The University of Alabama (UA) vs Prescott College

When it comes to higher education, The University of Alabama and Prescott College stand as two distinct institutions with unique offerings. The University of Alabama, a public research university, boasts a sprawling campus, a diverse student body, and a wide range of academic programs. In contrast, Prescott College, a private liberal arts college, emphasizes experiential learning, environmental studies, and social justice. With acceptance rates of 81% and 75% respectively, both universities offer accessible pathways to higher education. While The University of Alabama excels in fields like business, engineering, and nursing, Prescott College shines in areas such as environmental science, outdoor education, and sustainable communities. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these institutions, including student demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the best fit for your academic aspirations.

	Prescott College	The University of Alabama
Overview
Location	Prescott, Arizona	Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	75.0%	89.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	99.3%	78.9%
Application fees		Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $65
SAT range	N/A	1070 - 1370
ACT range	N/A	21 - 31
Students submitting SAT score		17.0%
Students submitting ACT score		63.0%
Total number of applicants	147	42,421
Total number of admissions given out	146	33,472
Admitted students who chose to enroll	37	7,593
Yield rate	25.3%	22.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$45,804	In state: $31,024 Out of state: $50,494
Average net price	$17,082	$21,263
Tuition	$32,976	In state: $10,780 Out of state: $30,250
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,990 Meal plan: $2,530	Room/dormitory: $5,900 Meal plan: $4,234
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $27,801	76.0% Average amount $16,363
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $4,976	37.0% Average amount $5,221
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $19,000	9.0% Average amount $23,617

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	388 Men 34.0% Women 66.0%	31,685 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%
Graduate students	659 Men 18.2% Women 81.8%	6,631 Men 36.9% Women 63.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	62.2%
International students	0.3%	3.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	104	9,385
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Alabama Georgia Illinois Texas Tennessee

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Multidisciplinary Studies Natural Resources and Conservation	Health Professions Business Engineering Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	9:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	40.0%	72.2%
Dropout rate	22.9%	7.7%
Transferred out	37.1%	18.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $43,426 Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $104,741 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $121,674 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,175 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,082 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,913 Year 2: $80,004 Year 3: $96,574 Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,715 Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $89,742 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,858 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $83,044 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,725 Year 2: $75,832 Year 3: $82,831 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,975 Year 2: $75,921 Year 3: $82,382 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,535 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $81,427 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,760 Year 2: $65,281 Year 3: $76,647 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $62,913 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $76,479

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between The University of Alabama and Prescott College?

The University of Alabama (UA) is a large, public research university known for its strong athletic programs, particularly football, and a wide range of academic disciplines. Prescott College, on the other hand, is a small, private liberal arts college focused on experiential and environmental education. UA offers a traditional campus experience with a large student body, while Prescott College provides a more intimate and personalized learning environment.
Which college is better for students interested in traditional academic programs like business, engineering, or medicine?

The University of Alabama is generally a stronger choice for students pursuing traditional academic programs such as business, engineering, medicine, and law. UA has well-established programs, extensive research opportunities, and a larger alumni network in these fields.
Which college is better for students interested in environmental studies, sustainability, or social justice?

Prescott College excels in environmental studies, sustainability, social justice, and related fields. Its curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, field studies, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. If these areas are your primary interest, Prescott College is likely a better fit.
How do the campus environments compare?

The University of Alabama has a large, vibrant campus with a strong emphasis on school spirit and traditional college life. It offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Greek life, sports, and student organizations. Prescott College has a smaller, more intimate campus in a natural setting. The focus is on community, outdoor activities, and a close-knit student body.
What is the difference in student body size?

The University of Alabama has a significantly larger student body, typically exceeding 38,000 students. Prescott College has a much smaller student body, usually around 800-1000 students. This difference in size impacts the classroom experience, student-faculty ratio, and overall campus atmosphere.
How do the tuition costs compare?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency and specific programs. Generally, The University of Alabama, as a public university, offers lower tuition rates for in-state residents. Prescott College, as a private institution, typically has a higher tuition rate, but it may also offer more generous financial aid packages. It's essential to check the most up-to-date tuition information and financial aid options for both colleges on their respective websites.
What are the admission requirements for each college?

The University of Alabama generally requires a strong academic record, including standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) and a competitive GPA. Prescott College takes a more holistic approach to admissions, considering factors such as personal essays, letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated commitment to its mission. Specific requirements can be found on each college's admissions website.
What kind of student thrives at The University of Alabama?

The University of Alabama is a good fit for students who enjoy a large campus environment, value school spirit, and seek a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Students who are self-motivated, enjoy a traditional college experience, and are comfortable in a competitive academic setting tend to thrive at UA.
What kind of student thrives at Prescott College?

Prescott College is ideal for students who are passionate about environmental and social issues, prefer a small and close-knit community, and value experiential learning. Students who are independent, self-directed, and eager to engage in hands-on learning experiences tend to thrive at Prescott College.
Does location play a significant role in the college experience?

Yes, location is a key factor. The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a college town with a strong Southern culture. Prescott College is located in Prescott, Arizona, a smaller city surrounded by mountains and forests, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and environmental studies.
Are there opportunities for research at both colleges?

Yes, both colleges offer research opportunities, but the scale and focus differ. The University of Alabama, as a large research university, has extensive research facilities and funding, particularly in STEM fields. Prescott College offers research opportunities that are often integrated with experiential learning and focused on environmental and social issues.
How do the career services compare?

The University of Alabama has a comprehensive career services center that provides resources for internships, job placement, and career counseling, leveraging its large alumni network. Prescott College offers career services tailored to its unique academic programs, with a focus on careers in environmental fields, social justice, and non-profit organizations. Both colleges aim to prepare students for successful careers, but their approaches and areas of expertise differ.

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