Choosing the right university can be a daunting task, as there are numerous factors to consider. This article compares two popular universities, University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and James Madison University (JMU), to help you make an informed decision. We will cover topics such as cost, tuition, admissions, academic difficulty, and outcomes, among others.
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, it is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. USC is known for its strong academics, vibrant campus life, successful athletic teams, and commitment to research and innovation.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Costs & Tuition
Tuition for in-state undergraduate students at USC is around $12,688 per year, while out-of-state students pay approximately $33,928 per year. Considering the average cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies, the total cost of attendance for in-state students is about $26,262 and for out-of-state students, it is about $47,502.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Admissions
Admission to USC is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 63%. Applicants are expected to meet certain academic criteria, such as a strong high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and completion of a rigorous high school curriculum. Extracurricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation also play a role in the admissions process.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Degrees Offered
USC offers over 100 undergraduate degree programs, more than 80 master’s degree programs, and over 50 doctoral programs. Some popular majors include business, engineering, health professions, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Academics
USC boasts a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 29 students, allowing for a personalized learning experience. With a strong focus on research and innovation, USC offers numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Diversity
USC has a diverse student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus and offers numerous resources and support services for minority and international students.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Students
The university has a total enrollment of over 34,000 students, with around 26,000 undergraduates and 8,000 graduate students. USC offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and student organizations, including clubs, intramural sports, Greek life, and leadership programs.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Campus
USC’s 359-acre campus is home to numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational facilities. The campus also features beautiful green spaces, historic buildings, and a thriving arts scene, providing students with a vibrant and engaging environment.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Alumni
USC has a strong alumni network, with over 292,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include politicians, business leaders, athletes, and entertainers, such as Leeza Gibbons, Lindsey Graham, and Hootie & the Blowfish.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, USC ranks #118 in National Universities, #61 in Top Public Schools, and #90 in Best Value Schools. The university is also recognized for its strong academic programs, including the Darla Moore School of Business and the College of Engineering and Computing.
University of South Carolina-Columbia Outcomes
The overall graduation rate at USC is 77%, with a four-year graduation rate of 59% and a six-year graduation rate of 75%. The university has a strong commitment to student success and offers various resources and support services to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
James Madison University Overview
James Madison University (JMU) is a public university located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Established in 1908, JMU has grown to become a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. JMU is known for its strong academics, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success and engagement.
James Madison University Costs & Tuition
In-state undergraduate students at JMU pay approximately $7,250 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students pay around $24,150 per year. Including fees, room and board, books, and supplies, the total cost of attendance for in-state students is about $22,006 and for out-of-state students, it is about $38,906.
James Madison University Admissions
Admission to JMU is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 71%. Applicants must meet certain academic requirements, such as a strong high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and completion of a rigorous high school curriculum. Additionally, extracurricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation are considered during the admissions process.
James Madison University Degrees Offered
JMU offers over 115 undergraduate degree programs, more than 50 master’s degree programs, and 8 doctoral programs. Popular majors at JMU include business, health professions, social sciences, communications, and education.
James Madison University Academics
JMU has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1, allowing for a personalized learning experience. The university emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad programs.
James Madison University Diversity
JMU has a diverse student body, with students representing all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus and offers numerous resources and support services for minority and international students.
James Madison University Students
JMU has a total enrollment of over 22,000 students, including around 19,000 undergraduate and 3,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and student organizations, such as clubs, intramural sports, Greek life, and leadership programs.
James Madison University Campus
JMU’s 721-acre campus features modern facilities, historic buildings, and beautiful green spaces. The campus is also home to numerous state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational facilities, providing students with an engaging learning environment.
James Madison University Alumni
JMU has a strong alumni network, with over 140,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include actress Allison Mack, ESPN anchor Lindsay Czarniak, and former Virginia Governor Charles S. Robb.
James Madison University Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, JMU ranks #3 in Regional Universities South, #2 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #26 in Best Value Schools. The university also has several highly-ranked academic programs, including the College of Business and the College of Education.
James Madison University Outcomes
The overall graduation rate at JMU is 85%, with a four-year graduation rate of 67% and a six-year graduation rate of 83%. The university is committed to student success and offers various resources and support services to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs James Madison University Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attending the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and James Madison University (JMU), it is important to consider both tuition and the overall cost of attendance. For in-state students, tuition at USC is approximately $12,688 per year, while at JMU, it is around $7,250. For out-of-state students, tuition at USC is approximately $33,928 per year, while at JMU, it is around $24,150.
Considering the overall cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies, in-state students at USC can expect to pay around $26,262 per year, while at JMU, they can expect to pay about $22,006. For out-of-state students, the overall cost of attendance at USC is approximately $47,502 per year, while at JMU, it is around $38,906.
Overall, James Madison University offers a more affordable option for both in-state and out-of-state students when comparing tuition and the overall cost of attendance.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs James Madison University Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and James Madison University (JMU) have moderately selective admissions processes. USC has an acceptance rate of 63%, while JMU has an acceptance rate of 71%. Both universities consider factors such as high school GPA, SAT or ACT scores, completion of a rigorous high school curriculum, extracurricular activities, community service, and letters of recommendation during the admissions process.
While both universities have similar admissions standards, James Madison University has a slightly higher acceptance rate, indicating that it may be slightly less difficult to gain admission compared to the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs James Madison University Academic Difficulty
Both the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and James Madison University (JMU) are known for their strong academics and commitment to student success. USC has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and an average class size of 29 students, while JMU has a student-faculty ratio of 16:1. Both universities offer numerous research opportunities, internships, and experiential learning programs for students.
While it is difficult to directly compare the academic difficulty between the two universities, both USC and JMU are well-regarded for their academics and provide a challenging and engaging learning environment for students.
University of South Carolina-Columbia vs James Madison University Outcome Comparison
When comparing the outcomes for students at the University of South Carolina-Columbia (USC) and James Madison University (JMU), it is important to consider factors such as graduation rates and post-graduation success. At USC, the overall graduation rate is 77%, with a four-year graduation rate of 59% and a six-year graduation rate of 75%. At JMU, the overall graduation rate is 85%, with a four-year graduation rate of 67% and a six-year graduation rate of 83%.
Both universities are committed to student success and offer various resources and support services to help students achieve their academic and career goals. While both USC and JMU have strong outcomes for their students, James Madison University has slightly higher graduation rates, indicating a higher level of student success overall.
