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Amherst College vs University of Southern California

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Amherst College
#24
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Amherst, MA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

1,914

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

1,914

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

9.0%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.90

3.83

SAT Range

1490–1580

1450–1550

ACT Range

33–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$65

$85

Total Applicants

13,743

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,890

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$18,246

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$63,500

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$63,500

$63,468

Room & Board

$18,390

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,591

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$77,644

$92,498

More Comparisons
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Amherst is in Amherst, MA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Amherst College has an acceptance rate of 9%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Amherst College is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Amherst College is $18,246 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Amherst College is $17,754 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Amherst College typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At USC, the typical SAT range is 1450-1550. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Amherst College has a graduation rate of 94%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. Amherst College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Amherst College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Amherst College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Amherst College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,591. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Amherst College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $77,644, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from USC tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Amherst College is located in Amherst, MA in a city: small setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.