The best thing to do is go for a campus visit and spend some time talking to the departments your student is looking at for a major. Alabama was always an option because the cost was favorable, but the campus, programs, faculty and support provided there really blew us away. Every other school had to beat Alabama after that. My son is very excited about starting there this fall.
Greek life is big, but I noticed it seemed far more intense for the girls. Only 27% of guys are in fraternities, but 35% of students overall are in Greek life. My son isn’t interested in rushing, and he found plenty of others at his orientation who were also disinterested. There are loads of other activities and groups to join.