When deciding between two prestigious universities like the University of Southern California (USC) and Cornell University, it’s essential to look at various factors to make an informed decision. In this comparison, we will explore each school’s overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This comprehensive exploration of both institutions should provide a solid foundation for choosing the right university for your academic and personal needs.
USC Overview
The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, California, is a private research university founded in 1880. It is known for its strong emphasis on research and its vibrant campus life. USC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, with notable programs in film, business, and engineering.
USC Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students at USC for the 2021-2022 academic year is around $77,459. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and personal expenses. Financial aid is available, with approximately 59% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid.
USC Admissions
USC has a competitive admission process, with an acceptance rate of 16% for the Fall 2021 freshman class. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is between 1420 and 1540, and the middle 50% ACT score range is between 31 and 35.
USC Degrees Offered
USC offers over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 400 graduate and professional programs across 20 schools and colleges. Some of the popular majors at USC include business, management, marketing, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.
USC Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, USC provides a supportive and engaging academic environment. USC is known for its strong commitment to research and interdisciplinary learning, providing students with numerous opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and conduct research projects.
USC Diversity
USC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The undergraduate student population is roughly 27% Hispanic/Latino, 25% Asian, 22% White, and 7% Black or African American. Additionally, approximately 25% of the undergraduate students are international, representing over 135 countries.
USC Students
USC has a total enrollment of approximately 48,500 students, with around 20,500 undergraduate students and 28,000 graduate and professional students. The university’s vibrant campus life offers over 1,000 clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and build a sense of community.
USC Campus
USC’s 226-acre urban campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles, providing students with access to various cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities, to support students’ academic and personal growth.
USC Alumni
Notable USC alumni include George Lucas, Will Ferrell, Neil Armstrong, and John Wayne. The university’s extensive alumni network offers valuable connections and resources to support students and graduates in their professional endeavors.
USC Rankings
USC is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report, USC is ranked 24th in National Universities and 11th in Best Colleges for Veterans.
USC Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at USC is 92%, and the average starting salary for USC graduates is around $59,000. USC has a strong commitment to supporting students’ career success and offers various resources, such as career advising and networking events, to help graduates achieve their professional goals.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university founded in 1865. Known for its commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and public engagement, Cornell offers a diverse range of academic programs and boasts a strong sense of community among its students.
Cornell Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students at Cornell for the 2021-2022 academic year is around $78,014. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and personal expenses. Financial aid is available, with approximately 52% of undergraduate students receiving some form of aid.
Cornell Admissions
Cornell has a competitive admission process, with an acceptance rate of 10.7% for the Fall 2021 freshman class. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is between 1440 and 1560, and the middle 50% ACT score range is between 33 and 35.
Cornell Degrees Offered
Cornell offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate and professional programs across seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Some popular majors at Cornell include engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, business, management, and marketing.
Cornell Academics
Cornell has a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, providing students with a supportive and engaging academic environment. The university encourages undergraduate research activity and offers various opportunities for students to work closely with faculty on research projects.
Cornell Diversity
Cornell is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The undergraduate student population is roughly 39% White, 24% Asian, 15% Hispanic/Latino, and 6% Black or African American. Additionally, approximately 11% of the undergraduate students are international, representing over 120 countries.
Cornell Students
Cornell has a total enrollment of approximately 24,000 students, with around 15,000 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate and professional students. The university offers over 1,000 clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to get involved and build a sense of community.
Cornell Campus
Cornell’s 745-acre rural campus is located in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, offering students a beautiful and serene setting for their academic pursuits. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities, to support students’ academic and personal growth.
Cornell Alumni
Notable Cornell alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, E.B. White, and Toni Morrison. The university’s extensive alumni network offers valuable connections and resources to support students and graduates in their professional endeavors.
Cornell Rankings
Cornell is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. In the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report, Cornell is ranked 17th in National Universities and 26th in Best Value Schools.
Cornell Outcomes
The 6-year graduation rate at Cornell is 95%, and the average starting salary for Cornell graduates is around $67,000. Cornell has a strong commitment to supporting students’ career success and offers various resources, such as career advising and networking events, to help graduates achieve their professional goals.
USC vs Cornell University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attendance at USC and Cornell University, both institutions have similar expenses. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance at USC is $77,459, while Cornell’s is $78,014.
However, financial aid availability differs slightly between the two schools. Approximately 59% of undergraduate students at USC receive some form of financial aid, compared to 52% at Cornell. It’s essential to consider the financial aid packages offered by each institution when comparing costs.
USC vs Cornell University Admissions Difficulty
Both USC and Cornell have competitive admissions processes, with USC having a 16% acceptance rate and Cornell having a 10.7% acceptance rate for the Fall 2021 freshman class. While both universities have high standards for admission, Cornell appears to be slightly more selective.
The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges for both schools are similar, with a slightly higher range at Cornell. When comparing the difficulty of admissions, it’s important to consider your academic achievements, test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
USC vs Cornell University Academic Difficulty
Both USC and Cornell University offer rigorous academic programs, with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio at both institutions. This ratio allows for a supportive and engaging academic environment where students can thrive.
When comparing the academic rigor of the two universities, it’s important to consider the specific programs you’re interested in, as the level of difficulty may vary across disciplines. Both schools are known for their commitment to research, interdisciplinary learning, and providing students with opportunities to work closely with faculty.
USC vs Cornell University Outcome Comparison
The outcomes for graduates of both USC and Cornell University are impressive, with high graduation rates and strong starting salaries for graduates. The 6-year graduation rate at USC is 92%, while it’s 95% at Cornell.
The average starting salary for USC graduates is around $59,000, and for Cornell graduates, it’s around $67,000. Both universities offer extensive resources to support students’ career success, such as career advising and networking events.
When comparing the outcomes of these two prestigious institutions, it’s essential to consider your specific academic and career goals, as well as the unique opportunities and resources offered by each school.
In conclusion, both USC and Cornell University are highly respected institutions with strong academic programs, diverse campus communities, and impressive outcomes for their graduates. When deciding between these two universities, it’s crucial to consider factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic rigor, and personal preferences.
