In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison between the University of Southern Maine (USM) and Suffolk University. We will delve into various aspects of each institution, including costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. Our aim is to help prospective students make an informed decision on which school best suits their needs and preferences.
University of Southern Maine Overview
The University of Southern Maine is a public institution located in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, Maine. Founded in 1878, USM offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines. With a focus on community engagement, research, and professional development, USM aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their chosen fields.
University of Southern Maine Costs & Tuition
Tuition at USM varies based on residency and enrollment status. For in-state students, full-time undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $8,918 per year. Out-of-state students pay roughly $21,294 per year. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with approximately 80% of full-time, first-time students receiving some form of aid.
University of Southern Maine Admissions
Admissions at USM are classified as selective, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay as part of the application process. The average SAT score range for admitted students is between 970 and 1180, while the ACT range is between 19 and 25.
University of Southern Maine Degrees Offered
USM offers over 115 undergraduate programs, 30 graduate programs, and various certificate programs in disciplines such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, and liberal arts. Some of the popular majors at USM include nursing, social work, business administration, and psychology.
University of Southern Maine Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, USM provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students. The university emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and research opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and enhance their professional skills.
University of Southern Maine Diversity
USM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers various resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, including the Multicultural Student Affairs Office, the Women and Gender Studies Program, and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
University of Southern Maine Students
USM has a total enrollment of around 8,000 students, with approximately 6,500 undergraduate and 1,500 graduate students. Student life at USM includes various clubs, organizations, and recreational activities, catering to a wide range of interests and passions.
University of Southern Maine Campus
The University of Southern Maine has three campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, providing students with access to various facilities, resources, and opportunities. Campus amenities include modern classrooms, labs, libraries, and recreational facilities, alongside unique features such as the Art Gallery, the Center for Book Arts, and the Southworth Planetarium.
University of Southern Maine Alumni
USM boasts a strong network of over 50,000 alumni worldwide, who contribute to their respective fields and communities. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Russo, former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, and former Maine Governor John Baldacci.
University of Southern Maine Rankings
US News and World Report ranks USM as #136 in Regional Universities North, #43 in Top Public Schools, and #298-#389 in Business Programs.
University of Southern Maine Outcomes
Graduates of USM have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of around 39% and an employment rate of approximately 89% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for USM graduates is around $40,000 per year.
Suffolk University Overview
Suffolk University is a private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1906, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various disciplines. With its prime location in the heart of Boston, students have access to numerous cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities.
Suffolk University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Suffolk University is approximately $41,648 per year for full-time undergraduate students. Additional fees and expenses may apply. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with 92% of full-time, first-time students receiving some form of aid.
Suffolk University Admissions
Admissions at Suffolk University are classified as moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay as part of the application process. The average SAT score range for admitted students is between 1050 and 1250, while the ACT range is between 21 and 27.
Suffolk University Degrees Offered
Suffolk University offers over 70 undergraduate programs, 50 graduate programs, and various certificate programs in disciplines such as business, law, social sciences, and the humanities. Some of the most popular majors at Suffolk include business administration, criminal justice, and communication and journalism.
Suffolk University Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, Suffolk University provides a supportive and engaging learning environment for its students. The university emphasizes experiential learning, internships, and research opportunities to help students gain practical experience and enhance their professional skills.
Suffolk University Diversity
Suffolk University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers various resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, including the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, the Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights, and the Office of Disability Services.
Suffolk University Students
Suffolk University has a total enrollment of around 7,560 students, with approximately 5,290 undergraduate and 2,270 graduate students. Student life at Suffolk includes over 100 clubs and organizations, offering opportunities for students to engage in various interests and passions.
Suffolk University Campus
Suffolk University’s campus is located in the heart of Boston, providing students with access to various facilities, resources, and opportunities. Campus amenities include modern classrooms, labs, libraries, and recreational facilities, alongside unique features such as the Moakley Courthouse, the New England School of Art and Design, and the Sargent Hall Law Building.
Suffolk University Alumni
Suffolk University boasts a strong network of over 80,000 alumni worldwide, who contribute to their respective fields and communities. Notable alumni include former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, and CNN anchor John King.
Suffolk University Rankings
US News and World Report ranks Suffolk University as #191 in National Universities, #135 in Best Value Schools, and #87 in Business Programs.
Suffolk University Outcomes
Graduates of Suffolk University have a strong track record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of around 59% and an employment rate of approximately 92% within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Suffolk graduates is around $50,000 per year.
[University of Southern Maine] vs [Suffolk University] Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending the University of Southern Maine and Suffolk University, there is a considerable difference in tuition fees. In-state students at USM pay approximately $8,918 per year, whereas out-of-state students pay around $21,294 per year. On the other hand, tuition at Suffolk University is significantly higher, with full-time undergraduate students paying about $41,648 per year.
Both institutions offer financial aid to eligible students, with a higher percentage of students receiving aid at Suffolk University (92%) compared to USM (80%). However, it is important to consider the overall cost of attendance, including living expenses, when making a decision.
[University of Southern Maine] vs [Suffolk University] Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of Southern Maine and Suffolk University have moderately selective admissions processes with acceptance rates of around 85%. However, the average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are slightly higher at Suffolk University.
Prospective students applying to either institution must submit their high school transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay as part of the application process. While both universities have similar admissions requirements, the decision to attend one institution over the other may depend on factors such as location, campus culture, and the availability of specific academic programs.
[University of Southern Maine] vs [Suffolk University] Academic Difficulty
Both the University of Southern Maine and Suffolk University are committed to providing a challenging and engaging academic experience for their students. The student-to-faculty ratios at both institutions are similar, with USM at 13:1 and Suffolk at 15:1. This indicates that students at both universities can expect a supportive learning environment with opportunities for personalized attention from faculty.
The University of Southern Maine and Suffolk University both emphasize experiential learning, internships, and research opportunities to help students gain practical experience and enhance their professional skills. While the academic rigor may be similar at both institutions, prospective students should consider factors such as available academic programs, faculty expertise, and research opportunities when making their decision.
[University of Southern Maine] vs [Suffolk University] Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, both the University of Southern Maine and Suffolk University have strong track records of success for their graduates. The six-year graduation rate at USM is around 39%, while at Suffolk it is approximately 59%. Furthermore, the employment rate within six months of graduation is around 89% for USM graduates and 92% for Suffolk graduates.
The average starting salary for USM graduates is about $40,000 per year, while Suffolk graduates earn an average starting salary of around $50,000 per year. While there are differences in outcomes between the two institutions, prospective students should consider factors such as their intended major, career goals, and personal preferences when deciding which school to attend.
