Pros
In addition to a robust graduate physics curriculum, most offered experimental research opportunities allow one to further develop his/her programming experience, often using large-data sets.
In terms of programming languages and scripting, most groups will likely utilize C / C++ and maybe Python if really preferred (depends upon how many of the groups programs are already in C++ and whether you can demonstrate ability to use your time efficiently to do your work with Python instead; if desired).
In Particle Physics or Hadronic Nuclear Physics, one will likely use ROOT (akin to MATLAB but free and widely used by particle physics community). In Condensed Matter, one may more likely use MATLAB and perhaps even R.
In Theoretical Physics (phenomenological/computational Physics) and Theoretical Astro-Nuclear Physics, you'll likely be using FORTRAN. Yet in Astrophysics or Theoretical Nuclear, you likely will use C++ and Python.
In terms of transitioning to industry ought academia not work out, you will transition to software engineer / data scientist / quantitative analyst. From left to right, you'll need experience using C/C++, Python, Java, R. As an optimization analyst, you need simply VBA, Access, and Excel.
Cons
Large school. Trust yourself and instincts when trying to get into a group. Many professors at large schools will not take value in you as your highschool guidance counselor would. It is a business, and you could be dropped from a group in the middle (even after 3 years) unless you have gotten your committee form signed (get it signed!) Don't fall for the carrot at the end of the stick routine. Professors are notorious for moving the ball over and over down the field in terms of timeline towards graduation. You need to get over your dream group quickly and get with a group that will value you early so you can do well over the course of 5 to 5.5 or 6 years.
