The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Statistics

Students Say - Academics
"A "top-flight" "small science [and] technology school" in Alabama's thriving defense and tech corridor, UAH is as attractive for its plentiful access to jobs and research money as for its strong business, engineering, and science programs. Students say that "intimate class settings, well-trained professors, and a variety of research opportunities" are the norm, and rave about the "wonderful cooperative education program, in which students can work one semester with a local company and gain experience . . . [in] their area of expertise." Business professors "are excellent. They . . . have had successful careers in the business world, and . . . offer challenging projects that really prepare the students for their careers." Psych majors also call their professors "wonderful" and classes "challenging," and say that "funding and equipment are not as good as [in] the Science Departments, but the atmosphere is much warmer and [more] inviting." Nursing is also popular. Students generally feel "well-prepared" for "the real world," but also say that curricula are "based on what local employers are looking for" and the school should better prepare "students who do not plan to stay in Huntsville after college." As for formal career services, one student calls the office "Campus Engineering Student Career Services, because that's about the only major they help.""

Students Say - Campus Life
"Although flush with "commuter students," UAH "is much more fun when living on campus. The student community is the best and makes it a really great experience." One techie gushes, "I love being in the science buildings where all my friends are because we learn and work together, and that is more fun than working alone." Even older and married students, who have limited on-campus residential options, say that "student housing . . . help[s] make going to school with a family much easier." There are new Greek houses on campus, and "There are usually pretty big turnouts at the frat parties," especially among frosh. UAH offers only one "Division 1 sport"---ice hockey---and some students would also like to see "a football team," to "boost school morale and encourage students from different backgrounds to interact," and perhaps a "new gym." Huntsville---aka "Rocket City"---is as brainy as the college, and the person "sitting next to you at the bar might in fact be a rocket scientist." Students motivated to head off campus can snag $5 symphony tickets, watch "minor league baseball" and semi-pro hockey, and attend "outdoor movies (through Huntsville Botanical Gardens and the Huntsville Museum of Art)." "

Students Say - Student Body
"UAH undergrads say that "all students . . . are intelligent," and the "typical student" is "a North Alabama resident," "either a science or engineering student looking for employment in the aerospace industry or a liberal arts or nursing major looking to the local community." Many students "live locally and commute," and there is "a huge group of adults who are returning to school; most of them are married with kids." Despite the popularity of Greek and other campus organizations, Huntsville students feel their "geeky" reputation is well deserved. The academic seriousness of UAH students means that "unlike UA or Auburn, UAH is not a partying school." "The geekiness rubs off on everyone," complains one undergrad, although others contend that "there are plenty of non-nerds on campus," "the typical student . . . is . . . well-rounded," and "A lot of students do dress well and have very good social skills." Perhaps it's a difference in definition---either way, students praise one another as "very friendly, outgoing, and very studious," and say that for most, "Class comes first." "

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