<p>I'm trying to figure out whether I should go to UT or UTD and am at a total loss. UTD's offering me a full ride plus an additional $4000/semester. On the other hand, UT is offering.... pretty much nothing. I'm getting loans, to the tune of almost $100k when all is said and done after 4 years. Yeah, yikes.</p>
<p>It probably seems like a no-brainer to go with UTD, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. I've been living around the area almost my whole life and, honestly, I just feel like I need to get away from Dallas. From what I understand, UT is more nationally recognized than UTD, so would I have a better chance of getting a job outside of state (or heck, even outside the Dallas area) if I went to UT? And if I remained in Dallas-- would my job prospects be better if I went to UT or UTD?
As far as major goes I'm leaning slightly (emphasis on slightly) towards something related to engineering or computer science. With that being said, I have a passion of sorts for psychology, but considering how little pay goes into that field unless you get a PhD or go to med school... I don't think I could go with psychology as major. And I'm not sure if I have a passion for much of anything else.</p>
<p>Finally, there's the issue of me being unsure about the environment of each school. I've visited both campuses, and from my personal impressions plus what I've heard, it seems that UT is more fun and "extroverted" of an experience than UTD-- is that true? I myself have always been kind of narrow-minded when it comes to meeting new people and <em>shock gasp horror</em> making new friends, so I'm not sure how easy it'll be for me to adjust to a school as big as UT. Anyone have any thoughts on this?</p>
<p>@texaspg I have applied for financial aid-- that is where the loans are coming form.</p>
<p>One of my biggest concerns is if I decide to move out of state. I know UTD is fairly reputable in Texas, but compared to UT it just doesn’t seem to have as much national recognition. That’s the gist I’ve gotten out of the research I’ve done anyway-- would you say that it’s true? If I could get a nice job in a completely different state with a degree from UTD it would definitely help me make a decision, but again, from what I’ve heard and read I’m not sure how I could do that since UTD doesn’t seem to be much of a name outside of Texas.</p>
<p>Go to UTD for free. I understand your desire to get away from the area. I lived it - grew up in B/CS, went to A&M because we couldn’t afford for me to go away to school. UT is a great school but not worth going into $100k of debt at your age when you have a great alternative. It’s not where you start, it’s where you end up. If you’re passionate about psych, follow it. There are more options out there than your 18yo perspective can really understand. I was also a psych major, so I know of whence I speak. Regardless, you’ll have more options open to you if you’re not saddled with 100k of debt.</p>
<p>I’m a proponent of UT-Austin but no way is it worth a $100K premium. $30-40K maybe. Do UT-D, hustle hard on internships/jobs and make your way out of there. You could even do a master’s later if you struggle getting a job out of Dallas. </p>