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Cornell University vs University of Southern California

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

Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Ithaca, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

26,793

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

16,128

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.8%

9.8%

Average GPA

4.00

3.83

SAT Range

1500–1570

1450–1550

ACT Range

33–35

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$85

Total Applicants

62,993

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,884

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$32,337

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$62,456

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,456

$63,468

Room & Board

$19,428

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

48.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,779

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$104,043

$92,498

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Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Cornell University is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Cornell University is $3,663 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Cornell 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.

Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

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

At Cornell University, 48% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,779. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Cornell University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.