I have recently been admitted to both schools. Cost is not an issue. I am oos for both but will be using VA benefits. All opinions welcome. Thank you for the help.
I’d visit both and see which you like better. Go to an admitted student program, and pay attention to the veteran support services too. Visit the schools, meet the dean and professors, see what you think. UM is higher ranked than UT but it might not be the right choice for you.
Ann Arbor is a much smaller city than Austin. You will have more of a college experience in AA. The UM campus more integrated with the town, and is spread out. Ann Arbor has much better (reasonable) food choices near the campus. The surrounding area is not as run down either. Austin has the capital and tech companies, Ann Arbor has some tech but the university is the focus of the town.
Both campuses are sports crazy. UT football isn’t doing so well, Michigan has Harbaugh. AA campus is older and has more of a college feel, with many buildings constructed between 1890-1930. Friendly people in both towns, but I’d give the nod to Austin.
Ann Arbor is cold, Austin temperate in the winter. You’ll have more outdoor time in Austin. On the other hand, you can go sledding and cross country skiing in AA.
Check into housing options. As an older student you may not want to live in dorms. Options are co-ops, apartments, greek houses, specialized housing and non-conventional arrangements.
Culturally, Austin has an amazing music and bar scene. AA is smaller, but also excellent. Both can be party schools.
There are far more OOS and international students in Ann Arbor. UT is more Texas focused.
The VA in Ann Arbor is pretty good with many shared resources and staff with the UM Medical system. It is located across the street from the UM north campus and is on the university and city bus system (buses are free to students). Michigan is very supportive of vets, a vet (from WWII to Afghanistan) is honored at every major sports event. It’s on the mind of everyone. I don’t know the specifics for UT, but they are also supportive.
If it were me, I’d pick Ann Arbor. I found the Austin campus a little to large to navigate, more crowded and the heat oppressive.
^ I’m surprised that you found UT too large. The Austin campus is rather small in acreage…only about 450 acres. I agree that it would crowded because it has so many students in a rather small space.
The Austin campus is large compared to Ann Arbor. Michigan’s central campus is only about 40 acres and is pedestrian-only. The north campus is considerably larger but most classes are held within a 10 min walk. I agree that for whatever reason Austin feels a lot more crowded.