Ole Miss v. Alabama v. Nebraska

I’m a high school junior and I narrowed down my school search to these 3 schools, I’m from Missouri so all these school with be OOS and about the same price, so that factor is off the table. I plan on studying some sort of business (finance or economics), and I was wondering if anyone had any information on which of these schools would have the best programs?? I love all the campuses and now the decision will most likely be based mostly on the program. Thank you!!

Are they comparable in price or lower than your in state public schools?

all three of those are comparable in price

Others might disagree, but I don’t think there’s that much difference between one public flagship and another. Sure, culture and climate might be different, but the education quality and opportunities will be similar. In your case, OP, the three schools are pretty similar in perceived stature. If you’re into big time sports, you’ll be satisfied at any of them (though if you’re a football fan in particular, Bama is the obvious choice (Roll Tide!)).

I attended the U of Alabama briefly, albeit as an MFA student. The twin cities of Tuscaloosa/Northport are a lot of fun, and the university itself is sort of standard campus attractive. City Cafe in Northport is an historical down-home place to eat with the standard “meat and three,” though it’s not anywhere near campus. I cannot comment on Lincoln except to say it’s the biggest city of the three you’re considering, and I’ve never been to Oxford, MS.

Honestly, though, you should probably focus on fit. When you close your eyes, what sweatshirt do you see yourself wearing? Do you look forward to going to school in the south? The heat is oppressive down there. I also lived in MO for six years, where the heat is intense too, but I remember stepping out of my rental car in Tuscaloosa and the heat that hit me (it was summer and I had arrived early to apartment hunt) was like a punch in the face. Nebraska is next door, so it might be a good choice if you’d like to get away but not go too far away (in terms of distance or culture).

Economics can be studied at most colleges & universities regardless of whether or not that school has a college of business or business major.

The heat is not oppressive during the nine month academic year in Alabama or Mississippi.

The campus cultures are different at & among these three schools. Best to visit all three before making a final decision.

Not the reason to choose a school. But U Nebraska worked out well for Warren Buffett.

He was also rejected by Harvard for grad school. So go figure.

Obviously you ultimately define the experience. Not the other way around.

Check them all out and choose the one that feels best for you.

I’ve personally always been a big fan of Alabama and not simply because of football. Maybe the way the alumni network seems to play out in the business world.

Good luck.

Most have applications that open in early July. Apply to all three and see which one offers Honors College, scholarships, etc.
If you might qualify for Raikes, University Fellows, etc, look into those and see if they’re of special interest.

I’m familiar with all 3 schools.

Weather during school year is definitely milder at Miss & Bama.

Population-wise, Lincoln is almost 3 times as big as Oxford & Tuscaloosa combined. And Omaha (significant financial & business center) is 50 min from Lincoln. Internships during school year are abundant in Lincoln; not so sure about Oxford & Tuscaloosa.

Business schools at all 3 are solid. I don’t think you will find major differences.

Hard to beat Bama football…can undergrads get tickets easily?

Ole Miss & Bama campuses are a bit prettier than Nebraska’s, but Nebraska has a beautiful new business building & the Lincoln business district is adjacent to campus.

Bama’s campus is huge. Ole Miss’s is more manageable. Nebraska’s main campus is really convenient & compact.

Bama & Ole Miss would have more of a culture/language/climate difference, which would be good if you are looking for something very different.

Ole Miss’ accountancy degree program is ranked top 5 in the country. I would echo the other posters and see if you can get into the Honors College at Ole Miss or UA. That would be a huge benefit. One other deciding factor is scholarship $. I would also suggest alot of test prep this summer. Ole Miss has a published formula for tuition waivers. If you get an SAT/Act score of ___, you get % off tuition. My daughter got into the Croft Institute of International Studies and Honors College (business). I think she would like to work internationally after graduation.