The decision of choosing the right college is a crucial one that can have a significant impact on a student’s life. Comparing two reputable institutions such as Furman and the University of Alabama can help students and their families make informed decisions. This article provides an extensive comparison of these two schools, highlighting their costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, alumni, and outcomes.
Furman Overview
Furman is a private, liberal arts college located in Greenville, South Carolina. Established in 1826, it offers undergraduate degrees in various fields and is well-known for its rigorous academics, beautiful campus, and strong sense of community. With a student population of around 2,700, Furman provides a close-knit environment that promotes personalized learning and fosters meaningful relationships.
Furman Costs & Tuition
The total estimated cost of attending Furman for the 2021-2022 academic year is $72,160. This cost includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. However, Furman offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help students manage these expenses.
Furman Admissions
The admission process at Furman is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 61%. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1300, and the average ACT score is 29. Furman practices a holistic review of applications, considering factors such as leadership experience, extracurricular involvement, and community service.
Furman Degrees Offered
Furman offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and minors across various fields, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. Some popular majors include psychology, business administration, biology, and political science. Furman also offers a selection of pre-professional programs in fields such as pre-law, pre-med, and pre-engineering.
Furman Academics
Furman is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education. The school maintains a low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, allowing for personalized attention and opportunities for research and collaboration. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad, and research experiences to enhance their education.
Furman Diversity
Furman is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 12% of the student population identifies as an ethnic or racial minority, and students come from 46 states and 53 countries. The university offers several programs and resources to promote diversity, including the Diversity Leadership Institute and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Furman Students
Furman students are known for their driven and engaged nature, both in the classroom and beyond. With more than 150 clubs and organizations on campus, students have ample opportunities to get involved, make friends, and pursue their passions. Greek life is also an important aspect of campus culture, with around 50% of students participating in fraternities and sororities.
Furman Campus
Furman’s picturesque campus is situated on 750 acres of beautiful land in Greenville, South Carolina. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, fitness center, and performing arts center. Students can take advantage of the many outdoor recreational opportunities available, such as hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Furman Alumni
Furman boasts a strong alumni network of over 32,000 individuals spread across all 50 states and 80 countries. Graduates have gone on to succeed in various fields such as business, law, medicine, and public service. Some notable alumni include Nobel laureate Charles Townes, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kathleen Parker, and former U.S. Secretary of Education Dick Riley.
Furman Rankings
Furman consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, Furman was ranked #46 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #33 in Best Value Schools.
Furman Outcomes
Furman graduates enjoy positive outcomes, with 93% of the Class of 2020 having found employment, entered graduate school, or engaged in service opportunities within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Furman graduates is $51,000.
University of Alabama Overview
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Established in 1831, it is the oldest and largest public university in the state, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. With an enrollment of over 38,000 students, UA provides a diverse and vibrant learning environment.
University of Alabama Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year for in-state students at UA is $30,194, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $52,294. This cost includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses. UA provides a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
University of Alabama Admissions
The University of Alabama has an acceptance rate of approximately 71%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1190, and the average ACT score is 27. UA also considers factors such as extracurricular activities and leadership experience during the application review process.
University of Alabama Degrees Offered
UA offers over 200 fields of study across 13 academic colleges, including business, engineering, nursing, and arts and sciences. Popular majors at the University of Alabama include finance, marketing, and management. Students can also pursue pre-professional programs in areas such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-veterinary medicine.
University of Alabama Academics
UA is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. The university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, providing students with access to faculty and various research opportunities. Study abroad programs, internships, and hands-on learning experiences are also available to students at UA.
University of Alabama Diversity
The University of Alabama is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Approximately 22% of the student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority. UA offers numerous resources and programs to promote diversity, such as the Crossroads Community Engagement Center and the Intercultural Diversity Center.
University of Alabama Students
UA students are known for their school spirit and enthusiasm for campus life. More than 500 student organizations are available, including academic and professional clubs, service organizations, and special interest groups. Greek life is also a significant part of campus culture, with nearly 30% of students involved in fraternities and sororities.
University of Alabama Campus
The University of Alabama’s campus spans over 1,200 acres and features impressive facilities such as the Paul W. Bryant Museum, the Ferguson Student Center, and state-of-the-art research labs. The campus also offers various recreational facilities, including the Student Recreation Center and the Aquatic Center.
University of Alabama Alumni
UA boasts a strong alumni network of over 250,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird”; Joe Scarborough, television personality and host of “Morning Joe”; and Sela Ward, Emmy-winning actress.
University of Alabama Rankings
The University of Alabama is consistently recognized for its academic excellence. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, UA ranked #143 among National Universities and #67 among Public Schools.
University of Alabama Outcomes
Graduates of the University of Alabama have strong employment outcomes, with 86% of the Class of 2019 securing employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UA graduates is around $45,000.
Furman vs University of Alabama Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Furman and the University of Alabama, it is essential to consider tuition, fees, room and board, and additional expenses. Furman, a private university, has a higher overall cost of attendance than UA, a public institution. Furman’s total estimated cost for the 2021-2022 academic year is $72,160, while the University of Alabama’s cost for in-state students is $30,194 and $52,294 for out-of-state students.
Both schools offer financial aid packages to help students manage these expenses. It is crucial for prospective students to research and apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities when considering the cost of attending either institution.
Furman vs University of Alabama Admissions Difficulty
Furman has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 61%. The University of Alabama, on the other hand, has a slightly higher acceptance rate of 71%. Both schools require applicants to submit their high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and personal statements.
Furman generally admits students with higher average SAT and ACT scores than the University of Alabama. The average SAT score for admitted students at Furman is 1300, while the average at UA is 1190. Similarly, the average ACT score for Furman admits is 29, compared to 27 for UA students.
Furman vs University of Alabama Academic Difficulty
Both Furman and the University of Alabama are known for their strong academic programs. Furman, as a liberal arts college, provides a well-rounded education with a focus on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The University of Alabama, a research university, emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities and engagement in research.
Furman maintains a low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, while UA has a higher ratio of 20:1. This difference may impact the level of personalized attention students receive from faculty and the opportunities for research and collaboration.
Furman vs University of Alabama Outcome Comparison
Both Furman and the University of Alabama have strong post-graduation outcomes for their students. Furman graduates have a higher overall employment rate within six months of graduation (93%) compared to UA graduates (86%). Additionally, the average starting salary for Furman graduates is higher at $51,000, compared to $45,000 for University of Alabama graduates.
Ultimately, the choice between Furman and the University of Alabama will depend on factors such as cost, academic preferences, campus environment, and desired outcomes. It is essential for prospective students to carefully consider their priorities and visit both campuses before making a decision.
