<p>I recently got accepted to both Pratt Institute and Philadelphia University for Architecture. I was wondering if anyone knew if it made any significant difference which school I went to when I graduate and go job hunting? Pratt has a better program and reputation but it also requires me to take out a bunch of student loans that Philadelphia would not. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice on this? Thanks!</p>
<p>I have a B.Arch from Pratt, albeit from 1989.</p>
<p>I am unfamiliar with Philadelphia University.</p>
<p>First of all, what kind of a degree does Phil U give? Is it NAAB accredited? That is important. Pratt may be more expensive, but if Phil U is a 4+2 program, then it is a year longer than Pratt.</p>
<p>Pratt has a better name than Phil U, I’m sure. I have never heard of Phil U’s Architecture Program, nor do I know any architect who has ever attended that school.</p>
<p>Architecture is NOT a profession in which you want to be saddled with lots of loans, as starting salaries are low. Even mid-level architects don’t make huge salaries.</p>
<p>You don’t say how much in loans you will be taking in either school, so it’s hard to say which is really better.</p>
<p>NYC is probably the best place one can go for architecture. I personally think all architects should spend at least a year working in NYC. The experience is unlike anyplace else. </p>
<p>If Philadelphia U is NAAB accredited, and has a good reputation in the working world within its geographic area, then it might be a good choice.</p>
<p>But still, without knowing more, it’s hard to tell.</p>