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Grinnell College vs University of Southern California

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

Grinnell College
#63
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
Private
University of Southern California
#27
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Grinnell, IA

Los Angeles, CA

Total Enrollment

1,788

46,566

Undergrad Enrollment

1,788

20,630

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

9:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

14.5%

9.8%

Average GPA

3.89

3.83

SAT Range

1410–1540

1450–1550

ACT Range

31–34

32–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$85

Total Applicants

9,758

82,027


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$77,830

$83,399

Avg Net Price

$15,608

$36,000

Tuition (In-State)

$60,988

$63,468

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$60,988

$63,468

Room & Board

$16,842

$19,931

% Receiving Aid

94.0%

70.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$49,077

$46,897


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

89.0%

93.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

83.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

93.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$62,830

$92,498

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Grinnell is in Grinnell, IA

USC is in Los Angeles, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Grinnell College has an acceptance rate of 15%, while USC has an acceptance rate of 10%. This means USC is more selective than Grinnell College.

The average net price at Grinnell College is $15,608 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. Grinnell College is $20,392 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Grinnell College typically score between 1410-1540 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.

Grinnell College 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.

Grinnell College 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 Grinnell College, 94% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $49,077. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.

The median earnings for Grinnell College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $62,830, 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.

Grinnell College is located in Grinnell, IA in a town: remote setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.