Are Indian Students Pursuing Master’s Degrees in the US Falling into a Scam? Reddit Sparks Controversy

A Reddit post by a self-identified 26-year-old American woman has triggered a viral debate on social media platforms about the rising number of Indian students enrolling in U.S. master’s programs, particularly in computer science. The user claimed that 99% of her classmates were Indians and questioned whether this trend was part of a "scam" for Indians to gain U.S. residency and jobs. Her post, originally shared on the r/Indians_StudyAbroad subreddit, soon gained traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), igniting a heated discussion.

The Reddit Post and Its Claims

In her post, the Reddit user expressed surprise and concern over the overwhelming number of Indian students in her program. She speculated that many of these students might be falling victim to unrealistic expectations about securing jobs and visas after graduation. She mentioned that some students appeared "burdened with debt" and doubted their chances of landing desired jobs in the competitive U.S. market.

The user also criticized the classroom behavior of some Indian students, calling it disruptive and unlike the academic etiquette she was accustomed to in American classrooms. These observations fueled her claim that their experience might be exploitative, as many of them attended low-ranked universities with subpar faculty.

Data and Ground Realities

According to U.S. government data, there were approximately 268,923 international students from India in the U.S. during the 2022-23 academic year, with computer science and engineering being among the most popular fields. Indian students often choose master's programs in these areas due to better job prospects, the allure of high-paying roles, and opportunities to gain work visas like the H-1B.

Tech influencer and former Google employee Debarghya "Deedy" Das joined the debate on X, highlighting the growing trend of agencies placing students in second- or third-tier universities. These institutions often cater to international students willing to pay higher tuition fees, creating a "cash cow" ecosystem. Das noted that this phenomenon, combined with easier access to educational loans, has significantly increased the volume of Indian applicants in recent years.

The Role of Universities and Job Markets

While some Reddit users agreed with the original post, others pointed out that top-ranked U.S. universities maintain rigorous admission standards, attracting highly skilled students from around the world, including India. The user’s experience was likely tied to attending a lower-tier institution where Indian students might constitute the majority.

One user described such colleges as "scam institutions" that target foreign students for financial gain. They noted that many Indian students enroll in these programs not for academic excellence but as a stepping stone to secure a U.S. visa and eventual employment. However, they emphasized that this strategy does not reflect the entire Indian student diaspora, many of whom contribute significantly to fields like technology, engineering, and research.

Challenges Faced by Indian Students

The post also shed light on the struggles faced by Indian students in the U.S., including:

Debt Burden: Many students take on significant loans to finance their education, banking on the hope of landing high-paying jobs.

Job Market Realities: With increasing competition and layoffs in the tech sector, securing employment has become more challenging.

Visa Hurdles: Transitioning from a student visa to a work visa like the H-1B remains uncertain due to lottery systems and policy changes.

Despite these challenges, several Reddit users argued that Indian students often build strong networks, leveraging connections in tech companies to secure jobs. Some even claimed that Indian representation in companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle is so significant that these firms are perceived as "Indian firms" in certain circles.

Diverse Perspectives on the Debate

The post received mixed reactions, with nearly 300 comments on Reddit and widespread discussions on X. While some users empathized with the struggles of Indian students, others dismissed the claims as anecdotal and unrepresentative of the broader reality.

Many emphasized the positive contributions of Indian students and professionals in the U.S., particularly in Silicon Valley. They argued that the post overlooked the achievements of Indian students who graduated from prestigious institutions and went on to play pivotal roles in global tech advancements.

A Changing Landscape

Deedy Das highlighted that the situation today differs significantly from a decade ago. The combination of increased access to funds, targeted placement agencies, and a saturated job market has created a complex environment for international students. He also pointed out the rise of "backbenchers" with affluent backgrounds, who may view U.S. education as a means to settle abroad rather than a purely academic pursuit.

Conclusion

The Reddit user’s post has opened a broader conversation about the experiences of Indian students in the U.S. While some criticisms may hold merit, they do not encapsulate the diverse realities and achievements of Indian students. The debate underscores the need for aspiring international students to make informed choices about their education and career paths, avoiding pitfalls and ensuring they are prepared for the challenges ahead.

Ultimately, the contributions of Indian students to the U.S. tech industry and beyond remain significant, and this narrative is far more nuanced than the claims of a single Reddit post.