College Comparison
Boston College vs University of Southern California
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
15,432
46,566
Undergrad Enrollment
10,314
20,630
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
9:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
16.4%
9.8%
Average GPA
4.00
3.83
SAT Range
1440–1540
1450–1550
ACT Range
33–35
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$85
Total Applicants
35,037
82,027
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,866
$83,399
Avg Net Price
$39,866
$36,000
Tuition (In-State)
$62,950
$63,468
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,950
$63,468
Room & Board
$18,916
$19,931
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
70.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,971
$46,897
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$103,937
$92,498
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. USC is $3,866 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 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.
Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. USC offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Boston College, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,971. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.
The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Boston College tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA in a city: small setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.