HonestStudyAbroad

FOR PARENTS

You're funding this.
You deserve the real numbers.

No jargon. No sales pitch. Just what a US degree actually costs, what can go wrong, and how to protect your family's money.

💬 Talking about it as a family? Read the conversation guide first.

How to discuss the decision without fights or pressure — scripts for students, the 5 questions for parents, the 7-day rule for disagreements, and a one-page worksheet to fill in together. Open the Family Conversation Guide →

The true cost, in one paragraph

WHAT A 2-YEAR US MASTER'S REALLY COSTS

A typical 2-year master's costs $60,000–$120,000 total (₹50 lakh–₹1 crore): tuition plus living expenses, insurance, flights, and visa fees. The brochure shows tuition only — roughly half the real bill. Plan for the full number, not the brochure number.

Three questions before you sign anything

1. Can we survive the bad outcome?

Size the loan so that even if your child earns an average salary — not the brochure's top number — the EMI is payable. If only the best case works, the loan is too big.

2. What does the consultancy earn from us?

Many consultancies take 10–20% of first-year tuition as commission from the university. Ask them directly, in writing. Their "free counselling" is paid by someone.

3. What is the backup plan?

Visa rejection, a weak job market, policy changes — discuss these before paying. A plan with no backup plan is a gamble, not a plan.

Safety, honestly

The US is generally safe for students, and universities have campus security, emergency lines, and international-student offices. The real risks are financial (debt without a job) and immigration-related (status rules changing — see our policy updates). Both are manageable with planning.

How consultancies pressure parents

  • "Seats are filling fast" — US universities don't work on a seat-filling model for master's programs. Deadlines are published and fixed.
  • "This university is perfect for your child" — perfect usually means highest commission. Ask what they earn from each recommendation.
  • "Sign today for a discount" — legitimate universities never need same-day signatures. Walk away from urgency.
  • "We guarantee the visa" — nobody can guarantee a visa. The consular officer decides in 3 minutes. Guarantees are lies.

What you can do this week

  1. Download the money guide — the true-cost worksheet, built for families.
  2. Run the ROI calculator with your child — see the break-even math together.
  3. Ask us anything — the help desk answers parents too, free, no pitch.

Guidance only — not financial advice. For loans, compare at least 3 lenders and read the fine print on collateral and moratorium terms.