UT Dallas on a full ride vs. UT Austin's Moody College of Communications prestige

State Forums
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Hi! Class of 2017 Houstonian here. I’ve sifted through countless “UT versus UTD” threads but none of them have really helped me come to a decision.

I’ve been accepted into both UT Dallas (Emerging Media & Communications major)'s Collegium V Honors Program and UT Austin (Journalism major).

I’m also a National Merit Finalist– UT Dallas offers “complete coverage of UT Dallas tuition and mandatory fees for eight semesters, a $4,000 per semester cash stipend to defray the costs of books, supplies, and other expenses, a $1,500 per semester housing stipend for students living on campus, and a one-time award of up to $6,000 for an international study abroad program after completion of two academic years in residence.”
-----The total estimated value of this scholarship is, over four academic years, $100,000 for in-state students.

I recently visited UT Austin and fell in love. UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication is one of the most comprehensive communication colleges in the country, and its School of Journalism boasts the highest graduation/retention rate among all the other departments on campus. The School of Journalism is also one of the smallest departments, so I wouldn’t have to worry too much about class sizes being too large for my taste.

Obviously this is a super difficult choice for me. I’d really appreciate it if alumni, current students, or parents could help weigh in. I’ve created a small list of pros/cons to help me decide but it’s really gotten me nowhere:

UT Dallas

PROS: I’d have money for grad school & wouldn’t have to deal with student loans/debt, great dorms, small class sizes, inclusion into the Collegium V Honors program

CONS: Lack of school pride, lack of recognition, lackluster student life, UT Dallas doesn’t have a Journalism or Communications major

UT Austin

PROS: School pride, a football team, great social life, Austin is a fantastic city, employers recognize the school, tons of student organizations, a majority of my friends will be attending, (and though I wouldn’t be in the honors program as a freshman,) I’d still be able to apply for Honors later in the College of Journalism

CONS: Dorm situation is pretty mediocre, I’d have less money for grad school, large student body means more difficulty accessing resources (?), studying abroad isn’t guaranteed

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Wow you have a really difficult decision to make. I can tell you really want to go to UT and I can’t same I blame you. It appears you really want that classic college experience. Having said this walking away from 100k is not easy. Being debt free after college is a huge advantage. Since your going to grad school the prestige thing is a wash. For me it would boil down to family finances. If UT is not a burden for your family then it should be considered. If finances are a issue…it would be hard to turn away UTD with that kind of financial pkg. Best of luck to you.

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If you are sure you are going to grad school, let that school be the prestigious one, not your undergrad. Can you undergrad at UTD and apply to UT for Grad?

4

If you can afford it, go UT. I live near the UTD area and believe me, it sucks a lot.

Going to UTD is actually a joke often told in school because of it’s poor prestige and stats.

5

@RMNiMiTz UTD is actually quite good and doesn’t have “poor prestige.” In fact, it’s one of the better satellite UT campuses.

You definitely have a tough decision to make. UTD is a solid choice and with that financial aid package it’s tough to turn down. UT has a great communications program although. I know you’ll make the right decision. Best of luck.

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@newrecruit

It depends on what you measure it by. It is probably the best UT satellite but it is nowhere near “quite good”.

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@RMNiMiTz
I know two close family friends who graduated from UTD and are now employed with highly paid jobs. I don’t know what makes you say it’s not “quite good”. If you are talking about college life, then maybe since it’s a commuter school and there is not much school pride. But academically, i strongly believe it’s a really good school and it’s financial aid offers are really helpful to those who can’t afford college that easily. And you should take into account how quickly it has transformed into a good school provided it started off most late compared to most other texas colleges that are well known.

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My advice is to do UTD undergrad and go to UT Austin for grad school, this is the path I’m suggesting my son take.

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@AHS17

That’s more the individuals, not the school. If a person is hardworking and intelligent, the effects of college differences begin to diminish.

Right, but if you can afford it, UT is probably better.

It has transformed very well and has a respectable grad program but it still leaves much to be desired compared to the better Texas state schools.

10

Very interesting! :wink:

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As a parent, and as a college student many years ago, I understand the desire to have the full college experience and to attend your dream school - even if it means turning down scholarships. My daughter did this and is enjoying her freshman year at her dream school. Since you are considering attending grad school, this may not matter, but as an employee of a television station in Texas, I can tell you that I have seen employees hired from just about every school in Texas. Prestige is not really considered - experience is what counts. So if there is a chance you will not go to grad school, I would also consider which school will give you the most opportunities to get experience (job shadowing, internships, school newspaper, etc). I have more to add, but it may not be relevant to the career path you plan to take.