Huntingdon College (HC)

At tiny Huntingdon College, the academic experience is characterized by a “great family atmosphere, where most people know each other, professors engage the students, and everyone is encouraged in their individuality.” With an undergraduate enrollment of just 800, class sizes are always small, advising is highly personalized, and it’s easy for undergraduates to get to know the faculty and staff. A freshman enthuses, “The professors are phenomenal. They genuinely take an interest in their students and expect and hope for the best in their students.” A senior chimes in, “Most teachers are more than happy to help if they can, and [they] offer out even their personal phone numbers. I'm very pleased, and maybe even spoiled, by the outstanding treatment by faculty and administration.” The school emphasizes personal as well as academic growth, and students are encouraged to study abroad, play sports, or seek internships and research experience. No matter what your interests, “Huntingdon is about personality; this is the perfect place to grow into yourself.”

A Methodist-affiliated, Southern college, Huntingdon attracts students who are “Christian, hard-working, and able to get along with just about everyone.” While a majority hails from surrounding Alabama, the school draws students from about 20 states and a number of foreign countries. A sophomore also points out, “Huntingdon is mostly white Americans, but I think it is important to mention the African American population. We make up a good chunk of the student body and as an African American student, I would like to see more of that.” A real plus to the Huntingdon atmosphere is the supportive and welcoming student community. A senior elaborates, “There truly is a student unity. We support each other in and out of the classroom, whether it be in a sorority, on the playing field, or in residential life.” A freshman adds, “Huntingdon has a very diverse group of students, but everyone interacts with each other and there is something interesting for everyone to be involved in on campus.”

Located on a pleasant campus in Montgomery, Alabama, it’s easy to get involved in campus life at Huntingdon. After class, “there is always something going on, from movie nights to hall meetings,” and “most students are involved in athletics or some campus organization.” Socially, “Greek life is a great component of student life at Huntingdon,” fostering a fun, low-key party scene among students. In addition, there is a large population of student-athletes, who feel supported in their efforts to balance the demands of school and training. In addition, when its time for games, “everyone does a great job rallying around sports teams, as most everyone is an athlete themselves.” In surrounding Montgomery, students “like to attend the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Blount Cultural Park. There is also great shopping at Eastchase, an ice rink at the mall where students play broomball, the civil rights and Rosa Parks museums, and the Cloverdale historic district which is just a short walk from the school.”