<p>Which is the better, more respected school at this point in time. I got into both but due to financial restraints I am going to Salisbury for my Freshman year. It was 10,000 because of instate and scholarships, compared to about 30,000 for CofC out of state. </p>
<p>I am allowed to transfer after freshman year if I hate my school. I just really want to know which school is "better". Which school has the better reputation in the job market, and by the general population. Should I transfer since I am told I may do so?</p>
<p>Thank you for you responses in advance and remember money is a concern.</p>
<p>Hi - I have visited both and live in Maryland - my vote is for Salisbury since money is an issue. My impression is that the school is on the upswing and is constantly improving in terms of reputation, facilities, etc. College of Charleston has the advantage of being in an urban location if you like that - which may provide more job opportunities. But I’m not convinced that it is more “respected”. When I read posts from people who live in SC - they refer to CofC as a party school - and point out the large number of students who transfer out. I really feel the schools are fairly equivalent academically - so I would save the $20,000/year and stay at Salisbury. I know someone who has sent both of their kids to Salisbury - so obviously they are pleased with the school. </p>
<p>I would really focus on getting off to a great start at Salisbury and finding things to love about it. It will be hard to have a great freshman year if transferring is always in the back of your mind. Instead - try to maximize your freshman year experience - academically, socially, etc. Find a mentor - whether an upperclassman in the same major or a professor who can give you some informal advising and assistance along the way.</p>
<p>Rockville mom if I may ask one more thing. I did forget to add that money may no longer be an issue moving forward due to some big prospects at the moment financially.</p>
<p>If money is not an issue, is it true that CofC is a better school considering GPA and Test scores are higher? </p>
<p>So if money is no issue= Go to Charleston
Money is tight= Stick with Salisbury</p>
<p>My husband went to Salisbury about 20 years ago and went on to have a fulfilling life and great career. We live in NJ, work in NYC, and right now I am visiting my sister in Charleston. I love, love, love Charleston and think the CofC is great, but I don’t think it’s much more, if any, more highly thought of anywhere than Salisbury. Even here in SC I get the impression that the whole state is fixated on Clemson and USC.</p>
<p>I am a fan of both schools–but if you’re worried about prestige I don’t think either school is going to make or break you. What is going to make the difference is what you do while you are in school. My husband had great professors at Salisbury that he is still in touch with, interned at a local television station, worked on campus at the arboretum and really loved his time there. He really loved it. I think (not sure) Salisbury might have a more equal gender ratio than CofC as well. Give next year your best! I hope you enjoy it.</p>
<p>I agree with the previous poster. I think Salisbury = CofC in terms of academics, prestige and reputation. I do not see a significant difference between the two. Now if you LOVE city life and money was not an issue - then I could see the transfer perhaps. But I still maintain that you may end up loving Salisbury and you should give it a chance before making any decisions regarding transferring. You have not mentioned a possible major - how does that factor into the analysis? Is the program significantly better at CofC? How is it at Salisbury? In other words - consider the opportunities at each school in your field of interest - in addition to the entire university.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your wonderful responses. I am majoring in business if that makes a difference. I am definitely giving salisbury a shot and hope I like it. I do really like the city life though.</p>
<p>Icarma - my son is also interested in business - so have looked at both Salisbury and CofC from that perspective. Doesn’t Salisbury have an amazing new business facility built with contributions from Frank Perdue? I recall seeing photos on the website - it looked to be state-of-the art. You are going to be just fine at Salisbury! I would be happy to have my son apply there - don’t think you are settling.</p>
<p>Read the threads on Salisbury and they’re very helpful as my son is considering both. Has anyone visited or considered Roanoke College? We are visiting this summer and heard the campus is beautiful. But what about its reputation? Thanks for any insights.</p>
<p>Are you in-state for Maryland? If you are - my response will be kind of the same. I have not visited Roanoke - but I do not believe it exceeds Salisbury academically. What might his major be?</p>
<p>Roanoke’s cost is $44,000+ - significantly more than Salisbury, assuming you are in-state.</p>
<p>My son applied to both Salisbury and Roanoke 2 years ago. We toured Roanoke on a soggy June day and still came away with a positive impression. Sorry, but we never toured Salisbury. </p>
<p>Both schools gave son generous merit aid. IIRC, the student admission stats are similiar. But, for us, Roanoke came out ahead because it has a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and doesn’t really have a suitcase/commuter reputation. </p>
<p>The biggest negative I recall from the Roanoke tour was that there is no swimming pool on campus. Students have to go the “Y” to swim. And, form your own opinion, but Roanoke has a large, active Greek culture.</p>
<p>Test Score Ranges (Mid 50%)
Test Name High Low Avg.
ACT Combined: 26 20 23</p>
<p>I would agree with DougBetsy that Salisbury is probably more of a suitcase school - as there are many Maryland residents who might choose to go home on weekends. Salisbury is a bit bigger - which can translate into more things to do - more types of students to meet. Roanoke (which I have not visited) has a very preppy/Greek/lax reputation.</p>
<p>Icarma - Allow me to rephrase the question in your OP:
“Which would be better for a career in business? CofC? Or Salisbury plus $60K?”</p>
<p>I think RockvilleMom nailed her response. The only thing I’d add is that the school you attend isn’t nearly as important as the commitment you make to yourself and your education. Good luck your freshman year. Make the most out of it!</p>
<p>Neioghbor’s D got into Salisbury and was a spring admit at Clemson. Decided she’d go to Salisbury in the fall and then transfer in the spring. Graduated magna cum laude from Salisbury, got a job at the depth of the recession. Loved her experience there.</p>
<p>Also will say she seldom came home on the weekends!</p>
<p>Great story! I think people sometimes tend to look down on their less expensive in-state universities - I know I used to do so - but I have a new respect for such options. Just because a school is out of state - and more expensive - does not make it automatically a better choice. Particularly in this economy.</p>