I can help a little with the University of Alabama as I’m an alumnae and my D18 just went through the application process. We toured the Capstone this past February, so hopefully this will help (note my D18 was looking at this as an in-state safety and did not want such a large environment so my feedback is more how I was selling it to her and what aspects she found appealing!) One very notable aspect that many do not know about The University is the student body is about 55% from out-of-state. So unlike some other flagship state schools such as Texas, UNC or UVA, Alabama is very interested in recruiting out-of-state and overall their admissions is not too selective (around 55%) However we understand that for OOS they tend to look strongly at those with a better academic resume than the campus average (regardless of what is published on the website, most students have between a 28-30 on the ACT) and admissions is more interested in your numbers stats (test scores, GPA, are you a NMF) than your ECs or essay. It is certainly a large school (over 35,000 undergraduates) but also has very well run colleges under the bigger University umbrella which makes it seem a little smaller once you are there.
Two other ways to make it seem a littler smaller are the Honors Program and the Blount Scholars Program (a living and learning community within the University that has about 380 top academic students across a wide spectrum of majors-this was what my D18 really was interested in). The amazing Honors Program (if you are able to get in) offers much lower class size. The Honors Program isn’t just a diploma designation but has really fantastic programs (service, internship, research) that its members can take advantage of if they choose. Alabama has one of the top business schools in the South, a fantastic Engineering program, one of the toughest Nursing Programs to get into, as well as, a very strong Communications School. Alabama also has an excellent Law School and I think you can still major in pre-law through the Business School (mostly business classes with a few poli sci thrown in) or through the Art & Science School (heavy poli sci/history/English curriculum to get you use to writing briefs!) but you can major in anything and still do well on the LSAT and get in… but watch those grades! Must be top of the class - the Law School is very competitive - my BIL graduated Law Review from there and has a Business undergraduate degree from Alabama as well.
In regards to Greek life, it is strong on campus and it is super fun!! Even though only about 40% of students participate so you don’t HAVE to join to enjoy being on the Capstone (TTown is a great city for both Greeks and Independents alike!). I was in a sorority ‘back in the day’ and loved my experience however with the introduction of the new physical ‘houses’ for the sororities (about the size of a small town country club!) the dues associated with sororities at Alabama have increased exponentially in the past 20 years. You said that money doesn’t matter so that should be much of a concern for you… first year bills run anywhere from $6,500-8,000 depending. Unlike the University, the sororities WILL be looking for PNMs who were involved in high school and not just cheerleading and dance team but leadership roles get lots of points; grades are key there too as they are all looking to keep their house GPAs above the schools average and several National sororities have grade requirements (if you keep yours up it will not be an issue); being involved in volunteer/service activities is also a plus as all sororities are expected to hold fundraising events for their National philanthropy
Hope this helps! I could tell you about Auburn too as my D18 considered it briefly but if you are coming all the way to Alabama you want to be at the best school! Roll Tide!