A Reddit post questioning the prevailing pessimism surrounding U.S. job prospects for international students has sparked a heated debate, revealing a deep divide between data-driven optimism and the caution born of lived experience.
Titled “YSK: To get a job in the US, you must be above average. Why the doom and gloom?”, the original poster (OP) shared an analysis of employment outcomes for Indian students in the U.S., referencing data from the Open Doors report and the American Immigration Council. According to the OP, approximately 47% of Indian graduates pursue Optional Practical Training (OPT) after earning their degrees, and about 51% of master’s graduates from 2012 to 2020 remained in the U.S. beyond the OPT period.
“Based on what you see in this sub, you’d think only Ivy League graduates land jobs,” the OP noted, arguing that the broader outlook appears far more hopeful than is often portrayed in online forums.
However, not all users agreed. One commenter pointed out, “A 53% ‘unemployment’ rate is actually extremely high. It means that one in two international students remains unemployed.” They argued that the U.S. job market isn’t a perfect meritocracy, and that the narrow timelines for securing a job and transitioning visas leave little room for error.
Another user echoed the sentiment, stating, “A job isn’t guaranteed to someone who is a guest in the country. You should be above average.” Several others emphasized the need for financial preparedness, cautioning against relying on employment outcomes to repay large student loans.
“You not only need to be above average in academics, but also financially stable enough to handle not getting a job in the U.S.,” one user advised. They warned against risking family assets or taking on unsustainable debt, urging prospective students to treat the U.S. degree as the only assured return—while seeing employment as a potential bonus rather than a certainty.
The thread highlights a growing tension between statistical confidence and real-world challenges, especially in an increasingly competitive job market. For many international students, the U.S. degree remains a valuable investment—but one without guaranteed outcomes.
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