So I know this has been discussed about 100 times but I want some new opinions because most of them are super biased. How much better is UT really than A&M. I am OOS and got into the engineering programs at both schools but because I am OOS there is some massive price differences. At A&M I will be paying around $5k a year for tuition vs at UT I predict I will be paying about $40k per year as I would not qualify for any need based aid. There is a small chance that I would get an OOS tuition waiver at UT but I know there is a really small number of them for Cockrell students. Is it worth it for me to pay that much more to go to UT? Also to note I would be doing chemical engineering and would be working for an oil company in Texas after college. I have no desire to live anywhere but Texas. What is the public opinion in Texas between the two schools especially in engineering
Here is the math version of the answer:
By your own math, you’ll be paying 140,000 more at UT. How much more do you think an employer will pay you because you went to UT?
Here is what UT reports:
http://www.engr.utexas.edu/ecac/salaries
Here is what A&M reports:
http://moses.tamu.edu/ccsurveyreports/SSResults.aspx
This data is self reported by those who got jobs so it is not perfect and could even be BAD, but the median salary for Chem E from UT is 74,000 and the median from A&M is 81,000. The max is 108,000 at UT and 105,000 at A&M. The low at UT is 45,000 and A&M is 40,000.
The range is tighter at A&M but the median is higher.
I’d use the median (but that would say go to A&M) but let’s use the high since UT is higher than A&M. At 3,000 per year, it would take you how many years to make up 140,000?
That is the math anyway.
@jarededberg Since your goal is to work in the oil business after graduation, according to my dad who works for Chevron all the major oil companies equally recruit A&M and UT engineering graduates. As @gettingschooled notes the math is very compelling to go to A&M. Do note however that at UT you are admitted for Chemical Engineering. At A&M you are in Engineering and will have to apply to Chemical sometime after your first or second semester. Since you are an OOS and already accepted to both I am guessing you are an outstanding student so getting into Chemical at A&M will probably not be an issue.
Go for whoever give you the most money. My Daughter graduated from UT Austin last year and got 27K a year job, and also now started paying down 60K loan. Good Luck…