Deciding between the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) can be a challenging task. Both institutions have strong academic programs, diverse student bodies, and excellent facilities. To help make this decision easier, we will provide an in-depth comparison of the two schools, covering various aspects such as costs, admissions, degrees offered, and more.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Overview
The University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1801, USC is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System, boasting a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields of study.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Costs & Tuition
Tuition at USC can vary depending on residency, with in-state students paying around $12,688 per year and out-of-state students paying around $33,928 per year. Additional costs include living expenses, textbooks, and other fees, which can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $25,000 for in-state students and $46,000 for out-of-state students.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions
USC has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 63%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1190 and 1350 and ACT scores between 25 and 30. In addition to test scores, USC considers other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation during the admissions process.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Degrees Offered
USC offers a wide range of degree programs across its 14 colleges and schools, including popular majors such as Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, and Health Professions. The university also offers a variety of graduate and professional programs, including law, medicine, and pharmacy.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Academics
USC prides itself on its strong academic programs and commitment to research. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, ensuring that students have access to individualized attention and support from faculty members. Additionally, USC has numerous research centers and institutes, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and innovation.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Diversity
USC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a variety of programs and resources in place to support students from various backgrounds, including the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The undergraduate student body is approximately 56% female and 44% male, with 25% of students identifying as members of underrepresented minority groups.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Students
With over 26,000 undergraduate students, USC has a vibrant campus community and offers a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations for students to get involved in. There are over 400 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and Greek life, providing ample opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, make connections, and enhance their college experience.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Campus
USC’s 359-acre campus is located in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, offering students a diverse mix of urban and suburban experiences. The university is home to a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational facilities. Additionally, USC’s campus is within a short distance of numerous cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities in the city.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Alumni
USC has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 graduates worldwide. The university’s alumni association offers various benefits and resources, including networking events, career services, and lifelong learning opportunities. Notable alumni from USC include former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, Kathleen Parker.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Rankings
USC is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, USC is ranked #118 in National Universities and #55 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university’s Darla Moore School of Business is ranked #45 in Best Business Schools.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Outcomes
Students who graduate from USC can expect strong career outcomes, with the university boasting a 72% graduation rate and an 86% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for USC graduates is $45,000 per year, indicating a solid return on investment for students.
Kennesaw State University Overview
Kennesaw State University (KSU)is a public university located in Kennesaw, Georgia. Founded in 1963, KSU has grown to become the third-largest university in the University System of Georgia, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields of study.
Kennesaw State University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at KSU can vary depending on residency, with in-state students paying around $7,334 per year and out-of-state students paying around $21,292 per year. Additional costs include living expenses, textbooks, and other fees, which can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $22,000 for in-state students and $36,000 for out-of-state students.
Kennesaw State University Admissions
KSU has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1070 and 1230 and ACT scores between 21 and 25. In addition to test scores, KSU considers other factors such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation during the admissions process.
Kennesaw State University Degrees Offered
KSU offers a wide range of degree programs across its 13 colleges, including popular majors such as Business, Management, Marketing, Education, and Health Professions. The university also offers a variety of graduate and professional programs, including nursing, engineering, and information technology.
Kennesaw State University Academics
KSU is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to teaching. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, ensuring that students have access to individualized attention and support from faculty members.
Kennesaw State University Diversity
KSU is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a variety of programs and resources in place to support students from various backgrounds, including the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The undergraduate student body is approximately 57% female and 43% male, with 38% of students identifying as members of underrepresented minority groups.
Kennesaw State University Students
With over 37,000 undergraduate students, KSU has a vibrant campus community and offers a variety of extracurricular activities and organizations for students to get involved in. There are over 200 student organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and Greek life, providing ample opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, make connections, and enhance their college experience.
Kennesaw State University Campus
KSU’s campus is located on 581 acres in Kennesaw, Georgia, offering students a diverse mix of suburban and natural environments. The university is home to a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational facilities.
Kennesaw State University Alumni
KSU has a strong alumni network, with over 110,000 graduates worldwide. The university’s alumni association offers various benefits and resources, including networking events, career services, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Kennesaw State University Rankings
KSU is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, KSU is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities and #154 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, the university’s Coles College of Business is ranked #226 in Best Business Schools.
Kennesaw State University Outcomes
Students who graduate from KSU can expect strong career outcomes, with the university boasting a 42% graduation rate and an 85% job placement rate within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for KSU graduates is $42,000 per year, indicating a solid return on investment for students.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Kennesaw State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and Kennesaw State University (KSU), it’s essential to consider both tuition and additional expenses. In-state students at USC can expect to pay around $25,000 per year for tuition, room, and board, while out-of-state students will pay around $46,000. In comparison, in-state students at KSU will pay approximately $22,000 per year, while out-of-state students will pay around $36,000. As a result, KSU is generally more affordable than USC, particularly for out-of-state students.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Kennesaw State University Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) have selective admissions processes. USC has an acceptance rate of 63%, and the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1190 and 1350 and ACT scores between 25 and 30. In comparison, KSU has an acceptance rate of 69%, and the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1070 and 1230 and ACT scores between 21 and 25. While both schools are competitive, USC is slightly more difficult to gain admission to than KSU.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Kennesaw State University Academic Difficulty
The academic rigor at both the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) is high, with both institutions offering strong academic programs across various fields of study. USC has a lower student-to-faculty ratio at 17:1 compared to KSU’s 19:1, which may indicate more individualized attention and support for USC students. However, both schools are committed to providing a quality education, and students can expect a challenging academic environment at either institution.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Kennesaw State University Outcome Comparison
Comparing the outcomes for graduates of the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and Kennesaw State University (KSU) is essential when deciding between the two institutions. USC boasts a higher graduation rate of 72% compared to KSU’s 42%. Additionally, USC graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary of $45,000 per year compared to KSU’s $42,000. Both schools have strong job placement rates within six months of graduation, with USC at 86% and KSU at 85%. Overall, USC appears to have better outcomes for its graduates, although both schools offer strong post-graduation prospects.
