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Carleton College vs University of Southern California

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

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

2,128

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

9.8%

Average GPA

4.00

3.83

SAT Range

1450–1560

1450–1550

ACT Range

32–34

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$85

Total Applicants

7,133

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$63,468

Room & Board

$17,586

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$92,498

More Comparisons
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Carleton is in Northfield, MN

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means USC is more selective than Carleton College.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Carleton College is $8,680 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 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.

Carleton 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.

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Carleton College offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Carleton College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,846. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, 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.

Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.