Choosing the right university is an important life decision. In this comparison, we’ll be taking a look at two universities: University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) and University of Alabama (UA). We’ll be delving into various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and more to help you better understand the differences and similarities between these two schools.
UL Lafayette Overview
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) is a public research university located in Lafayette, Louisiana. Established in 1900, it is the largest campus within the University of Louisiana System. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its nine colleges, with a focus on arts, humanities, sciences, and professional programs.
UL Lafayette Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students at UL Lafayette are $10,382, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $24,110. Room and board are estimated at $10,072, with additional expenses such as books and supplies adding another $1,200.
UL Lafayette Admissions
UL Lafayette has a relatively high acceptance rate of 56%. The university considers various factors in their admission process, including high school GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. Incoming freshmen typically have an average high school GPA of 3.4, and an average ACT score of 23.
UL Lafayette Degrees Offered
UL Lafayette offers over 80 undergraduate programs, 27 master’s degrees, and 10 doctoral programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Business, Health Professions, Engineering, Education, and Visual and Performing Arts.
UL Lafayette Academics
UL Lafayette is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, which allows students to receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, UL Lafayette offers numerous research opportunities, internships, and cooperative education programs for students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
UL Lafayette Diversity
UL Lafayette has a diverse student population, with over 19,000 students from various backgrounds. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, offering numerous resources and organizations for students to get involved in multicultural activities.
UL Lafayette Students
The student life at UL Lafayette is vibrant, with over 200 student organizations, including clubs, honor societies, and Greek life. The university also offers various recreational activities and facilities, such as intramural sports, a fitness center, and an aquatic center.
UL Lafayette Campus
UL Lafayette’s campus spans over 1,500 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The campus is home to various facilities, including state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, lecture halls, and residence halls. Additionally, the university has numerous green spaces and outdoor recreational areas for students to enjoy.
UL Lafayette Alumni
UL Lafayette has an active alumni network of over 100,000 members. The university’s alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields, including business, education, politics, and sports.
UL Lafayette Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, UL Lafayette ranks #298-#389 in National Universities, #146 in Top Public Schools, and #258 in Best Value Schools.
UL Lafayette Outcomes
UL Lafayette has a graduation rate of 48% and a retention rate of 77%. The university also has a strong focus on helping students secure employment after graduation, with a career services center that offers job placement assistance, internship opportunities, and career counseling.
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. UA offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its 13 colleges and schools.
University of Alabama Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state students at UA are $11,620, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $31,090. Room and board are estimated at $13,702, with additional expenses such as books and supplies adding another $1,200.
University of Alabama Admissions
UA has an acceptance rate of 59%, making it a moderately selective institution. The university evaluates applicants based on their high school GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen at UA is 3.71, and the average ACT score is 27.
University of Alabama Degrees Offered
UA offers over 100 undergraduate programs, 120 master’s degrees, and 60 doctoral programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Business, Health Professions, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Communication and Journalism.
University of Alabama Academics
UA is known for its commitment to academic excellence, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. The university has a strong focus on research, offering students numerous opportunities for undergraduate research, internships, and cooperative education programs that provide hands-on experience in their fields of study.
University of Alabama Diversity
UA has a diverse student population of over 38,000 students from various backgrounds. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, offering numerous resources, organizations, and programs that promote diversity and inclusion.
University of Alabama Students
Student life at UA is vibrant and engaging, with over 500 student organizations, including clubs, honor societies, and Greek life. The university also offers various recreational activities and facilities, such as intramural sports, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool complex.
University of Alabama Campus
UA’s campus covers over 1,900 acres and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. The campus is home to numerous facilities, including state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, lecture halls, and residence halls. The university also has several green spaces, outdoor recreational areas, and a beautiful arboretum for students to enjoy.
University of Alabama Alumni
UA has a strong alumni network of more than 200,000 members. The university’s alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, education, politics, and sports.
University of Alabama Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, UA ranks #143 in National Universities, #64 in Top Public Schools, and #147 in Best Value Schools.
University of Alabama Outcomes
UA has a graduation rate of 72% and a retention rate of 87%. The university is committed to providing support for students to achieve their career goals, offering a range of services, including career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.
UL Lafayette vs University of Alabama Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance, UL Lafayette is more affordable for in-state students, with an estimated cost of $10,382 for tuition and fees, compared to UA’s $11,620. However, for out-of-state students, UA is significantly more expensive, with a cost of $31,090 compared to UL Lafayette’s $24,110. Room and board expenses are also higher at UA, at an estimated $13,702 compared to UL Lafayette’s $10,072.
UL Lafayette vs University of Alabama Admissions Difficulty
Both universities have relatively similar acceptance rates, with UL Lafayette at 56% and UA at 59%. However, the average high school GPA and ACT scores for incoming freshmen at UA are higher than those at UL Lafayette, indicating that UA may have a slightly more competitive admissions process.
UL Lafayette vs University of Alabama Academic Difficulty
Both universities have a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, but UA has a higher graduation rate (72%) compared to UL Lafayette (48%). This suggests that UA may offer a more academically challenging environment and better support for students to succeed in their studies.
UL Lafayette vs University of Alabama Outcome Comparison
Overall, the University of Alabama appears to have better outcomes for its students, with a higher graduation rate (72% vs 48% at UL Lafayette) and a higher retention rate (87% vs 77% at UL Lafayette). Additionally, UA ranks higher in national and public school rankings, indicating a stronger academic reputation and potentially better job prospects for its graduates.
