Albion College
Albion, MI, USA

Reviews

Albion College

Ashley from Waterford, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
I'll be a sophomore for the 2009-2010 school year. The classes I took last year were mainly the basic classes for starting your science major and I felt like I was learning a lot and it was challenging but manageable.
Am enjoying being here
I loved being at Albion so far. Everyone is really friendly, it's a lot of fun. There are a ton of free activities put on by the Union Board. It is a small campus but it doesn't mean you can't have fun.
Bang for the buck
It is an expensive school because it is private but because it is private they are able to give out a lot more scholarships which make it almost the same as a public school. It's also good if your from out of state because its the same cost as instate tuition. The education and personal attention, not to mention fun, you're getting makes the price worth it.
Tips for prospective students
If you plan on going to Albion, visit the school. You have to be a small school person, because it is very small, but that's what I love about it. You also have to be willing to put in a lot of hard work because it is a very academic school, but if you are willing to put in the work you will find that it's not bad and the fun you have, the friends you make and the education you receive will be well worth it.
Great for these types of students
Students who like smaller schools with smaller classes and more personal attention. Students who want a great education.

Alexis from Clinton Twp, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Albion isn't like any other school I have visited. Some of my friends go to big public schools and aren't getting attention from staff or anything else. At Albion I can talk to any and all of my teachers. Whether it's to discuss a grade or to gain more information my professors are always available to me and I couldn't have been learning more.
Am enjoying being here
After adjusting to dorm life and being away from home, I love it. The campus is beautiful, during any season, and the people are incredible. I have meet people from all over the United States and it's amazing how close I have gotten to some people. I couldn't ask for more!
Bang for the buck
Being on the most prestigeous schools in MIchigan i consder my education worth what i have been paying for. In most classes i am one of twenty kids and the attention and level of difficulty of classes was hard and still is. However, every profesor pushes you to strive for your personal best and I think it's worth it. 100%!
Tips for prospective students
After completing my first semester at Albion I wasnt' really prepared for what it was really like. I mean i knew it was away from home and that i would be on my own but i never knew what it felt like until my parents left after move-in day.
I did well in high school and was surprised by how hard to classes were. Albion's standards are a lot higher then most schools and they expect you to achieve it. It's a wonderful opportunity and it will help you with all your future endeavors.
Great for these types of students
For those students who want a small college where there will be a lot of students and staff who you will become very close with. Albion is a family, not just a college teaching kids.
It's a great school for students going into Business Management. They have a rigorous program to help you achieve. And one of the bigger degrees being sought at is biology and biological studies. It's one of the toughest departments in the Albion.
However, Albion College does have a Honors Program that give student smore opportunities as well as other institues to look into.

Katlyn from Livonia, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The amount of information presented to you in one semester at Albion is significantly more than I expected coming into college. The great thing about this Albion, however, is that the quality of information is excellent. Because of the one-on-one attention given to each student, when someone has questions, teachers do not hesitate to help you understand things. At Albion, no one has to worry about not being taught sufficiently, all of the teachers I have encountered have personally taken an interest in their students and have wanted everyone to exceed, rather than bigger schools where a teacher does not even know their student's names.
Am enjoying being here
Besides the academic success, there are so many ways to get involved at Albion. This is probably one of the main things that Albion is known for; students there are well-known for being over scheduled because of all of the activities available. There are many different organizations that cover many topics. From volunteer groups like Habitat for Humanity, to diversity groups, there is a club (or two!) for everyone at Albion. There is also great school spirit at Albion. Since the population size is close to 2,000, everyone gets very close on campus. Knowing so much of the population helps everyone feel comfortable and at home on our small campus!
Bang for the buck
The main downfall of many small, private colleges is the cost. At Albion, however, they realize this and give you many opportunities for scholarships. There are academic scholarships that everyone receives depending on GPA in college etc. Personally, I had a 4.0 in high school and I received $17,000 in academic scholarships. With only this scholarship (not including any other personal or need-based scholarships), the Albion experience has a lot of bang for the buck. The quality of the education there and the many opportunities on campus overshadow any negative aspects of the college.
Tips for prospective students
Go on a personal tour around campus. The tour guide can cater to your interests; for example, if you think you will be interested in the honors institute, they can take you to the observatory, where many of the honors classes are held. Also, overnight visits are great. The overnight host can answer any questions that you might not think of on a tour and you will get honest answers back.
Great for these types of students
Students who are looking for a one-on-one college experience; ones who will enjoy a small, personal campus and who will want to form lasting bonds with the students, professors, and college.

Michael from Alpena, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
A beautiful little campus, the people are friendly, the classes small, and the faculty invested. It certainly focuses on the Liberal-Arts program, combining a world-opening view and more concrete skills. Definitely expensive, but if you value community and knowing everybody and creating relationships throughout campus, Albion could be for you.
Tips for prospective students
It's a fairly selective school. Not crazy-hard to get into, but being a private school, you're definitely gonna want some scholarships. Remember, with inflation, tuition is likely to go up. Be open, join stuff, and make friends. Friendships here can be worth gold.
Academic Rigor
As a Freshman, I'm not extensively experienced with the classes, but I know from some upper-level students that there are a fair amount of hard classes. But the profs are reasonable and there is plenty of help, with after-hours meeting times with the teachers, study-sessions, and smaller class sizes.
Dorm Life
Expect to know the names of the people in your hall. You may not be best friends with all of them, but you'll get to know them by name and you can have a casual chat with any of them. There's a bit of community policy for the health of living areas, so if stuff breaks and nobody is found to be the culprit, the cost is dispersed among students. So we all take responsibility, which encourages us to call an RA or step in when messes are being made. It's casual and homey with lounges and it's totally okay to walk around in PJs.
Food and Dining
GREAT SELECTION. I'm a vegetarian, and I usually have no problem finding stuff to eat. It's like eating in a family restaurant, buffet-style. Environmentally-conscious, sometimes health-minded, and diverse food will test your natural tastes and the delicious food will make you excited for mealtime. They have an Asian food bar, American classics, soups, vegan area, and the menu varies significantly every day.
What to do for fun
Join a club or intramural sport, attend the many events planned by the Union Board (Free everything: concerts, snack parties, comedians, etc.), go to the pool, tour the beautiful campus, explore the multi-storied library, or just chase the unusually docile squirrels!
Bang for the buck
QUITE expensive. Don't attend unless you're sure you can pay this much. But I came here because I knew that it would good for me to be in such an open atmosphere where the students know you by name, as long as you introduce yourself!
Great for these types of students
Open people, people who have difficulty making friends, and those who want to be close while going to a good school.

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
The small sized classes and close knit campus is perfect for anyone looking for one-on-one attention in college. You will often hear people refer to Albion as a family. The professors are willing to put the time in outside of the classroom to help you succeed if you are willing to work hard as well.
Tips for prospective students
Visit campus, the most important part about selecting a college is having that feeling that you will fit in and can see yourself attending that college or university.
Academic Rigor
Albion College surely keeps you on your toes academic wise, but it will pay off in the long run.
What to do for fun
Although Albion is a small community, it is filled with family owned restraunts and stores that are fun to visit. Also local cities are within a twenty minute drive that include movie theaters and malls.
Clubs and Activities
With over 100 clubs and activities on campus, there is no reason any student should ever be bored!
Greek Life
About 49% of campus is involved in Greek Life. The main focus of each sorority/fraternity is phalanthropy.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is available 24/7. There is always a car driving around and rides to different places on or off campus are available as well.

Tabitha from Flint, MI

researching this school
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Albion offers a well-rounded and personalized education. Albion has historical and beautiful architecture. Albion is a place where one can become comfortable and one can call home.
Tips for prospective students
Visit many campus and compare each one. Try and take pictures of dorms, outside, and classrooms. If you have a hobby or a interest see if there is a correlating club as well.
Academic Rigor
While talking with fellow students they expressed that they were expected and encouraged to perform their very best and that personal tutoring is available at all times.
Dorm Life
The dorms are spacious and offer coed floors and same gender floors also. The dorms have door competitions. Also the first week the doors of rooms are open to promote friendships to blossom. There is a kitchen on each floor. Also a rec room and study area are included. The walk from the dorm to the farthest point of the campus are only a few minutes.
Food and Dining
There cafeteria food was very fresh and there was a good food selection also.
What to do for fun
Though a small town the students emphasized that club activities are always taking place and even during break many clubs take trips as well. Albion provides transportation to Ann Arbor for shopping and other activities. Albion also provides discounted movie tickets.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There is a large rock on campus that many clubs secretly will write messages on.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who want small class sizes and bonds and relationships with teachers and students alike.
Clubs and Activities
In Albion there are many clubs and sports ranging from Art Club to Football to the Equestrian Club.
Campus Safety
Campus Safety can be called to assist a student in walking to there dorm or car at night.

Cristino from Grand Rapids, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Albion College is a fantastic place to study! It had amazing programs for business and healthcare, as well as a great honors programs. All of the students and staff are very supportive in everything that you might do.
Tips for prospective students
Take a visit to campus if you aren't sure if you would like a small school. My campus visit was the deciding factor for me.
Academic Rigor
The courses can be tough but the professors are generally very available after class and in office hours.
Dorm Life
The dorms are alright, but the people that fill them will become your best friends.
Food and Dining
The food isn't the best, but there is always something you will enjoy for every meal.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of clubs and organizations to join, and there are tons of activities to attend throughout the semester.

A from IL

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Albion is a small, liberal arts school with excellent science and pre-health programs as well as psychology, education, business, and others. The professors are mostly all wonderful, with a few not-so-great. Greek life is huge, and there's always something going on on-campus.
Tips for prospective students
Come visit! I knew as soon as I visited that this was the school for me. You really get a sense of the community and life at Albion.
Academic Rigor
Classes are pretty tough (though it varies by major). But it prepares you for the real world (or graduate school!). And professors are always available and willing to work with you, so definitely take advantage of their office hours!
Dorm Life
All freshmen live in the same dorm, which really helps you meet people and form friendships. Options for upper classmen are pretty good, considering that Albion is TINY. Of course, no dorms are glamorous, but that's college, right?

*note: it's really hard to get off-campus housing unless you live nearby or have a serious medical condition.
Food and Dining
The options around town are pretty limited, but there are a few local gems.
The dining hall is pretty good most days, and always has gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. If you have a dietary issue, you can talk to the manager, and they will always have something for you.
Also, breakfast in the dining hall is awesome. Even lazy college kids get up before their 8am classes to enjoy it.
What to do for fun
The Union Board has an event almost every weekend (free for students!). They also have a free shuttle to the local movie theater which offers free movies and cheap popcorn to students. Partying at the frat houses is also pretty big.

Isaac from Quincy, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Albion is a fantastic community. The professors get to know you and genuinely care about you. The administration is approachable and reachable.
Tips for prospective students
Work hard in high school - Albion is expensive but they give good scholarships to those who do well!
Academic Rigor
Very difficult, but not undoable. Your degree is worth something!
Dorm Life
Can be a bit crazy
Food and Dining
Has improved a lot.
What to do for fun
Sports, clubs, and more!
Bang for the buck
Expensive but if you can make it work, it will be worth it
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Town is a bit questionable but has some real gem restaurants
Great for these types of students
Students who want to work hard, want to play a sport/find a club that suits them, students interested in Greek life
Clubs and Activities
Extensive and all inclusive
Greek Life
HUGE part of campus
Campus Safety
Responds quickly and efficiently.

Alexander from Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Albion College is an excellent place to learn and grow! If you are into a fine liberal arts education, then there is no better place to attend. The campus is small and provides a unique learning experience like no other.
Tips for prospective students
Be sure to check out the Eat Shop and Read Between the Grinds cafe! They are excellent spots to hang out in.
Academic Rigor
The classes are challenging and will certainly put you in perspective of where your interest level lies.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is excellent. You will easily make new friends and have a fun time.
Food and Dining
The food is pretty good. However, some improvement could be made.
What to do for fun
Not much to do for fun in Albion. Your best bet is to head to Marshall or Jackson for some fun activities.
Bang for the buck
You get rewarded for every cent that you put into paying for this college.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Victory Park is a great spot on campus to hang out. Just don't drink out of the natural spring!
Great for these types of students
Studious and partying students.
Clubs and Activities
There are plenty of clubs and activities to get into!
Greek Life
There are plenty of greek fraternities and sororities to join!
Campus Safety
Campus Safety goes above and beyond the call of duty to keep you safe.