I get that. I am completing a postbac right now and I’m really glad to have done it because I became much more sure about my interest in the field, but it also feels very much like an undergraduate experience. I think that the way UTD incorporates the things ASHA requires all graduates to take is really impressive, and an extra year at UIUC taking those classes might feel a bit like drudgery until you get to do clinical work. I don’t know! It is also a lot to take it... maybe three years is helpful? My favorite things about the UTD program are that the students and faculty say that it is pretty “low-stress” compared to other programs, many students have part time jobs (according to forums), it is supposedly a really friendly program, and we get to choose our own program basically! I think that is AMAZING.
Financially... you should choose UIUC. But if you don’t have debt from your undergrad and you are willing to go 70k in debt for this masters, then DO IT!
Come to UTD with me! Haha ?
Have you been to Dallas much? I confess I have never been, and I’m worried it’s really dry and boring. What was your experience there?