Kent State University vs University of South Florida

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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.

KSU vs USF Introduction

Deciding on which university to attend can be a challenging task, as there are various factors that come into play when making such a life-changing decision. In this article, we will compare two renowned universities, Kent State University (KSU) and the University of South Florida (USF), in terms of costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes, to help you make an informed choice.

KSU Overview

Kent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio. It was established in 1910 and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. KSU is known for its high-quality education, strong faculty, and vibrant campus life that includes various clubs, organizations, and sports teams.

KSU Costs & Tuition

As a public university, KSU’s tuition fees vary depending on whether students are in-state or out-of-state residents. In-state tuition fees are approximately $10,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition fees are around $20,000 per year. Additionally, students may need to account for housing, meal plans, books, and other miscellaneous expenses.

KSU Admissions

Admission to Kent State University is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. KSU also considers extracurricular activities and recommendation letters, although these are not required for all applicants.

KSU Degrees Offered

KSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. With more than 300-degree options, students have numerous opportunities to explore their interests and pursue their career goals.

KSU Academics

Kent State University is known for its strong faculty and commitment to research. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, allowing students to receive personalized attention from their professors. Additionally, KSU provides numerous research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike, fostering a strong academic community.

KSU Diversity

KSU values diversity and inclusion, with students from various backgrounds, cultures, and countries attending the university. The university has numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and cultural events.

KSU Students

KSU’s student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries represented on campus. The university has a total enrollment of around 27,000 students, including approximately 22,000 undergraduate students and 5,000 graduate students.

KSU Campus

Kent State University’s campus spans about 1,000 acres, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and numerous green spaces for students to enjoy. The university’s campus life is vibrant, with various clubs, organizations, and sports teams available for students to join and engage with their peers.

KSU Alumni

KSU has a strong alumni network, with many graduates going on to achieve success in various fields. Some notable alumni include fashion designer Michael Kors, journalist Joe Posnanski, and actor John de Lancie.

KSU Rankings

Kent State University is ranked #284 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, KSU is ranked #156 in Top Public Schools and #141 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

KSU Outcomes

Graduates of Kent State University are well-prepared for success in the workforce, with the university boasting a 77% graduate placement rate. Additionally, KSU alumni have an average starting salary of around $40,000.

USF Overview

The University of South Florida is a public research university located in Tampa, Florida. Established in 1956, USF offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. USF is known for its diverse student population, innovative research, and strong commitment to community engagement.

USF Costs & Tuition

Tuition fees at USF vary depending on in-state or out-of-state residency. In-state students pay approximately $6,000 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students pay around $17,000 per year. Additional expenses may include housing, meal plans, books, and other miscellaneous fees.

USF Admissions

Admission to USF is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 45%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay. USF also considers extracurricular activities and recommendation letters, although these are not required for all applicants.

USF Degrees Offered

USF offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of fields, including business, engineering, health sciences, and the arts. With a strong focus on research and innovation, students have ample opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects and explore their interests.

USF Academics

The University of South Florida has a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1, providing students with the opportunity to receive personalized attention from professors. USF is dedicated to research, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, sustainability, and engineering.

USF Diversity

USF is proud of its diverse student body, with students from various backgrounds, cultures, and countries attending the university. The university has numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and cultural events.

USF Students

USF has a total enrollment of over 50,000 students, including approximately 37,000 undergraduate students and 13,000 graduate students. The university’s student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and more than 130 countries represented on campus.

USF Campus

USF’s campus is located on approximately 1,600 acres in Tampa, Florida, and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research labs, libraries, and recreational spaces. The university’s campus life is vibrant, with various clubs, organizations, and sports teams available for students to join and engage with their peers.

USF Alumni

USF has a strong alumni network, with many graduates achieving success in various fields. Some notable alumni include astronaut Nicole Stott, actor John Cena, and author Lisa Unger.

USF Rankings

The University of South Florida is ranked #103 in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, USF is ranked #46 in Top Public Schools and #134 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs.

USF Outcomes

Graduates of USF are well-prepared for success in the workforce, with the university boasting a 79% graduate placement rate. Additionally, USF alumni have an average starting salary of around $44,000.

KSU vs USF Cost Comparison

Both KSU and USF offer in-state and out-of-state tuition rates, with USF being more affordable for in-state students, while KSU has lower costs for out-of-state students. Although tuition costs are essential, students should also consider additional expenses such as housing, meal plans, and books when comparing the total costs of attending each university.

KSU vs USF Admissions Difficulty

Admission to both KSU and USF is moderately competitive, with KSU having a slightly higher acceptance rate of 85%, compared to USF’s acceptance rate of 45%. Both universities consider high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and personal essays in their admissions process, but KSU is generally considered to be less selective.

KSU vs USF Academic Difficulty

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and have a strong emphasis on research. While both KSU and USF are committed to providing high-quality education, USF has slightly higher rankings for its undergraduate engineering programs and overall national rankings.

KSU vs USF Outcome Comparison

Graduates from both KSU and USF are well-prepared for success in the workforce, with similar graduate placement rates of 77% and 79%, respectively. However, USF alumni tend to have a slightly higher average starting salary of $44,000, compared to KSU’s average starting salary of $40,000.