MS in US
April 16, 2009 by app2usadvisor
Filed under US Education
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An economic recession, shrinking job markets and horror stories of financial mess. It is natural to ask, does it make financial sense to study for an MS in US? The answer depends on your reason to pursue higher education from USA. If you wish to pursue a research based degree from one of world’s top universities, nothing has changed. After a degree from the top university, you can expect to get a top job in your field – What is changing is that the best job may no longer be readily available in the USA at least in the near future.
For some prospective students the idea is to somehow get into USA -in whatever university one can easily get admitted to and somehow graduate – and then look for a high paying job. If that sounds like you then you are in for trouble.
In an increasing flat world you need to look at your educational plan and career goals from a fresh perspective. US Education or any good quality education from any country is a solid step towards a better career. There is a cost associated with any higher education and some expected benefits. For a better career and growth a good education is still needed, more so than in the past. Lot will change in next decades and those with highest adaptability along with best skills will survive and thrive.
Till the nineties, mostly bright students from various countries used to aspire and apply for a US education. There are enough openings for these bright students including funding opportunities at top universities. In the 21st century there has been an increasing trend for not so bright students coming to USA with an ambition to make it big. Many of them have succeeded due to expanding economy in the past. But when economy is down it becomes very tough for these types of students, there are simply not enough jobs and opportunities. Also spending thousands of dollars for an education does not make sense if you are unable to recover even a fraction of your investment.
Risk is part of any venture into the land of unknown. From Columbus who accidentally set foot in USA to modern day explorers (you) all are risk takers to some extent. If you are coming to USA on some sort of funding, then there is minimal risk – and the chances of the decision to study in USA turns out to be a bad one are very low. If you are taking a huge loan or are spending an awful lot of money and getting a degree from top 10 US University – that is still Ok. Worst case you will not find a job and return to your own country. A MIT or Stanford degree will make you one of the most employable candidates in any part of the world and you will eventually recover your investment. So it is obvious that the remaining people are taking a big risk – those who are planning to study at a mediocre university – without any funding. Again if you are a risk taker, and have done the homework and understand the consequences you may even be successful taking this route. The economic ups and downs are part of any country and most likely the current recession will be over before you graduate.
Planning for MS or other degree from a US university in worst economic times can still make a lot of sense if you plan carefully and set your expectations right.
