Which is better, Syracuse University or the University of Maryland?

One of these isn’t necessarily better than the other. Both Syracuse University and University of Maryland are great universities, so the choice depends on your choice of branch and the sort of campus experience that you find more comfortable. The below table will give you some insight into the two universities. Parameters Syracuse University University of Maryland Ranking #651-700 by QS World University rankings #158 QS World University ranking Tuition fees (approx) $81,939 $ 55,756 Acceptance rate 44.4% 51% Average Salary $71,470 per annum $50,000 - $168,000 per annum SU’s strength’s are its amazing professional schools. The best schools at SU are Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the iSchool, Newhouse School of Communications, and the Whitman School of Management. Maryland is known for its School of Computer Science, Math, Engineering, and Physics. It is also well known for its Criminal Justice and Literature program. Their professional schools are average.

What are some useful tips for students starting their first semester at Syracuse University?

Here are some tips that can help your first semester at Syracuse University smoother. Don’t commit to a major immediately. You don’t need to worry if you don’t know what you want to do. Know that almost everyone is on the same boat. Freshman year is best for experiments. Try to get good grades in those easy first-semester classes, so that you will have many options open when you are ready to make a decision. Explore everything that you find interesting, but don’t try to fit in fast to avoid being alone. Living with a stranger is difficult for obvious reasons. So, try to adjust and support them in little ways when you can. At Syracuse, Fall stays only for a limited time. Try to be outside as much as possible in the Fall. Winters are pretty bad at Syracuse. The city has the largest snowplow in the world. So prepare accordingly. Invest in the best winter boots and coats. You can checkout Feagan for good food and beer. Their nachos and chicken salads are pretty good. Roji Tea Lounge in downtown Syracuse has the best Japanese cookies and tea.

What are the pros and cons of going to Syracuse University?

Syracuse University is a good school with brilliant professors. Several of the academic programs of the university are ranked as the best in the nation. Some of the most opted for courses of Syracuse University are Public Communications, Information Science, Physics, Entrepreneurship, Political Science, Communication, Business, Management, etc. The advantages of joining Syracuse University are as follows. Syracuse University ranking - 59 in National Universities by US News 2022, 351-400 by THE World University Ranking (2022). It has a beautiful campus at the heart of New York State. The university has a global footprint and more than 150 years of legacy. It has more than a quarter-million alumni across 160 countries and a student crowd from all US states and 123 countries. So, the opportunities to network are endless. The professors are from all over the world with different experiences and qualifications. You will get to learn from some of the smartest people in the world. Syracuse University graduates earn an average salary of around $71,470. The cons of joining the university are as below. Being a private university, it charges high course fees. The tuition fee is approximately around $74,486. The tuition fee along with the living expenses in New York can be a financial burden. By attending Syracuse University, you will be forever leveled as ‘Orangeman’. Overall, it is a great university. Other than academics, SU offers an enjoyable social life. There are great sports teams, clubs, fraternities, and sororities that you can join.

What is it like to attend Syracuse University? In terms of both class life and extracurriculars/social life.

Syracuse was once a thriving city and Syracuse University was once considered a “party school”. Things have dialed down in the recent decades and though it may not be the “mad party” school, it still hosts many fraternity and sorority parties. This being a private university, charges a higher fee which translates to a uniformity, both in terms of behavior and looks, among the students attending the school. The “political correctness” being enforced today across universities, has also taken a toll on this university. The most happening places in Syracuse happen to be Walnut Avenue and Euclid Avenue. Walnut Avenue is known for its greek life while Euclid Avenue is known for house parties. Various sporting clubs, student organizations and sometimes students themselves organize house parties which may or may not be your taste. The loads of classes are dependent on the major you are doing. The iSchool expects lots of co-op projects in the labs which take a significant chunk of your time. The Whitman School of Business will involve a lot many individual tasks, group tasks, meetings etc. The Newhouse School of Communication students work almost single handedly in the Armory Square building. They do lots of TV, radio work and sometimes work for straight 24 hours to meet deadlines. In terms of sports, basketball is the most widely played and followed sport here. The Carrier Dome is the mecca for basketball lovers. The Chuck’s Café, Faegan’s Pub, Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar are some other places to hang out with friends. And finally talking about the weather, the winter is torturous. It receives the amount of snowfall which is higher than the national average. Along with the winter, it is the chilly winds which sometimes can take a toll on your health. So all in all, the university is full of character and you will enjoy every bit of your life here.

Should I choose USC, UIUC, or Syracuse University for my undergraduate study of architecture?

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private university located in Los Angeles, California. The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign (UIUC) is a public university located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. The QS World University Rankings by subject 2020 – Architecture/Build Environment is given below – University of Southern California (USC) - #51 - 100 University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign (UIUC) - #50 Syracuse University - #101 – 150 The rankings tell you one thing and the experience of the students another. The reputation and the number of graduates from the USC School of Architecture and Syracuse University School of Architecture are far more than the graduates from the Illinois School of Architecture – UIUC. All these programs are quite close in terms of rankings as well. So academically you cannot go wrong with any of these three schools. Yet USC and Syracuse University still hold a little edge. Your choice should also depend upon the area you want to settle down after graduating. USC is located on the west coast, UIUC in the midwest and Syracuse University on the east coast. If you want to work in New York, choose Syracuse University. If you want to work in California or Los Angeles, choose USC. It is not that they are not known nationally, but most of the hiring managers, some of whom may be alumni, are located in companies closer to the university itself, thus a better chance of getting employed in that region. Also some may prefer the quiet regions of upstate New York or Illinois while some may marvel at the architectural designs in and around the city of Los Angeles. This is strictly a personal choice. Also factor in the huge and ever growing alumni network of USC, which makes it a compelling choice. If you combine all these factors, then University of Southern California (USC) emerges as a clear winner among the three for studying architecture.

BA Political Philosophy at CUSE: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

Syracuse, New YorkLocation

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Bachelor of Arts [BA] (Political Philosophy)

4 years

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Field of Study:

$66,580 /Yr

Updated on - Jul 22, 2026

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy is a four-year undergraduate degree combining rigorous study of philosophy and political science. The program enrolls international students and requires strong English proficiency. Total annual cost is USD 89,760 (INR 85.55 Lakhs). Fall and Spring intakes are available. The program trains graduates for careers in policy, law, academia, and public service.

What makes this program distinctive is its integrated approach: students study core philosophy alongside political theory and history of political thought. Most graduates pursue law school, policy roles, or graduate study in philosophy or political science. The ideal candidate is analytically rigorous, intellectually curious about governance and ethics, and committed to argumentation and critical thinking.

Combine philosophy and political science in one structured degree.
Access extensive ethics, law, and political theory coursework at a ranked university.
Benefit from 65% merit aid rate and average awards of USD 22,500 (INR 21.46 Lakhs).

Current Admission Status

Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 November 2026.

Indian applicants should start WES transcript evaluation and standardized testing (SAT or ACT) immediately to meet this timeline. The TOEFL or IELTS exam requires 4-6 weeks of preparation.

Also Check: Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Admission

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Fees and Living Costs 2027

The Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy at Syracuse requires significant investment but comes with substantial merit aid. Below is the complete fee breakdown for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Cost Component	USD	INR
Tuition (Annual)	69,180	66.00 Lakhs
Room & Board (Annual)	20,580	19.63 Lakhs
Total Annual Cost	89,760	85.55 Lakhs
4-Year Total	359,040	INR 3.42 Crore

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.3 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

Tuition covers full-time coursework for all 30 credits in the Political Philosophy major.
Room and board includes on-campus housing (required for most undergraduates) and meal plan.
Additional costs like books, supplies, and personal care typically range USD 2,000-3,000 annually.
Application fee is USD 75 (INR 7,150); submit this non-refundable amount with your Common App.

Tip for Indian Students: The 4-year total of INR 3.42 Crore is substantial but within reach for families with strong financial backing. Plan multi-year funding through education loans and parental support.

Cost of Living in Syracuse for Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Students

Expense Category	Monthly USD	Monthly INR
Housing (On-Campus)	860	82,058
Food & Groceries	450	42,885
Transport & Transit	75	7,148
Personal Care	200	19,060
Total Monthly	1,585	1.51 Lakhs

Key Insight: Syracuse is a mid-sized city in upstate New York with moderate living costs. On-campus housing is included in the quoted room and board figure above.

Read More: Cost of Living in United States for International Students

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Admission 2027

Syracuse University accepts international students for the Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy program. Admission is holistic, considering academics, test scores, and English proficiency.

Admission Criteria	Requirement
Current Acceptance Rate	43%
Standardized Test	SAT or ACT (required)
High School GPA Expectation	3.5+ GPA (strong students admitted)
Application Fee	USD 75 (INR 7,150)

Admission is test-required; SAT and ACT scores are mandatory for all applicants.
GPA from secondary school is reviewed in the context of curriculum difficulty and grading scale.
Personal essays and letters of recommendation carry significant weight in the holistic review.
Syracuse ranks 73rd in the US News National Universities ranking (2025), confirming solid academic standing.

Tip for Indian Students: A 43% acceptance rate means moderately selective admission. Most admitted Indian students score 1200+ on SAT and maintain GPA above 3.7.

English Language Proficiency for Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy

Test	Minimum Overall Score	Minimum Component Score
TOEFL iBT	85	20 per skill
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	6.0 per band
Duolingo English Test	110	N/A

TOEFL iBT 85+ is the standard for Syracuse College of Arts and Sciences; most successful candidates score 90-100.
IELTS 6.5 is equivalent to TOEFL 85; Indian students often find IELTS slightly more accessible due to familiarity with British English variants.
Duolingo 110 is the quickest to obtain (test online in 1-2 hours), but TOEFL or IELTS is preferred for admissions weight.
English proficiency test validity is two years from the test date; ensure your score is current on application day.

Honest Take: TOEFL 85 is a threshold, not a guarantee. Competitive Indian applicants typically score 92+, especially for rigorous humanities programs like Political Philosophy.

Check Out: United States F-1 Student Visa Process and Requirements

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Application 2027

Syracuse University uses the Common Application for undergraduate admissions. The application process is straightforward, with standardized deadlines for all applicants, including international students.

Intake	Application Deadline	Status
Fall 2027	15 November 2026	Open
Spring 2027	05 January 2027	Open

Both deadlines are fixed; no rolling admissions extension beyond these dates for regular decision.
International students submit via Common App with the same deadline as domestic applicants.
Admission decisions are released in late March for Fall intake applicants.

Application Tip: Submit applications 2-3 weeks before the deadline to avoid technical issues and allow time for transcript uploads and recommender letter confirmations.

Also Check: Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Full Profile

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Scholarships 2027

Merit-based scholarships are available for international students at Syracuse. The university awards scholarships to 65% of the undergraduate class, with an average grant of USD 22,500 (INR 21.46 Lakhs) per year.

Scholarship Type	Annual Award Range	INR Equivalent
Merit Scholarship (Minimum)	USD 10,000	INR 9.53 Lakhs
Merit Scholarship (Average)	USD 22,500	INR 21.46 Lakhs
Merit Scholarship (Maximum)	USD 69,180	INR 66.00 Lakhs
Percent Receiving Merit Aid	65%	—

Full-ride scholarships (USD 69,180) are rare but awarded to exceptional candidates.
Average award of USD 22,500 reduces the annual cost from USD 89,760 to USD 67,260 (INR 64.09 Lakhs).
Scholarships are renewable annually if you maintain a 3.0+ GPA and stay full-time.
International students are eligible for merit aid; there is no separate funding pool dividing domestic and international applicants.

Scholarship Reality: Most Indian students receive USD 15,000-25,000 annually. Competitive applicants with strong SAT scores and essays secure the higher end of this range.

Read More: Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Scholarships

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Salary 2026

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy pursue varied career paths. Salary outcomes depend heavily on whether graduates pursue law school, policy roles, or graduate study in philosophy or political science.

Career Path	Gross Salary (Starting)	INR Equivalent
Policy Analyst (Federal/State Government)	USD 38,000-45,000	INR 36.27-42.89 Lakhs
Non-Profit Policy Director	USD 35,000-42,000	INR 33.41-40.07 Lakhs
Law School Graduate (3 years later)	USD 65,000-85,000	INR 62.00-81.01 Lakhs
Graduate School (Philosophy / Political Science)	Funded (Stipend USD 18,000-25,000)	INR 17.15-23.83 Lakhs

Bachelor’s degree graduates in humanities typically earn USD 32,000-40,000 in entry-level roles.
Law school graduates (JD) earn substantially more, but law school requires 3 additional years and significant investment.
Graduate study funding is common; most PhD and Master’s programs offer full tuition coverage plus monthly stipends.
Take-home salary is approximately 70-75% of gross due to federal income tax (22% bracket) and state tax (5% average).

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Syracuse University Career Services, and law school salary surveys.

ROI Reality: Political Philosophy graduates’ immediate salary is modest for the investment. The real return comes from pathway to law school (higher earning potential) or PhD programs (funded and academically rewarding).

Check Out: United States Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Post-Study Work

United States Visa Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy

International students at Syracuse University study on the F-1 Student Visa. This visa permits full-time study, limited on-campus work, and optional practical training after graduation.

F-1 visa is valid for the full duration of your studies plus a 60-day grace period after graduation.
On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term, increasing to full-time during official breaks.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of work authorization after graduation; STEM field extensions add 24 months (Political Philosophy is classified as humanities, so base OPT is 12 months only).
H-1B skilled worker visa sponsorship is possible after OPT; however, annual cap is 65,000 visas with a lottery system, so admission is competitive.

Visa Reality: The path from F-1 to permanent residency (green card) typically takes 5-7 years and requires employer sponsorship at each step (H-1B, then green card sponsorship).

Read More: United States F-1 Student Visa Regulations and Extensions

Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy Ranking 2026

Syracuse University holds strong rankings in the overall university category but does not maintain a subject-specific ranking for Political Philosophy. The university’s overall QS World Ranking is 741-750, reflecting solid global standing in research and teaching quality.

Ranking Agency	Rank / Category	Year
QS World University Rankings	741-750	2026
US News National Universities	73	2025
THE World University Rankings	401-500	2025

US News rank of 73 places Syracuse among the top 75 national universities in the United States.
QS ranking reflects performance across 13 academic subject areas and international diversity of faculty and student body.
Top Philosophy programs globally rank in the top 100 (e.g. NYU, Oxford, Cambridge), and Syracuse does not compete at that level in philosophy specifically.
However, Syracuse’s strong undergraduate teaching reputation and interdisciplinary approach make it a solid choice for a rigorous Political Philosophy degree.

Key Insight: Syracuse University itself is a solid mid-tier institution, but it does not hold a top-100 subject rank in philosophy or politics. Choose the program for its interdisciplinary structure and teaching quality, not for global subject prestige.

Also Check: Syracuse University Rankings and Global Standing

Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy FAQs

Ques. Can I work while studying Political Philosophy at Syracuse University?

Ans. Yes, F-1 visa regulations allow 20 hours of on-campus work per week during the academic term. Many students work in the library, student services, or academic departments, earning USD 15-18 per hour. Work is not permitted off-campus unless you apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during approved internship periods.

Ques. What is the difference between Political Philosophy and Political Science at Syracuse?

Ans. Political Philosophy (BA) focuses on theory, ethics, and foundational concepts like justice and liberty; you study Plato, Hobbes, Rawls, and Nozick. Political Science (BA) emphasizes institutions, governance, and empirical analysis of governments and policy. Many students double major or complete one major and one minor in both fields because they are complementary.

Ques. Is it harder to get admitted to Political Philosophy than to general Syracuse?

Ans. No, there is no separate admission track by major. You apply to Syracuse University and declare your major during your first year. Changing majors is straightforward, so admission difficulty is the same regardless of intended major. The 43% acceptance rate applies to all first-year applicants.

Ques. Do I need to take the GRE if I want to pursue a PhD in Philosophy or Political Science after my BA?

Ans. Yes, most PhD programs require the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). However, your strong undergraduate GPA and thesis or senior project in Political Philosophy will strengthen your PhD application considerably. Many Syracuse graduates enter funded PhD programs at leading universities, and the BA provides a strong foundation for advanced study.

Ques. Will my Political Philosophy degree help me get into law school?

Ans. Yes, Political Philosophy is an excellent pre-law major. Law schools value rigorous analytical training, which is exactly what this program provides. Your LSAT score (not your major) will be the most important factor, but strong grades in philosophy and political theory courses will highlight your analytical ability. Many Syracuse BA graduates do successfully enter law school.

The Bachelor of Arts Political Philosophy at Syracuse University is ideal for students committed to rigorous analysis of governance, ethics, and justice. Strong merit aid, solid university ranking, and pathway options to law school or graduate study make this program a compelling choice for serious international applicants. Prepare your SAT or ACT, secure TOEFL or IELTS scores, and apply by November 15, 2026, for Fall 2027 entry.

Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake - Nov 15, 2026

Tuition Fees

Year	1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees	$66580

Other Expenses

Head	Avg Cost Per Year
Room and Board	$16356
Health Insurance	$2664

Previous Year Tuition Fees

Year	1st Year Fees
2024	$63710
2023	$61310
2022	$13980
2021	$54270

Important Dates

Event	Application Date
Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake	Nov 15, 2026
Early Decision Deadline for 2027 Intake	Nov 15, 2026
Regular Decision Deadline for 2027 Intake	Jan 5, 2027
Early Decision II Deadline for 2027 Intake	Jan 5, 2027

Scores Required

4.5 / 6

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

6.5 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

125 / 160

Avg. Score in

Duolingo

Application Fees

120

ECTS Credits

Required Document List

Complete Application
Application Fee
Official Transcripts
English Language Requirements
A copy of the Passport
Documentation of Financial Support
One academic recommendation

Ranking

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Arts 401 out of 553 in Global Ranking

( #61 out of 83 in USA 2026)

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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids

Name	Scholarship Per Student	Level of Study	Type
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program	Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeMerit-Based	View Details
Axol Science Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeCompany-Sponsored	View Details
VueVille Future Technology Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeMerit-Based	View Details
R&D Systems Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeMerit-Based	View Details
BL Mandhana Scholarships	Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeMerit-Based	View Details
Go Clean Scholarship	Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500	Level Of StudyBachelor	TypeMerit-Based	View Details

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