In this article, we will compare two prominent schools in Florida: the University of South Florida (USF) and Florida State University (FSU). We will examine various aspects of each school, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, rankings, and more. By the end of this comparison, you should have a better understanding of which school might be the best fit for you.
University of South Florida (USF) Overview
The University of South Florida, founded in 1956, is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. The university is part of the State University System of Florida and is home to over 50,000 students. USF offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its 14 colleges.
USF Costs & Tuition
Tuition for in-state students at USF is approximately $6,410 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $17,324 annually. Additional costs include room and board, which is estimated at $10,286 per year, and other fees for books, transportation, and personal expenses. The estimated total cost of attendance for in-state students is $21,410, while out-of-state students can expect a total of around $34,000 per year.
USF Admissions
The USF admissions process is considered moderately competitive. The acceptance rate for the Fall 2020 semester was 45%. Prospective students can submit their applications through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. The average high school GPA of admitted students is around 3.98, and the average SAT score is between 1120 and 1310.
USF Degrees Offered
USF offers over 240 degree programs across its 14 colleges, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Some of the most popular majors at USF include Health Professions, Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
USF Academics
The University of South Florida is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. USF’s faculty includes numerous Fulbright Scholars, and the university is classified as an R1 institution, signifying the highest level of research activity. Students have access to a range of academic resources, including research facilities, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities.
USF Diversity
USF is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for its students. The university is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and has been designated an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Additionally, USF is ranked among the top universities for social mobility, which measures how well institutions serve and support low-income students.
USF Students
USF is home to over 50,000 students, with approximately 37,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students. The student body represents all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to get involved in.
USF Campus
The USF campus spans 1,913 acres and is located in Tampa, Florida. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities. Students can enjoy the beautiful Tampa Bay area, with easy access to beaches, theme parks, and cultural attractions.
USF Alumni
USF has a strong alumni network, with over 330,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include astronaut Nicole Stott, former Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and professional golfer Brooke Pancake.
USF Rankings
USF is ranked #103 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the university is ranked #1 in Florida and #15 in the nation for research expenditures by the National Science Foundation.
USF Outcomes
The average starting salary for USF graduates is $42,400, and the university has a 74% six-year graduation rate. USF is also ranked #22 among public universities for the highest return on investment by PayScale.
Florida State University (FSU) Overview
Florida State University, founded in 1851, is a public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida. As part of the State University System of Florida, FSU is home to over 41,000 students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs through its 16 colleges.
FSU Costs & Tuition
Tuition for in-state students at FSU is approximately $5,656 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $18,786 annually. Additional costs include room and board, which is estimated at $11,070 per year, and other fees for books, transportation, and personal expenses. The estimated total cost of attendance for in-state students is $21,673, while out-of-state students can expect a total of around $37,000 per year.
FSU Admissions
The FSU admissions process is considered selective, with an acceptance rate of 36% for the Fall 2020 semester. Prospective students can submit their applications through the Common Application, the Coalition Application, or the FSU Application. The average high school GPA of admitted students is around 4.1, and the average SAT score is between 1200 and 1340.
FSU Degrees Offered
FSU offers over 300 degree programs across its 16 colleges, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Some of the most popular majors at FSU include Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Communication, Journalism, and Visual and Performing Arts.
FSU Academics
Florida State University is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities. The university is classified as an R1 institution, indicating the highest level of research activity. Students have access to a range of academic resources, including research facilities, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities.
FSU Diversity
FSU is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for its students. The university has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and ranks highly for social mobility. Additionally, FSU is home to the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, which supports human rights education and advocacy.
FSU Students
FSU is home to over 41,000 students, with approximately 33,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. The student body represents all 50 states and more than 130 countries. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and events for students to get involved in.
FSU Campus
The FSU campus spans 1,635 acres and is located in Tallahassee, Florida. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities. Students can enjoy the picturesque Tallahassee area, with easy access to outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and the state capital.
FSU Alumni
FSU has a strong alumni network, with over 350,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include actor Burt Reynolds, professional football player Deion Sanders, and musician Scott Stapp.
FSU Rankings
FSU is ranked #58 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the university is ranked #18 among public universities in the United States.
FSU Outcomes
The average starting salary for FSU graduates is $44,000, and the university has a 79% six-year graduation rate. FSU is also ranked #49 among public universities for the highest return on investment by PayScale.
University of South Florida vs Florida State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of USF and FSU, in-state students can expect to pay slightly more at USF, with a total estimated cost of attendance of $21,410 per year, compared to FSU’s $21,673. Out-of-state students will find a more significant difference in costs, with USF being more affordable at an estimated total cost of $34,000 per year compared to FSU’s $37,000.
USF vs FSU Admissions Difficulty
Both USF and FSU have moderately competitive admissions processes, with FSU being slightly more selective, with a 36% acceptance rate compared to USF’s 45%. The average high school GPA and SAT scores of admitted students are also higher at FSU, indicating a more competitive applicant pool.
USF vs FSU Academic Difficulty
Students at both USF and FSU can expect a challenging academic environment, as both universities are classified as R1 institutions, signifying the highest level of research activity. While the academic rigor may vary depending on the specific program or major, both universities are well-regarded for their strong academic programs and research opportunities.
USF vs FSU Outcome Comparison
In terms of post-graduation outcomes, FSU graduates tend to earn a slightly higher starting salary ($44,000) compared to USF graduates ($42,400). Additionally, FSU has a higher six-year graduation rate at 79%, compared to USF’s 74%. However, USF is ranked higher for its return on investment (ROI), ranking #22 among public universities, compared to FSU’s rank of #49.
