When it comes to choosing a college, many factors come into play, such as location, reputation, academics, and campus life. In this comparison, we will look at two prominent universities in the southern United States: The University of Alabama and Clemson University. We will delve into their overviews, costs & tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus details, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This will help you gain a better understanding of what each school offers and how they compare to one another.
The University of Alabama Overview
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Established in 1831, UA is the oldest and largest public university in the state. It boasts a rich history, outstanding academic programs, and a vibrant campus life. With over 38,000 students, UA offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its 13 colleges and schools.
The University of Alabama Costs & Tuition
For in-state students, the estimated 2021-2022 tuition and fees at UA are $11,620 per year. Out-of-state students face a higher cost, with tuition and fees totaling approximately $31,090 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 78% of undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
The University of Alabama Admissions
UA has a fairly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 59%. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit their high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, and a completed application. The average admitted student has an ACT score between 23 and 31 and an SAT score between 1060 and 1280.
The University of Alabama Degrees Offered
UA offers a wide range of degrees across its 13 colleges and schools, including more than 120 undergraduate programs, over 100 master’s programs, and over 60 doctoral programs. Some popular majors at UA include business, engineering, communication, and health professions.
The University of Alabama Academics
UA is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research. With a student-faculty ratio of 22:1, the university provides a supportive and challenging learning environment for its students. Approximately 42% of UA’s classes have fewer than 20 students, allowing for personal interaction with faculty and classmates.
The University of Alabama Diversity
UA has a diverse student body, with approximately 19% of students identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community through various initiatives, such as the Crossroads Community Center and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The University of Alabama Students
UA’s student body is made up of over 38,000 students. With more than 500 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities, and sororities, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to get involved and develop their interests.
The University of Alabama Campus
UA’s campus spans over 1,970 acres and features beautiful historic buildings, state-of-the-art facilities, and abundant green spaces. The campus is home to numerous dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities, including an aquatic center, fitness centers, and outdoor fields and courts.
The University of Alabama Alumni
UA boasts a strong alumni network, with over 250,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Emmy-winning actress Sela Ward, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Bragg, and NFL Hall of Famer Bart Starr.
The University of Alabama Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, UA ranks #143 in National Universities and #72 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, several of its individual programs rank highly, such as the Culverhouse College of Business and the College of Engineering.
The University of Alabama Outcomes
UA has a strong track record of preparing students for success after graduation. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 72%, and 82% of recent graduates are either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Clemson University Overview
Clemson University is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. Founded in 1889, Clemson offers more than 80 undergraduate and 110 graduate degree programs to nearly 26,000 students. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences, Clemson is committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education.
Clemson University Costs & Tuition
Clemson University’s estimated 2021-2022 tuition and fees for in-state students are $15,558 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $38,550 per year. Financial aid is available, with 92% of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
Clemson University Admissions
Clemson University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 47%. Applicants must submit their high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, and a completed application. The average admitted student has an ACT score between 27 and 32 and an SAT score between 1230 and 1390.
Clemson University Degrees Offered
Clemson offers a wide range of degree programs across its seven colleges, from agriculture and life sciences to engineering and business. Popular majors at Clemson include engineering, business, and biological sciences.
Clemson University Academics
Clemson University has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, allowing for smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction. Approximately 59% of Clemson’s classes have fewer than 20 students, and the university prides itself on its hands-on learning experiences, such as research opportunities and cooperative education programs.
Clemson University Diversity
Clemson University’s student body is diverse, with approximately 17% of students identifying as a racial or ethnic minority. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community through various initiatives, such as the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center and the President’s Commission on Women.
Clemson University Students
Clemson’s nearly 26,000 students enjoy a close-knit campus community. With over 400 student organizations, including clubs, fraternities, and sororities, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to get involved and develop their interests.
Clemson University Campus
Clemson’s picturesque campus covers 17,000 acres and includes a mix of historic buildings, modern facilities, and outdoor recreational spaces. The campus offers a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities, including the Fike Recreation Center and the South Carolina Botanical Garden.
Clemson University Alumni
Notable Clemson alumni include U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, astronaut Charles Duke, and NFL players DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson. Clemson’s alumni network consists of over 150,000 living members worldwide.
Clemson University Rankings
In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Clemson ranks #74 in National Universities and #27 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, several of its individual programs rank highly, such as the College of Engineering and the College of Business.
Clemson University Outcomes
Clemson University’s six-year graduation rate is 83%. According to the university, 93% of recent graduates are either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
The University of Alabama vs Clemson University Cost Comparision
When comparing costs between The University of Alabama and Clemson University, both in-state and out-of-state students will find that UA is more affordable. In-state students at UA pay approximately $11,620 per year, while in-state students at Clemson pay around $15,558 per year. For out-of-state students, UA’s tuition and fees come to roughly $31,090 per year, compared to Clemson’s $38,550 per year. However, both universities offer financial aid to eligible students, which can help mitigate the cost of attendance.
The University of Alabama vs Clemson University Admissions Difficulty
Both The University of Alabama and Clemson University have competitive admissions processes. Clemson has a lower acceptance rate at 47%, compared to UA’s 59% acceptance rate. Additionally, the average test scores of admitted students at Clemson are higher, with an ACT range of 27-32 and an SAT range of 1230-1390, as opposed to UA’s ACT range of 23-31 and SAT range of 1060-1280. This suggests that Clemson may be more difficult to gain admission to than UA.
The University of Alabama vs Clemson University Academic Difficulty
Comparing the academic rigor at The University of Alabama and Clemson University, both schools offer challenging and engaging academic programs. However, Clemson has a smaller student-faculty ratio of 16:1, compared to UA’s 22:1 ratio. This could indicate more personalized instruction and smaller class sizes at Clemson. Additionally, a higher percentage of Clemson’s classes have fewer than 20 students, further suggesting that the university may provide a more intimate and academically challenging environment than UA.
The University of Alabama vs Clemson University Outcome Comparision
In terms of outcomes, Clemson University has a higher six-year graduation rate (83%) compared to The University of Alabama (72%). Additionally, a higher percentage of Clemson graduates (93%) are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, compared to UA graduates (82%). This suggests that Clemson may offer stronger post-graduation support and a more successful transition into the job market or further education for its students.
