[buckeyevvmom]

Just did a college road trip and visited the University of South Alabama, University of North Alabama, and Southern Mississippi. My daughter is a Jr. in HS looking to go south for Nursing. USA has a fabulous nursing program, but will be the most expensive since they do not have out-of-state waivers for good academics. Both UNA and USM would automatically be 6-7k cheaper due to this. Southern colleges are much cheaper than here, very pretty, and the main draw is the weather! We are leaning towards USA since we loved the campus and nursing program, but being from Ohio, could use some advice! Any and all advice will be so welcome about the colleges or cities in general!! Safety is a big concern, as well as plenty of students staying on campus most of the time (since she obviously will). THANKS!!!!!

[dmagoku]

South Alabama has had some robberies and rape lately but it is generally safe of you are smart and don't walk alone at night in the dark. I think the crime as gone back down though. USA is a commuter School but it has plenty of housing and people staying either on campus or on the many apartments near campus. I don't know how well the nursing program is compared to others as that was not my major.

[LCTMadison]

I had several friends that attended USA, all majored in medical related fields (mostly physical therapy). I can tell you, it has a stellar reputation. The city of Mobile is also very beautiful, but it is a larger city, so there is going to be a higher level of crime there.

You may also want to check out Jacksonville State (fantastic nursing program), also Auburn has a great nursing program that is very competitive to get into (at least it was when I was there in the late 90's). Both of those are smaller college towns with a closer college community.

[buckeyevvmom]

Thank you, you are the 2nd person to suggest Jacksonville State. We will definitely check it out!!!
Auburn is out of our price range since we won't qualify for any student aid. THANK YOU!

[skinem]

USA does have a great reputation and anyone I know who has gone there loved it.
UNA has a great program and has a great college atmosphere. Someone I know once said it was like going to school in Mayberry (Andy Griffith)--in a good way! Smaller, close-knit school. Their nursing program is highly rated and provides many of the nurses in the state, particularly north Alabama and the hospital centers in Huntsville and Birmingham.

Your daughter for sure wouldn't be the only Ohioan at UNA, and I'm sure, any of the places you're considering.

I have daughters who recently graduated college...UNA was their number one choice of public schools. Alas, from a Dad's perspective, they took free rides to out-of-state private schools.

[pennquaker09]

Honestly, Florence is seriously lacking in fun things to do, but there really isn't a better place to get a nursing degree than UNA.