Notre Dame (Mendoza) VS UT Austin (McCombs BHP)

College Search & Selection
1

I am a high school senior from Dallas, Texas who has been admitted to UT Austin, Notre Dame, Rice, and Vanderbilt. I am most seriously considering the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and UT Austin’s Canfield Business Honors Program within the McCombs School of Business. I am likely going to major in Finance.

UT Austin would cost less than Notre Dame, and that is a significant factor. I’m STILL waiting to hear back from UT on financial aid, but I anticipate it will cost around 10-15k per year less than Notre Dame. My family would be willing to pay for some of the costs if I attend Notre Dame, but I would have to take out loans myself as well. If I choose UT Austin, my family would likely cover the cost.

After college, I would like to stay in Texas. As for my future, I am not sure as of yet what I want to do. I would love to have a career in a business-related career like consulting. At the same time, I might want to pursue law school after college. I’m honestly not sure yet, and that uncertainty is certainly playing into my decision.

Factors that draw me to Notre Dame are the community-based environment and the fact that it is an undergraduate-oriented school. I’ve been a Notre Dame fan ever since I was little and I would absolutely love to cheer on the Fighting Irish as a student. I think that Notre Dame would be a good fit. I loved the campus when I visited, and, as a Catholic, I would feel right at home. The weather would be a drawback. From what I’ve heard, parietals aren’t too great either.

Factors that draw me to Texas are obviously the price difference, and also the social scene. From what I’ve heard, Texas seems to be a more “fun” college. (Notre Dame students pls give your opinions) I wasn’t the most outgoing person in high school, but, I want to put more of an emphasis on my social life in college. Also, I’ve accumulated over 60 dual credit hours during high school. UT Austin would accept these hours while Notre Dame would not. When I visited UT Austin I didn’t get an amazing feeling like I got when I visited Notre Dame, but, BHP is an incredible program, especially for those who want to stay in Texas.

Please leave your opinions and comments below! Any help would be appreciated.

2

Depends upon the total cost difference per year.

Will UT-Austin allow you to graduate early based on the 60 dual credits earned ? If so, this would substantially reduce COA for Texas = more money for grad school.

Great options ! Why are Vanderbilt & Rice off your final list ? In my view, Vanderbilt offers a bit of Notre Dame & a bit of UT-Austin.

3

Thank you for your response! To answer your question, yes, the dual credit hours would allow me to graduate earlier if I wanted to. However, I want to have a 4-year undergraduate experience regardless. They would simply allow me to take fewer classes or more classes that I’m really interested in.

Rice is off my list simply based on fit and price. Vanderbilt gave me a good financial aid offer, so it took much more consideration. I chose to take Vanderbilt off my list because I didn’t have the chance to visit the school due to coronavirus, and I don’t think I can choose a school that I’ve never been to considering the other options I have. Also, they don’t have a business school, so I would have to major in economics.

4

Vanderbilt’s campus & location are superb. Students love Vanderbilt–although all 4 of your options are outstanding academically & socially.

Application of the dual credits at UT-Austin should enable you to double major.

Are you willing to share the annual COA (cost of attendance) for each school ? (Please include Vanderbilt as well as Notre Dame & Texas).

5

Yes, the total cost of Vanderbilt would be about 40k. Although I haven’t received financial aid info from UT yet, I anticipate it will be around 25-30k in total. I’m in the running for a scholarship at Notre Dame, which, if I get it, would make the total cost around 56k (without the scholarship it would be close to 80k). My parents are willing to pay around 30k for my college education.

6

I would focus on Vanderbilt University & on the Univ. of Texas at Austin BHP.

You won’t be disappointed by Vandy if willing to major in economics.

Texas is great, but might be a bit too close to home as you live in Dallas.