These days, when Texas is mentioned, people say, "There are many jobs and many opportunities." To some extent, that's true.

However, for recent graduates entering the job market, it's still not easy.

Living in Dallas, I feel that while companies keep coming in, the competition for entry-level positions is getting tougher, and the days when a degree alone could solve everything seem to be over.

So, choosing a school based solely on its name is becoming a harsh reality.

In that situation, if you go a little north, you'll find the University of North Texas, commonly referred to as UNT.

It's about a 40-50 minute drive from Dallas, roughly 38 miles. While its location may seem ambiguous, it surprisingly keeps coming up as a choice.

The reason is simple. It's large, relatively affordable, and feels like it pushes you in a "useful" direction.

It has over 40,000 students, making it quite large even for Texas. This type of school has a characteristic: those who excel grab many opportunities, while others quietly fade away.

UNT follows that structure. However, the programs themselves are quite practical. Especially in music, it is genuinely recognized. The UNT College of Music is nearly top-tier nationally in jazz. This is already well-known in the industry. Among Korean students in music, the saying "If it's music in Texas, it's UNT" didn't come from nowhere.

Besides music, there are programs in business, design, education, and engineering. The G. Brint Ryan College of Business has a decent reputation in accounting.

Of course, it's not Ivy League level, but in terms of job connections, it's a pretty realistic option.

In today's market, this is more important. Actual job prospects matter more than just a name.

We can't ignore the tuition. For Texas residents, it's about $10,000 a year.

Considering college tuition in the U.S. these days, that's almost a "realistic price."

If you go to a private university like SMU, the numbers alone are burdensome.

UNT at least allows you to "graduate with less debt."

There are also a decent number of scholarships, and the Texas Top 10% automatic admission policy lowers the entry barrier.

The atmosphere in Denton is quite unique. It's not as hectic as Dallas, but it's not completely rural either.

There are plenty of cafes, live music, and vintage shops, giving it a strong college town vibe.

Honestly, after living in Dallas, you definitely feel a sense of "relaxation" when you go there.

However, whether that relaxation helps when it comes to employment is another question. Ultimately, internships and networking often require you to come back down to Dallas.

Transportation is better than expected. It's located between I-35E and I-35W, making it easy to travel by car, and taking the A-Train connects you to DART, leading to Dallas.

Theoretically, commuting is possible.

There is at least a small Korean community. There are Korean student associations and church gatherings.

You don't feel completely isolated. However, if you expect the scale of the Korean community in Dallas, it's a bit quieter.

UNT is not a "flashy school." Instead, it's a "survivable school." You can reduce tuition burdens, choose practical majors, and if you work hard, paths will open up.

However, looking at the job market these days, how you prepared is more important than where you come from.

UNT does provide opportunities. But turning those into results ultimately depends on the individual. I believe this holds true in Texas as well.