The Pros, Cons and Cost-Benefit Analysis of Pursuing an MS Degree in the USA

The United States is the world’s leading destination for students looking to study abroad. It offers some of the world’s most sought-after Master of Science (MS) programs at some of the most prestigious universities. For years now, studying an MS in the US has been a safe bet for students desiring a successful career. But with thousands of students following this path each year, should you also do the same? 

Our team at Ubergrad has come up with a list of pros and cons to help you introspect and make a more informed decision.

Pros of Pursuing MS in the US

World-renowned institutions : Universities from the United States occupy 27 spots on the QS World Top 100 Universities list. That is higher than any other country. An education at MIT, Stanford, or Harvard puts you in the top 1% of talent world-wide. Even if you aren’t getting into these schools, the rest of the US offers a very high standard of education that is head and shoulders above most other countries.

Wide range of MS programs : American universities offer a wide range of MS programs and courses that are on the cutting edge of their fields. You can rest assured that whatever your interest or specialization, you will find a program in the US.

Building a global network : The US is a country of immigrants. It is a melting pot of cultures and communities, especially at the university level. Students, faculty and professionals from across the world call the US home and the resultant intermingling can lead to work, life and other opportunities.

Soft skills development : Universities in the US approach learning holistically. It is not a rote model of learning but one that encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. This means , along with gaining the technical skills of your education, you also build your abilities to communicate with peers and manage projects as part of your course.

Higher earning potential : Graduates with an MS degree from a US university earn far more than graduates from similarly positioned universities in India. For example the base salary for an MS graduate in the US is about $84,000 but the same for India is about $11,000 (source: payscale.com).

Global recognition : Anecdotally speaking, an MS degree from a US university is globally recognised and can open doors to more senior positions, faster. This immediately translates into higher salaries and better future prospects.

Work in the US through the OPT program : The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows Indian students to work in the US for up to three years after completing their MS degree. This allows most students to begin to pay off their loans and get on the path to settling in the US.

Cons of Pursuing MS in the US

High cost of education : The US is not a cheap country to study in. While you can always find low-cost universities to study in and scholarships to apply to, it may still be more expensive than India. Typically, tuition fees range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the college you go to.

Competitive admission process : Admission to top US universities can be highly competitive, with limited spots available for international students. Candidates must showcase strong academic records, test scores, and extracurricular achievements to secure a place in their desired program.

Strict visa policies : The US has a welcoming yet time-consuming visa process. Obtaining a student visa is a complex multi-step process. Once you receive a visa and complete your education, staying back in the US becomes a challenge due to the tough work visa restrictions.

Competitive job market : The US is the world’s largest economy. It attracts some of the best talent in the world and competition for opportunities can be quite intense. As an MS in US graduate you will be going up against other talented individuals so it is important to have a plan in mind for your career.

Cost benefit analysis : Below, we’ve presented the typical expenses you would encounter and your income once you gain a job during your OPT period in the US:

Costs and incomes for 2 years:

As you can see, despite spending more than $100,000 for your education, once you get a job in the US, it is possible to recover the amount spent on your education within a few years.

That said, it is no small expense to move to the US to pursue your education. It is important to consider all the pros, cons and costs associated with this move and plan well so that you can capitalise on the opportunities that pursuing an MS in the US will present you with.