Choosing the right college can be a daunting task, and comparing different schools is essential for making the best decision. This article provides a comparison of two popular universities: University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). We’ll explore various aspects of each school, including costs, admission, academics, and more, to help you make an informed decision about where to pursue higher education.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Overview
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is a public research university founded in 1801 and located in Columbia, South Carolina. USC is known for its strong academics, vibrant campus life, and successful athletics programs. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with a focus on research, innovation, and collaboration.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at USC are approximately $12,688 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $33,928 annually. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, can bring the total cost of attendance to an estimated $27,206 for in-state students and $48,446 for out-of-state students.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions
Admission to USC is competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 63%. Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement or essay. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores between 1190 and 1360 and ACT scores between 25 and 30.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Degrees Offered
USC offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 12 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Academics
Academics at USC are known for their rigor and quality. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, allowing for personalized attention and support. The university also offers numerous research opportunities, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their fields.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Diversity
USC is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The student population is made up of approximately 52% female and 48% male students, with 21% identifying as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Students
There are over 34,000 students enrolled at USC, including approximately 26,000 undergraduates and 8,000 graduate and professional students. Students at USC enjoy a vibrant campus life, with over 500 student organizations, Greek life, and numerous athletic and recreational activities.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Campus
The USC campus is situated on 360 acres in Columbia, South Carolina, and features a mix of historic and modern architecture. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, residence halls, dining facilities, and athletic venues.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Alumni
USC has a strong alumni network, with over 300,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, singer-songwriter Hootie & the Blowfish, and astronaut Charles Duke.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Rankings
USC is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. According to U.S. News & World Report, USC ranks #118 in National Universities and #54 among Top Public Schools.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Outcomes
Graduates of USC have a strong track record of success, with an average starting salary of $41,200 for recent alumni. The university also has a 73% six-year graduation rate and a 91% freshman retention rate.
Florida Atlantic University Overview
Florida Atlantic University is a public research university founded in 1961 and located in Boca Raton, Florida. FAU is known for its diverse student population, strong academics, and emphasis on research. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across ten colleges.
Florida Atlantic University Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at FAU are approximately $4,879 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $17,324 annually. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books, and personal expenses, can bring the total cost of attendance to an estimated $21,709 for in-state students and $34,154 for out-of-state students.
Florida Atlantic University Admissions
Admission to FAU is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 63%. Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement or essay. The middle 50% of accepted students have SAT scores between 1080 and 1250 and ACT scores between 21 and 26.
Florida Atlantic University Degrees Offered
FAU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across ten colleges. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
Florida Atlantic University Academics
Academics at FAU are distinguished by their quality and rigor. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1, allowing for ample support and personalized attention. The university also offers a variety of research opportunities, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their fields.
Florida Atlantic University Diversity
FAU is known for its diverse and inclusive campus community. The student population is comprised of approximately 56% female and 44% male students, with 60% identifying as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
Florida Atlantic University Students
There are over 30,000 students enrolled at FAU, including approximately 25,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate and professional students. Students at FAU enjoy an active campus life, with over 300 student organizations, Greek life, and a range of athletic and recreational activities.
Florida Atlantic University Campus
The FAU campus is located on 850 acres in Boca Raton, Florida, and features a mix of modern and traditional architecture. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, residence halls, dining facilities, and athletic venues.
Florida Atlantic University Alumni
FAU has a strong alumni network, with over 180,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include astronaut Steve Swanson, NFL player Alfred Morris, and musician Chris Carrabba.
Florida Atlantic University Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, FAU ranks #281 in National Universities and #140 among Top Public Schools.
Florida Atlantic University Outcomes
Graduates of FAU have a promising track record of success, with an average starting salary of $37,900 for recent alumni. The university also has a 52% six-year graduation rate and an 82% freshman retention rate.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Florida Atlantic University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending USC and FAU, tuition and fees are significantly lower at FAU for both in-state and out-of-state students. However, the total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, is only slightly lower for in-state students at FAU compared to USC. For out-of-state students, FAU remains a more affordable option with a lower total cost of attendance.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Florida Atlantic University Admissions Difficulty
Both USC and FAU have similar acceptance rates, around 63%. However, USC has slightly higher average SAT and ACT scores for accepted students, suggesting that admission may be somewhat more competitive at USC compared to FAU.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Florida Atlantic University Academic Difficulty
While both universities are known for their strong academics, USC’s student-to-faculty ratio is lower at 17:1 compared to FAU’s 21:1. This suggests that USC may offer more personalized attention and support for students, potentially resulting in a more challenging academic environment.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs Florida Atlantic University Outcome Comparison
Graduates of USC have higher average starting salaries ($41,200) compared to FAU graduates ($37,900). USC also has a higher six-year graduation rate (73%) and freshman retention rate (91%) than FAU, indicating that students may experience greater overall success at USC compared to FAU.
