Iowa vs USC

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In this article, we will be comparing two prominent universities in the United States: the University of Iowa and the University of Southern California. We will consider various aspects of these institutions, including costs, tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of each university to help you make an informed decision about your education.

CollegeRanker is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

[Iowa] Overview

The University of Iowa, founded in 1847, is a public research university located in Iowa City, Iowa. It is one of the oldest institutions in the United States and offers over 200 areas of study and 100 academic programs.

[Iowa] Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at the University of Iowa is $23,315 per year, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans. For out-of-state students, the estimated cost of attendance is $43,813 per year.

[Iowa] Admissions

The University of Iowa has a selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 82.7%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 22-29 and an SAT score range of 1130-1340.

[Iowa] Degrees Offered

Iowa offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business, engineering, and healthcare.

[Iowa] Academics

The University of Iowa is known for its strong academic programs in fields such as creative writing, psychology, and sciences. The university boasts a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to receive more individualized attention from their professors.

[Iowa] Diversity

The University of Iowa has a diverse student population, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. Approximately 13% of the student body identifies as a member of an underrepresented minority group. The university is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all students and offers various resources and programs to support diversity and inclusion.

[Iowa] Students

With over 30,000 students, the University of Iowa has a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, clubs, and events catering to various interests.

[Iowa] Campus

The University of Iowa’s campus is a mix of historic and modern buildings, offering students a picturesque setting for their academic pursuits. The campus is located in Iowa City, a thriving college town with a lively arts and culture scene.

[Iowa] Alumni

Notable alumni of the University of Iowa include writer Flannery O’Connor, actor Ashton Kutcher, and former NFL player Nate Kaeding.

[Iowa] Rankings

The University of Iowa is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States. It is currently ranked #88 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

[Iowa] Outcomes

The University of Iowa has a strong record of preparing students for successful careers, with a six-year graduation rate of 73.6%. The average starting salary for Iowa graduates is $50,000.

[USC] Overview

The University of Southern California, founded in 1880, is a private research university located in Los Angeles, California. It offers over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 230 graduate and professional programs.

[USC] Costs & Tuition

The estimated cost of attendance at USC is $77,459 per year, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans.

[USC] Admissions

USC has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 11.4%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an ACT score range of 30-34 and an SAT score range of 1350-1530.

[USC] Degrees Offered

USC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences.

[USC] Academics

USC is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of film, business, and engineering. The university has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring students receive personalized attention from their professors.

[USC] Diversity

USC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for all students. It has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and over 130 countries. Approximately 26% of the student body identifies as a member of an underrepresented minority group.

[USC] Students

USC has a vibrant campus life, with over 45,000 students and more than 1,000 student organizations, clubs, and events catering to various interests.

[USC] Campus

USC’s campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, providing an inspiring environment for students. It is located in the heart of Los Angeles, offering numerous cultural and professional opportunities for students.

[USC] Alumni

Notable alumni of USC include filmmaker George Lucas, journalist Lisa Ling, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

[USC] Rankings

USC is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States. It is currently ranked #28 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

[USC] Outcome

USC’s graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields, with a six-year graduation rate of 92.3%. The average starting salary for USC graduates is $60,000.

[Iowa] vs [USC] Cost Comparison

The cost of attendance at the University of Iowa is significantly lower for in-state students than at USC, with an estimated cost of $23,315 per year compared to $77,459 at USC. However, for out-of-state students, the cost difference is less pronounced, with an estimated cost of $43,813 at Iowa compared to $77,459 at USC.

[Iowa] vs [USC] Admissions Difficulty

USC has a much more competitive admissions process than the University of Iowa, with an acceptance rate of 11.4% compared to Iowa’s 82.7%. USC also has higher average test scores for admitted students, with a middle 50% ACT range of 30-34 and SAT range of 1350-1530, compared to Iowa’s ACT range of 22-29 and SAT range of 1130-1340.

[Iowa] vs [USC] Academic Difficulty

Both universities offer challenging academic programs, with USC generally ranked higher in national rankings. The student-to-faculty ratios at both universities are relatively low, with a 9:1 ratio at USC and a 16:1 ratio at Iowa, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors.

[Iowa] vs [USC] Outcome Comparison

Both universities have strong outcomes for their graduates, with a six-year graduation rate of 92.3% at USC compared to 73.6% at Iowa. Additionally, USC graduates tend to have higher starting salaries, with an average of $60,000 compared to $50,000 for Iowa graduates.