Stetson definitely delivers on academics. A few programs are especially rigorous, like the music program. I personally am a biology major, and all of the professors I've had so far have been excellent teachers. They have also been very helpful and approachable, not only in terms of classes, but academic and career goals in the field. I've learned a lot about graduate programs, and applying for jobs. The science building has pretty good facilities, and the labs are great. The foreign language department is also very good. I'm taking German, and I am amazed at how much I've learned in just a year of study. Speaking of foreign languages, Stetson really pushes study abroad programs for its students. There are semester long programs and summer programs to several countries.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
Stetson University has all the perks of being a small school. There are no huge crowds. Everyone will know your name, from your professors to the staff members. The people here are also really friendly. The quiet, suburb atmosphere might not be for you though if you want a huge party scene. Aside from frat parties, campus can be pretty quiet on weekends. However, student organizations do try to provide regular activities for the students such as free movie screenings, the annual paint party, comedians, and lots of other events. Stetson is also really close to Orlando and Daytona Beach. The campus is really beautiful with a lot of green space, and trees and flowers. Most of the dorms are okay. It really depends on which one you get. I live in Stetson's new pet dorms. Being able to bring my dog was a huge plus for me when picking a school. But the pet dorms are not the nicest ones. They are also pretty far from the heart of campus. But most of the other ones I have seen are nice, clean, and spacious. Right now the university is updating a lot of the buildings as well as doing some landscaping, so expect things to look even better in the future.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
If there is anything bad to say about Stetson it would have to be the price. It is a lot more expensive than the big state schools like UF. In fact, it costs about as much as northern private universities. They do try to help their students with financial aid. I got a pretty generous financial aid package, but I still have had to take out loans to cover the costs. And with recent cuts to student aid at the state and federal level, Stetson's one flaw can really turn out to be a big one. I've had a couple friends who have had to drop out because they can't afford it anymore. Stetson is a really great school though, so you can make the argument that it is well worth the price.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
The biggest tip is come visit the campus! There are campus tours practically all year round. When I was a prospective student, Stetson had several informational meetings near where I lived as well as at the university. These meetings always have alumni, staff, and students who will tell you everything you need to know to make your decision. The Stetson website is also pretty informative.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
If you are a cerebral person, who isn't big on the party scene you will love Stetson. Also if you appreciate individual attention from your professors, and are willing to do some serious work this is the place for you. Be warned, Stetson is not the kind of college where you can not show up for class and no one will notice. Classes are small enough that everyone will notice, and chances are that your professor will see you around campus later that day. Serious students only! Also, if you are kind of quirky, you will probably find a lot of like minded people here. Last year we had an on campus 'zombie outbreak' if that gives you an idea about the campus culture. Stetson is also great for people who want to make a difference in their communities. They really push service here, and there are many volunteer opportunities.
Stetson definitely delivers on academics. A few programs are especially rigorous, like the music program. I personally am a biology major, and all of the professors I've had so far have been excellent teachers. They have also been very helpful and approachable, not only in terms of classes, but academic and career goals in the field. I've learned a lot about graduate programs, and applying for jobs. The science building has pretty good facilities, and the labs are great. The foreign language department is also very good. I'm taking German, and I am amazed at how much I've learned in just a year of study. Speaking of foreign languages, Stetson really pushes study abroad programs for its students. There are semester long programs and summer programs to several countries.
Stetson University has all the perks of being a small school. There are no huge crowds. Everyone will know your name, from your professors to the staff members. The people here are also really friendly. The quiet, suburb atmosphere might not be for you though if you want a huge party scene. Aside from frat parties, campus can be pretty quiet on weekends. However, student organizations do try to provide regular activities for the students such as free movie screenings, the annual paint party, comedians, and lots of other events. Stetson is also really close to Orlando and Daytona Beach. The campus is really beautiful with a lot of green space, and trees and flowers. Most of the dorms are okay. It really depends on which one you get. I live in Stetson's new pet dorms. Being able to bring my dog was a huge plus for me when picking a school. But the pet dorms are not the nicest ones. They are also pretty far from the heart of campus. But most of the other ones I have seen are nice, clean, and spacious. Right now the university is updating a lot of the buildings as well as doing some landscaping, so expect things to look even better in the future.
If there is anything bad to say about Stetson it would have to be the price. It is a lot more expensive than the big state schools like UF. In fact, it costs about as much as northern private universities. They do try to help their students with financial aid. I got a pretty generous financial aid package, but I still have had to take out loans to cover the costs. And with recent cuts to student aid at the state and federal level, Stetson's one flaw can really turn out to be a big one. I've had a couple friends who have had to drop out because they can't afford it anymore. Stetson is a really great school though, so you can make the argument that it is well worth the price.
The biggest tip is come visit the campus! There are campus tours practically all year round. When I was a prospective student, Stetson had several informational meetings near where I lived as well as at the university. These meetings always have alumni, staff, and students who will tell you everything you need to know to make your decision. The Stetson website is also pretty informative.
If you are a cerebral person, who isn't big on the party scene you will love Stetson. Also if you appreciate individual attention from your professors, and are willing to do some serious work this is the place for you. Be warned, Stetson is not the kind of college where you can not show up for class and no one will notice. Classes are small enough that everyone will notice, and chances are that your professor will see you around campus later that day. Serious students only! Also, if you are kind of quirky, you will probably find a lot of like minded people here. Last year we had an on campus 'zombie outbreak' if that gives you an idea about the campus culture. Stetson is also great for people who want to make a difference in their communities. They really push service here, and there are many volunteer opportunities.