How do I choose? TCU vs OU vs TX State San Marcos

Though this admissions process has been very taxing (and I didn’t receive all of the answers I’d like to hear), I am very fortunate to be faced with a difficult decision. I have visited all of the universities I have been accepted to last summer, and loved every single one. I’ve narrowed it down to these three.

To give a bit of background: I am a Fort Worth native currently attending an international school in Switzerland. For tuition purposes, I am considered a Texas resident. Thanks to my parents, I am very fortunate to not have to worry about college expenses, though, I would still like to be considerate of the amount of money coming out of their pockets. We are an upper middle class family, and the money tree doesn’t last forever. I also have an older sister going to a private university, and as a family we are facing some job uncertainty upon repatriation. That being said, my parents are still insisting I do not choose based on money, as they have saved up, but I’d still like to bear it in mind.

I will be majoring in communications/journalism. I will be coming in with a considerable amount of college credits, and thus am considering a double major or even dual degree. Perhaps in in advertising/PR for double major, or international/environmental studies for dual degree. Not sure though if I’ll actually pursue that path though.

Here are some points to be considered at each university:

TCU:

  • Total cost 196k
  • Would attend Bob Schieffer College of Communications
  • Accepted to John V. Roach Honors College
  • Would live in Milton Daniel 1st year (your typical community style housing)
  • Very active campus life with sports, greek life, etc.
  • Beautiful campus, nice area
  • In Fort Worth (home town), city setting with lots to do, near Dallas, etc.

OU:

  • Mom is OU alum
  • Total cost currently 127k (there is a possibility of more merit money incoming, and many aid opportunities for upper class men)
  • Would attend Gaylord College of Communications/Journalism
  • Accepted to Honors College
  • Possibility of living in Headington College (very nice housing)
  • Very active campus life with sports, greek life, etc.
  • Beautiful campus, nice area
  • In Norman, college town, very close to OKC

TX state:

  • Total cost currently 72k (there is a possibility of more merit money incoming)
  • Would be in communications program
  • Accepted to Honors College
  • Housing isn’t the nicest but still very livable
  • Active campus and surrounding area - placed in beautiful hill country, between Austin and San Antonio. Lots to do!

I’ve been through some extremely difficult circumstances as I’ve lived abroad, and thus am just ready to come back to the US and start a new chapter in my life. I love all of these schools for totally different reasons and have no clue how I’m going to choose. I’ve made three different excel spreadsheets and I’m still no closer to deciding. I keep telling myself if I could take everything about OU and put it on TX state’s campus and location, and then add in TCU’s honors college, it would be the perfect place for me. I keep being told to follow my heart but have no clue what my heart is telling me. I know I’d be happy at all of these places, so why am I having such a hard time making a choice? I would appreciate any insight that could be offered. Thanks!

I would sit down and look at the course catalogs for the three schools. See if you think the academic focus/classes offered in your core areas of interest at either OU or TX State feel like a better fit for your own interests. As you said, you have three great options to choose from, and the benefits of the Honors College at all three. If TCU isn’t standing head-and-shoulders above the others I would drop that one from your list; why incur that much greater expense? Good luck!