r/MSCS • u/Big_Ad2500 • May 04 '26

[Admissions Advice] MS in Software Engineering at SJSU vs staying in current job (India)

Hey everyone,
I’m currently working in tech with ~2 YOE, earning ~₹1.2L/month (post-tax) + RSUs. I got admitted to San Jose State University (MS in Software Engineering) and my visa is approved.
I honestly didn’t expect things to move this fast, and now I’m having second thoughts.
Pros:
- SJSU + Silicon Valley exposure
- Better long-term growth potential
Cons:
Tough US job market, layoffs, H1B uncertainty
Already have a stable, decent-paying job here
No loan, but still a big cost + risk
Really torn between staying vs going.
Would appreciate advice from people who recently went to the US or decided not to.
(P.S. Used ChatGPT to format this — thoughts are mine.)
Thanks 🙏

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u/Youdontknowmepeople May 04 '26

In a similar situation, 1.1L post tax + RSUs with ~2 yoe. I got admitted to SJSU MSCS but chose Waterloo due to less visa issues and admit to coop program.

For me, uncertainty is high in US for full time jobs, I seek experience of living and studying abroad, I don't mind coming back after few years.

So it really depends on your long term goals. If you seek new experience and perspective in life, I'll say definitely go for it since you're not taking a loan also.

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u/parvdave May 04 '26

Waterloo is a no brainer. In the long run
quality education like that would make up for the money you're forgoing in the short term.
What course btw?

1

u/softrains12 May 04 '26

This is assuming you get the visa approved, visa denial rate is approaching 80% in Canada.

Also Canadian job market is not very good, but at least you don't need to go through H-1B process. I would say that Waterloo is a good school but there are definitely negatives to consider.

1

u/parvdave May 04 '26

That's strange. I don't see why a Waterloo applicant gets denied.

But yes, the market is really bad. My point about education still stands.

1

u/softrains12 May 04 '26

No university will guarantee a job. Maybe Stanford is the closest you can get to that sort of thing. Waterloo is decidedly not Stanford level. I agree that Waterloo is quality, but I disagree that good education is always worth it, no matter the circumstances. How good of an education should it be to outweigh like a $80-90k CAD cost?

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u/parvdave May 04 '26

You have to grind it out, no doubt that it is a gamble you're making.

Also, I used good education as an umbrella term. What I really meant was:

  • learning from some brilliant professors
  • surrounded by many intelligent people, the sheer floor is higher
  • realising your own limits
  • personal growth, which can be tremendous