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College Comparison

Boston University vs University of Southern California

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

Boston University
#60
Boston University
Boston, MA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Boston, MA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

37,737

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

18,805

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

10:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

11.1%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.79

3.83

SAT Range

1420–1530

1450–1550

ACT Range

32–34

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$85

Total Applicants

78,769

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$80,070

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$26,996

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$61,050

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,050

$63,468

Room & Board

$19,020

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

49.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,848

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$83,238

$92,498

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Boston is in Boston, MA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means USC is more selective than Boston University.

The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Boston University is $9,004 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 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 University has a graduation rate of 88%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Boston University 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 University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, 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.

Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.