College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York 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
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
35,173
46,566
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
20,630
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
9:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
9.8%
Average GPA
4.00
3.83
SAT Range
1510–1580
1450–1550
ACT Range
34–35
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$85
Total Applicants
60,115
82,027
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$83,399
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$36,000
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$63,468
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$63,468
Room & Board
$17,580
$19,931
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
70.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$46,897
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$92,498
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Columbia University in the City of New York is $14,000 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York typically score between 1510-1580 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.
Columbia University in the City of New York 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.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $67,010. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.