Journalism at UT Austin vs. Ithaca, I'm really torn here!

<p>I'm majoring in journalism(print) and I know that the park school is amazing! However, from all that I've read about the school it seems to be more focused on broadcast journalism? And from another thread I've read their print journalism program isn't doing too well? I'm really torn between the University of Texas at Austin and Ithaca! From Ithaca I received a president's scholarship for $12,000 and $6,700 worth of grants which brings the amt. my parents have to pay to $27,985. UT's COA is about $22,000 and they haven't given me any aid (except loans). However from a few scholarships I receive it should go down to about $19,000. Also, I live in Tx so besides the in-state tuition I wouldn't have to pay airfare so it would be an easier transition. Info about UT for those who don't know about is that they do have a good communications school with their newspaper being the most widely circulated in the country, it's HUGE and not just in size but pop. as well, it's ranked 44 nationally and in my experience the name is more recognized than Ithaca, although that may be due to the huge number of alumni and things like football. Cons? It's very competitive. What I really want to know is if anyone believes that the extra money I'd pay for Ithaca's great communications school is worth it? The thing is UT's is good too but it's extremely competitive and I'm worried about how I'll do in regards to internship opportunities and close relationships with professors. Also, the reason I'm hesitant about going to Ithaca besides money is that its name isn't that recognized, at least in comparison to UT, this wouldn't bother me except for the fact that I'm worried about job placement after college. I plan to work in CA and I'm worried about what potential employers will think when they see I've attended Ithaca. I know that Ithaca is probably recognized throughout the NE area but I'm not too sure about the west coast. From what I know employers look at the school you've attended and not how prestigous the program you were in is. For instance, they might see UT as a good school and hire someone who may have attended Ithaca even though Ithaca definitely has the better communications school. Anyways UT would save me money, has a really good communications school and is more prestigous. Ithaca has a fantastic communications school that I really want to go to, is smaller so there should be more opportunities, and I really want to go out of state, specifically somewhere less red and more blue and I know you can't get any bluer than NY. Main concerns are money and job placement so if anyone could give some advice I'd appreciate it, thanks!</p>

<p>Sent you a message. =)</p>

<p>Thank you! Although, if anyone else has an opinion feel free to post it, thanks!</p>

<p>Where did you end up going and what was your reason? I’m just curious, I also want to go into print journalism.</p>

<p>UT, it’s about 10k cheaper.</p>

<p>Interesting. My D had to make a similar decision and went the opposite way. It was Penn State-University Park (main campus) for about 25K including books or Oberlin College for about 27,800 (parents contribution–after 12K in scholarship and 9K in grants). Oberlin is more expensive than Ithaca, so there is also about 5K in loans she would have to undertake. She took the more expensive option because she decided the private school was where her heart was rather than focusing on how much money she’d save or getting a degree from a huge university with a name that would be recognized in all 50 states. I think the fact that she hates football made her decision easier. :)</p>

<p>She goes with our blessing. We just want her to be happy. Hopefully, you’re happy with your choice.</p>

<p>Wish I had seen this thread b4 deadline…Park School has an LA semester program and HUGE connections both in LA and New York…which did you pick?</p>