Introduction
The rivalry between the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) has been a captivating one for years. Both universities have a rich history, loyal fan bases, and talented athletic teams. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of South Florida and UMass, examining their academic, athletic, and overall campus life experiences.
Academics
Rankings and Reputation
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USF:
- Ranked 248th overall in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges rankings
- Has a strong reputation in the fields of public health, engineering, and business
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UMass:
- Ranked 126th overall in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges rankings
- Known for its excellence in research, particularly in the areas of life sciences, environmental science, and engineering
Student-Faculty Ratio
- USF: 20:1
- UMass: 17:1
A lower student-faculty ratio indicates more personalized attention and support for students. UMass has a slight edge in this area.
Tuition and Fees
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USF:
- In-state: $6,368 per year
- Out-of-state: $22,158 per year
-
UMass:
- In-state: $14,306 per year
- Out-of-state: $32,826 per year
USF has lower tuition and fees for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Athletics
Football
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USF:
- Compete in the American Athletic Conference (AAC)
- Have made 11 bowl game appearances
- Won the Birmingham Bowl in 2019
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UMass:
- Compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as an independent
- Have made 7 bowl game appearances
- Won the FCS National Championship in 1998
USF has a slight edge in recent football success, but UMass holds the historical advantage.
Basketball
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USF:
- Compete in the AAC
- Have made 6 NCAA Tournament appearances
- Reached the Sweet 16 in 2012
-
UMass:
- Compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference
- Have made 16 NCAA Tournament appearances
- Won the NIT Championship in 1976
UMass has a clear advantage in basketball history and success.
Other Sports
Both USF and UMass have competitive teams in other sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, and track and field.
Campus Life
Campus Size and Location
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USF:
- Located in Tampa, Florida
- Campus size: 1,760 acres
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UMass:
- Located in Amherst, Massachusetts
- Campus size: 1,450 acres
USF has a larger campus and is located in a vibrant metropolitan area, while UMass is situated in a more rural setting.
Student Life
Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Some notable ones include:
-
USF:
- Student Government Association
- Programming Board
- Greek Life
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UMass:
- Student Union
- University Concert Series
- Nearly 500 clubs and organizations
Residencies
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USF:
- Over 6,000 on-campus beds
- Variety of housing options, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses
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UMass:
- Over 13,000 on-campus beds
- Over 50 residential communities, each with its own unique theme
UMass has a larger and more diverse on-campus housing system.
Conclusion
The rivalry between South Florida and UMass is a tale of two universities with their own strengths and unique offerings. USF provides a vibrant and affordable campus experience, while UMass boasts a strong academic reputation and a rich sports history. Ultimately, the best choice for students depends on their individual preferences, priorities, and goals.
Additional Information
Tables
| Category | USF | UMass |
|---|---|---|
| Overall U.S. News & World Report Ranking | 248th | 126th |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 20:1 | 17:1 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $6,368 per year | $14,306 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $22,158 per year | $32,826 per year |
| Campus Size | 1,760 acres | 1,450 acres |
| On-Campus Housing Beds | Over 6,000 | Over 13,000 |
Quotes
- “USF is a diverse and welcoming community where students can find their passion and pursue their dreams.” – USF President Rhea Law
- “UMass is a world-class research university with a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and public service.” – UMass Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy
- “The rivalry between USF and UMass is one of the most intense in college sports.” – ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit
Tips and Tricks
- Visit both campuses before making a decision.
- Talk to current students and alumni to get their perspectives.
- Consider your academic and extracurricular interests and how they align with the offerings of each university.
- Explore the surrounding areas to see which location suits your lifestyle better.
- Weigh the financial aspects of attending each university and determine which one is more affordable for you.