For many Indian students, the dream of earning a degree in the U.S. has long symbolized academic excellence and career opportunities. However, in recent years, that dream has collided with rising tuition costs, uncertain immigration policies, and an unstable job market, turning what was once an aspirational journey into a daunting challenge. Some students who’ve already made the leap are now sounding alarms, warning others to reconsider.
In a candid Reddit post, one user advised against pursuing higher education in the U.S. at this time, citing escalating costs and diminishing job prospects. “Avoid coming to the USA now. Getting a job here as an international student is next to impossible,” they wrote. Reflecting on their own experience from the early 2010s, they pointed to the expansion of the tech industry during that time, when Big Tech companies were aggressively hiring and the economy was booming. In contrast, the post lamented that the post-COVID U.S. economy has become “very expensive,” with inflation pushing prices up by as much as double compared to 2019.
The user also raised concerns about the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, warning that it has become increasingly unstable and vulnerable to policy changes. Their advice was blunt: “Don’t take loans of 70 lakhs to pay tuition to American universities. Stay in India and perhaps start a small business. You’ll earn more money.”
The post drew significant reactions, with many users sharing similar frustrations. One commenter criticized the wave of Indian migrants from the early 2000s, claiming that many were unskilled and faced discrimination. Another user questioned the logic of leaving India for the U.S. job market, asserting, “If you can’t find a job in India, you won’t survive in the U.S. market. Come back to this post after you complete your education.”
A third commenter warned that 2025 could be the worst time to pursue graduate school in the U.S., citing high unemployment rates and the uncertainty surrounding H1B visa approvals. Some even pointed out that job struggles in the U.S. aren’t limited to international students, with many U.S. citizens also facing job insecurity, compounded by high healthcare costs.
These candid insights reflect a growing sentiment among prospective students: the journey to the U.S. for higher education is no longer the guaranteed path to success it once seemed to be.
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