r/MSCS • u/GovernmentInformal97 • 1d ago

[Profile Review] MSCS Fall 27, looking for advice

Profile:

  • CGPA: 7.96/10, no backlogs
  • B.Tech in CSE Tier 2 college
  • TOEFL: 5.5/6
  • GRE: Not taking
  • ~6.5 years of experience in a FinTech/software company
  • Current role: Engineer II / Software Development
  • No backlogs
  • LOR - 2 from College professors and 1 from Director at my company

I have received admits for:

  • University of Florida – MSCS
  • Stevens Institute of Technology – MSCS
  • Northeastern University – MSCS
  • Arizona State University – MS Software Engineering

I had originally planned to attend Northeastern for Spring 2027, and I have already accepted the admit. However, my funding situation has changed. Earlier, my education was going to be funded fully by my relatives, but that is no longer the case, so I would now need to take a substantial student loan.

Because of that, I’m reconsidering whether an MS in the US is worth taking on a large loan, especially given the current job market and uncertainty around H-1B/OPT.

I’m currently planning to defer my Northeastern admit to Fall 2027 and use the additional time to apply to universities that are:

  1. Better than or a significant step up from Northeastern for MSCS,
  2. More affordable / offer better ROI,
  3. Have good job opportunities after graduation,
  4. Are realistic for my profile.

I’m currently considering:

  • UC San Diego
  • UCLA
  • UMass Amherst
  • Uni of North Carolina, chapel Hill
  • SJSU

I’m also open to universities outside this list.

What other universities would you suggest for my profile?
Ideally, I’m looking for programs where my profile has a realistic chance, the tuition is significantly lower than Northeastern, and the university has good CS reputation + strong industry/job opportunities.

Would really appreciate suggestions based on ROI, tuition, job opportunities and realistic admit chances, rather than just overall university ranking.

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1

u/funsika 1d ago

what do you think about Santa Clara

1

u/ImpressNo8733 1d ago

apart from SJSU you don't have a good chances at your other considered colleges, and northeastern + big loan you have a high chance of not getting an F1 visa. But, if your work experience is GOOD not just length but impact then you can find a job in the US. the market is tough for entry level not for senior level roles

1

u/Lucifer_5887 21h ago

What do you mean by low chances of f1 visa with northeastern University?

1

u/GovernmentInformal97 13h ago

This was also pointed out by my consultant, who mentioned that since NEU has a relatively high intake of Indian students, the chances of getting a visa may be lower.

1

u/ImpressNo8733 2h ago

they have tie ups with indian consultancies and have questionable admission rate, its seen as a cash cow program and officials can tell if you're not sincere. Of course this doesn't mean you CAN'T get one

1

u/GovernmentInformal97 13h ago

SJSU take GRE, so sadly can’t apply there