UCLA ($$) or Texas ($$)? Forum

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[KG_CalGuy]

So, I have narrowed my decision down to UCLA and Texas. Tuition at both is equal, and even though COL is higher in LA, I have been guaranteed first year housing at Weyburn, right next to campus, which is very nice and reasonably priced.

I have visited both schools, and I loved certain parts of Los Angeles, though certain areas were definitely not so nice. The area around UCLA, however, is wonderful, so that is a plus. Austin is a nice enough city, but the rest of Texas does not enthuse me at all.

Ultimately I would like to work in NYC, but if I can't, I would be much happier working in Southern California than in Texas. Around 65% of Texas grads work in Texas, and (I think) 70% of UCLA grads work in Southern California. Both degrees seem equally portable nationally.

I think I would enjoy Los Angeles more, but I can see it being a lonely city in many ways.

Texas has a far better economic outlook than California, and Texas is definitely the safer choice (lower COL, better job prospects due to the growing state economy), but I don't know if I just want to be safe.

Suggestions?

Full disclosure: I'm from Southern CA and I would never want to live in Texas.

I doubt that either school has an "edge" in NYC, that's going to depend on you working aggressively to gain connections to the market. If you think you'd be happier in LA go to LA unless the money offered at Texas is substantially more (i.e., 20k+ than UCLA).

Also, while LA can be a lonely city, I don't think you'll have any problems with that in Westwood. I've been to UCLA many times to visit friends in undergrad, and there is always an active social scene. Plus, you're going to spending a lot of time in the law library with law students anyway, so you'll have at least some forced interaction.

However, you are right in pointing out CA's fragile economic situation... I'm not sure if that makes a huge difference though.

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[tx1987]

So, I have narrowed my decision down to UCLA and Texas. Tuition at both is equal, and even though COL is higher in LA, I have been guaranteed first year housing at Weyburn, right next to campus, which is very nice and reasonably priced.

I have visited both schools, and I loved certain parts of Los Angeles, though certain areas were definitely not so nice. The area around UCLA, however, is wonderful, so that is a plus. Austin is a nice enough city, but the rest of Texas does not enthuse me at all.

Ultimately I would like to work in NYC, but if I can't, I would be much happier working in Southern California than in Texas. Around 65% of Texas grads work in Texas, and (I think) 70% of UCLA grads work in Southern California. Both degrees seem equally portable nationally.

I think I would enjoy Los Angeles more, but I can see it being a lonely city in many ways.

Texas has a far better economic outlook than California, and Texas is definitely the safer choice (lower COL, better job prospects due to the growing state economy), but I don't know if I just want to be safe.

Suggestions?

Full disclosure: I'm from Southern CA and I would never want to live in Texas.

I doubt that either school has an "edge" in NYC, that's going to depend on you working aggressively to gain connections to the market. If you think you'd be happier in LA go to LA unless the money offered at Texas is substantially more (i.e., 20k+ than UCLA).

Also, while LA can be a lonely city, I don't think you'll have any problems with that in Westwood. I've been to UCLA many times to visit friends in undergrad, and there is always an active social scene. Plus, you're going to spending a lot of time in the law library with law students anyway, so you'll have at least some forced interaction.

However, you are right in pointing out CA's fragile economic situation... I'm not sure if that makes a huge difference though.

Very helpful! Thanks.

I went to UT for undergrad and, honestly, there is nothing like Austin. This city is amazing and very, very different from the rest of Texas. I am trying to decide between Pepperdine and U of H right now and, while the thought of moving back home to Houston makes me shudder, if I got off the WL and into UT law, I'd have a very hard time turning it down. You are very right about Texas and Cali's economy and that also makes me nervous about leaving TX. The only reason I'm even thinking about moving out of Austin is because I've lived in Texas my whole life and I want to experience something new. There is a reason why a large percentage of the folks who come to school in Austin want to stay here. It's an amazing city with so many amazing, open-minded people with warm hearts. Plus, the Mexican food here is to die for and the tailgates/football games are awesome! There's a reason why so much pride comes with being a Longhorn - I'm just sayin'.

That being said (a Texan always has to put in a good word for her "country"), it really seems like you WANT to go to UCLA rather than Texas. Go to the place you'd be happier, if everything else seems equal.

[one&only]

To screw with you, they are no tied in the USNR.

[Applicant2010]

Where do you live now? Not sure if your Texas $ includes NRTE, but it is easier to establish residency in Texas than UCLA, which could substantially decrease tuition for 2L & 3L.

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[hoyas2010]

Where do you live now? Not sure if your Texas $ includes NRTE, but it is easier to establish residency in Texas than UCLA, which could substantially decrease tuition for 2L & 3L.

Texas did give me NRTE as part of my scholarship, while UCLA just gave me cash. So, if I were able to establish California residency (which I hear is very hard), that would actually make UCLA cheaper than Texas. As it is, they both cost around 21 thousand a year (with NRTE at Texas, and OOS at UCLA).

I am from Oklahoma, so part of my desire to go to California stems from the idea that it would be nice to experience something new. However, I wouldn't be that far from family if I went to UT.

I am actually in a similar situation as you, but I received $$ from UT and have yet to hear from UCLA about matching. UCLA's website says, however, that most students establish CA residency after the first year, which would decrease your tuition by something like $10k a year. I wanted to get you the link that says that but their site is down at the moment. Good luck!

[zanyventer]

texas will be much cheaper in the long run... the uc's are jacking up their tuition over the next few years to the point where you'll still be paying nearly out of state rates even if you do establish residency. also, i'm texas born and bred, so i don't understand the hatred outsiders have for the rest of texas like houston and dallas. that being said, i visited ut law and didn't like it. how did you feel about the schools? i would base your decision on that because that's where you'll spend most of your time. i think los angeles and austin each have their own merits so i think it's pretty much a wash.

[hoyas2010]

"To establish residence the student must be physically present in California for more than one year and must have come here with the intent to make California his or her home. Physical presence California solely for educational purposes does not constitute the establishment of California residence, regardless of the length of stay."

"You must demonstrate intent to make California your home by severing residential ties with your former state of residence and establishing those ties with California shortly after arrival."

While these sound stringent I have heard numerous times that people are granted residency after their first year. I think simply getting a CA drivers license suffices to show intent (not positive on this though).

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[Applicant2010]

Where do you live now? Not sure if your Texas $ includes NRTE, but it is easier to establish residency in Texas than UCLA, which could substantially decrease tuition for 2L & 3L.

Texas did give me NRTE as part of my scholarship, while UCLA just gave me cash. So, if I were able to establish California residency (which I hear is very hard), that would actually make UCLA cheaper than Texas. As it is, they both cost around 21 thousand a year (with NRTE at Texas, and OOS at UCLA).

I am from Oklahoma, so part of my desire to go to California stems from the idea that it would be nice to experience something new. However, I wouldn't be that far from family if I went to UT.

So 1) the schools will cost the same in tuition, 2) establishing CA residency will offset COA differences, and 3) you seem to want UCLA. You will be close to family at UT, but the drive from Austin to Oklahoma is longer than your flight from LAX to OKC. Sounds like an easy choice for UCLA.

[de5igual]

To screw with you, they are no tied in the USNR.

well, they've been more or less tied for the past 20 years, so that's not adding anything new

to OP: seems like you really want the change of scenery, and so I vote UCLA (even though I'll be at UT next year)

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[tx1987]

My final decision has been made. I deposited at Texas. The deciding factor was that UCLA in-state tuition has jumped over $5,000 between last year and this year (it is now $40,634), and it and the OOS costs may continue to rise in the future.
Thanks for everyone's help!

Wow, congratulations! You'll love Austin!

[Jericwithers]

Good decision, UCLA's tuition for someone going in out of state and gaining residency will be $50k, $45k, $50k.

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[Jericwithers]

Good decision, UCLA's tuition for someone going in out of state and gaining residency will be $50k, $45k, $50k.

Yeah, seriously, that seems a little insane. The fact that they don't have capped tuition increases bothered me.

Neither does Texas, lol.

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[Jericwithers]

Good decision, UCLA's tuition for someone going in out of state and gaining residency will be $50k, $45k, $50k.

Yeah, seriously, that seems a little insane. The fact that they don't have capped tuition increases bothered me.

Neither does Texas, lol.

Right, but Texas has a recommended increase of no more than 5% per year.

UCLA's $5k increases are the recommended %s as well. If Texas has some financial problems they won't hesitate to increase tuition whatever is needed (doubtful the state would increase funding).

[gmichaelbluth]

My final decision has been made. I deposited at Texas. The deciding factor was that UCLA in-state tuition has jumped over $5,000 between last year and this year (it is now $40,634), and it and the OOS costs may continue to rise in the future.
Thanks for everyone's help!

Ha, congrats man! See you in the fall.

[Applicant2010]

UCLA's $5k increases are the recommended %s as well. If Texas has some financial problems they won't hesitate to increase tuition whatever is needed (doubtful the state would increase funding).

True, but the difference is California's problems are $35 billion more costly than those in Texas.

http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Sta ... _2009-2010

[hotdog123]

UCLA's $5k increases are the recommended %s as well. If Texas has some financial problems they won't hesitate to increase tuition whatever is needed (doubtful the state would increase funding).

True, but the difference is California's problems are $35 billion more costly than those in Texas.

http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Sta ... _2009-2010

Winner winner, chicken dinner.

Texas seems a lot less eager to kill it's golden goose, whereas California....