University of Alabama with full tuition vs. NC State and Clemson

Parents Forum
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<p>Hi, im looking for some advice for next year. Im a rising senior and recently found out that i qualify for an automatic full tuiton scholarship at UA. I live in Charlotte,NC and never really considered UA before this offer. Clemson would be instate most likely bc of my 32 ACT and top 10 class ranking . I want to major in Chemical Engineering and then pursue Medical School. I also am interested in Georgia Tech but it would be out of state. I know Alabama is not ranked or regarded as highly, but would this be a better bet than spending almost 40 to 50 thousand more to go to Clemson or State. With my stats im expecting little merit aid from Clemson,State, or tech.</p>

<p>Alabama might not be as competitive to keep a higher GPA and it would help save money for Med School. Overall would a UA degree look much different than the others considering i plan to live in the Charlotte region.</p>

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<p>I think you have answered your own question.</p>

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<p>Momof 4 hit it. I'm very practical, and I see college as an investment. Now, I haven't looked up specifically, but your post indicates they all have the courses you desire. The difference seems to be the distance from home, the cost comparison, and what you perceive as a prestige factor.
IMO the price factor here is so different, it outweighs the other concerns. You must ask yourself First: is the prestige factor you perceive really accurate compared to how potential employers perceive it? And second: If Clemson and State are perceived as "higher" as you say, are they so much higher that the job they bring you(that Alabama) wouldn't will pay you so much more that you can pay off their additional cost- you tell us 40-50k in the first 4 or 5 yrs after you get that job? In other words do you fully expect the starting pay if you graduate one of those schools would be 15-20k higher each yr. than if you graduated from Alabama? Remember, the greater your debt after graduation the LOWER your quality of life, until paid off. Ask yourself is a lower quality of life what I desire? Is that why I choose a college? To some, that quality of life difference may be small, and short term. In your case to add a 50k debt is neither small nor likely to be short term.</p>

<p>I recommend you don't get too caught up in what you beleve to be the prestige of big name colleges.</p>

<p>Thats what an investment is all about- How much cost, how much risk- with the expectation of how much return?</p>

4

<p>I spent time talking to my neighbor this morning about a similiar topic. He is a neuro surgeon and his wife is also a doctor. He said to not worry about "status" That no one cares where you get your degree from whether you're a doctor, lawyer etc. The important thing is if you will be happy at the University of Alabama. If so, then you can smile all the way to the bank..</p>

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<p>A full tuiton scholarship is wonderful, especially if you plan to go to med. school afterwards. It would not be wonderful, however, if you went to Alabama for the financial benefit and were then totally unhappy because of the distance from family and friends or being a part of a small percentage of oos students at a big state sch. that is predominately instaters. </p>

<p>Would you like the adventure of going farther from home where you don't know anyone and prob. would not be coming home to visit that often ? Or are you the type of person who would rather be closer by at a school where you would prob. see some familiar faces? </p>

<p>You might love it there. Just be sure and visit all three and check out all the options. I would not worry about the "prestige factor" if there is one. </p>

<p>Who knows, you might be offered some great scholarships at NCSU or Clemson that would level the playing field. How would you feel about it if that were the case? My S1 is at NCSU (instate like you) and received scholarships worth full tuition. Clemson, even with the oos tution waiver is still more costly than NCSU. Unless Clemson offered additonal scholarship money (which they might) , it looks to be the most expensive choice at this point. Good luck in your search and remember to apply early so you will be eligible for all scholarships. Search the homepage of the dept. of your major for scholarships. They sometimes require a separate app. (S1's did).</p>

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<p>If the question were between UA and U.Va. or UNC-CH, there may be an issue of apples and oranges. To me, the three schools you're asking about are one another's equals, and if the Deep South, football, and Greek vibe of UA appeals to you, it's a pretty good campus life experience. FWIW, with your stats, if you wanted to consider Troy State in Alabama, they'd throw in free room and board as well. I wouldn't do it though; the difference between Bama and Troy is worth paying the room and board for.</p>

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<p>Agree with prior post who spoke to physicians in neighborhood-a degree from UA with high GPA will put you in range for many fine medical schools-where you do residency and fellowship are as important if not more than where you attend medical school many times. With your stats you would probably qualify for President's program at UA ( which has a solid reputation). FWIW, University of Alabama's medical school ( at least the Internal Medicine Residency Program at UAB) has one of the best reputations in the nation for primary care medicine and their cardiovascular and oncology programs are incredible. </p>

<p>Sounds like you have a wonderful opportunity to start medical school debt-free-. Good luck in your choices!</p>

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<p>Med school costs are enormous. Sure when applying you may receive grants/fellowships but in all likelihood, you and your family will need to finance that cost. You have a great opportunity right now (full $ at UA) -- given your likelihood to perform extremely well there, I'd take the money now and bank towards what surely will be a big bill from Med school. Congrats and good luck to you.</p>

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<p>I went to Bama and it was a blast--football, frat parties and all that if you want to participate--plus if you are a serious student it is SOO much easier to get attention and resources from faculty because so many students there are there to get their ticket punched and are not interested in working hard.</p>

<p>Think of it this way since med school admissions are so competitive: at which school are you one of the top applicants in terms of ability (as measured by grades and test scores) and intellectual motivation? If you want to do something competitive after undergrad, go where you are likely to shine. As many have said, nobody really cares where you went to undergrad as long as you have the results.</p>

<p>Plus Alabama is just so FUN--when you pull your head out of the books and go to a game on a gorgeous crisp fall afternoon what could be better? Even if you don't like football, like I didn't before I went there, the atmosphere is just crackling with excitement and tradition.</p>

<p>Oh, and one more thought...even though you live in Charlotte if you are not a native born southerner you have in Alabama the quintissential southern experience. I grew up in the north and the opportunity to spend time in the old south was invaluable. It was a fascinating culture and honestly a source of comedy for years to come. I love it and I laugh at it and while I have always enjoyed southern literature, it has a depth that I did not appreciate before I lived there. For a Yankee, living in Tuscaloosa was as educational as going to college.</p>

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<p>Hey, I am starting my 3rd year as a chemical engineering major at the University of Alabama. Perhaps, I can offer some advice. I am from Alabama but Georgia Tech was my first choice. Through scholarships and The Academic Common Market Program (look into this. It allows out of state students to pay in state tuition at a school that offers a major not available anywhere in that student's home state. I would have majored in Polymer & Fiber Engineering instead of chemical). Anyway UA was on the bottom of my list until I found out I could receive a full scholarship. The decision was tough but as you can see I decided on UA. I will say this:</p>

<p>Engineering is engineering no matter where you go. Employers know this. It all comes down to how much effort you put it your studies, work experience, and NETWORKING! </p>

<p>Be cautious in thinking that just b/c UA is not a world leader of engineering schools (MIT, GaTech, etc) that it will be easy. Certainly it probably isn't as hard as those two mentioned schools but you will have to study. I was valedictorian, high ACT/SAT, etc in high school but my study skills suck and that has gotten me into trouble. I realize now that you must study (unless of course you are a genius, which is probably unlikely, lol).</p>

<p>As far as our engineering program. I enjoy it so far. As I mentioned work experience can be a great asset and UA has a great co-op program and there are many helpful people on campus who can help you with your career plans. I have worked with Georgia Pacific and Brookwood Pharmaceuticals. Many of my friends are also CHE and pursuing medical school. Others I know are pursuing law school. I plan on working a few years at least (chemical engineers have great starting salaries as you probably know, a girl I know works for Exxon Mobil and started at ~80k). </p>

<p>Next, it is great not having to worry as much about paying for school. Relieves a lot of stress. I will graduate with a great education, career prospects, and no student loans. </p>

<p>There are many activities and organizations to get involved with that will further enhance your education and offer you avenues through which you can grow as a young adult or develop priceless connections.</p>

<p>Finally, as someone else mentioned...UA is soooo fun! I can't wait to get back in a month!</p>

<p>I know this was lengthy but hopefully it helped. If you have any questions I would love to answer <a href="mailto:them....RICLEMONS@UA.EDU">them....RICLEMONS@UA.EDU</a></p>

<p>ROLL TIDE!!!</p>

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<p>I assume Bama would be free due to National Merit?</p>

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<p>The OP said it would be a full tution scholarship (one given to oos students by UA based on SAT score and gpa) so not entirely free. In that case he would be saving around $25,000 over going to NCSU (in state) assuming that he would get no merit money there (which I think he would def. have a good shot at). The Academic Common Market is not an option because his intended major is offered in his home state</p>

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<p>Nope, not National Merit. Here are the Bama Out-of-State Scholarships for 2008-2009 (from the website). They're automatic based on SAT and GPA:</p>

<p>Presidential Scholars
An out-of-state first-time freshman student who meets the December 1st scholarship priority deadline, has a 32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT score and at least a 3.7 cumulative GPA will be selected as a Presidential Scholar and will receive the value of out-of-state tuition for four years. </p>

<p>Capstone Scholars
An out-of-state first-time freshman student who meets the December 1st scholarship priority deadline, has a 27-31 ACT or 1200-1390 SAT score and at least a 3.7 cumulative GPA will be selected as a Capstone Scholar and will receive $1,500 per year ($6,000 over four years).</p>

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<p>I think UA is an attractive option for you. Go right on ahead and apply there. Put your apps in for Clemson, your state schools and a few other schools that may interest you as well and see what comes out of the situation. You may want to visit when it comes down to a decision and seriously consider the pros and cons of going out of state. You have the advantage of considering this at this time, giving yourself a period of mulling this over. Certainly it should be an option to explore.</p>

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<p>This article may help-</p>

<p>University of Alabama ranks 12 in number of National Merit Scholars enrolled 2007-2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
The University of Alabama enrolled 73 National Merit Scholars in the fall, ranking it 12th among public universities in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars for 2007-08 academic year. </p>

<p>UA has used the National Merit competition as a way to recruit academically talented students. UA awards a four-year, full-tuition scholarship plus room and board, $6,000 that can be used for school-related expenses and a laptop computer to a student who scores high enough on a standardized test, the PSAT, to qualify as a National Merit semifinalist. </p>

<p>Of UA's 73 National Merit Scholars, 42 are from Alabama. </p>

<p>Advertisement</p>

<p>According to UA President Robert Witt, Alabama is continuing to raise its academic profile as it grows in enrollment. To qualify for the scholarship, the students need at least a 3.7 high school grade point average. </p>

<p>UA enrolled a record freshman class of 4,538 students in fall 2007. Total enrollment reached a record high of 25,580. </p>

<p>Other state schools enrolling National Merit Scholars last fall include Auburn with 28; Birmingham-Southern, 12; Samford, 13; the University of Alabama at Birmingham, 4; and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, 1. Thomas Spencer -- </p>

<p>© 2008 The Birmingham News. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</p>

<p>Son was offered same deal about two years ago--hope it helps!</p>

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<p>The $6,000 is news to me.
Am considering the offer to NMF's. Anyone know how UA-Huntsville compares to others in biochemistry?</p>

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<p>The $6k is news to me as well. If you receive a National Merit/Achievement package and do not receive a corporate based scholarship or a one-time $2500 scholarship from National Merit, then UA will also give you a $1k per year stipend. You might get lucky and get both. I received a corporate based scholarship and didn't receive the UA $1k per year stipend my freshman year but somehow I did receive it my sophomore year.
Also, the College of Engineering supplements your scholarship as well (I hope they still do for new students). For example, a capstone scholar receives $1500 per year. If you are an engineering student they will also match that and give you $1500 per year. I believe they do cap it however. I recieved the National Merit/Achievement package (valued at blah blah) but I get $2500 per year from the CoE. I am not complaining at all.</p>

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<p>Honestly, I must say that no other school offers a package for National Merit/Achievement/Hispanic Scholars that can top University of Alabama's. Even as a semi-finalist you can still get full tuition. Keep in mind that it only covers tuition and housing so you will have to pay for books and meal plans but if you are the caliber of student to attain such an honor then you most likely can receive other scholarships to take care of that.
I will say that the University of Florida has a great package as well. The catch is that you have to pick a school as your #1 choice to receive the best parts of the packages before a deadline and that can make deciding which school to choose very difficult as that deadline is often before you know if you will be a finalist or not.</p>

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<p>They offer a sweet deal to National Hispanic Scholars and National Achievement finalists, too!</p>

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<p>I beleive that the 6K is spread out thru the four years--$1500 a year. The Birmingham News can be confusing sometimes in their reporting. All in all, it is still a fabulous deal; just wish our son had taken them up on it! But, he is very happy where he is!!</p>