Alfred University Reviews
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Matthew from Russell, PA
04/05/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
9 out of 9 people found this review useful. 1 of 12
Categories Comments Bang for the buck My tuition at Alfred (which is out-of-state for me) is the neighborhood of 19-20k a year. Compare that to a tuition of 25k a year for Penn State (which is in-state for me). You decide which is a better value.
Am enjoying being here It is true that Alfred is in the middle of nowhere, and at times may seem remote, but this does not mean that the people here aren't friendly or engaging. Your college experience is what you make of it, and I can say that for the short time I've been at AU I've enjoyed myself.
Am learning a lot This review is being written in complete and total contrast from 'Tulane Tom'. I am not sure if he is even describing the same university. Tom says that the ceramic engineering program, regarded as one of the best in the world, is built up to nothing. Not to mention the engineering program as a whole that offers a very unique and challenging curriculum that is ABET (accreditation board for engineering and technology) certified. Very few other institution offer outstanding ceramic, glass, and materials classes, research opportunities, and expertise from established professors in a smaller classroom setting. And fewer places offer the ability to use lab equipment (SEMs, X-Ray Diffraction machines, etc) as early as your first/second semester. As for getting stuck in a 'crummy town' with a job in ceramics, I can tell you this will not happen. As a sophomore materials science engineering student I have landed a paid research co-op in Albany, NY (not a crummy place in the midwest) at a company called Ceralink (www.ceralink.com)
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Douglas from Hellertown, PA
05/26/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 2 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students who like a relaxed atmosphere, and do fine with seeing some of the same faces everyday.
Tips for prospective students Check it out on multiple occasions, especially one day when the weather is not perfect. Alfred is absolutely BEAUTIFUL when the weather is nice, but because it rains so often, that beauty is sometimes overlooked.
Bang for the buck Alfred was voted one of the best bang for you buck schools a couple years back, and I would definitely agree! If you come from a family with a relatively low income, or you did pretty well in high school, Alfred's financial aid department does a very good job in making sure you have the proper funds in order to attend. If you are out of state, they do a pretty good job in providing out of sate housing grants, which helps to suck up the expensive housing/dining plans at Alfred.
Am enjoying being here The students are also very diverse at Alfred, and it is not what I was expecting at all. You'll meet people from all different backgrounds and with all different beliefs. It is neat because the school is very supportive of everyone, and everyone is their own person. Some things I like about Alfred are: The small physical size allows for getting around to be very simple, it has a very relaxed atmosphere, and the students have a say in pretty much everything. There are a few things I dislike about Alfred though, and some of those are: with only 2000 undergrads, it makes it slightly tough to meet new people after the first few months, it rains a lot during the fall and spring and snows all winter, and there is a huge number of football players (which you can interpret in your own way).
Am learning a lot Alfred University has a very distinct and different learning community. It is definitely not like a Harvard or MIT learning environment (or at least what you picture when you hear them), it is much more student based. I wouldn't say that Alfred is an easy college, but it being a small school gives students more opportunity to learn in the way that suits them best. I would definately say that certain programs are focused upon more heavily than others (by the school itself). Being an engineer, I notice that a lot of the focus is given to ceramic and glass engineers because that is what the school is known for, but they do have neat mechanical/materials/biomedical/etc. engineering programs.
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Melanie from Victor, NY
05/13/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 3 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Art students and Engineering students are likely to succed at Alfred University.
Tips for prospective students Check out the campus before and after you apply. If you liked it before you applied you will love it after too.
Bang for the buck There is so much space at the University. Its never too cramped and the campus is beautiful.
Will enjoy being here Alfred works hard to not keep their students crammed into class rooms. For art many of the students get to go to Stony Brook within the first couple months of school.
Will learn a lot There are so many courses to take at Alfred University. Its not all studying either, many of the classes are fun.
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Dijon from Hartford, CT
12/22/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 12
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Alfred University is a great school for students who don't mind a rural environment and small class sizes.
Tips for prospective students Student who are interested in attending Alfred University should bring an extra snow suit.
Bang for the buck Alfred University offered me a great financial package.
Am enjoying being here Yes I am enjoying my time at Alfred University. Not only does Alfred University have a beautiful campus but they have many school sponsored events and performances.
Am learning a lot Yes I am learning a lot at Alfred University. Most of my classes are small and some even have teachers assistants so no question goes unanswered.
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Emma from Getzville, NY
01/18/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
5 of 12
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The off campus restaurant called Collegiate is so good! Great price- perfect for college students.
Food and Dining The food is not too great, but it's college food.
Dorm Life I have stayed in the dorms and they are big, roomy, and the people make the dorms so much better.
Academic Rigor From what I have heard, it will be amazing.
Tips for prospective students It is quiet but fun. There is plenty to do. The school is a beautiful campus and the people are amazing. Everyone is so different, but they all seem to be amazing and become great friends with eachother.
In three sentences I have visited this school 20 times and I cannot wait to attend. Everything about it is so enjoyable, and I cannot wait to be apart of the class of 2016.
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Maya from Lodi, NY
05/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
6 of 12
Categories Comments What to do for fun Alfred University has very little to nothing to do in town. So you have to be creative! Hang out with your friends, get a cup of coffee at terra cotta, and then at night go for a night out on the town.
Food and Dining HORRIBLE! When something is listed as vegan -DON'T BELIEVE IT! Furthermore, if something is listed as vegetarian, ask every question in the book. There was an incident that has occurred twice now with a Sheppard's pie that was listed as vegan, but was admittedly filled with ground beef and cheese. When asked to take the sign down that said vegan, they refused to.
Dorm Life The rooms are small and there is little to no effort to pair you with someone that you would be most likely to get along with. The RAs were often unreasonable during my freshmen year, making unfair rules and penalties that I'm at least 90% sure they couldn't actually do.
Academic Rigor The school of art and design at Alfred University is a program not to be messed with. The student who come out of this program have been through it all. Basically, if you survive foundations (the first year of college), you will make it throughout the rest of Alfred University's art program.
Tips for prospective students While you're studying at Alfred University, make sure you make time for new opportunities. These include studying abroad, taking classes in areas you have little to no experience in. Don't be shy, make friends in a variety of majors - it will give you a broader view as you all move through your college careers.
In three sentences As a student in the Art program, the program is very efficient BECAUSE it forces students to teach themselves with guidance. However, the studio spaces are small and the jobs are slim. The food is also highly over priced and disgusting - not vegan or vegetarian friendly despite advertisements.
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Erin from Alfred Station, NY
05/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
7 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety The standard blue light system is in effect all across Alfred, and campus safety patrols the school regularly. Don't park your car in an unspecified parking spot or you'll get a ticket. They'll withhold your diploma if you don't pay them.
Greek Life There are no sororities or fraternities at Alfred University.
Clubs and Activities There's almost every type of club available, and if we don't have it - we can make it. The Student Activities center is always willing to set anything up so long as you have a faculty advisor. The range goes from international club to golf club to ski club to outdoors (hiking) club. There's a medieval society for people who like to LARP and then there are those who simply like to play Quidditch. There's a club for just about anything.
Great for these types of students Ones that work hard, take a lot of notes, and do their homework. You're not going to get far here if you don't do your work, and there are no easy A's. Teachers are willing to work with you, and will give you extensions if you need them, but you need to talk to them and explain the situation. If you know you're going to be absent due to a prior commitment early on, tell them as soon as you hear about it and they won't mind at all to help you. Be prepared to spend time with your teachers if you want to do well. You need to speak up in class, participation is a must.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are hidden tree-houses around campus that you can find and crawl up in. Once a year there's Hot Dog Day - a big celebration that encompasses all of Alfred in late April.
Bang for the buck Definitely the best school I could have chosen for myself, I have enjoyed being a student here for all four years and will miss it when I leave. It is expensive, but it's worth the extra cost.
What to do for fun Many sports teams and activities on that regard, there are local events all the time. Movies are shown at the personal theatre every week. Bands, comedians, and carnival-eque events are constantly rotating to help entertain the students.
Food and Dining I make it a point not to try to eat there. The food's rather poor and if there's one downside it's that.
Dorm Life Some dorms are fantastic, others aren't. It's a hit or miss. The freshman dorm, obviously, isn't as nice as the senior dorms. Locations of the dorms can be frustrating and far away from your classes, but if you wake up early enough you shouldn't have too much trouble.
Academic Rigor I study in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and it is only as difficult as you make it. Some teachers, obviously, will be more challenging than others, but overall it's not overly hard.
Tips for prospective students Always go to your classes on time, and spend the extra time to speak with your teachers. They're all willing to speak with you and help you if you need it, but you need to show the initiative to go to them first. There aren't a lot of assignments, but when you do have them - do them punctually. Due to the local bus, you don't need a car to get to the nearest town.
In three sentences This school has very interactive teachers that are always willing to spend the extra time with their students. The small class sizes enables a more focussed and relaxing learning environment. Campus life and activities are all very active and well thought out - a truly fine institution.
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Nicholas from Groton, NY
07/24/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
8 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety Small town atmosphere in a college town.
Great for these types of students Serious students who do not want distractions will do well here.
Bang for the buck Great graduate program for my field (School Psych) which is both reasonable, funded, and has a great history.
What to do for fun There are a lot of nearby nature trails to hike, there are a few local hangouts (like the coffee shop and the Collegiate). There is one small bar. For a village, there is a reasonable amount of things to do. For a college town, there should be more.
Food and Dining There are limited options, but what is available is reasonable and should suit a wide variety of pallets.
Dorm Life The dorms are college dorms. However, the off-campus housing is plentiful, close, and inexpensive.
Academic Rigor The programs (at the graduate level) are very focused and strong (as they should be). I can't speak to the undergraduate level.
Tips for prospective students Definitely check out the village of Alfred. If you like night life and lots of things to do, this may not be a fit. If you prefer a serious academic approach and want to avoid distractions, this is a great location.
In three sentences The program I am attending is a PsyD in School Psych, and has a very strong reputation. The school is known for a few things, particularly the art programs it has. It is a very quiet location in Upstate, NY.
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Alexandrea from Buffalo, NY
07/25/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
9 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety Students and faculty leave their car doors unlocked open without fear. You do the math. Crime levels are at 0.5% compared to Buffalo's school, and I can only imagine a parking ticket being the most severe.
Greek Life They have no Greek Life.
Clubs and Activities Everything. Seriously, I don't even know if a could list the number of clubs in the next life, let alone now. They have a club that BUILDS and FIGHTS with ROBOTS! ROBOTS I TELL YOU! Ask them if it's true! Go ahead!
Great for these types of students If you're trying to actually focus on studies and be laid back rather then partying this is your place.And even if you want to party a little you can go and visit Alfred State, which is quite literally, across the street. DON'T APPLY IF YOU HATE HILLS. I warn you now, you will be in the shape of your life walking from class to class and dorm to dorm.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus It is essential to dress up the King Alfred Statue as a graduation requirement. They will withhold your diploma until you do. ...Okay just kidding, but they do dress King Alfred up. It's pretty funny.
Bang for the buck It was a bit pricey for my economic situation but they most certainly tried to bridge the gap. They we're neck and neck with my first choice school, which was pretty amazing. The only real draw backs where the location and my not wanting to take extra loans.
What to do for fun They are in the sticks so don't go expecting night clubs. Still the admins and students do make ever effort to bring the fun to campus. Concerts, theater, art shows, parties, festivals - they have a little something for everyone and if you're wanting for more, they work with you to make it happen.
Food and Dining I ate dinner while I was there and my host (who was but far the nicest person I've ever met) made it a point to warn me about the food. Apparently it won some of the Worse campus foods or something and they sometimes had thing on the menu that was meant only for the pregnant and starving to the point of obliviousness. ... But I tasted the food and it was fine. Really - it was totally average. And it was also pretty clean. Plus the entire place is covered in awesome student made artwork (but I'm weird so mind me not for that comment...).
Dorm Life They show you the dorms on the tour and yes, the hallways are a bit narrow but the rooms are a very nice size. The walls are concrete so no, you can't really use thumbtacks, but you can dress it up if you're creative. Plus they will never place more than two students in one room as they're policy. They really care about your living conditions.
Academic Rigor I sat in for two classes during my overnight stay (they really want you to get a feel of the campus so feel free to ask about it). The professors were really cool. The professor of the gerontology course remembered her students by name and really connected with them if her jokes were anything to go by. She was engagingly and made sure student were not just writing, but listening to what she was teaching and form they're own opinion and get actual experience with the elderly. The Art History professor was someone to be admired to. Her class started with the breaking down of former conceptions of art and society and builds it back up with the addition of new information. The classes actually seem challenging and stimulating.
Tips for prospective students Look at your financial aid packages from all the schools you've been accepted to and don't be afraid to ask Alfred's admissions and financial aid offices if there is any way to even out the differences. They do want to see you there next year as part of their family. Also - ASK QUESTIONS! See if you can stay the night to get a feel of the dorms. Ask if you can speak to professors or even students about the campus, classes and yes even the quality of food. They WILL be honest in their answers. Professors get paid regardless of their opinions and seniors get their degree in May - they have no reason to lie to get you there.
In three sentences It was a very beautiful campus. Students were friendly, professors were informative and clubs were abundant. All around, a wonderful University.
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Caitlin from Hamden, NY
10/21/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
10 of 12
Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus All over the campus you will see art work. This school is big on creative minds and we like to see all the different perspectives that these minds bring to our University.
What to do for fun Every term there is a brochure with all sorts of activities for students to enjoy on the weekends and during the week there are often forums or other lectures from all sorts of professionals. There are also all sorts of sports both team, intramural sports, and clubs that students can join to occupy their time. The clubs offer activities and events that purpose a lot of interest in all sorts of fields.
Food and Dining Just recently the school upgraded one of the two dining halls. It looks very modern and has that cyber cafe feel. The food is already set in bowls/on plates and ready for you to pick up. The down side to this is that you can't serve your self, but the up side is that you can get up and get more like and all you can eat buffet.
Dorm Life The dorms are nice, but they can be a bit sketchy. For example I am living in the suites right now and you can hear every step that anyone makes and you can hear people singing in the shower from the floor above you. For your first year you the school places you in a set dorm which is nice because it sort of forces you to get out and make friends. After your first year you are eligible to live anywhere else on campus depending on your grade status. You also have the option of who you live with after your first year.
Academic Rigor You have to put in the time and effort in homework and in studying. You have to want to do the work or else you fall behind. It's important to find majors and courses that you're interested in because that will drive you to putting in the effort you need to read you're life goal.
Tips for prospective students Keep up with your work and study hard and you will succeed in getting further towards you're goal. The professors want to help you succeed as long as you are willing to help yourself. This school can be rather expensive so I suggest looking for scholarships way ahead of time so that you don't have to take out loans like I had to.
In three sentences This school offers a great program in Early Childhood Education. They give you hand on experience with children and in elementary schools. Alfred University has a 90% job placement rate after graduation.
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Lauren from Morrisville, VT
11/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
11 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety It would be five stars but Alfred has a lot of fires in the town. It's weird and so the school is crazy about fire safety.
Greek Life We don't have one.
Clubs and Activities I am the captain of the quidditch team! We have tons of events. If you want to know more about the team you can email quidditch@alfred.edu Also we have a medieval club that wear armor...
Great for these types of students Everyone
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have a castle!
What to do for fun Quidditch
Food and Dining Ade is awful but powell is awesome. Ade doesn't care if you are a vegetarian and they rarely are serving. Also their dishes are zero percent functional. Powell always has something yummy plus Tuesday is taco day.
Dorm Life My whole hall is friends and generally people love each other. The rooms are small but cozy. FYI the washers won't clean if you use those laundry pods.
Academic Rigor Go to class and recopy you notes and you will be fine. Don't fall behind or you will never catch up.
Tips for prospective students Be sure to visit. Also Alfred like it if you have a recommendation letter from a teacher in a class where you didn't do well but tried very hard.
In three sentences There is something at Alfred for everyone and therefore I love it. The people who don't like Alfred don't try very hard to look for things to be active in. Even if Alfred doesn't have something you love it is very easy to make it happen (as in create your own major or club).
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Jordana from Plant City, FL
02/15/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
12 of 12
Categories Comments Campus Safety There is basically about one mugging per year on campus. One. Look at any other school and it's hundreds. Everyone knows everyone here. When school isn't in session, there is a population of 300 people. It's a small and tight-knit community.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus In the sort of quad in front of Powell Campus Center, there's the statue of King Alfred that people often dress up, or do silly things to depending on the time of year or the event coming up.
What to do for fun There's not as much to do around here, but there is still a lot to do considering it's a small campus. There are parties of course, but there's also tons of events. Comedians, bands, fashion shows, dances, movies, etc. There's always something to do on the weekend.
Food and Dining I've always liked the food. They always listen to advice and try to find out what you like or want to see in the dining halls. One of ours just got a huge upgrade.
Dorm Life The dorms are alright, but they are kind of expensive. You're required to live on campus for the first three years but it's not a big deal since there is so much campus housing and Alfred University practically is the town of Alfred. There aren't many other places to live so it's not a big bother.
Academic Rigor It is a private college, and the curriculum is very intense. But I feel like I'm getting the best possibly education here. It's why I came all the way from Florida. But the class sizes are usually smaller so there is more time and availability for one on one time.
Tips for prospective students Be friendly and open. Everyone else is.
In three sentences It's one of the friendliest and nicest places I've been in my life. It's far away from the city but it's very relaxing and even though I don't like the outdoors much, it's soothing. You will never be short of friends here.
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