Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private university with two campuses located in New Jersey. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in areas such as business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of Fairleigh Dickinson University in detail.
Pros:
- Strong Academic Programs: Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with strong academic programs in business, health sciences, liberal arts, and engineering. The university also offers specialized programs in areas such as hospitality management, cyber security, and public health.
- Engaged Faculty: Fairleigh Dickinson University has a highly engaged and committed faculty, with many professors who are leaders in their fields. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, which means that students benefit from close interaction with faculty members and personalized attention.
- Experiential Learning: Fairleigh Dickinson University has a strong commitment to experiential learning, with numerous opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study. The university has a range of internships, practicums, and other experiential learning opportunities, as well as a strong emphasis on career development and professional networking.
- Global Perspective: Fairleigh Dickinson University has a strong emphasis on global education, with numerous study abroad programs and international partnerships. The university also has a diverse student body, with students from over 70 countries.
- Campus Life: Fairleigh Dickinson University has a vibrant campus life, with a range of clubs, organizations, and events that cater to students’ diverse interests. The university is home to numerous arts and cultural organizations, as well as student-run media outlets such as a radio station and a newspaper.
- Small Class Sizes: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s small class sizes mean that classes are intimate, with an average class size of 16 students. This allows for personalized attention and meaningful interactions between students and faculty members.
Cons:
- Expensive: Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private university, and tuition and fees can be expensive. The cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year was $46,450, which can be a significant financial burden for many students and families.
- Limited Athletic Facilities: Fairleigh Dickinson University has limited athletic facilities, which can be a disadvantage for students who are interested in sports or fitness. The university has a small gym and a few sports fields, but does not have a large stadium or state-of-the-art athletic facilities.
- Limited Research Opportunities: Fairleigh Dickinson University does not have the same level of research funding or facilities as larger universities, which can limit opportunities for students and faculty members to engage in cutting-edge research projects.
- Limited Diversity: While Fairleigh Dickinson University has a diverse student body, some students may find that there is still limited diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
- Limited Career Opportunities: Fairleigh Dickinson University is located in a suburban area, and there may be limited job opportunities in the area for students who are looking for part-time work or internships.
- Limited Social Scene: While Fairleigh Dickinson University has a vibrant campus life, some students may find that there are limited opportunities for socializing and making friends outside of class.
In conclusion, Fairleigh Dickinson University is a highly respected university that offers strong academic programs, a supportive learning environment, and numerous opportunities for experiential learning and global education. However, the high cost of attendance and other factors such as limited athletic facilities and research opportunities may be a drawback for some students. Prospective students should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of attending Fairleigh Dickinson University before making a final decision.