In this article, we will compare Baruch College (City University of New York) and the University of South Carolina-Columbia. We will provide an overview of each school, covering costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Following the individual school descriptions, we will compare the costs, admissions difficulty, academic difficulty, and outcomes for each institution.
Baruch Overview
Baruch College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, is a public college located in Manhattan, New York City. Established in 1919, Baruch is known for its strong business programs and diverse student body. The college offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in its three schools: the Zicklin School of Business, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.
Baruch Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Baruch College is relatively affordable, particularly for in-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition for New York residents is $3,465 per semester, while out-of-state residents pay $620 per credit. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program, with in-state residents paying $470 per credit and out-of-state residents paying $855 per credit.
Baruch Admissions
Baruch College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 39%. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1190 and 1390, while the average ACT score ranges from 25 to 30. Applicants must also submit high school transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Baruch Degrees Offered
Baruch College offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Undergraduate programs are available in business, arts and sciences, and public and international affairs. Graduate programs include MBA, MPA, MS, MA, and PhD degrees, with a focus on business, data analytics, finance, marketing, public affairs, and more.
Baruch Academics
Academically, Baruch College is known for its strong business programs. The Zicklin School of Business is the largest accredited collegiate school of business in the United States and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences provides a liberal arts education, with majors in areas such as communication, journalism, and psychology. The Marxe School of Public and International Affairs offers programs in public policy, international affairs, and nonprofit management.
Baruch Diversity
Baruch College is one of the most diverse institutions in the United States, with students representing over 160 countries and speaking over 110 languages. The college is recognized for its commitment to providing educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds and has received numerous awards for its diversity initiatives.
Baruch Students
As of Fall 2021, Baruch College has a total enrollment of over 18,000 students – 15,000 of which are undergraduates, and 3,000 are graduate students. The college has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support for each student.
Baruch Campus
Baruch College’s urban campus is located in the heart of Manhattan, just steps away from the iconic Flatiron Building. The campus consists of several buildings, including the Newman Vertical Campus, which houses classrooms, computer labs, study areas, and student services. The campus also features state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Subotnick Financial Services Center and the Performing Arts Center.
Baruch Alumni
Baruch College has a strong alumni network, with over 135,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Ralph Lauren, fashion designer; Sidney Harman, founder of Harman International Industries; and Abigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity Investments.
Baruch Rankings
Baruch College is consistently ranked among the top public colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Baruch ranked #16 in Regional Universities North and #5 in Top Public Schools.
Baruch Outcomes
Baruch College graduates have a strong track record of success in the job market. According to the college’s 2020 post-graduate survey, 91% of graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other activities, such as military service or volunteering, within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Baruch graduates was $57,500.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Overview
The University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Established in 1801, USC has a rich history and strong academic programs in various fields, including business, engineering, and health sciences. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its 14 schools and colleges.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Costs & Tuition
Tuition at USC is also relatively affordable, particularly for in-state students. For the 2021-2022 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition for South Carolina residents is $6,344 per semester, while out-of-state residents pay $17,196 per semester. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program, with in-state residents paying $7,158 per semester and out-of-state residents paying $15,968 per semester.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions
USC has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. Prospective students must submit a high school diploma or GED, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. The average SAT score for admitted students is between 1190 and 1360, while the average ACT score ranges from 25 to 31. High school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities are also required.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Degrees Offered
USC offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Undergraduate programs cover various disciplines, including business, engineering, arts and sciences, and health sciences. Graduate and professional programs include MBA, MPA, MS, MA, and PhD degrees, as well as law, medicine, pharmacy, and social work degrees.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Academics
Academically, USC is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, health sciences, and more. The Darla Moore School of Business is ranked among the top business schools in the nation and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management. The College of Engineering and Computing offers degrees in areas like civil engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering. The Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing are also renowned for their programs in public health, nursing, and other health sciences fields.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Diversity
USC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, such as the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Students
As of Fall 2021, USC has a total enrollment of approximately 34,000 students, with 27,000 undergraduates and 7,000 graduate and professional students. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Campus
USC’s campus spans over 360 acres in downtown Columbia, featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings. The university’s facilities include the Ernest F. Hollings Library, which houses the South Carolina Political Collections and the Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. The campus also boasts a variety of recreational and athletic facilities, such as the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center and the Carolina Coliseum.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Alumni
USC has a vast alumni network, with over 300,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Hootie & the Blowfish, a successful rock band; Ainsley Earhardt, co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends”; and Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and former Governor of South Carolina.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Rankings
USC consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, USC ranked #118 in National Universities and #55 in Top Public Schools.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Outcomes
USC has a strong record of post-graduation success for its alumni. According to the university’s 2020 post-graduate survey, 92% of graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other activities, such as military service or volunteering, within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for USC graduates was $49,000.
Baruch vs University of South Carolina-Columbia Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Baruch College and the University of South Carolina-Columbia, it is important to consider tuition, fees, and other expenses for both in-state and out-of-state students. For in-state students, Baruch College has a lower tuition rate ($3,465 per semester) compared to USC ($6,344 per semester). For out-of-state students, Baruch is also more affordable, with a per-credit rate of $620 compared to USC’s $17,196 per semester.
Baruch vs University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions Difficulty
Both Baruch College and USC have selective admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 39% and 63%, respectively. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are similar for both institutions, with Baruch’s SAT range being 1190-1390 and USC’s being 1190-1360. The ACT range for Baruch is 25-30, while USC’s is 25-31. Given these statistics, Baruch College appears to be more difficult to gain admission to than the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Baruch vs University of South Carolina-Columbia Academic Difficulty
The academic difficulty of each institution can be challenging to compare directly, as it depends on factors such as student experiences, faculty, and specific program requirements. Both Baruch College and USC have strong academic programs in their respective fields, with Baruch being known for its business programs and USC being recognized for its business, engineering, and health sciences programs. While it is difficult to determine which school has a higher overall academic difficulty, it is essential for prospective students to consider their desired field of study and research each institution’s program offerings and requirements.
Baruch vs University of South Carolina-Columbia Outcome Comparison
Comparing the outcomes of Baruch College and USC graduates, both institutions have a strong record of post-graduation success. Baruch’s 2020 post-graduate survey reports that 91% of graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other activities within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $57,500. USC’s 2020 survey indicates that 92% of graduates were similarly successful, with an average starting salary of $49,000. While both schools demonstrate positive outcomes for their graduates, Baruch College appears to have a slightly higher average starting salary for its alumni.
