College and Degree Choices

Stop picking universities based on rankings alone. Here are 5 things that actually matter if you are applying in 2026. 👇 📍Total cost (not just tuition) → Tuition varies wildly from $20k–$60k/year depending on program and university type → Living costs range from $1,200/month (Houston, Atlanta) to $2,500+/month (NYC, SF, LA) → Hidden costs add up: health insurance ($1,000–$3,000/year), books ($500–$1,000/year), flights ($2000/year) → A #50 ranked school in Houston could cost you $70k less over two years than a #30 ranked school in San Francisco with identical job outcomes 📍Location & weather (yes, this matters!) → 66% of international students cite 'cost' as their top concern - and location directly impacts your budget → Weather affects your quality of life: can you handle harsh winters in Boston or extreme heat in Arizona? → City matters for industry: Seattle for tech, NYC for finance, Houston for energy → Proximity to industry hubs = more internships, networking, and job opportunities → Strong local alumni networks can open doors that rankings could never will 📍Employment outcomes → 72% of Gen Z students now care more about job outcomes than university rankings → Check 6-month post-graduation employment rates for your specific program → Research starting salaries by program, not university-wide averages → For international students: OPT/CPT placement rates matter a lot → See which companies actively recruit from that program → If a university flaunts rankings but hides program-level outcomes, that’s a red flag 🚩 📍Career services & international student support → Dedicated international student career counselors (not all schools have them) → CPT/OPT/H-1B visa guidance integrated into career services → Employer databases showing visa sponsorship history and international-friendly companies → Alumni mentorship programs specifically for international students → Job boards with filters for visa sponsorship roles (platforms like Interstride) 📍Financial aid & scholarships → Merit-based scholarships specifically for international students (many schools offer 20-50% tuition waivers) → Graduate assistantships that include tuition waiver + monthly stipend ($1,500–$2,500/month) → Research opportunities with funding attached to them → On-campus employment options to offset living costs → A lesser-ranked school offering 50% scholarship often delivers better ROI than top-10 at full price You're spending $100k+ not to get a degree, but to build a career, expertise, and skills that will compound over your lifetime. Choose accordingly. ⚠️ Disclaimer: I'm not an immigration lawyer. This information is compiled from publicly available sources and years of research to help you understand university selection factors. For guidance specific to your situation, consult with education counselors and immigration attorneys. — 🌿 Re-post if this resonated. 👉 Follow for more such resources for intl students.

Is an MBA worth it in 2025 ? The question of getting an MBA lingers in the minds of millions of youngsters who often get stressed whether this overhyped degree is needed or not. The question becomes a pertinent one more so when global icons such as Elon Musk are commenting about, "too many MBAs getting hired in organizations" ! And hence to find answer to such critical career question, sharing a 2 step framework for those out there in need- Step 1. Identify Your #Goals Most people jump into an MBA because everyone else is: Which typically leads to poor learning outcomes at the end of your program. Identifying your own short-term & long term goals and evaluating whether you can achieve them without an #MBA, can immensely help you in taking an informed decision. Step 2- Evaluate Your Capabilities 2A. Undergraduate Matters Eg- If your goal is to become a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) partner and you are an #IIT Delhi graduate. You can put up a decent fight to get an interview (via referral), climb the BCG ladder, save lakhs (crores in case of Ivy League MBA) and associated opportunity cost. I personally know of BCG managers who aren't MBAs. Same case is the case with McKinsey & Company. Most of them will go on to become partners. 2B. Evaluate #Alternatives With the irrelative age-old education system, there are still innovative online models which are providing real value. Alternative to formal degrees, leading startups are solving our education system's problems. For eg- at my education venture, we also have GGI Impact Scholars - for those who want to pivot into strategy, product and general management. There are other ventures too. Evaluate if your goals can be met by options so that you dont have to spend a bomb on paper degrees. 3. Your Motivation You can join #Harvard and unfortuately not graduate with flying colors. And you can join a new age Edtech as beneficiary with combined curriculum with AI and build a fantastic career. Your calibre, motivation, and tenacity matter a lot. Formal degrees such as MBA are not magic wands. Most of them are money making machines and the rest good ones are great launchpads, provided you know how to leverage them. -- I remember I was this curious young professional who was 25 and struggled choosing between an MBA vs MPP. It's only later I realized that it's the "#why" I need to ask before the what. I am a proud MBA from ISB and this writeup is an attempt to share my brutally honest view on the MBA market with an intention to help someone out there understand that a degree in itself will not make or break you. Today with the same MBA money, you can invest it in the market, launch your own startup or best travel the world :) You build yourself up through your talent, motivation, skills and perseverance in life ! #MBA is neither a sufficient nor a necessary condition !

Most students pick a country first. Then scramble to find a course that fits. That's backwards. After guiding 7,500+ students across the US, Canada, Germany, UK, Australia, and Ireland, here's what actually works: Start with your career goal. Then find the country that supports it. Here are 7 destinations that consistently deliver on career growth in 2024: → USA: Strongest for tech, business, and research. OPT allows 12 months of work, 36 for STEM. High cost, high return. → Canada: Post-graduation work permits up to 3 years. Growing demand in tech and healthcare. Balanced affordability. → Germany: Tuition-free or low-cost public universities. 18-month stay-back visa. Best for engineering and STEM fields. → UK: Graduate visa gives 2 years to work post-study. Shorter programs mean faster ROI. Strong for finance and consulting. → Australia: Quality education with 2-4 year work rights. Part-time work allowed during study. High living costs but strong wages. → Ireland: Europe's tech hub. Critical Skills visa pathways. Lower competition than UK. The mistake most students make? Choosing based on peer influence, PR trends, or outdated advice. The right approach? Match your industry demand with visa policies, work opportunities, and financial viability. Country rankings don't build careers. Strategic alignment does. What matters most to you when choosing where to study? Career opportunities, affordability, or post-study work rights? P.S. Repost this if you found it helpful ♻️

Is an MBA worth It? I've been asked this question more times than I can count—and I’ve wrestled with it myself. I started an MBA but dropped out after a year. Life played a part, but ultimately, I wasn’t convinced the return justified the investment. These days, telling a potential employer you have an MBA doesn’t carry the same weight it once did. Opinions vary, and depending on who you ask, you'll get different perspectives. For some, particularly those targeting C-suite roles in top-tier organisations, an MBA—especially from a prestigious school—offers undeniable value. The learning, the network, and the chance to immerse yourself in a different environment can be invaluable. If an MBA gives you the competitive edge you need, that’s a solid reason to pursue one. But I’ve seen plenty of MBAs that aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Some don’t hold the prestige they once did, and I’ve heard hiring managers dismiss certain schools and programs outright. I've even seen executive adverts and job descriptions where an MBA is relegated to little more than a "nice to have"—rarely an essential requirement. And when you consider the cost alone, in Australia $60k - $100k, you’d want it to be valued more than a tick box optional item. An MBA isn’t the golden ticket it might have been in the past. It won’t automatically land you a high-paying, high-responsibility role. The truth is, MBAs are only worth something if you leverage the learning and networking possibilities. That’s not aways possible. Growing your expertise takes drive, adaptability, and hard work—none of which require an MBA. There's also a gap between what many business schools teach and what industries actually need. Having reviewed several programs prior to writing this post, I’ve found some are out of sync with reality or struggle to stay relevant in our rapidly evolving business landscape. If you're relying on an MBA to set you apart, as some people have mentioned they are then you’re taking a risk. You need more than an advanced degree to differentiate yourself in a crowded field of high-calibre leaders. Given the time, money, and effort involved, it’s worth asking: is an MBA worth it?

Friends, let's talk about grad school, MBAs, and the real cost of education. In light of the recent Wall Street Journal article highlighting unemployment rates of 20 - 25% for graduates from even top MBA programs three months after graduation, many of you have asked for my thoughts on graduate education and my advice for others. As someone who has completed three graduate degrees - an MBA, a Master’s in Policy, and a Master’s in Biotechnology - my perspective is grounded in experience. My advice, however, is most relevant to MBA programs, where the stakes - and costs - are particularly high. The costs have always been significant, but today they are staggering. Between tuition, fees, housing, and foregone wages, pursuing an MBA can easily run between $200,000 and $250,000 for two years. To put that into perspective - if you invested that sum at a 10% annual return, you’d have millions saved by retirement. This opportunity cost is enormous, which is why you must treat this decision with extreme care. My advice has not changed, and if anything, it has become stronger: Never attend a program without scrutinizing its employment and salary outcomes. Look for detailed, verifiable data about post-graduation job placement, salaries, and industry trends. Seek help if you’re unsure how to evaluate ROI. Whether it’s a mentor, alumni, or someone with financial expertise, ensure you’re making a fully informed decision. Be selective. Unless you’re attending a top 5 or top 10 program with excellent career placement, I’d seriously question the value of full-pay, high-cost programs. For most people, the ROI simply doesn’t justify the investment. That said, I dismiss the argument that attending a top graduate program doesn’t matter. It can matter a lot in terms of credentialing, signaling, and the strength of alumni networks. Having attended these programs personally, I know they helped me in my career - although, of course, experiences can vary. This perspective isn’t rooted in elitism - it’s about making rational, data-driven decisions. Graduate programs, unlike undergrad, are optional for most careers. For fields like law or medicine, the path is more complex because of needing some graduate degree to work many functions. But for MBAs or other master’s degrees, the decision involves voluntarily stepping away from your career and income. That pause must come with significant future benefits. For many, just as with undergraduate college, public programs or less costly alternatives might make more sense beneath a certain level of competitiveness at private programs, especially when they align with long-term goals without the burden of such massive debt. Graduate school is a major financial and career decision, and it deserves thoughtful consideration. I hope this adds some clarity for those weighing their options.

Are MBAs worth it? This is a question I constantly get from our clients when planning for education with their loved ones. Short answer: it depends on your vision. For many professionals, an MBA is a powerful accelerator. LinkedIn’s latest data shows the degree has staying power: since 2010, the share of senior leaders with MBAs is up 32%, and among entrepreneurs it’s up 87%. That reflects what an MBA can deliver—skills, brand, and (most importantly) a network that opens doors for years. On a personal note, I had the privilege of taking a few MBA classes at Wharton although I was an undergraduate student. I loved it, learning from practitioners at the top of their fields—and being surrounded by globally driven peers—elevated my thinking and expanded my network in a way that’s hard to replicate. The faculty, classmates, and school resources matter as much as the curriculum. That said, it’s also okay not to pursue an MBA. Sometimes your personal life doesn't allow you, sometimes you are doing well already. If your path is already compounding—great role, strong mentors, access to projects that stretch you—you can double down with targeted learning such as executive courses or certifications, thoughtful networking, and clear goal setting. I decided not to do an MBA and focus on a CFP instead; it worked great for me. A quick self-checklist before you decide: - Do you have a clear 3–5-year vision that an MBA directly accelerates (career switch, leadership jump, building a company)? - Is the ROI compelling after factoring cost, time, and opportunity cost? - Are there non-MBA alternatives that get you most of the benefits faster and cheaper? Whichever route you choose, be intentional. Define the outcome you want—and pick the path that compounds your skills, relationships, and opportunities. https://lnkd.in/eBkMiQGD

Does an MBA Still Matter Today? It is a question I have been asked about a lot recently. My answer is simple—It depends. It depends on where you are in your career, what you hope to achieve and, more importantly, what you expect the qualification to do for you. An MBA is not a guarantee of success. It will not automatically make you a better leader, entrepreneur or executive. Equally, not having an MBA does not prevent you from building a successful career or business. The value lies in why you choose to pursue one. Personally, I am currently considering an MBA at either Harvard Business School or Stanford Graduate School of Business. I do not believe I need an MBA to achieve my ambitions. I am confident I can continue building my career without one. What interests me is something different. For me, one of the greatest values of an MBA is not necessarily the classroom. It is the people. Looking back over the last decade, many of my closest friends, business partners and professional relationships were formed during my MSc at Aberdeen Business School. Those relationships have opened doors, created opportunities, and shaped many of the decisions I have made since then. That experience taught me an important lesson. When evaluating any postgraduate programme, I use a simple framework. The VALUE Framework V – Vision Does this qualification align with where you want to be in five or ten years? Education should support a destination, not simply fill your time. Before applying, ask yourself what future you are trying to build and whether this programme genuinely moves you closer to it. A – Access What opportunities does the programme give you access to? Think beyond lectures and assignments. Consider the alumni network, mentors, investors, employers and global connections. Sometimes the people you meet become more valuable than the qualification itself. L – Learning Will the programme genuinely change how you think, or are you paying to acquire knowledge that is already widely available? The best postgraduate programmes challenge your assumptions, broaden your perspective and improve your ability to solve problems. U – Utility How practical is the qualification? Can you apply what you learn immediately to your career, business or organisation? Knowledge that cannot be translated into action rarely creates lasting value. E – Ecosystem Who will you spend the next one or two years with? Your classmates may become future business partners, clients, investors or lifelong friends. Never underestimate the influence of the environment you choose to learn in. This is why I encourage people to stop asking, “Is an MBA worth it?” A better question is: “Is this the right investment for the future I want to build?” For some people, the answer will be yes. For others, the same investment may yield a greater return by building a business, developing a specialist capability, or gaining practical experience. There is no universal answer.

"Is the Coveted MBA Degree Losing Its Luster in a Changing Global Job Market?" For decades, an MBA degree has been the gold standard for career advancement, promising lucrative salaries, leadership roles, and a fast track to the boardroom. However, in today’s dynamic global job market, the MBA’s sheen seems to be fading, and here's why. 1. The Shift in Employer Expectations Recent reports suggest a declining demand for traditional MBAs in favor of specialized skill sets. A 2024 GMAC study revealed that only 71% of corporate recruiters plan to hire MBA graduates, down from 92% in 2019. Employers now prioritize niche expertise, tech proficiency, and soft skills over generalist management knowledge. This trend aligns with the rise of alternative credentials, such as certifications in data analytics, product management, and digital marketing. 2. ROI and Rising Costs The cost of an MBA has surged significantly. For instance, tuition at top U.S. business schools averages $150,000, excluding living expenses. Meanwhile, the return on investment is under scrutiny. A Financial Times report shows that MBA graduates in 2024 witnessed only a 35% salary jump compared to a 50% increase a decade ago. As salaries plateau, candidates question whether the degree is worth the financial burden. 3. Tech Disruption and Alternative Learning Pathways The digital economy is reshaping career pathways. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer cost-effective, flexible programs designed to meet evolving industry needs. These micro-credentials allow professionals to upskill without leaving the workforce or incurring massive debt. 4. Regional Trends and Market Saturation In regions like Asia and Africa, MBA enrollments are still growing, reflecting the degree’s aspirational value. However, markets like the U.S. and Europe are witnessing a saturation, with a notable dip in MBA applications. For example, the 2023 Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) data shows a 7% drop in U.S. MBA applications compared to the previous year. 5. Adapting to Stay Relevant The MBA isn’t obsolete; it’s evolving. Schools now integrate data analytics, AI, and sustainability into curricula to remain relevant. Dual-degree programs, online MBAs, and experiential learning models are reshaping the traditional MBA mold. While the MBA remains valuable, its universal appeal is waning. Candidates must weigh its relevance against emerging alternatives and their career goals. For those seeking leadership in a fast-changing world, agility and continuous learning are the new keys to success. What’s your take—Is the MBA still worth it in 2025? Let’s discuss!

The Quant Enthusiasts Top 25 Quant Finance Programs! I analyzed placement outcomes for every major quantitative finance master's program. Most "top-ranked" programs don't actually place graduates in quant roles. Tier 1: Elite Placement Princeton MFin, Baruch College MFE, Carnegie Mellon University Computational Finance, Stanford University, MIT MFin. These place at Renaissance, Two Sigma, Citadel, Jane Street, and Jump Trading. They have dedicated career services and direct firm pipelines. Tier 2: Brand-Driven University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University, Chicago, New York University, University of Oxford, Cornell University. These place well on brand recognition alone. Columbia and Chicago offer zero career support. You network independently or you don't get a job. The ROI Reality Baruch wins: $42,395 tuition, $162,429 average salary. 3.8x ROI, under 4 months payback. Princeton University costs $124,800 but places at $184,824. Brand premium justified. Columbia costs $93,024 for $122,946 salary. You're paying for the name only. Programs That Don't Place Quants US: Georgia Institute of Technology QCF, UCLA Anderson MFE, Rutgers University MQF, North Carolina State University MFM. Europe: ETH Zürich, The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of Warwick, Technical University of Munich, Amsterdam, Bocconi lead to consulting and risk management, not quant trading. Oxford is the only exception. What Actually Matters Career support beats reputation for placement. Baruch, CMU, and Princeton succeed because of dedicated infrastructure. Most MFE curricula are outdated. They overweight derivatives pricing. Employers want coding, machine learning, and algorithms. PhDs in math, physics, stats, or CS outperform MFEs for elite roles. Renaissance and Two Sigma prefer PhDs. Application Strategy Tier 1: 3.8+ GPA, strong math and CS, under 10% acceptance. Prepare 6+ months. Tier 2: 3.5+ GPA, 10-15% acceptance. Apply to 5-10 programs. Network before you arrive because programs won't help. Safety: Baruch is best value. Heavy LeetCode prep essential. Bottom Line Only apply to programs with proven quant placement. If rejected from tier 1, consider PhD over mid-tier MFE. Baruch is the value play. Princeton is worth it if you get in. Columbia and NYU work only if you network independently. Follow Johannes Meyer for data-driven analysis on quant finance programs and careers. The Quant Enthusiasts open-source risk engine: https://lnkd.in/dEmM9Bim Repository: https://lnkd.in/d9pQyB_6 Discussion: https://lnkd.in/daTg8vNm Tribhuvan Bisen Andy Nguyen Risk.net QUANTNET QS World University Rankings LinkedIn Quant Insider Quant Finance Institute (QFI) WorldQuant WorldQuant University #quantfinance #masters #mfe #careers #finance #education

I transitioned from TCS India to Visa Inc. U.S. with 6 months of planning, & went from making Rs. 9 lakhs in a year to more than that in a month. Sharing some insights: Moving to US was never my dream. I didn’t plan & move in my early 20s like most do. I moved in the last bit of my late 20s having earned a Masters from BITS & 6 years of experience at TCS, both of which tremendously helped strengthen my profile & get an admit from my dream school + a dream job in the U.S. I also spent about $100k towards my Ivy+ league school Masters in the U.S. A typical Masters’ program will cost you anywhere between $25k to $100k+. A lot of student debt. Here’s an alternative: Companies such as TCS sponsor work visas in the U.S., if you’re already employed with them. Talk to management, build a case, see if on-site is an opportunity. If not, look at programs & schools that will give your profile a boost. Once you’ve narrowed down schools, research about grants & scholarships both internal & external to the school you’re applying to. Here’s some of the most important criteria I looked at to shortlist schools : 1. School & program ranking. Check if the program is STEM. If not, you won’t get 3 years of OPT on U.S. soil. 2. School alumni base, where are all the alumni currently employed. LinkedIn was my go-to for this. 3. Tuition fee. 4. Program duration. I didn’t want to pursue a program that was mandatorily 2 years long. I picked one that was flexible & could be completed within 2 years. I ended up graduating in 11 months. 5. Option of co-op which will allow you to work in the U.S. & earn as part of your program. It’s a win-win because you gain U.S. experience & earn as well. 6. ROI, which you won’t find official data on. You will need to reach out to alums on LinkedIn and get an understanding of what kind of CTCs your program students end up getting on an average. 7. Possibility of TA/GA/RA jobs on campus because you’re not legally allowed to work outside campus on student visa. These on campus jobs add to your profile and offset the personal expenses in the U.S., which is a huge help financially. 8. Program application requirements. I didn’t have the time to prepare for GRE or GMAT. I chose programs that were accepting IELTS, strongly looked at profiles and SOPs. 9. Program intake. I wanted to move to the U.S. within 6 months of when I started planning for the move, which left me with only spring intake programs. I would suggest Fall programs since you can’t pursue summer internship if you join during Spring due to US student visa restrictions. This is where I started. If you follow these steps diligently, you will be in a great place 3 months from now in your plan to transition from India to not just US but any other country to either pursue Maters’ or another professional opportunity. P.S. I’m Shreya Mishra Reddy, & I write about studying abroad & experiences in the U.S. Repost and follow along if you found this helpful.