I have a dilemma right now, either I can attend University of Texas at Austin for around 20k a year(this price will decrease after my freshman year as I will move into an apartment) or go to University of Houston for around 5k a year. I have been accepted into the Computer Science major for both colleges and now I am stuck between these two schools. It has always been my dream to go to University of Texas at Austin, but I’m not sure if 15K extra a year is worth it.
I would say so. But can you pay it?
Can you afford it with the federal student loans only?
For computer science, the college you go to makes little or no difference. There’s really no need to spend the extra money to go to UT, when you could get a job just the same going to UH. If you can come out of college with less debt, you’re in far better shape starting a career.
Did you get into Honors at either one?
UT does have a top C’s program and the experience is different from UH but UH honors is excellent and as you said in CS if you can do the work you’ll find a job.
I have been accepted into the UH honors, but not the UT honors. My parents are willing to pay half that amount, and I would be left with around 5k in loans after the federal student loans (for UT).
In that case your choice is to be one among many at a prestigious program where you are not a top student, or a more personalized experience at a good program where you are valued and given special opportunities.
Because CS is so employable and depends on what you can do rather than your universit’s name, and the better experience and opportunities are at UH, I would pick Houston Honors.