Arlington is surprisingly a college town with a solid educational infrastructure.

For families considering a move to the DFW area, adult students looking to switch majors, or Korean families preparing for college in the U.S., it's essential to know about the universities around Arlington.

The most prominent school is the University of Texas at Arlington. Commonly referred to as UTA, it is a research-oriented comprehensive university representing Arlington.

With over 30,000 undergraduate students and a total enrollment exceeding 40,000 when including graduate students, it is a large university. The campus spans about 420 acres, comparable to a small town.

UTA receives high marks particularly for its value. For Texas residents, undergraduate tuition and fees are around $12,000 to $14,000 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other large research universities. Additionally, there are many scholarship programs available, making it a popular choice for middle-class students.

The high rating for social mobility is also a factor here. It means that even if parental income is not high, there is a good chance of securing stable employment after graduation.

In terms of majors, engineering is particularly strong. Aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and computer engineering are highly regarded even within Texas. In fact, UTA is often the first recommendation for students aiming for STEM jobs in the Arlington area.

The second is Tarrant County College. The Arlington Southeast Campus is especially well-known among local residents.

It is a two-year community college that can be considered a hidden gem for those pursuing higher education in the U.S.

The biggest advantage is undoubtedly the tuition. For residents of Tarrant County, the cost per credit hour is about $84, making it significantly less burdensome compared to four-year universities. Many students find that their annual tuition remains in the thousands of dollars. As a result, many students complete their general education and foundational courses at TCC before transferring to UTA or other state universities. This allows them to save tens of thousands of dollars in total educational costs while earning the same degree.

Particularly, programs in nursing, healthcare, education, and vocational training have a good reputation, making it popular for adult education programs. The high percentage of adult students also means that there is no age-related pressure to start studying.

The third is Southwestern Assemblies of God University, located in Waxahachie, south of Arlington. While it is not large, it is a private university operated on Christian principles. The annual tuition is roughly in the high $20,000s to $30,000 range, which is higher than public universities, but it continues to attract students who prefer small class sizes and a faith-centered educational environment. It is particularly known for its programs in theology, counseling psychology, pastoral studies, and education.

Ultimately, when choosing a university in Arlington, it is important to consider what your goals are. If you want a research-oriented university with strong job competitiveness, UTA is the best choice. If you want to save on tuition while preparing to transfer to a four-year university, TCC is a very realistic starting point. And if you value a faith-based educational environment, SAGU could be a good alternative.

While Arlington has a strong image as a sports city, it also has the character of a college town where thousands of students are studying and preparing for their futures. If you are considering a move to the DFW area, it is worth looking into not just housing prices and school districts, but also the diverse higher education options available.