why not Univ of Alabama?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

I was ready to ridicule this, but with more nuance, economically, yes, racially and culturally, it depends. Bama is 72% white, comparables would be Bates, Holy Cross, Skidmore, Hamilton, Notre Dame, Colgate, Vassar, UMass Amherst, Villanova, Lafayette, Bates and some other SLACs that have percentages of white students in the mid-50s to around 70% .

There are plenty of PWIs up North, too.

As a large Southern school, Bama will provide an entry into engaging life in the South across nearly all economic classes. In that respect, it is a more culturally diverse experience than a lot of selective schools in the North. So, if you are fine with a PWI, it comes down to what experience an applicant prefers. Having spent my childhood in Georgia (and still visit family there), while becoming an adult in California, I can respect the lives of people there even if it is not for me and my family.

How about Red/Blue diversity?

Or North/South?

Or urban/rural?

If your kid is born and raised in the super blue/uber diverse DC metro area and heads to uni on the East or West Coast, that’s just more of the same.

But if your kid ventures out of their comfort zone—particularly to a school like Bama where they might be the political and geographic and religious minority—then that can be a more powerful learning experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

I was ready to ridicule this, but with more nuance, economically, yes, racially and culturally, it depends. Bama is 72% white, comparables would be Bates, Holy Cross, Skidmore, Hamilton, Notre Dame, Colgate, Vassar, UMass Amherst, Villanova, Lafayette, Bates and some other SLACs that have percentages of white students in the mid-50s to around 70% .

There are plenty of PWIs up North, too.

As a large Southern school, Bama will provide an entry into engaging life in the South across nearly all economic classes. In that respect, it is a more culturally diverse experience than a lot of selective schools in the North. So, if you are fine with a PWI, it comes down to what experience an applicant prefers. Having spent my childhood in Georgia (and still visit family there), while becoming an adult in California, I can respect the lives of people there even if it is not for me and my family.

How about Red/Blue diversity?

Or North/South?

Or urban/rural?

If your kid is born and raised in the super blue/uber diverse DC metro area and heads to uni on the East or West Coast, that’s just more of the same.

But if your kid ventures out of their comfort zone—particularly to a school like Bama where they might be the political and geographic and religious minority—then that can be a more powerful learning experience.

It’s not more of the same at all…go look at where kids come from at all the top northeast schools…way higher %ages of kids from the south or west or Midwest at those schools vs kids from the north or Midwest or west at an Alabama.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[img]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

Same experience. Visited on a whim, no expectation and was blown away. DS is now a senior there and he leaves with two publications in serious science journals, a job offer, a diverse world view and having enjoyed every minute of his time there (he is not Greek). His friends are headed to top med schools, engineering firms and phd programs. All educated for free!

Alabama is spending like crazy and has healthy financials, unlike many — Stanford (laying off 700), Northwestern (laying off 400), Chicago is $6 billion in debt!

The school has a 4 year graduation rate of 56% that is horrifying.
Graduates from the University of Alabama had a median earning of $37,400 within two years and $44,500 within six years of graduation.

Great idea to pay OOS tuition to a school with those types of returns on investment.

Rape is extremely high on campus. And just fantastic Alabama law that, requires sexual violence survivors to demonstrate "earnest resistance" during an assault.

It is also one of the most dangerous campuses in the US for crime.

The reality is smart kids will do well wherever they go.

Your bright kid from Dcumlandia is likely to get merit aid from Bama and will graduate in 4 years. What the other kids do isn’t your problem.

Sometimes it’s better to be the big fish in the small pond.

And you are who your friends are. 56% graduation rate. There's a reason why they're throwing tons of merit money to practically anyone. Their marketing is all about how fun the school is, how great the greek life is, etc. Smart parents and kids make choices that look beyond that.

I’d love to see stats from a variety of schools re:

1. How many kids have anxiety, depression, etc. and are medicated

2. How many grads are single/not dating, unmarried, etc.

3. How many are happy, etc.

The vibe at Bama is happy.

56% graduation rate is not a sign of student happiness.

It is an undeniably happy place.

The 6-year graduation rate is 74%.

So happy they don't want to leave, apparently.

Or they went to Bama to party and flunked out. The 74% 6-year graduation rate is still lower than the best SEC schools and if students are more focused on having fun than completing their degrees on time (while still having plenty of fun), I don't see that as a positive thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

I was ready to ridicule this, but with more nuance, economically, yes, racially and culturally, it depends. Bama is 72% white, comparables would be Bates, Holy Cross, Skidmore, Hamilton, Notre Dame, Colgate, Vassar, UMass Amherst, Villanova, Lafayette, Bates and some other SLACs that have percentages of white students in the mid-50s to around 70% .

There are plenty of PWIs up North, too.

As a large Southern school, Bama will provide an entry into engaging life in the South across nearly all economic classes. In that respect, it is a more culturally diverse experience than a lot of selective schools in the North. So, if you are fine with a PWI, it comes down to what experience an applicant prefers. Having spent my childhood in Georgia (and still visit family there), while becoming an adult in California, I can respect the lives of people there even if it is not for me and my family.

How about Red/Blue diversity?

Or North/South?

Or urban/rural?

If your kid is born and raised in the super blue/uber diverse DC metro area and heads to uni on the East or West Coast, that’s just more of the same.

But if your kid ventures out of their comfort zone—particularly to a school like Bama where they might be the political and geographic and religious minority—then that can be a more powerful learning experience.

It’s not more of the same at all…go look at where kids come from at all the top northeast schools…way higher %ages of kids from the south or west or Midwest at those schools vs kids from the north or Midwest or west at an Alabama.

Not the same at all.

Non-religious liberals are the majority at schools up north and on the coasts and at SLACs, etc.

If your kid is haven’t sent a kid from the dc metro area to a SEC school, you really can’t imagine how different it is. And I’m glad my kid ventured outside their comfort zone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

I was ready to ridicule this, but with more nuance, economically, yes, racially and culturally, it depends. Bama is 72% white, comparables would be Bates, Holy Cross, Skidmore, Hamilton, Notre Dame, Colgate, Vassar, UMass Amherst, Villanova, Lafayette, Bates and some other SLACs that have percentages of white students in the mid-50s to around 70% .

There are plenty of PWIs up North, too.

As a large Southern school, Bama will provide an entry into engaging life in the South across nearly all economic classes. In that respect, it is a more culturally diverse experience than a lot of selective schools in the North. So, if you are fine with a PWI, it comes down to what experience an applicant prefers. Having spent my childhood in Georgia (and still visit family there), while becoming an adult in California, I can respect the lives of people there even if it is not for me and my family.

How about Red/Blue diversity?

Or North/South?

Or urban/rural?

If your kid is born and raised in the super blue/uber diverse DC metro area and heads to uni on the East or West Coast, that’s just more of the same.

But if your kid ventures out of their comfort zone—particularly to a school like Bama where they might be the political and geographic and religious minority—then that can be a more powerful learning experience.

It’s not more of the same at all…go look at where kids come from at all the top northeast schools…way higher %ages of kids from the south or west or Midwest at those schools vs kids from the north or Midwest or west at an Alabama.

Not the same at all.

Non-religious liberals are the majority at schools up north and on the coasts and at SLACs, etc.

If your kid is haven’t sent a kid from the dc metro area to a SEC school, you really can’t imagine how different it is. And I’m glad my kid ventured outside their comfort zone.

By your one standard…but the geographic diversity (ie the northeast top schools are considerably more geographically diverse) are massively different compared to an SEC school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

I was ready to ridicule this, but with more nuance, economically, yes, racially and culturally, it depends. Bama is 72% white, comparables would be Bates, Holy Cross, Skidmore, Hamilton, Notre Dame, Colgate, Vassar, UMass Amherst, Villanova, Lafayette, Bates and some other SLACs that have percentages of white students in the mid-50s to around 70% .

There are plenty of PWIs up North, too.

As a large Southern school, Bama will provide an entry into engaging life in the South across nearly all economic classes. In that respect, it is a more culturally diverse experience than a lot of selective schools in the North. So, if you are fine with a PWI, it comes down to what experience an applicant prefers. Having spent my childhood in Georgia (and still visit family there), while becoming an adult in California, I can respect the lives of people there even if it is not for me and my family.

How about Red/Blue diversity?

Or North/South?

Or urban/rural?

If your kid is born and raised in the super blue/uber diverse DC metro area and heads to uni on the East or West Coast, that’s just more of the same.

But if your kid ventures out of their comfort zone—particularly to a school like Bama where they might be the political and geographic and religious minority—then that can be a more powerful learning experience.

It’s not more of the same at all…go look at where kids come from at all the top northeast schools…way higher %ages of kids from the south or west or Midwest at those schools vs kids from the north or Midwest or west at an Alabama.

Not the same at all.

Non-religious liberals are the majority at schools up north and on the coasts and at SLACs, etc.

If your kid is haven’t sent a kid from the dc metro area to a SEC school, you really can’t imagine how different it is. And I’m glad my kid ventured outside their comfort zone.

By your one standard…but the geographic diversity (ie the northeast top schools are considerably more geographically diverse) are massively different compared to an SEC school.

I mean, didn’t most of the dcum posters attend good schools in the north or on the coasts…so we know what they are like?

Most schools have geographic diversity but the schools up north and on the coasts tend to draw a similar demographic in terms of politics. I’d say sending your liberal white kid from DC to a school like Bama would be a different experience than sending them to a school in CA or WA or MA or even NC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great school! As good as any in the Northeast. Don't let the anti-South bias on this forum get to you. Roll Tide!

Their acceptance rate is almost 80% now. And it’s a different world there. Still segregated although not legally since 2012. It’s a public school but Christianity is everywhere. The sororities still have rules from 100 years ago and are subservient to the fraternities. And of course MAGAs are everywhere. That’s not bias just facts.

My kid has a very diverse group of friends at bama, including two who are first generation Americans.

And I’ve spoken with black moms at campus events who explained why their daughters opted for black sororities: it’s a legacy and networking thing they prefer…not because the white sororities aren’t welcoming. If you know black professionals who were in black sororities, then you would understand why they prefer sticking with their sorority.

They would be better off at more prestigious colleges like Spelman or Howard.
Your kid must not be in a sorority because there is zero diversity there.

The lack of diversity in sororities in 2025 is because black students prefer to be a legacy in a black sorority precisely for the networking aspect or because their mom/grandma was in it.

The white sororities are trying to diversify but the black students prefer their own prestigious sororities. I know black women in their 40s/50s/60s who sport their sorority colors at networking events, etc. It’s a thing, and it’s their prerogative. But don’t blame others for their decision to stick with certain sororities.

Interesting because I was there for homecoming and the sororities all march on the parade (probably mostly freshman). There was a surprising amount of diversity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:[img]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At Alabama, in the humanities, at least history, the most powerful professors (including head of department) are Ivy League phds from the north, particularly New York. Well-run school with a lot of money for research (they use sports money) so they attract really good professors. Amazing school.

That’s nice. But why suffer living in Tuscaloosa to get access to Ivy League professors? Many universities up north have Ivy League professors, and you don’t have to live in depressing Alabama.

I think the point is that Alabama professors are not parochial and southern, but bring national/international, diverse perspectives. It’s a surprisingly impressive place.

This.

My kid goes to Bama and one of their favorite professors grew up in the dc metro area and went to a top private HS in dc before going on to a fancy university. Other favorite profs are from all over.

And the campus is the quintessential college environment but bigger/better/nicer. They are pouring money into the school at an unparalleled level and it shows. The strip and downtown area ooze small town charm (although Ole Miss wins when it comes to the most charming town vibe). The locals and students are friendly, fit, and fun. And the parent group is ridiculously friendly and helpful. There are local parents who will literally pick up your kid from the airport or take them soup when they are sick. It’s not unusual for girl moms to post their kid needs help moving heavy furniture and boy moms to send their son over with a buddy to help.

I think students from the north who head to schools like Bama are getting a far more diverse experience than others. There is a broad spectrum of people and beliefs, and kids must learn to get along…and they do.

PS - There is a lot of wealth on campus. My kid knows students whose families own private planes. I think most dcum parents would be very surprised if they bothered to tour Bama. I encourage you to tour during the school year.

Same experience. Visited on a whim, no expectation and was blown away. DS is now a senior there and he leaves with two publications in serious science journals, a job offer, a diverse world view and having enjoyed every minute of his time there (he is not Greek). His friends are headed to top med schools, engineering firms and phd programs. All educated for free!

Alabama is spending like crazy and has healthy financials, unlike many — Stanford (laying off 700), Northwestern (laying off 400), Chicago is $6 billion in debt!

The school has a 4 year graduation rate of 56% that is horrifying.
Graduates from the University of Alabama had a median earning of $37,400 within two years and $44,500 within six years of graduation.

Great idea to pay OOS tuition to a school with those types of returns on investment.

Rape is extremely high on campus. And just fantastic Alabama law that, requires sexual violence survivors to demonstrate "earnest resistance" during an assault.

It is also one of the most dangerous campuses in the US for crime.

The reality is smart kids will do well wherever they go.

Your bright kid from Dcumlandia is likely to get merit aid from Bama and will graduate in 4 years. What the other kids do isn’t your problem.

Sometimes it’s better to be the big fish in the small pond.

And you are who your friends are. 56% graduation rate. There's a reason why they're throwing tons of merit money to practically anyone. Their marketing is all about how fun the school is, how great the greek life is, etc. Smart parents and kids make choices that look beyond that.

I’d love to see stats from a variety of schools re:

1. How many kids have anxiety, depression, etc. and are medicated

2. How many grads are single/not dating, unmarried, etc.

3. How many are happy, etc.

The vibe at Bama is happy.

56% graduation rate is not a sign of student happiness.

It is an undeniably happy place.

The 6-year graduation rate is 74%.

So happy they don't want to leave, apparently.

Or they went to Bama to party and flunked out. The 74% 6-year graduation rate is still lower than the best SEC schools and if students are more focused on having fun than completing their degrees on time (while still having plenty of fun), I don't see that as a positive thing.

The cost of Alabama is small and admissions standards are low for in-state, so the school has a fair number of kids who shouldn’t really be there and they end up just not returning after a year or two. Honors kids and the elite programs create a school within a school, so there isn’t much contact with less academic kids, but the attrition hurts Alabama’s ranking.