University of North Carolina-Greensboro Review

As a former Admission Counselor and Academic Advisor at a private Catholic University, and a parent with children in college and approaching college age, I am always interested in learning more about colleges and universities. I want to know what they have to offer, how well the students like it there, and how much it costs.  Other important factors are student life and tuition costs.  Whenever I get a chance I speak to many friends and colleagues about where they went to school, as well as visit schools on many of my vacations.  After all, I don't want to lose my "touch." 

The University of North Carolina-Greensboro is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.   It awards Bachelor's of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Masters of Arts, Masters of Science, Masters of Fine Arts, Master's in Education, Master's in Public Administration, and PhD's degrees.  It offers approximately 50 undergraduate programs from Anthropology to Women's Studies and many major programs in between such as Business, Education, Social Work and Psychology.   Graduate programs are available in "more than sixty specializations; three doctoral degrees in eighteen programs of study; post-master's and post-baccalaureate certificates in seventeen areas of study; and add-on licensures in three tracks."  These programs include Masters in Business, Education, and Public Administration, a number of social department studies and even Broadcasting and Cinema.

Undergraduate and graduate tuition and fees, including dorms and other expenses is approximately $4,413.00 per year, and out of state, $15,463.00 per year. Graduate tuition charges for thesis, dissertation and Research hours range are as follows:

NC Resident:   1 Hour $195.68, 2 Hours $391.38, 3 Hours $879.64

Nonresident: 1 Hour $737.35, 2 Hours   $1,474.71; 3 Hours $3,642.14

To find out more about the graduate school I decided to interview an alumnus of the University of North Carolina-Greensboro and here is what she had to say:
 
What were the top three reasons you chose to go to UNC Greensboro?  A strong program in education would be number one but also they offered excellent grant resources and Greensboro was a great city to live, go to school and work in.
 
What program(s) did you study? I earned a Master's degree in Education.
 
What other programs are of particular interest at this school? The Bryan School of Business and Economics, The School of Nursing and The School of Music just to name three.
 
Did you live in a dorm; can you tell me what is dorm life like?  How many to a room?  I did not live in a dorm.
 
Is the food in the cafeteria any good? No clue, I didn't eat there...
 
Is the school diverse? Yes, very.  In fact UNC-G students come from 49 states and 70 countries. 
 
Where there many opportunities for socialization? What were some of your favorites that are tried and true at this school?  My favorites were centered on the arts.  UNC-G life is full of opportunities to enjoy the arts- fine arts, theatre and of course a variety of bands.
 
Were you involved in "Greek life?"  If so what?  I was not involved in Greek Life at UNC-G but they have very active fraternities and sororities.
 
What are some of the opportunities there, which many people may not know about unless you are local or attend there?  That the community is so supportive of UNC-G students.  I was thrilled at the internships and paid work study programs I was able to enjoy as a student in the Greensboro community.
 
What are a few of the extracurricular activities offered?  You name it.  I was involved in Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education but UNC-G has a full offering of sports programs and clubs.  There are many Christian campus ministries and clubs for political, academic and other interest.
 
 Any special attributes, awards, affiliations, championships that you are aware of?
The Writing Center at University of North Carolina is a very impressive, free program that is offered to students.
 
Any guess at the student population?  Currently the student population is 17, 157.  Interestingly the population is 31 % male and 69% female.
 
Anything else you would like to tell us about this school?  As an education student, I was very impressed with the college's way of reaching out to and working with students of all abilities and disabilities.
 
Also, if you are at all interested in being involved in research opportunities that is a major strength of UNC-G.  

On a recent visit I was so impressed to see that they'd turned what used to a parking lot into a green lawn and students were really enjoying it for relaxing, reading and playing around.

How would you rate this school on a scale of 1-5?  My experience was absolutely a 5.

My Viewpoint: 

UNC Greensboro offers a wide range of programs, with a diverse student population (and guys look at those numbers, if you are looking for variety, this place has it!).  Academic life meets a small town atmosphere and apparently an attempt at nurturing the soul, as well as educating the mind is important at this university. While not exactly known for its athletics, it does offer excellent research and internship opportunities, which in the end will assist you in getting that dream job.

To learn more about our alumni interviewee, please visit Awalfon, one of our favorite children's items reviewers.  For a guide on choosing a college or university visit: A Complete Guide to College Admissions, which shares resources and information on not only how to choose your university or college but how to apply to and get into the school of your choice, and what are important things to look for.

If applying to graduate schools, you will also find this Nationwide Review of the Top Five Graduate Business Schools and Information on Kaplan Graduate School Test Prep and Admission, both written by a former business school professor and Kaplan instructor, helpful in making your graduate school choices.