UTA vs. TCU vs. UT

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am a high school senior residing in Texas currently trying to choose between the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Christian University, and the University of Texas at Austin. I will major in history. After graduation I am uncertain about rather I will attend law school or get my PhD in history and become a professor, but graduate school is certainly in my future. </p>

<pre><code> I have already been accepted to the latter two schools and know I will gain admittance to UT-Arlington because Texas has a rule that those in the top 10% of their high school graduating class (which I am) cannot be refused at any public school (except UT-Austin where it is top 8%). UT-Arlington is by far the cheapest option, and that is even before tabulating the substantial scholarship awards I stand an excellent chance of receiving. TCU has given me a $42,000 scholarship which though generous still makes it cost about the same as UT-Austin, and that's provided I live at home (I live in the DFW area and could easily commute to either UTA or TCU from home.) However I would very much like to move out and share an apartment with my best friend who also plans on attending UT- Arlington. Honestly UT-Austin is a very dim third at this point because I would really like to stay in the DFW area. But I know it is a great school with tremendous resources so I'm not ready to entirely discount it just yet.

So I guess what I'm asking is is the substantial extra cost of TCU worth it? With support from family I think I could probably end up assuming debts around $40,000-$50,000 to cover tutition. That's compared to around $20,000 for UT-Arlington, if it turns out to be even that much. I would have to pay my share of the apartment myself through a job, with perhaps a small stipend from family, (money that could admittedly be used to cover tutition costs) but I think it would be worth it. I expect very little need-based aid if any because my parents make nearly 100k annually and we also have sizeable land assets (though I do have two younger siblings). Of course the decision is ultimately mine and mine alone, but any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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2

<p>As much as I would like to say, “Go to TCU,” No school is worth that much debt.
My son is a senior at TCU. He went with scholarship money and was an RA to cover the room and board for two of his four years. He has really liked TCU and feels like he got a good education.
As a parent, I would counsel not to get into so much debt for undergraduate,not even to such a great school as TCU. It will only weigh you down as you go on to grad school and on to the rest of your life.
I went to a public undergrad in FL (FIU) because I was in the top ten in my class. It was great to graduate with zero debt.
Good luck to you!</p>

3

<p>I’m a senior in Texas, too. I had a similar situation deciding between UT Dallas and UT Arlington (Austin was just TOO big). UT Dallas was so great for me personality wise and had a strong Biology program, but w/ the scholarship I got, I’d end up w/ $50,000 in debt after 4 years. At UTA though, it’s going to be $30,000 at the most (including estimated room and board costs for 4 yrs.)
But, I’m looking to go to med school, so I want to start off with the least amount of debt as possible. UTA surely provides that. They have pretty good scholarships.
And even though my dad went to TCU, and loved it, I think I’ll pass. He even advised me to go to UTA to avoid all the debt he encountered from going to TCU.</p>