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I have a full ride from Texas and I'd be paying sticker at Columbia. I estimate I would graduate from Columbia with around 200k in debt. I know beyond doubt I want to work in Houston or Dallas. I'm from Texas, and don't really like Austin that much.

I know these threads get created constantly, but my wife and I are at our wits' end trying to decide. I guess I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys have on what I am losing in terms of jobs, etc. by going to UT.

If you know that you want to work in Houston or Dallas, then Texas is the most logical choice. Add in the cost difference of $200,000 plus interest in debt & Texas becomes the only sane choice.

Texas. Without a doubt.

UT, definitey.

UT, no question. Whatever marginally better Houston/Dallas opportunities you might get at Columbia are not worth 200K debt. Not to mention that you would forsake UT's alumni network. Come to UT!

You're sure you want to work in Texas, so UT. Enjoy being near debt-free and making straight bank, dude.

Texas for sure.

Go to one of those loan repayment calculators and look at the difference in loan payments for those two schools. It will easily be over $1000/month. That is a crapload of money coming out of your pocket after taxes for marginally better job prospects.

Take the money at UT and don't look back. In three years you will have much less stress about your debt load than if you go to Columbia.

Texas, and buy a house instead. Or a second one if you already own one!

In your situation I'd definitely pick UT.

If he wanted to practice in NYC, would it be worth the debt to go to Columbia or would UT still be the better choice?

Thanks for your replies everyone! I guess I just needed to hear someone else tell me that I wasn't crazy for turning down Columbia.

thinkbig wrote:In your situation I'd definitely pick UT.

If he wanted to practice in NYC, would it be worth the debt to go to Columbia or would UT still be the better choice?

Probably Columbia, I imagine you would need really good grades at UT to get into NYC.

grrrstick wrote:

thinkbig wrote:In your situation I'd definitely pick UT.

If he wanted to practice in NYC, would it be worth the debt to go to Columbia or would UT still be the better choice?

Probably Columbia, I imagine you would need really good grades at UT to get into NYC.

Yeah, I would think so. But no, you are not crazy for turning down Columbia. In Houston and Dallas, probably UT = Columbia. Why pay sticker when in all likelihood your career opportunities should be the same?

grrrstick wrote:I know beyond doubt I want to work in Houston or Dallas.

Then for all intents and purposes UT=Yale. This is a non-decision.

Who doesn't like Austin?

1. You want to work in Texas.
2. You are married which means A. You could probably keep COL lower than most if your wife works and B. You are probably looking to start a family soon which means that 200k plus interest (which is a lot on that) is the cost of a nice home in the cities you listed

Additional stuff that is a distant third to the factors listed above in my opinion

If you got into Columbia I would feel confident in your ability to do well at Texas. Sounds like you're a smart guy
If you're a Texas guy you might not like NYC, or your wife may not. It's a very unique animal and certainly not for everyone. She might also have trouble finding work as the job market in NYC is crazy.

I vote for Texas. Congrats on having this awesome decision. I'm very jealous

EDIT: I just saw you "dont like Austin" what don't you like? You might HATE NYC

DerrickRose wrote:

grrrstick wrote:I know beyond doubt I want to work in Houston or Dallas.

Then for all intents and purposes UT=Yale. This is a non-decision.

Who doesn't like Austin?

Well, if OP wants Houston or Dallas, it actually makes his life easier. There aren't enough jobs in Austin for all the UT grads who want to stay here.

Esc wrote:

DerrickRose wrote:

grrrstick wrote:I know beyond doubt I want to work in Houston or Dallas.

Then for all intents and purposes UT=Yale. This is a non-decision.

Who doesn't like Austin?

Well, if OP wants Houston or Dallas, it actually makes his life easier. There aren't enough jobs in Austin for all the UT grads who want to stay here.

Nothing against Austin or its lovely people, just a little too much hipster nonsense sometimes. I wouldn't be upset to have to live there, its still nicer than the vast majority of places I've lived. Plus, you can't beat floating down that lazy river with a beer cooler tied to your inter-tube.

I don't think any school so fully dominates its own state like Texas does. Since you want to stay there, go there and enjoy not having much debt!

DerrickRose wrote:

grrrstick wrote:I know beyond doubt I want to work in Houston or Dallas.

Then for all intents and purposes UT=Yale. This is a non-decision.

Who doesn't like Austin?

Inorite?! Granted the hipsters can be overwhelming at times - like when I'm late to class because a boat-load of fixies are clogging the streets.

grrrstick wrote:Thanks for your replies everyone! I guess I just needed to hear someone else tell me that I wasn't crazy for turning down Columbia.

I go to Columbia. I love Columbia. I'm a huge booster for Columbia. But for you, UT is clearly the perfect fit.

Depends on who's footing the bill. If you want HOU or DAL and you're sure, then take UT without a doubt. And the money you save not paying back student loans can go to buying a house or something.

In your case, id definitely go w/ UT. though im hearing some horror stories about employment prospects coming out of UT ITE (even though TX has fared the recent recession really well relative to the rest of the country)...but most posters are prob right in that even if CLS gave you a bump, it wouldnt nearly be a big enough one to justify moving your family to a tougher market city and taking on $200k in debt!

motiontodismiss wrote:Depends on who's footing the bill.

he's married so im assuming not his parents? lol

DoubleChecks wrote:

motiontodismiss wrote:Depends on who's footing the bill.

he's married so im assuming not his parents? lol

lol, for all I care, he could have a trust fund or something, or grandparents/parents with their checkbooks ready....

motiontodismiss wrote:

DoubleChecks wrote:

motiontodismiss wrote:Depends on who's footing the bill.

he's married so im assuming not his parents? lol

lol, for all I care, he could have a trust fund or something, or grandparents/parents with their checkbooks ready....

haha even so, it isnt like thats free money...200k for slightly better prospects in the cities he wants to work in? hmz

DoubleChecks wrote:

motiontodismiss wrote:

DoubleChecks wrote:

motiontodismiss wrote:Depends on who's footing the bill.

he's married so im assuming not his parents? lol

lol, for all I care, he could have a trust fund or something, or grandparents/parents with their checkbooks ready....

haha even so, it isnt like thats free money...200k for slightly better prospects in the cities he wants to work in? hmz

lol. Hey, if the guy's the sole heir to the Berkshire Hathaway or something, $200k is nothing. In that case, $200k is worth if just in case he changes his mind between now and OCI.