[lkowalcz]

There is a huge difference in how universities treat their Masters vs. PhD students. Indeed, universities are not making loads of money off international PhD students (most receive free tuition, a stipend, etc). However, international Masters students are cash cows for most universities (most pay full price -- or someone does for them).

[zzrg]

I attended MIT for undergrad as well as master's. Most master's students I knew did not pay tuition (it was typically covered by their lab or through being a teaching assistant). On balance I wouldn't describe MIT master's students as "cash cows" for the university.