<p>We are starting to put great importance on alumni strength/network on our kid's upcoming college decision given the lagging economy and the difficult of college grads getting jobs overall. What does everyone think about that, and any input on SMU, TCU, Pepperdine and LMU specifically for alumni issues? </p>
<p>Totally agree with you @lynjobes - also think internships are important since those opportunities may lead to future employment. </p>
<p>One way of measuring the strength of alumni relations is based on the school’s endowment resources, IMO. If a university has a large endowment it suggests the school has lots of happy and successful alumni contributing! </p>
<p>My husband pulled up some info. from a website called findthebest.com where we were able to compare prospective colleges based on a variety of factors including size of their endowment. </p>
<p>BTW TCU’s endowment is HUGE - especially on a per student basis and compared to other institutions on our daughter’s list! ($137,649/student) The next highest on a per/student basis for her list was NYU ($60,065/student) - which gives you an idea of the contrast. All her other prospective choices were even less on a per student basis. Sorry I can’t tell you about the other schools on your list but I’m sure you can find the info. on that website if you look around a bit. </p>
<p>I’d say SMU if he’s studying business and looking to stay in Dallas.</p>