Thinking of doing MS in the US in a couple of years but hearing mixed stuff. Just wanna know — what are the bitter truths people usually don’t tell? Not just the good parts, like actually how tough is it for indian students in usa?
Hi Harsh,
This is an extremely valid and mature question. With the current political climate, it is prudent to think about everything. Here are some things that I have realized over the years.
1. **It’s Expensive **
- Cost: $45,000–$60,000+ for 2 years (tuition + living)
- Student loan in India is a constant pressure.
- Assistantships & scholarships are not guaranteed and extremely difficult to receive for MS, especially in the first semester.
- Internships and on-campus jobs help pay bills and save a little, but it may take a semester to land them.
2. Job Hunt is Tough and Competitive
- F1 students get limited work rights.
- H-1B visa (to stay long-term) is lottery-based — there’s no guarantee you’ll get it.
- You’ll compete with:
- U.S. citizens (no visa issues)
- Other international students
- Experienced professionals
3. MS ≠ Easy — It’s Intensive and Fast-Paced
- Courses are project-heavy, fast, and often taught with minimal hand-holding. I found it easier than the Indian curriculum, but it’s not the same for everyone.
- You’re expected to manage assignments, labs, readings, part-time work, and job hunting all at once.
- Some professors assume you already know advanced tools or coding.
4. It Can Be Lonely at Times
- Homesickness is real, especially in the first 3–6 months.
- Cultural differences can feel isolating.
- Making friends outside your own ethnic group can be hard at first.
5. Not All Programs or Universities Lead to Great Jobs
- Just being in the U.S. doesn’t guarantee a good job.
- Some programs are research-heavy with little industry exposure.
- Career services at universities vary in quality and job fairs are not recruitment drives. You will hardly land a job from there.
- Location matters — universities near tech hubs (like California, Texas, Boston) have better access to companies. Rankings of universities are misleading. I would recommend joining any decent university. Top 10-20 universities are really worth the money; the rest are pretty much the same.
6. Immigration Stress is Constant
- Visa interviews, OPT deadlines, H-1B lotteries, green card backlog — all add mental pressure.
- A single rule change or visa rejection can throw your plans off.
7. Return on Investment (ROI) Is Not Equal for Everyone
- Top MS students land $100K+ jobs — but that’s not everyone. I started with 60K in 2018.
- Some end up with average jobs, struggle with H-1B, or return to India with loan debt.
- ROI is highly dependent on skills, networking, and hustle, not just the degree name.
But There Are Some Upsides As Well
- Exposure to global work culture
- Better tech infrastructure and research
- Higher salary ceiling
- Chance to work with smart people and leading companies
- Personal growth: independence, confidence, and adaptability
| What to Do Now | Why |
|---|---|
| Start building your skills (coding, math, English) | To be job-ready and reduce academic stress |
| Save and plan finances carefully | To avoid panic when things get tight |
| Choose the right school & program, not just the big name | For better job outcomes |
| Learn about visa rules & backup options early | To make informed decisions |
| Be mentally prepared to grind — but also to grow | It’s challenging, but transformative |
@harshshah I did my master’s in the US and worked there afterward, so here’s the honest version.
It’s a great opportunity, but not easy. The first few months can feel isolating. You’re managing classes, part-time work, cooking, chores, and a whole new culture all at once. Living costs are high, and the job hunt after graduation can be stressful, especially with visa timelines in play.
That said, it pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. You learn resilience, independence, and how to navigate life on your own terms.
If you’re serious about it, I’m happy to share more and help you plan better. Knowing what to expect makes all the difference.