University of South Carolina-Columbia (UofSC) vs University of Arkansas (Uark)

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of South Carolina-Columbia and the University of Arkansas. While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, discover the spectrum of popular majors, immerse yourself in the diverse student body demographics, and evaluate the graduation rates that reflect each institution's commitment to student success. This side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed choice, aligning your aspirations with the university that best resonates with your academic pursuits and personal growth.

	University of Arkansas	University of South Carolina-Columbia
Overview
Location	Fayetteville, Arkansas	Columbia, South Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	87.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.7%	61.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1050 - 1220	1150 - 1360
ACT range	21 - 28	26 - 31
Students submitting SAT score	26.0%	38.0%
Students submitting ACT score	78.0%	26.0%
Total number of applicants	21,462	42,045
Total number of admissions given out	17,743	25,884
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,065	6,174
Yield rate	34.2%	23.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,978 Out of state: $43,794	In state: $29,398 Out of state: $50,638
Average net price	$15,218	$21,898
Tuition	In state: $7,666 Out of state: $24,482	In state: $12,288 Out of state: $33,528
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,744 Meal plan: $4,198	Room/dormitory: $7,010 Meal plan: $3,980
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Other alternative tuition plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $8,362	93.0% Average amount $7,055
Students receiving federal student loan	38.0% Average amount $5,442	48.0% Average amount $5,340
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $16,058	10.0% Average amount $17,657

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	24,265 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%	26,864 Men 44.9% Women 55.1%
Graduate students	4,803 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%	8,607 Men 37.4% Women 62.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	56.6%	N/A
International students	4.1%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	6,232	9,377
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arkansas Texas Missouri Oklahoma Kansas	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Health Professions Business Engineering Technologies	Business Health Professions Education Engineering Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	69.7%	78.2%
Dropout rate	28.4%	5.3%
Transferred out	N/A	16.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,450 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $123,792 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,048 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $82,519 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,784 Year 2: $69,079 Year 3: $80,036 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,033 Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $78,844 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,024 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $75,031 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,436 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $74,432 Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,594 Year 2: $69,524 Year 3: $73,914 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,595 Year 2: $62,463 Year 3: $72,333 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,737 Year 2: $58,479 Year 3: $68,196 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,418 Year 2: $50,606 Year 3: $66,051	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,315 Year 2: $132,531 Year 3: $124,225 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $103,612 Year 2: $114,145 Year 3: $117,580 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,414 Year 2: $95,102 Year 3: $107,403 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,505 Year 2: $91,986 Year 3: $97,806 International Business (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,202 Year 2: $90,049 Year 3: $93,323 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,370 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $79,846 Public Health (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $77,526 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,229 Year 2: $71,854 Year 3: $76,713 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,365 Year 2: $70,776 Year 3: $73,730 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,632 Year 2: $66,670 Year 3: $72,857

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of South Carolina (USC) and the University of Arkansas (UA)?

USC is located in Columbia, South Carolina, the state's capital city. The campus is integrated within the urban environment, offering easy access to city amenities and a vibrant downtown scene. UA is situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a city known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and a more relaxed, college-town atmosphere. The UA campus is expansive and features a blend of historic and modern architecture, with a strong emphasis on green spaces.
How do the academic programs compare at USC and UA?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. USC is particularly strong in business, law, and engineering, and is home to a renowned international business program. UA excels in architecture, agriculture, and engineering, with a growing reputation in areas like supply chain management. Both universities have strong liberal arts programs, but the specific strengths and specializations may vary.
What is the cost of attendance like at USC and UA?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates compared to other public institutions. You should consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed information on tuition and financial aid opportunities, as these can change annually.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities differ at USC and UA?

Both universities offer a rich student life experience. USC has a strong Greek life presence and a vibrant social scene, with a focus on campus traditions and sporting events, particularly football. UA also has a robust Greek system and a lively campus community. UA's location in the Ozark Mountains provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, and the university fosters a strong sense of community through its various student organizations and activities.
What are the athletic programs like at USC and UA?

Both universities are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), so athletics play a significant role in campus life. USC's Gamecocks are known for their success in various sports, including football, baseball, and women's basketball. UA's Razorbacks are also highly competitive, with a strong tradition in football, basketball, and track and field. Both schools offer exciting game day experiences and a passionate fan base.
How does the research environment compare at USC and UA?

Both universities are classified as R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity. USC has a strong research focus in areas like public health, environmental science, and engineering. UA is known for its research in agriculture, engineering, and materials science. Both institutions provide ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at USC and UA?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with career planning, resume writing, and job searching. They host career fairs, provide internship opportunities, and offer networking events. While specific job placement rates can fluctuate, both universities have strong alumni networks and connections with employers, leading to favorable career outcomes for their graduates. You should check the specific career services websites for the most current data.
What are the housing options like at USC and UA?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. USC's housing options are generally located within walking distance of campus facilities. UA also provides a range of housing choices, with options for different budgets and preferences. Both universities also have resources to help students find off-campus housing.
How do the campus cultures differ at USC and UA?

USC has a culture that is often described as energetic and social, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and traditions. The campus is known for its lively atmosphere and active student organizations. UA fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a focus on community engagement and outdoor activities. The campus culture is generally considered friendly and supportive, with a strong sense of Razorback pride.
Which university is a better fit for me, USC or UA?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prefer a more urban environment with easy access to city amenities and a strong social scene, USC might be a good choice. If you prefer a college-town atmosphere with a focus on outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community, UA might be a better fit. Consider your academic interests, desired campus culture, and location preferences when making your decision. Visiting both campuses, if possible, is highly recommended.

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