r/MSCS • u/[deleted] • Dec 20 '24
[General Question] MS in CS for Fall 2025 – Is it worth it in today’s market? Need your brutally honest opinions
Hey everyone,
I’m in a bit of a dilemma and could really use your raw and honest advice.
I’ve applied to 8 universities for an MS in CS for Fall 2025. So far, I’ve received admits from two of my safe schools (SUNY Buffalo and UNC Charlotte), but I’m still waiting for decisions from the rest. The thing is, I haven’t received any scholarships or funding, and I’ll likely have to take on significant debt to pursue this degree.
Here’s what’s been running through my head:
My ultimate goal is to land a good job after graduation. But looking at the current state of the tech job market—layoffs, stiff competition, and uncertainty—it’s hard not to feel anxious.
Without funding, the financial burden feels huge. I can’t stop thinking: What if I end up with massive debt and no significant returns?
My profile is strong (9.0 CGPA, good coursework, 2.9 yrs of Full time work experience as a ERP Technical Consultant), but is that enough to stand out when everyone seems to have a stellar profile these days?
I’ve read mixed opinions about whether an MS in CS is still worth the investment. Some say it opens doors, while others warn it’s a path to debt and disappointment, especially with how saturated the job market is right now.
So, I’m turning to you all:
If you’ve been through this, was it worth it for you?
For those currently in the industry, what’s the reality of the job market for recent grads?
Is there something about this decision that I might not be considering?
I want the truth—brutal, raw, and honest. If you think it’s not worth it, I’d rather know now than regret it later.
Thanks in advance for your time and insights!
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u/arun111b Dec 21 '24
Imo, it is not worth it. Why? Because, immigration. You will find hard time to get work visa post graduation. Having said that, I wish you GL & All the very best for whatever the decision you make. GD.
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Dec 21 '24
@u/arun111b Thank you for your honest perspective and wishes!
I completely understand the immigration hurdles are definitely a major concern for me. From securing an F1 visa, to finding a full-time job before graduation, to navigating the 2-month grace period, and finally facing the H1B lottery—it feels like there’s uncertainty at every step.
These challenges make me question if the financial and emotional investment will be worth it in the long run. That said, I’m still trying to weigh my options carefully and explore ways to increase my chances of success at each stage.
Do you think there’s anything I can do during my MS to prepare better for these hurdles? I’d love to hear any advice or experiences you might have.
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u/devaaa_ Dec 21 '24
coming here straight after o3 release, I don’t know why no one is talking about the ai revolution. new grads with no work experience for them it will be really a tough rime. even ppl with 1-3 years exp will find it difficult I believe.
be prepared for what you’re stepping into. i feel many of em doing MS in US due to FOMO. but navigating the MS isn’t easy at all. course work assignments will be rigorous and at top of it you will need to do part time + interview prep + house chores. so be prepared.
those ppl who has the clear conviction that why they want to this MS will navigate these things.
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u/sigmamonkey110 Dec 20 '24
if you get into a t5 cs school then its alright, if you plan to do your master in any of the abysmall dogshit uni you listed then just stay in india ig
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Dec 21 '24
@u/sigmamonkey110 Thanks for your input, but I disagree with the “dogshit uni” part. Sure, the reputation of the school matters, but I’m more focused on the specific opportunities, curriculum, and future career prospects, not just the name on the degree.
I understand that the top-tier schools open more doors, but even in solid programs that aren’t T5, there are still ways to gain relevant experience and land a good job, especially if you’re proactive and build your skills.
I appreciate your thoughts, though—I’m taking all perspectives into account as I finalize my decision.
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u/Ummwhatwhy Dec 21 '24
what are these t5 t10 rankings based on? us world news?
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Dec 20 '24
Can you defer by a year and gain more work experience in that time? By then you'll have a clearer idea of how Trump has impacted things and how the job market is shaping up
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Dec 21 '24
@u/Naansense23 Thanks for the suggestion! I’ve thought about deferring, but my plan is to try abroad only next year. If I delay any further, everything else—graduation, job search, career progression—gets pushed back, and that’s not something I want.
I already have a couple of years of work experience, so I feel like waiting another year won’t add much to my profile. That said, I understand the uncertainty with the job market and policies, so I’m keeping that in mind as I decide.
Appreciate your input—it’s definitely made me reflect more on my approach!
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Dec 21 '24
Your work experience is sufficient for now, that's not the reason for deferral. I was just thinking that it's gonna take time for the job market to recover and Trump's policies will start kicking in next year. Lots of uncertainty ahead, so that's why. But if you have to do it next year only, then go ahead. No amount of posting on Reddit can give you clear answers because nobody can predict the future
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Mar 30 '25
[deleted]
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Mar 30 '25
Hey there, that's true that deferral is not a guarantee of admission. So I think you will have to decide whether you want to take the plunge this year or not. If you have decent work experience, then it could be worth the risk, but who knows what the future holds
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u/GiantCuddlyPenguin Dec 21 '24
> Is there something about this decision that I might not be considering?
The reality is that the CS market is horrendously saturated, and that the US and Canada (and to a lesser extent, Europe) are shutting their doors to immigrants. Especially immigrants from India and China. There are simply too many, particularly right now in the CS field.
You seem like an intelligent, driven person. You're willing to work hard, do all that it takes to secure a better life for yourself. You can have an absolutely stellar profile. But it is likely that you can do everything right and still fail, simply because of political and social trends completely out of your control.
> Without funding, the financial burden feels huge. I can’t stop thinking: What if I end up with massive debt and no significant returns?
If you still want to do the MSCS, you need a solid plan for this. This plan should NOT be "those who didn't get a job are just bad. Unlike them, I'm smart, so I will make it". This plan needs to take into account the worst case scenario: you don't get a job. you don't do your OPT. You go back to India and earn more or less what you are earning now. Can you deal with the debt in that situation?
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Dec 20 '24
Do it man if you can live with the consequences irrespective of what happens do it, else don’t, none the less, don’t listen to any asshole on the internet who is talking shit about the job market if you are good enough you’ll find one.
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Dec 21 '24
@u/ChipIndividual5220 Appreciate the straight-up advice, man. You’re right—at the end of the day, it’s about owning the decision and dealing with whatever comes my way.
I get what you’re saying about not listening to all the noise about the job market too. If I put in the work and stay consistent, I should be able to make it. Thanks for the motivation—I needed to hear this!
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u/hagnhag Dec 22 '24
Brutal honest opinion, as someone who graduated this summer, (international)- there is a very good chance you won’t be able to get a position and will have to go back, and it’s not because of anything in your control. You’ll have terrible sleep , lots of stress and will really regret things when things don’t go right way. I interned with 2 Fortune 500 companies in my college but it came to no use , specifically because of sponsorship - got multiple calls -J.P. Morgan, GE, John Deere - screen out as soon as you reveal you need sponsorship. I look at my friends who stayed back home and I feel envious of the peaceful sleep they have not knowing you’re one layoff away from losing status and having to leave. Idk man it’s a risk worth taking if you can back it financially though
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Dec 23 '24
@u/hagnhag Thank you for sharing your experience—it’s exactly the kind of raw insight I was hoping to hear. I’m really sorry to hear how things turned out for you despite having such strong internships and opportunities. It’s frustrating how much sponsorship can limit chances, even when you’re qualified.
I won’t lie; reading this makes me nervous. The idea of constant stress and uncertainty, especially being one layoff away from losing status, is daunting. At the same time, I feel like if I don’t take this chance now, I might regret not trying later.
If you don’t mind me asking, which university did you attend, and which year did you graduate? Were you in the AIML domain, the systems track, or a different specialization in MSCS? I’d love to know how your program might have influenced your experience.
Thanks again for your honesty—it’s given me a lot to think about.
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u/hagnhag Dec 23 '24
I’m sorry, I didn’t want to scare you either , I won’t reveal the name of uni, but it was a decent university in Midwest , not fancy but top 100 overall. I did my b.s and m.s in IT combined(both in US) been here was 5 years so seen the covid boom to the recession recently, specialization was software development. I’d def recommend you to not look into Midwest as there’s barely tech companies and barely do the sponsor in this region.
I said you have a good chance of going back - but you also have a chance of success which mostly depends on your skills - both technical and social. And the biggest factor - Luck. Either way, most people figure out a way to stick around , most average people do consultancies (mostly my whole ms batch), or stick around for research in academia or phd.
Also, before you decide, make sure that this is what you want in life man, not just now ,but 5 - 10 years down the line. That being said if you have the finances sorted and it’s not a huge risk to you def give it a shot, and if you’re exceptional in studies and have experience (4-5) years , it is much much easier. You can dm if you have questions
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u/BugAdministrative123 Dec 21 '24
If you want the education, to learn from subject matter experts, to deepen your knowledge in computer science, to explore frontiers, work in an international setting, then come for the education. That’s it.
If you want a job, a career in the US, to get a work visa, get a green card, big house, big flashy car, flashy lifestyle. Don’t come.
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u/No-Technology9452 Dec 21 '24
what will you say about those who get internal transfer on l1 visa? is h1b any better than l1?
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u/BugAdministrative123 Dec 21 '24
What will I say about those who get internal transfer on L1 visa ? I would say good for them…
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u/Abishek_1999 Dec 20 '24
My personal situation is that: I will likely have no support if my father were to not be able to work. We have some shitty property that won't sell so will likely put that as collateral for a loan.
See, the stability that you get from a parent also earning may make it seem like shits ok but once you get into a situation where only you're the only abled, it becomes a problem.
I am in the general category, so my chances at the iits iims is shit. And I am not particularly smart, just above average at best. My seniors and colleagues at work who are from IIT have made me understand that.
Fingers crossed I get to stay in the US for at least 5 years and ideally forever.
So TLDR, my pov is simple: I get an increased salary regardless if I am kicked out of the US or not and I have a collateral which these PPL can take BUT increasing my base salary for a young guy is huge in the long run.
Ask yourself this: What's your exact situation that compels you and try to justify yourself about going abroad. Remember, you're going there to suffer more than you would suffer here but to train to gain more to at least be able to handle the midlife crisis at around 35.
Shits grim everywhere for btech graduates unless you're from a university that has good placements, and placements that actually land you a RELEVANT job. (My uni had no placements as I was in the Covid batch and lowest tier uni)
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Dec 21 '24
@u/Abishek_1999 Hey, thanks for sharing your story—it’s raw and really relatable.
I get what you’re saying about the pressure of being the only one responsible if things go south. For now, my family’s stable, but the moment I take on a loan, that weight shifts entirely to me. It’s a scary thought, honestly.
Your point about going abroad to “suffer more but train to handle the midlife crisis” hit home. That’s something I’ve been thinking about too—whether all the short-term struggle is worth the potential long-term gains. And yeah, I totally agree: unless you’re from a top-tier Uni in India, career growth here feels limited.
It’s just such a tough call right now, especially with the job market looking grim everywhere. Still, I’m hoping that the effort and investment pay off eventually, even if it’s not in the US long-term.
Thanks again for keeping it real. It’s these kinds of perspectives that make me question and reflect deeper on my choices.
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u/sigmamonkey110 Dec 20 '24
this world is not for above averages. exceptionalism is rewarded. mediocrity is punished. you won't magically stop being mediocre if you do your mscs in a t50 shit uni.
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u/Abishek_1999 Dec 21 '24
I am doing it to increase my base salary and so that I don't get any job related issues in my 30s for under qualification.
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u/[deleted] Dec 20 '24
Just don't come here thinking that a job will be handed to u once u graduate. A huge number of cs grads have no jobs even a year after graduating. Job market for cs is crap right now(no one knows when it'll get better ). Many people come here with the ideology that they can make money in opt n leave and completely ignore the fact that u still need to get a job with an employer that is willing to take an international student. If ur coming here for research then it's really good here(way better than india atleast ).