<p>I've yet to find out what, exactly, is the University of Hartford's reputation? Party school, high standards, rich kid haven, overrated, etc. etc.? And how did the school get such a reputation? What have you heard about UHa? What are its pros and cons?</p>
<p>Thank you :)</p>
<p>University of Hartford has a nationally recognized conservatory level school of music in the Hartt School. My son is a May '07 graduate, BM summa cum laude, in viola performance.</p>
<p>If I recall correctly, the rankings I've seen place it in tier 3, and they consistently seem to better their rankings.</p>
<p>Besides Hartt with its major reputation, they have solid programs in the Barney School of Business, and the Ward College of Technology. They also have a very well regarded nursing program.</p>
<p>From a party-school atmosphere, I'd say no better or worse than many. </p>
<p>The facilities in general are decent. Freshman dorms have been gutted and redone over the last two years; a new upperclass dorm is opening this fall, and they have broken ground on a new performing arts complex with some portions to be open and useable in fall '08.</p>
<p>Campus food is acceptable, nothing special. Aramark is the food service supplier.</p>
<p>It's a suburban campus in West Hartford in a residential neighborhood, about a mile or so from a less than desireable area of Hartford proper (and about the same distance from the govenor's mansion).</p>
<p>Safety issues- a few thefts of vehicles over the last year, a few dorm burgurlaries, and one dischage of a firearm in a dorm (sibling of a student responsible).</p>
<p>We found them fairly generous with merit (talent) aid with my son. He was a solid student with good stats. If he had chosen another path other than music, I doubt however that Hartford would have been on the shortlist.</p>
<p>My son recently got accepted to Hartford and was offered $10,000 a yr to do engineering. I have not heard much about the engineering program there. Does anyone out there know anything?</p>
<p>DH is a UHart engineering grad (electrical engineering). The engineering program is a well respected one. When DH went there (he graduated in '85), he participated in a coop program his last two years...worked one term, went to school one term. It was excellent and paved the way for his future employment (as well as paying the college bills!!). In addition to the day students, there are many students who attend evening classes to obtain degrees. Now that DH has been in the field for 20+ years, he says that their students are well prepared for the workforce. We have a friend whose son is an engineering major there now and he is very happy there.</p>
<p>jazzydancer, for engineering, also look at Florida Institute of Technology. Another small private, generous with FA and very good merit scholarships. Worth looking, at least.</p>