If you haven’t heard, there has been an influx of new residents to the great state of Texas over the last few years. Many of the people making Texas their new home have chosen to settle in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, also known as the Metroplex. Compared to other major U.S. cities, the cost of living in Dallas is quite affordable when you consider things like housing, transportation, and other costs. Since Dallas is a major economic hub, job opportunities in the area are plentiful. Another great thing about living in Dallas is that there is so much to do. From sporting events to concerts, museums and galleries to beautiful outdoor spaces, Dallas has a lot to offer. The benefits of living in Dallas hold true for students who choose to attend universities in the Dallas area. Read on to learn more about what to expect if you will be attending one of the universities in Dallas.
Get a great education. Two schools in the Dallas area—Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Texas Christian University (TCU)—rank in the top 100 national universities according to U.S. News and World Report. SMU offers hands-on research opportunities, small classes, international study, and innovative programs. It has eight different schools for studies at undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree levels. Located in Fort Worth, TCU offers a vibrant campus life and a program with a teacher-scholar model that focuses on professor-student connection in addition to conducting research and strong educational experiences. There are many other higher education institutions in the area, including UT Dallas, UT Arlington, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University that offer wide ranges of academic programs and highly qualified faculty. In addition to that, some of the universities in Dallas have access to some of the best research facilities in the world.
A land of opportunity. Because Dallas is an active participant in the booming Texas economy there are many great internship and job opportunities. Some of the largest employers in Dallas are banking companies like JPMorgan Chase & Co. as well as Bank of America. Insurance companies like Liberty Mutual and State Farm operate in the Dallas area, making insurance one of the fastest-growing industries. So many different industries are represented in Dallas because of companies that have relocated to Texas or expanded there. Defense, energy, technology, transportation, construction, and health are also among top hiring industries around Dallas. For just about any major, there are great companies in the Dallas area that depend on and hire from the educated workforce that comes from the local universities.
Connections. Attending and graduating from a university in Dallas makes you a part of something for life. The strong alumni network that many of the universities in Dallas have can provide students and recent university graduates with support, guidance, and networking. For students who are interning or getting work experience during their undergraduate years, this can be helpful for seeking out those opportunities. The social connection to an alumni network can offer a sense of community as well.
Budget friendly. Compared to other major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, Dallas is relatively affordable, which is quite appealing for college students on a budget. Off-campus housing will generally cost less, as will everyday expenses like food and transportation.
Mild climate. For college communities, great weather is such a benefit. Warm summers, mild winters, and beautiful falls and springs make Dallas a nice place to live and study. For students in Dallas, the mild weather affords opportunities like outdoor excursions, intramural sports, and attending some Horned Frogs (TCU) or Mustangs (SMU) football games.
Community options too. Collin County Community College District—also known as Collin College—in McKinney offers degrees and certificates in 17 different fields including liberal arts and sciences, business, management, and marketing.
Friendly faces. Texans are known for their warm, welcoming nature. There are lots of friendly neighborhoods around the DFW Metroplex as well. From Highland to University Park, Keller to Fairview, there are suburban towns surrounding Dallas and its universities. Fairview in particular has a small town feel with big city amenities. Living near college campuses can be invigorating and inspiring for a community.
Interested in learning more about the communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Living in a town like Fairview can give access to one of the largest and most educated workforces in the country. Attending a university in Dallas can offer you all of the great opportunities in the DFW area as a student, as a graduate, and even as a future workforce member or business owner.
The Fairview Economic Development Corporation (EDC) aims to develop and nurture a diverse, vibrant economy. Fairview EDC establishes and executes useful strategies in the recruitment of new businesses and supports the growth of existing businesses. Learn more about life in the DFW area and the town of Fairview or reach out by phone at 972-886-4222.