Is the American Dream Still Worth It for Indian Students? One Viral Story Says Maybe Not

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5 Key Takeaways

• Many Indian students are returning home with huge loans and low-paying jobs after studying in the U.S.
• The once-booming job market for STEM graduates in America is shrinking, making it harder to find employment.
• Visa uncertainties and a tough job market are causing students to question if a foreign degree is worth the financial and emotional cost.
• Similar struggles are reported in other countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, where high education costs don't guarantee good jobs.
• There is a growing call for more honest stories about the risks and realities of studying abroad, rather than just highlighting success stories.

Is the American Dream Fading for Indian Students? One Techie’s Story Sparks Debate
For years, studying in the US has been seen as the golden ticket for Indian students. The promise? A world-class education, a high-paying job, and a better life. But is that dream still alive? A recent viral post by an Indian techie living in San Francisco has many people rethinking the risks and rewards of chasing the American dream.
The techie shared the story of her friend’s brother, who went to the US for his master’s degree. He spent $60,000 (about ₹50 lakh) on tuition and living expenses, taking out a huge loan to pay for it. After graduation, he hoped to land a good job in America, just like so many before him. Instead, he found himself with zero job offers and no way to stay in the US. With no other option, he returned to Mumbai.
Back home, things didn’t get much better. He managed to find a job at a startup, but his salary is just ₹20,000 a month—barely enough to cover basic expenses, let alone pay off his massive loan. To make matters worse, his retired father is now helping him pay the $900 monthly loan EMI from his pension.
“This is the story universities don’t want you to hear,” the techie wrote. Her post struck a chord with thousands of people online. Many commented that they, too, were struggling to find good jobs after studying abroad, not just in the US but also in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Some shared that they were working in low-paying or odd jobs, despite spending lakhs on their education.
The techie’s advice? “America still has incredible upsides... But the job market that once absorbed every STEM grad is drying up fast.” She urged students to do their homework before taking on huge loans and heading overseas. The reality is that getting a job in the US is much harder now, especially with visa issues and a tough job market.
The post has sparked a wider debate: Is it still worth it to spend so much money on a foreign degree? Many are now questioning whether the stress, debt, and uncertainty are worth the risk.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, make sure you know what you’re getting into. The American dream isn’t guaranteed—and honest stories like this one are a reminder to look before you leap.

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