Indian students are now questioning whether a US education with its high costs is worth it anymore, especially after the recent CPT restrictions. A post on Reddit asks whether paying $30,000-$50,000 a year still offers a return on the investment now.
Under recent rules, F-1 students are no longer allowed to use Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) as a way of working in the US. Students can now only use CPT for internships if their curriculum actually requires it.
The comments on the post stated rightly that internships are a core part of college in the US. Without them, the high tuition costs are hard to pay and justify for remaining in the States.
An expert stated that the ROI for a US degree is nearly non-existent. A similar degree in India costs less than one-fifth of the equivalent US degree.
The job market in India also values proper talent in an employee over a degree from a mid-tier college in the US. Many commenters have argued that the path to a life in the US has also been made much more difficult for Indians.
So remaining in the US after education to work and make money is also nearly impossible now.
Indian families who pool all their funds for a US education are now being warned. Without a guaranteed job in the US, it is better to remain in India and build a career at home.
A US education is now only viable for Ivy League students, fully funded PhD opportunities, or for very rich families.
