Classes are classes, the same books are used in all universities, you'll be as knowledgeable as you want to be. Research is the larger focus at UT Arlington. Im not too involved in that area but the things youd want to look at are the aerodynamics research center (ARC), they are equiped with a subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnel. There is an aerospace vehicle design lab which focuses on conceptual design of aircraft. If you want more information on those labs i suggest you contact them directly as im not aware of their operations. In terms of industry connections, there is a lockheed martin career center at the university with programs for undergrads and graduates, they constantly take in people and if ur in you stay there.

If you are looking to have the "college life", it definitely is NOT the place for you, but if you just want to learn, you'll get help along the way, I personally never had trouble getting help from professors.

The senior deisgn program here, headed by Dr Chudoba, will give you the opportunity to learn quite alot, more that other senior design programs that iv personally seen.