College Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University 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
Pittsburgh, PA
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
15,888
46,566
Undergrad Enrollment
7,377
20,630
Student-Faculty Ratio
5:1
9:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.7%
9.8%
Average GPA
4.00
3.83
SAT Range
1500–1570
1450–1550
ACT Range
34–35
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$85
Total Applicants
33,941
82,027
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,030
$83,399
Avg Net Price
$31,671
$36,000
Tuition (In-State)
$59,864
$63,468
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$59,864
$63,468
Room & Board
$18,166
$19,931
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
70.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$48,107
$46,897
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
89.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$114,862
$92,498
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Explore by Location
Carnegie Mellon is in Pittsburgh, PA
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Carnegie Mellon University is $31,671 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Carnegie Mellon University is $4,329 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University typically score between 1500-1570 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.
Carnegie Mellon University has a graduation rate of 89%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. USC has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Carnegie Mellon University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Carnegie Mellon University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Carnegie Mellon University, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $48,107. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.
The median earnings for Carnegie Mellon University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $114,862, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Carnegie Mellon University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Carnegie Mellon University is located in Pittsburgh, PA in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.