A Reddit user, identifying herself as a 26-year-old American woman, sparked a heated discussion on social media about the increasing number of Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the US.
She claimed that 99% of the students in her computer science master’s program were Indian and questioned whether this trend was a “scam” for immigration purposes.
The post quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter) after a screenshot was shared.
The user, posting on the r/Indians_StudyAbroad subreddit, shared her concerns about the challenges Indian students face.
She noted that many come to the US with high hopes but often end up burdened with debt and unable to find jobs as expected.
According to her, the colleges they attend are often low-ranking and profit-focused, leading to poor educational outcomes.
“I feel bad for these kids. They are coming here, going into debt, and probably won’t get the jobs they expect,” she wrote.
The user also criticized the classroom behavior of her Indian classmates, describing it as “loud” and disruptive.
The post received nearly 300 comments on Reddit, sparking mixed reactions.
Some agreed with her claims, arguing that many Indian students attend low-ranking colleges, often referred to as “scam colleges,” which prioritize profits over quality education. They said such colleges exploit international students’ desire to immigrate to the US.
Others defended Indian students, highlighting their significant contributions to the US tech industry. Many pointed out that top-tier Indian students attend prestigious universities and have helped shape Silicon Valley.
US-based tech influencer Debarghya "Deedy" Das weighed in on the topic, saying that while Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the US is not new, the situation has evolved.
He noted that agencies now funnel students into lower-tier universities, turning these programs into a “cash cow.”
Das also mentioned the current tech job market, calling it the worst in years, which adds to the challenges for graduates.
“The sheer volume of applicants and availability of funds is much larger than it was 10-20 years ago,” he explained.
The debate sheds light on the struggles many Indian students face in the US.
While some view these programs as a stepping stone to immigration, rising costs and a tough job market have created significant hurdles.
Critics argue that the post overlooks the success of many Indian students who have excelled in the US and contributed significantly to its tech industry.
The conversation highlights the need for a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges international students face while navigating the US education system.
