What to choose: UTEP, EPCC or Computer Career Center (Houston: transfer, schools)

[alladove]

Hello everyone!
I'm new in town.
I cannot decide which school to choose.
I want to study computers, web design or graphic design.
I'm trying to choose among there schools: UTEP, EPCC or Computer Career Center.
Each one of them has pros and cons.
UTEP: I've always wanted to study in a university, but usually there are just too many subjects that are not related to the major, so you end up paying for what you don't really want to study.
EPCC: I don't know much about this one at all, but I have a girlfriend who's crazy about it.
Computer Career Center: They say they offer good preperation for Certifications, like A+ and MCSE, which I would really like to have. But how good are they, really?
I'm just asking those who studied at any of these institutions. Please, share your opinion and whatever you know. Is the UTEP diploma much more valuable than several certifications like an A+ or MCSE certificate?
Thanks for your comments!

[DanielWayne]

I have never been to El Paso, but I can assuredly say - UTEP by far. It will be the most work, but it will reward you most in the long run - I am talking job opportunities and $$$. I work for a large company that services NASA in Houston. UTEP has a group of engineering/computer science students that collaborate with our software group in Houston via the internet and by teleconference, sort of as interns. Several have been hired upon graduation. Paid relocation. Full benefits - the works. That's just one advantage of a UTEP or university diploma. There are many more.

[malamute]

For the subjects you mentioned, I'd recommend EPCC. I've been to both UTEP and EPCC, and like you said there are pros and cons to both but EPCC costs less and for some courses is actually better.

You can always get your AA and certifications in those subjects, and continue on later for a 4 year degree.

[lipbalm]

Just go for the 4 year degree.

[malamute]

Even if you decide to go for the 4 year degree, Texas has the core curriculum required by all schools and you can save a lot of money by getting the 2 years of core curriculum at EPCC -- classes that transfer over to UTEP or any TX university 100% with a lot less cost.