In this article, we will compare two well-known academic institutions: Columbia University and the University of Southern California (USC). We will provide an overview of each school, including details on their costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Following this comprehensive comparison, we will dive deeper into the cost, admissions difficulty, academic difficulty, and outcomes of both schools.
Columbia University Overview
Columbia University, founded in 1754, is a private Ivy League research university located in New York City. As one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, it consistently ranks among the top-tier universities both nationally and internationally.
Columbia University Costs & Tuition
The cost of attendance at Columbia University for the 2021-2022 academic year is estimated at $81,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The university offers generous financial aid packages, with an average financial aid award of $52,073 for first-year students.
Columbia University Admissions
Admission to Columbia University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 5.3% for the Class of 2025. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students was 1500-1560, while the middle 50% ACT score range was 34-35.
Columbia University Degrees Offered
Columbia University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across a wide range of disciplines. The most popular undergraduate majors include Social Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, and Computer and Information Sciences.
Columbia University Academics
Columbia University has a strong commitment to academic excellence and is renowned for its faculty and research opportunities. Students benefit from a diverse variety of study options, including the Core Curriculum, which is required for all undergraduate students and provides a well-rounded education in various subjects.
Columbia University Diversity
With students from over 150 countries and all 50 states, Columbia University has a diverse student population. Around 52% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a person of color, and 16% are international students.
Columbia University Students
Columbia University has a total enrollment of approximately 33,000 students, with around 8,500 undergraduate students and 24,500 graduate and professional students.
Columbia University Campus
Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, the Columbia University campus spans over 36 acres and offers a mix of historical architecture and modern facilities. The university is well connected to the rest of New York City through public transportation.
Columbia University Alumni
Columbia University has produced notable alumni, including five founding fathers of the United States, three U.S. presidents, and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel laureates, and Academy Award winners.
Columbia University Rankings
Columbia University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, it is placed at #3 among National Universities and #7 in Best Global Universities.
Columbia University Outcomes
Columbia University has a strong record of successful outcomes for its graduates, with a six-year graduation rate of 96% and a median starting salary of $68,200 for recent graduates.
University of Southern California Overview
The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It is well-regarded for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life.
University of Southern California Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance at USC is $77,459, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The average financial aid award for first-year students is $45,962.
University of Southern California Admissions
Admission to USC is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 11.4% for the Class of 2025. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students was 1440-1550, and the middle 50% ACT score range was 33-35.
University of Southern California Degrees Offered
USC offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across various fields of study. The most popular undergraduate majors include Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
University of Southern California Academics
USC is known for its strong academics and research opportunities, with a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and innovation. The university has 22 schools and colleges, offering students a comprehensive education and access to renowned faculty.
University of Southern California Diversity
USC prides itself on its diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 135 countries. Approximately 46% of the undergraduate student body identifies as a person of color, and 25% are international students.
University of Southern California Students
USC has a total enrollment of around 48,500 students, with approximately 20,500 undergraduate students and 28,000 graduate and professional students.
University of Southern California Campus
USC’s University Park Campus is situated in the heart of Los Angeles, spanning 226 acres and featuring a mix of historical and modern architecture. The campus is well connected to the city through public transportation.
University of Southern California Alumni
USC boasts a strong alumni network of over 400,000 individuals, including numerous notable figures in various fields such as entertainment, business, politics, and sports.
University of Southern California Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, USC is ranked #24 among National Universities and #54 in Best Global Universities.
University of Southern California Outcomes
USC has a six-year graduation rate of 92%, with a median starting salary of $64,700 for recent graduates.
Columbia University vs University of Southern California Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs and tuition of Columbia University and USC, both schools have similar overall costs. Columbia University’s estimated total cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year is $81,000, while USC’s cost is slightly lower at $77,459. Both universities offer generous financial aid packages, with the average financial aid award for first-year students being $52,073 at Columbia and $45,962 at USC.
Columbia University vs University of Southern California Admissions Difficulty
Both Columbia University and USC have highly competitive admissions processes. Columbia University has a lower acceptance rate of 5.3% compared to USC’s 11.4%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students at Columbia is 1500-1560, while at USC, it is 1440-1550. Similarly, the middle 50% ACT score range is 34-35 at Columbia and 33-35 at USC.
Columbia University vs University of Southern California Academic Difficulty
Both universities offer rigorous academic programs and are renowned for their research opportunities and faculty. Columbia University’s Core Curriculum provides a well-rounded education for all undergraduate students, while USC emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and innovation. Students at both institutions can expect a challenging academic experience.
Columbia University vs University of Southern California Outcome Comparison
Columbia University and USC both have strong outcomes for their graduates. Columbia has a six-year graduation rate of 96%, while USC’s rate is slightly lower at 92%. The median starting salary for recent Columbia graduates is $68,200, compared to $64,700 for USC graduates.
