Outcome limitation
Ask GW for recent MS role titles, locations and international outcomes before borrowing against employment. The published career channel cannot establish the placement probability of this course.
ROI reality: The cost baseline is INR 1.27 Crore, while every salary figure is external market evidence. Proceed only when funding survives lower starting pay or an India-return outcome.
US Visa for GW MS Computer Engineering Students 2027
Indian students normally need an F-1 student visa for this on-campus MS. The visa fee is US$185 (INR 17,606), while the I-901 fee is US$350 (INR 33,309). The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) holds the record connected to Form I-20. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the post-study work route addressed below; verify visa steps on the official United States student visa page.
- OPT can provide 12 months of degree-related work after completion when the student applies successfully and maintains eligibility.
- The STEM designation may support another 24 months when the degree code, role, employer and training plan meet federal conditions.
- An H-1B role must satisfy the higher applicable actual or prevailing wage, while sponsorship and selection remain separate hurdles.
- An F-2 spouse or unmarried child under 21 may accompany the student, but F-2 dependants cannot work.
Read More: USA OPT and post-study work process
Visa reality: STEM status can create a possible 36-month work window, but no automatic permanent-residence path follows. Confirm the degree code on Form I-20 before relying on the extension.
GW MS Computer Engineering Ranking 2027
Times Higher Education placed GW at 201 to 250 for Engineering and 301 to 400 for Computer Science in 2026. Both are institution-level subject bands rather than a standalone MS ranking.
Computer Engineering crosses the two subjects, but neither band measures this curriculum's placement, thesis access or hardware portfolio quality. Those programme-level factors should control the decision.
| Publisher | Edition | Subject position | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Times Higher Education | 2026 | 201 to 250 globally for Engineering | Institution-level subject ranking, not a Computer Engineering MS rank |
| Times Higher Education | 2026 | 301 to 400 globally for Computer Science | Institution-level subject ranking, not a Computer Engineering MS rank |
The Engineering band provides the closer disciplinary context, while Computer Science adds systems breadth. Neither supplies evidence about international hiring, starting salary or scholarship probability.
Check Out: George Washington University ranking overview
Honest take: The subject bands provide broad institutional context, not course performance. Prioritise focus-area courses, thesis supervision and verified project access over ranking alone.
GW's Computer Engineering MS fits applicants who can connect prior hardware or systems work to one defined focus area. Its thesis and coursework choices support different technical portfolios, while evening scheduling adds flexibility without changing the full-time F-1 expectation. The material tradeoff is a verified INR 1.27 Crore baseline without course-specific placement evidence. Submit a focus-aligned Spring 2027 file during rolling review, then base financing on the written scholarship and fee terms.
GW MS Computer Engineering FAQs
Ques. Can an Indian applicant without a computer engineering degree qualify?
Ans. Yes, GW prefers biomedical, electrical, computer engineering or computer science backgrounds but may assign deficiency courses to other graduates. Map architecture, programming, electronics and mathematics preparation before applying. Ask how any assigned coursework changes cost and completion time.
Ques. Should I apply for Spring 2027 or wait for Fall 2027?
Ans. Spring 2027 remains open on rolling review, while Fall uses an expected 15 January 2027 priority date. Choose Spring only when the focus-aligned file and funding evidence are ready. Fall provides a clearer priority stage for admission-linked merit consideration.
Ques. What budget should an Indian student use after a scholarship?
Ans. Start with US$133,845 (INR 1.27 Crore) before insurance and travel, then subtract only a written tuition discount. The award does not reduce the US$67,000 (INR 63.76 Lakhs) two-year living estimate. Rebuild the calculation from eligible credits and renewal terms.
Ques. Is the thesis or non-thesis route better for Computer Engineering?
Ans. The thesis route suits applicants needing supervised research evidence for doctoral or research-oriented plans. The non-thesis route uses all 30 credits for broader coursework. Choose only after checking faculty alignment and target-role skill requirements.
Ques. Does the STEM designation make this MS a safe ROI choice?
Ans. No, STEM status may extend eligible work time but does not establish hiring, salary or permanent residence. GW publishes no course-level placement outcome. Test repayment with lower starting pay, no scholarship and an India-return scenario.
Also Check: George Washington University Computer Engineering admission
Important Alert
- Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake - Jan 15, 2027
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $32925 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Room and Board | $14300 |
| Total Cost | $14300 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $62250 |
| 2023 | $59850 |
| 2021 | $32250 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake | Jan 15, 2027 |
Scores Required
Required Document List
Completed Online Application
English Language Proficiency
Current Resume/CV
Two academic recommendation letters
Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Statement of Purpose (250–500 words)
Copy of Passport
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Based Scholarship | 1 | Depends on Merit.(10%–40% of tuition fees, varies case by case) |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 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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