Texas Monthly College Guide
A 2008 Guide to Top Colleges and Universities in the Lone Star State
A review of the 2008 Edition of the Texas College Guide, providing tuition, campus life, top 65 school profiles, fast facts, and the latest in cool college dorm products.
Thinking of attending a Texas college or university? Each year Texas Monthly publishes a comprehensive college guide for parents and students to help with this important decision making. The 2008 issue is packed with valuable information, including profiles of 65 top Texas schools, as well as information on managing tuition costs and even a look at some "Cool Campus" items.
College Tuition Survival Guide
With public colleges and universities in Texas costing an average of $5,836 a year, and private schools averaging $22,218, tuition is usually a major factor as students consider which schools to attend. This article does a good job of presenting college funding as having a variety of possible sources, focusing not only on personal savings, but also the process of acquiring scholarships, financial aid, and loans.
Profiles of 65 Top Texas Schools
Each profile includes a photo, the team name, address, telephone number and web address for quick contact. A good narrative profile for each school is given , including both undergraduate and graduate information. Entertainment, events, and the role of the school in the community are also presented. Two major facts included for each profile are points of distinction, and the undergraduate enrollment count. Texas A&M's point of distinction, for example, is that it was the first public institution of higher learning in Texas, opening in 1876.
Fast Facts
A great addition to the publication is a pull-out section comparing all of the colleges and universities on a grid. Facts include the following:
- In and out of state tuition per semester hour
- Yearly room and board cost
- Student/teacher ratio
- Undergraduate enrollment
- # Students on Financial Aid
- Median ACT score
- # Minority students and International students
- # Full time faculty
- Male/female ratio
- Greek system
- % Students who live on campus
- % Students who graduate in 4 years
- % Students who graduate overall
- % Freshmen who Return
- # Alumni who give $$$ to school
Cool Campus Items
After selecting the best match for your education, you can check out the latest goods for decorating your dorm room. Products include brief description, cost and web site for ordering.
Summary
So, if you are considering continuing your education in Texas, this guide is the place to start. If you would like more information on ways to get financial help for college, see this financial aid site.
