does it matter where you go to school?

College Search & Selection
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<p>i've recently went back to school after doing my four years in the military. and the one thing i have been asking everyone is does it really matter where you go to school at? and from conversations, its pretty much split. I've decided on architectural engineering and there are only two schools in my state that offer it. ut austin, and texas a&m kingsville. i can get into both schools, but the cost of living and tuition are twice as much at ut austin then tamuk. and i really dont want to pile up a huge amount of student loans, and even with my all my va benefits, it would be cheaper for me to attend tamuk. so if anyone can give me some advice i would really appreciate it.</p>

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<p>hi justin,</p>

<p>Unfortunately, you'll get mixed answers here as well. Of course UT-Austin will hold more cache...and likely be better recruited by employers. UT-Austin is one of the top engineering schools in the country. I'm not familiar with "architectural engineering"...is this a combination of architecture and civil/structural engineering? If it is, you likely want to go to a school that has an accredited program in your major. ABET is the organization that accredits engineering programs.</p>

<p>[url=<a href="http://www.abet.org/%5DABET%5B/url"&gt;http://www.abet.org/]ABET[/url&lt;/a&gt;]&lt;/p>

<p>Texas A&M - Kingsville has accredited engineering programs in the following disciplines:</p>

<p>
[quote]

Engineering:
Date of Next General Review: 2009 - 10</p>

<p>Chemical Engineering (BS) [1978]
Civil Engineering (BS) [1980]
Electrical Engineering (BS) [1970]
Mechanical Engineering (BS) [1978]

[/quote]
</p>

<p>UT-Austin is accredited in the following programs:

[quote]
Engineering
Date of Next General Review: 2010 - 11</p>

<p>Aerospace Engineering (BS) [1948]
Architectural Engineering (BS) [1938]
Biomedical Engineering (BS) [2007]
Chemical Engineering (BS) [1943]
Civil Engineering (BS) [1936]
Computer Engineering Option in Electrical Engineering (BS) [1988]
Electrical Engineering (BS) [1936]
Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (MS) [1963]
Geosystems Engineering and Hydrogeology (BS) [2000]
Mechanical Engineering (BS) [1936]
Petroleum Engineering (BS) [1936]

[/quote]

As you can see, UT-Austin is the only one accredited for architectural engineering. I would lean to this program - especially if you plan on working as a professional engineer.</p>

<p>If you want to save money, I would enroll in one of the engineering disciplines accredited at A&M Kingsville - like civil engineering instead of architectural engineering.</p>

<p>Majoring in a more traditional engineering - like civil - would give you more options. </p>

<p>Engineering is a very "democratic" major...you will not see a big premium by graduating from top programs...therefore, it's often times not worth it to go in huge debt for an engineering degree - you won't see a big return on your
investment.</p>

<p>However, would you have a better time at UT-Austin? Can you work part-time to help with the extra cost? UT may offer you great aid...you can only apply and see what they offer...</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>P.S. Thanks for your service to our country.</p>