Spotlight on Alfred University
Alfred University Steinheim
Photo by Allen Grove
Located in the rolling hills of Western New York, Alfred University has a long and rich history. Founded in 1836, Alfred University has been coeducational since it first opened its doors, and it was the second coeducational college in the country (Oberlin was the first). The university's small size and picturesque setting give it the feel of a private liberal arts college, but the reality is much more complex. Alfred is a comprehensive university with schools of business, engineering, art and design, school psychology, and liberal arts and sciences. The programs in art and ceramic engineering are part of the State University of New York while the rest of the university is private. The university is world-renowned for its ceramic art and ceramic engineering programs, and the school was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences.
Alfred University has a 12 to 1 student / faculty ratio, and the average class size is 18. Quality teaching is the top priority of the university, and the school prides itself on the meaningful interaction between faculty and students.
In the current economic climate, college costs are a huge concern for prospective students. Alfred does well on this front. The total price tag is lower than many comparable institutions, and the majority of students receive significant grant aid. The 2010 Fiske Guide to Colleges lists Alfred as one of 44 schools in the United States that is a "top financial find" -- colleges that "offer really remarkable educational opportunities at a relatively modest cost." Alfred also ranks #3 in the U.S. News and World Report 2010 Edition of America's Best Colleges for "Great Schools, Great Prices." Moreover, Alfred averages more than $5,000 less than the #1 and #2 schools on the U.S. News list.
Every week I spotlight a great college that might be off the radar of college applicants. If there's a college you'd like to see featured here, please post your ideas in the College Admissions Forum. If you'd like to learn more about Alfred University and what it takes to get accepted, visit my Alfred Admissions Profile and the university's official website. If you are familiar with Alfred, please share your impressions below.
To get a better sense of the Alfred University campus, check out my Alfred University photo tour.
Comments
As a parent of a child in engineering at AU, I can tell you without a doubt that AU was an excellent choice. The professors do stay connected to the students and are outstanding in giving support while providing challenging coursework and having high expectations.
More High School students should seriously give Alfred consideration when shopping for a school.
What is the acceptance rate in AU for international student with 2.4 to 3.4 out of 4.0 GPA during 10 & 11 grades? interested in business major.