I was recently accepted to both the University of Alabama and the University of Florida and I intend to major in finance and minor in sports management. I got into the honors college at the University of Alabama but not at the University of Florida. Both would cost similarly with financial aid and I enjoy both campuses. I am conflicted on where I should go and what would be the better decision for my college life and my future?
If you got into UF, you had a strong SAT / ACT so I have to think Bama is cheaper unless you are a Florida resident.
Sports Management is a very difficult major with low paying outcomes.
Both Warrington and Culverhouse are solid. Bama Honors is as good as you want it to be. For one, housing at Ridgecrest is fantastic for an Honors dorm. Your own room and shared bathroom with one. You also register for classes earlier. The Honors courses are fantastic but many do the minimal required and drop last semester senior year. They really just use it for early registration so that depends on you. Both campuses are large - Bama is immaculate but both very nice. I prefer Gainesville as a city (it’s nicer) but the cities are more similar than not. And that’s subjective.
If you were seeking a major bank type role, UF likely stronger. UF doesn’t break out finance but Warrington showed a just shy of $70k in 2024. Bama shows $67k with a 76% knowledge rate - so they captured 3 of 4 grads. Finance specifically shows $72k with an 80% knowledge rate. I point this out bcuz some say don’t believe career stats bcuz few report. Today, that’s not true. Years ago it was.
Bama doesn’t show Sports Management outcomes but shows the college it’s in. The average was $50,600 for the college. As for cities where Sports Management kids ended up - they do show - Atlanta, Austin, Jacksonville, Ruston Louisiana ( LA Tech no doubt), Tuscaloosa.
For UF in Sport Management, they show 36% employed, 54% seeking with 7% not looking until after graduation The median salary is $49k. Those stats show you the overall difficulty of the field.
Most will tell you UF because of a U.S. News rank but the schools are similar in every way, short of student admission selectivity.
So I think you visit both and choose the one you feel most comfortable.
Congrats on two fine admissions.
1 Like
As long as you are ok with spending one summer semester on campus in Gainesville, and you have stated that costs are similar, IMO there is no question that UF is an overall stronger school. I attended grad school there many years ago, so I may be a bit biased, but as you are an OOS student who was successfully admitted to a very good school that takes few OOS students. I see it as a pretty clear choice. Congrats! Go gators!
1 Like
U Alabama may be the better option as you were admitted to the Honors College. Also, in the not-too-distant past, many undergraduate business majors reported taking online classes at U Florida due to overcrowding.
Additionally, some areas of Sports Management may benefit from a law degree. U Alabama Honors College students may waive the LSAT/standardized test requirement for admission to the U Alabama’s top tier law school.
Regardless, select on the basis of your major area of study (finance) and not on your minor (Sports Management).
3 Likes
This!
Have you visited both campuses? Maybe visit both during admitted student events and see which you prefer. Congrats on the admissions!
2 Likes