u/Reasonable_Cellist66

I know I’ve posted my profile before, but I’m posting again because I’m still struggling to get a clear idea of my chances and how I should structure my university list. Would really appreciate an honest profile evaluation, especially from people familiar with these programs.
Profile:
B.Tech ICT, Tier 1.5 University
GPA: 8.72/10
Currently working as a Research Intern at my university
Around 6 months of software engineering internship experience
Targeting 330+ GRE
By the time I apply:

1 Q4 journal paper expected to be published
1 manuscript expected to be submitted to a Q1 journal
Research experience through my university + summer research internship
LORs:
1 from my current research professor
1 from my summer research internship professor
1 from the Dean / professor under whom I performed well in courses
Current university list
Main list:
UIUC — MCS
Georgia Tech — MSCS
Purdue — MSCS
Virginia Tech — MSCS
NCSU — MCS
TAMU — MCS
Stony Brook — MSCS
UMass Amherst — MSCS
University of Minnesota Twin Cities — MSCS
UCSD — MSCS
Safer options:
SJSU — MSSE
CU Boulder — MSCS
Questions
How would you rate my chances for each of these universities/programs? Which would you consider ambitious, target, and safe for my profile?
Is this list reasonably balanced, or am I being too ambitious?
I’m considering applying to MCS and other non-thesis/coursework-focused programs because I assume they may give me a better shot at admission. Is this actually a good strategy?
Do MCS/professional/non-thesis programs have any impact on F-1 visa chances compared with a traditional MSCS?
I’m particularly interested in whether there are any practical differences during the visa interview, assuming the program is a full-time, on-campus, STEM/CS-related degree.
Are there meaningful differences in job outcomes, internships, OPT prospects, or ROI between an MCS, MSCS non-thesis, and MSCS thesis if my primary goal is software engineering/industry rather than a PhD?
Should I add more universities to this list?
I’m looking for universities with:
Strong CS/SWE job opportunities
Good ROI
Reasonable tuition/cost
Good outcomes for international students
A realistic chance of admission with my profile
I don’t want to add universities that are extremely expensive just for the name.

Are there any specific MCS/MSSE/non-thesis MSCS programs you would recommend adding?
Given my profile, would you recommend changing the list toward more MCS/non-thesis programs, or is the current mix reasonable?
I’d especially appreciate realistic feedback rather than just “apply and see.” If possible, please rate my chances for each university/program and suggest additions/removals.
Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to apply to the MCS program at Texas A&M University (College Station) as an international student from India, and I’m trying to get a realistic estimate of the total cost for the 2-year program.
I’d really appreciate a cost breakdown covering:
Tuition and fees
Housing/rent
Food
Health insurance
Transportation
Other miscellaneous expenses
I checked the cost calculator on the TAMU website, but I’ve noticed that the estimates can differ quite a bit from what students actually spend.
I’d also like to know more about TA/RA opportunities and on-campus jobs. How difficult are they to get for MCS students, and how much can they realistically help offset the overall cost?
Thanks in advance! :)

Looking for Good ROI Universities & Help Categorizing My List

I’m planning to apply for **MSCS (Fall 2027)** and would appreciate some honest feedback on my profile. I’m mainly looking for **universities with a good ROI**, strong CS programs, and decent job opportunities after graduation.
**My Profile**
**Country:** India
**CGPA:** 8.72/10
**Internship:** 6-month Software Engineering Internship at a startup
**Research:** Currently doing a research internship. I’m working on a paper, but it most likely won’t be published before application deadlines.
**GRE:** Targeting **320+**
**IELTS:** Targeting **7.5+**
**LORs:** 3 strong LORs from university professors
**Universities I’m Considering**
NCSU
SJSU
Georgia Tech
Texas A&M (TAMU)
UT Austin
Northeastern (NEU)
Stony Brook
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Virginia Tech

**Questions**
\-Could you help categorize these into **Ambitious / Target / Safe** based on my profile?
\-Are there any universities I should add or remove if my priority is **good ROI**?
\-Is my profile competitive enough for the more selective schools on this list?
\-If you had a similar profile, which universities would you prioritize?
I’m open to suggestions for other universities that offer a good balance of academics, tuition cost, and employment outcomes.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Looking for Good ROI Universities & Help Categorizing My List

I’m planning to apply for MSCS (Fall 2027) and would appreciate some honest feedback on my profile. I’m mainly looking for universities with a good ROI, strong CS programs, and decent job opportunities after graduation.
My Profile
Country: India
CGPA: 8.72/10
Internship: 6-month Software Engineering Internship at a startup
Research: Currently doing a research internship. I’m working on a paper, but it most likely won’t be published before application deadlines.
GRE: Targeting 320+
IELTS: Targeting 7.5+
LORs: 3 strong LORs from university professors
Universities I’m Considering
NCSU
SJSU
Georgia Tech
Texas A&M (TAMU)
UT Austin
Northeastern (NEU)
Stony Brook
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Virginia Tech

Questions
-Could you help categorize these into Ambitious / Target / Safe based on my profile?
-Are there any universities I should add or remove if my priority is good ROI?
-Is my profile competitive enough for the more selective schools on this list?
-If you had a similar profile, which universities would you prioritize?
I’m open to suggestions for other universities that offer a good balance of academics, tuition cost, and employment outcomes.
Thanks in advance for your help!