The University of Cincinnati

Date: Jun 11 2010
Major: Architecture (This Major's Salary over time)
I find it very interesting those that downgrade their experience at UC because my experience for both undergrad and grad school was exceptionally educational. I do not think it would have been possible for me to come out of any other school more prepared than I did coming out of UC. It must simply be that education is what you make it, but I do find that those I graduated with are also doing well in our chosen field so some of it must be that UC's Architecture programs are just that good. In a profession that requires an individual to complete a multiyear internship and pass 9 (recently changed to 7) exams, I was able to do so in almost record time due to the thoroughness with which I was prepared at UC. I was also able to jump right into work life with hardly any learning curve.

On a note outside of academics, the campus is absolutely wonderful now that they have completed a majority of the construction. It was actually named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world recently. The city of Cincinnati itself is culturally diverse and has a wealth of options for R&R and/or urban exploration. Again, it is what you make it, but I have found that those that delve into what Cincinnati has to offer fall in love with it. As for the issue of crime that some individuals try to make a bigger concern than what it actually is, if one is simply aware of their surroundings, then in most cases they will be fine. In my experience, living a sheltered life or being ignorant of how to live in such an urban context is usually what causes the most problems for people. But then again, I love the urban fabric that surrounds an individual while at UC.

Athletics at UC are great as well. And while there used to be problems with the men's basketball program academically, it has gotten much better. The UC football program on the other hand has for a great while been very good academically compared to other universities (higher grad rate, combined GPA, etc.). In addition to that, the football program is definitely on the rise athletically having just won back to back Big East titles.
For reference: BS Arch '04 (program ranked #2 in the country at the time) and MArch '06 (program ranked #1 in the country at the time)
I would definitely recommend UC to HS students wanting a complete education (both academic and social/cultural).