University of Texas at Austin or Arlington's Archi Program?

College Majors Architecture Major
1

<p>I live in the Dallas area and am a non-traditional student. I worked many years and then took the last five off to be with my very small children. I'm going nuts at home and just received a deafness tuition waiver, meaning that I can attend any public school in Texas for free (bachelors through Phd)! So, now I'm a student at University of Texas in Arlington and am enrolled in their architecture program. It takes an hour to drive each way and I have two kids under five, so it's quite a commitment. Thankfully I have help with my kids and my husband works from home. Otherwise, I'm sure it would be rather impossible.</p>

<p>My question is about staying at UT Arlington or potentially uprooting my entire family so that I could attend UT Austin, which is ranked #5 in the nation. By comparing the degree requirements of each school (and reputation), it seems clear that UT Austin is the way to go. It is clearly a more rigorous school. My question is "Is it worth moving my family to Austin to go to UT Austin"? Is UT Austin's education really that much better? </p>

<p>I know the degrees are different. UT Arlington offers a 4 + 2 M.Arch degree while UT Austin offers the 5 year B.Arch degree and then various masters degrees (including sustainable design). I really don't want this discussion to be about the difference in these degree plans. It is irrelevant to me because I will go on to get a masters and hopefully a Phd eventually (I mean it's free). Besides, it will take longer for me to complete the program simply because I'm not a traditional student and must balance my family with my education. </p>

<p>I simply cannot let my tuition waiver go to waste - especially if I can use it to pursue Architecture, which is something I read about and research as a hobby. I just want to make the right decision to get the most from this opportunity while also having a family. </p>

<p>Thanks for your advice!</p>

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<p>UT Austin and UTA are the two schools from which we recruit the most employees. Both are strong programs. The strength of the UT Austin program is in the quality of the students. It is a very selective program and they are getting HS students from the top of their classes. Even if a graduate does not have the best portfolio, they are invariably bright. It is also a great campus with access to the most resources in the state.</p>

<p>UT Arlington, as you know, is transforming itself from a commuter school, and it does not attract the caliber of students that UT Austin does. However they have always been able to produce outstanding graduates from the kids that they get. The best students from UTA have some of the strongest portfolios that we see, but the quality range is pretty wide. It also seems to go out of its way to attract non-traditional students, and many work part time while attending school. I have not seen those students while sitting on undergraduate juries at UT Austin. They all seemed like your typical 20 year old full time undergrads.</p>

<p>Either school will give you a good education. If you were coming out of high school I would suggest UT Austin, but with your situation I am not sure it will be worth the stress of moving to Austin.</p>

<p>rick</p>