University of Florida vs. University of Alabama

College Search & Selection
1

Currently, I am a high school senior stuck between the University of Florida and the University of Alabama. Because of the coronavirus, I am unable to visit either campus.

At the UA, I would graduate with no debt. The major I want to study is nuclear engineering, but because UA doesn’t offer this, I would study environmental engineering, which I still like. Also, I am in the Honors College and the Delta Scholars program. This program grants me a single suite with other female STEM students in the building. Also, because it is easier, I would graduate with a higher GPA and have a better rank.

At UF, I would graduate with $45K in debt. However, it is ranked much higher, so it has better academics. Here I am able to study nuclear engineering. I am not in the Honors College and my GPA/rank would be lower than at UA. Because it is a better school, there may be more job scouting. Also, I am not guaranteed housing, which may cause some trouble.

Basically, I don’t know if it’s better to graduate from a lower-ranking school with a higher GPA/rank, or a more rigorous school with a lower GPA/rank. Also, I’m not sure if UF is worth going into $45K of debt. If anyone has attended either of these schools, I would love to hear how your experience was!

2

Go to Alabama.

3

The difficulty is that the University of Alabama does not offer your preferred major of Nuclear Engineering.

Have you researched the difference in starting salaries for nuclear engineers versus environmental engineers ?

Do you plan on attending grad school ?

4

The starting salary for both are about the same, but nuclear engineers definitely make more after some years of experience. Also, I plan on going to graduate school, hopefully for an MBA.

5

I’ve been to both campuses and both are absolutely beautiful. I would say equal, so that should not be part of your decision. Just FYI, the Honors program at UF is garbage. The participants are NOT chosen by Admissions… they are chosen by previous participants so it has nothing to do with talent. I don’t know how it works at 'Bama.

I’m an engineer. If you are interested in Nuclear Engineering, you may consider studying Chemical Engineering as an undergrad. This leaves you free to pursue careers in both Environmental Engineering or Nuclear Engineering post graduation OR go on to get a masters in Nuclear or an MBA. You can build an interest in Nuclear Engineering by taking classes leaning towards Nuclear or getting involved in research or internships in those fields. My recommendation for undergrad is to stay in the big three: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical.

Good luck! Your decision may seem daunting but, when you’re faced with tough decisions like this, it means you are doing something right! Both options are fantastic… congratulations!

1 Like
6

How tough would it be to find housing at UF? That’s the last thing you want to worry about freshmen year, so that alone could be a deciding factor.

7

There is a ton of housing available in the area.

@g4888: did you put in the $25 housing deposit and, if so, on what date?

8

OP indicated that housing would be a problem; it would be interesting to see why s/he believes that.
And OP, if housing is a problem, go to UA. That is one aggravation that you do not need.

9

Thank you! I was especially worried about the feel of the campus but I’m glad both are equally as nice.

10

I haven’t put down the deposit yet which is why I’m slightly worried about housing at UF. I could end up with a bad situation for housing because it’s first come first serve, or no campus housing at all because it’s not guaranteed.

11

Because housing is a significant concern to you, then Alabama may be the better choice.

No debt, better housing, presumably better GPA along with the fact the students often change majors suggests that Alabama is the safer choice.

12

$45k debt is greater than what you can borrow without a cosigner.

The problem is that Alabama does not have nuclear engineering or a nuclear subarea within another engineering department.

From the ABET list, colleges with nuclear engineering departments that may still be accepting applications:

Idaho State University
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of New Mexico
Oregon State University
South Carolina State University

If any of the above are in-state, offer large enough scholarships, or are otherwise affordable, you may want to apply to them.

13

Anyone who meets the requirements for the UA Honors College, is enrolled in it. I believe the minimum ACT is 29.