Academics
Alfred University is a small school with an impressive range of world-class majors. The school is known for its “excellent art program,” particularly its ceramics and glass majors, as well as for its engineering and psychology programs. While some students at Alfred focus only on their majors, students happily report that there are a “variety of academic opportunities” and that it’s “easy to take subjects outside your major.” This is appreciated by many, including one art student who likes that Alfred offers “other majors versus a traditional art [school] setting. If I had decided to change majors, Alfred has almost every opportunity.” Alfred’s “outstanding, talented, dedicated” faculty is one of its biggest draws. An English writing student gushes that professors “bring a level of vibrancy and academic encouragement through enthusiasm to the classroom.” “The professors are always pushing you to reach your full potential” and are “always willing to put time into student independent projects.” Students also rave about the small classes sizes. “It is the closest to one-onone teaching you can get,” a clinical and counseling psychology major notes, and “the classroom size is perfect for a more personalized education.”
Student Body
Alfred has a “warm” atmosphere, and “You can’t go down the street without receiving a smile.” Students are “friendly, outgoing, and involved,” and many do community service work and are active in one of Alfred’s many clubs or organizations. The prominent art school means that there’s a large presence of creative types on campus, and the equally prominent engineering school ensures a good mix of personalities. One student notes there is “a pretty significant gap between the prevalent, spunky art students and the more reclusive engineers,” but another adds that this means students are “well-acquainted with people from a variety of studies and backgrounds and with a variety of interests.” Most people believe that “everyone finds their own little niche,” but they appreciate that it “definitely does not mean they stay there—you are allowed to float between everything.” In fact, “more often than not, you’ll see engineers rubbing elbows with philosophy majors and artists chilling with math and chemistry majors.”
Campus Life
Alfred’s “beautiful,” “small” campus and its “somewhat rural location” are big draws for students looking for a quieter academic experience with a strong “sense of community.” Of course, its location means the weather isn’t exactly tropical. One student notes that it can feel like “it’s basically winter here for about 80 percent of the school year, and it snows constantly.” Luckily, “there is always something to do on weekends and week days,” for distraction, such as “student club productions...and fundraisers and an excellent selection of movies shown on campus.” On top of that, “there are so many clubs and options that you can find something to do,” and “every sports team is supported, and superfans are at every event.” “The facilities are amazing,” particularly the “great” art buildings and the engineering facilities. Alfred’s “strong equestrian program” and barn are also a big draw. Students find some of Alfred’s dorms to be “pretty outdated,” and there’s a bit of grumbling about the “hit-or-miss” and “expensive” dining facilities.
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