<p>Hey there!
I've got a few questions about the University of Houston. I'm from Nebraska, and I've been offered a full ride to UH for being a National Merit Finalist, and I'm considering their architecture program.</p>
<p>However, not being from Texas, I don't know much about the school, like how prestigious or academically sound it is.</p>
<p>I also saw that only 6% of their students are from out of state. A lot of schools pride themselves on their out of state attendance, and I wondered if this means that UH doesn't really attract faraway students due to a lack of something, or if there are just so many kids from Texas that want to go there that they don't need to recruit elsewhere?</p>
<p>Any insight about the school would be great!
Thanks!!!</p>
<p>Why would Texas schools think bringing in non-Texas residents a good thing? After all, they’re not from Texas! (That’s sarcasm from a native Texan) Even UT Austin only has 8% out of state. Part of it is attitude. Most students see no reason to leave the state so the state schools stay full. Like you said, no need to recruit any where else. However, most would consider the school very diverse otherwise. You have a lot of first generation immigrants attending the school, actually a lot of first generation anything attending. Houston has a very diverse population, Vietnamese, a Chinatown with signs in Chinese, people from the middle east, and plenty more and it’s reflected in the student population. The students may all be from Texas but their backgrounds are very diverse compared to other state schools. Just being in Houston means that if there is something you want to do, you’ll probably be able to do it. I think it’s one of the schools that has an incredible number of opportunities, it’s just what you make of it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply! Very helpful! That’s what I suspected with Texas being so large and Houston being so populated, but I just wanted to make sure!</p>
<p>So is the University of Houston considered a pretty good school? What sort of reputation does it have in comparison to other universities of the same sort?</p>
<p>U of H would not be considered the leading public schools in Texas. That would be UT and Texas A&M. However, the state of Texas has set aside funding for universities to apply for to help gain them “Tier 1” status in Texas. It has a lot to do with the amount of research money the institutions bring in. Right now UT, Texas A&M, and Rice are the only Tier 1 schools in the state. U of H and Texas Tech are the only ones to have qualified for the special funding. U of H has a lot of individual programs that are well respected but as a school it isn’t ranked by US News. If you’re interested in architecture, you might contact some one in that college and ask what companies recruit at their school. Also, if you know any one in the profession, ask their opinion. I don’t know if architecture is one of those programs where it matters where you get your degree from or one that as long as you graduate from a competent program, you’ll be hired. You might try doing a search on cc for that kind of information.</p>
<p>Sadilly has some good advice. If you are considering U of H seriously, be sure to visit them. U of H has a handsome campus surrounded by working-class neighborhoods that reflect the urban environment that Houston is in. As Sadilly noted, U of H has a number of excellent programs, but it would be worthwhile for you to investigate the Architecture program in particular. The Houston area economy is booming (due in major part to their energy companies) but all sectors of the local economy benefit. I lived in Houston seven years during their last oil boom. It is a diverse, exciting, endlessly interesting city to be in. However, it’s not for everybody, but it may be for you after you check it out.</p>
<p>Thank you for all of the advice! I’m visiting Houston and the University this weekend, and I’ll be sure to look into the architecture program! I’m glad to hear that Houston is a great area! I’m very excited to visit and see if it’s a place I’d like to live for 4-5 years!</p>