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Duke University vs University of Southern California

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

Duke University
#6
Duke University
Durham, NC
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Durham, NC

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

17,499

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

6,523

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

5.7%

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

$85

$85

Total Applicants

51,795

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,563

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$34,454

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$60,435

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,435

$63,468

Room & Board

$18,128

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

43.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$65,522

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

90.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$97,800

$92,498

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USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means Duke University is more selective than USC.

The average net price at Duke University is $34,454 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Duke University is $1,546 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Duke 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.

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

Duke University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. Duke University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Duke University, 43% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $65,522. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Duke University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $97,800, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from Duke University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Duke University is located in Durham, NC in a city: large setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.