Opinion | That Prized American Degree Isn't What It Used To Be
Indian parents need to be more circumspect when sending their wards to study overseas in today's turbulent times.
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- From: India News Bull
Recently, a noteworthy achievement flew under the radar when two Indian doctoral candidates—studying at University of Maryland and Harvard University—received recognition from the Center for Cosmology and AstroParticle Physics for their groundbreaking astrophysics research. The technical aspects of their work extend beyond common understanding.
What's particularly remarkable is that both scholars are under 30 years old and have already established significant reputations in their specialized fields, with futures as expansive as the cosmic realms they explore.
Limited Possibilities at HomeIt bears acknowledging that such accomplishments might have remained unattainable had these students remained in India. The equivalent resources—financial backing, supportive environments, and mentorship—simply don't exist at comparable levels within Indian academic institutions, not even at prestigious establishments like the IITs or the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. While these students might eventually have secured positions at ISRO, would they have had the same freedom to pursue their research interests or receive such prestigious international recognition at such young ages? For individuals genuinely passionate about technology, scientific inquiry, or even specialized humanities paths (such as museum curation), the options within India remain significantly restricted compared to opportunities available at American institutions.
Why highlight these students' journeys? Primarily to convey an important message to Indian parents—whether financially comfortable enough to fund a four-year American undergraduate education or willing to liquidate hard-earned assets to finance this aspiration. The message is straightforward: uniformity doesn't work for everyone. The once-idealized American education has increasingly transformed into a source of anxiety. While sending children abroad makes perfect sense for those following trajectories similar to the aforementioned students—or for those who might discover their vocations through the diverse options available at foreign universities—financing liberal arts degrees or engineering programs at second or third-tier American institutions may no longer represent the wisest investment in today's landscape.
Fading Appeal of American CredentialsLet me explain further. Multiple factors have converged to undermine this previously reliable educational formula.
The most evident recent factor is the uncertainty generated by Donald Trump's unpredictable policies, frequently changing positions, and clumsy approach to work visas and international student travel regulations. This naturally creates growing concern among parents and students who can no longer depend on stability. This uncertainty directly correlates with the projected decline in Indian international student enrollment in the US this year—the first such decrease in decades.
A second challenge confronting both parents and their children is that graduates returning to India after obtaining bachelor's or even master's degrees from foreign institutions often find themselves excluded from campus recruitment—the primary employment pathway for Indian degree holders. Increasingly, corporations, consulting firms, and even non-profit organizations conduct direct campus hiring, leaving minimal opportunities for those seeking lateral entry.
Questioning the InvestmentA non-specialized degree from a less prestigious institution not only yields poor financial returns but can also trigger serious social and psychological consequences for students who, at just 18 or 19, struggle with isolation in unfamiliar international environments. Informal evidence suggests many fail to adjust adequately, with some experiencing depression.
Intensified racial tensions have exacerbated these challenges, following several targeted attacks against people of Indian origin, predominantly students. As previously noted, 11 Indian students lost their lives in America during 2024 alone. These circumstances have produced numerous instances where students either transfer to UK institutions (closer to home in multiple respects) or return to India in more fragile psychological states than when they departed.
One Approach...Perhaps one of the most significant disadvantages, however, is the loss of social connections these students might have developed while studying at Indian institutions. These networks provide graduates with social support in an increasingly isolated world and, crucially, valuable assistance in career development. Numerous Indian unicorns and startups originated on college campuses, and many classmates continue supporting each other throughout their lives. Students who pursue overseas education after completing secondary school in India and then return often miss these networks at crucial developmental stages. The international connections they form abroad frequently disperse globally after graduation. Despite available communication technologies, many lose these connections in today's fast-paced environment.
Considering all factors, my modest intention through this article is to caution against the conformist tendencies currently prevalent among Indian parents. While foreign education can provide exceptional opportunities and occasionally help a young person discover their true passion, it isn't universally appropriate. A standardized approach simply doesn't work for everyone.
(Anjuli Bhargava is a Goa-based writer and columnist, with over 25 years of experience in print journalism.)
Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author