College Comparison
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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
Cambridge, MA
Los Angeles, CA
Total Enrollment
11,886
46,566
Undergrad Enrollment
4,535
20,630
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
9:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.5%
9.8%
Average GPA
4.00
3.83
SAT Range
1520–1580
1450–1550
ACT Range
34–36
32–35
Test Policy
Required
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$85
Total Applicants
28,232
82,027
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$77,870
$83,399
Avg Net Price
$20,000
$36,000
Tuition (In-State)
$57,590
$63,468
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$57,590
$63,468
Room & Board
$20,280
$19,931
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
70.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,734
$46,897
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
97.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
99.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$143,372
$92,498
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Explore by Location
MIT is in Cambridge, MA
USC is in Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at MIT is $20,000 per year, compared to $36,000 at USC. MIT is $16,000 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at MIT typically score between 1520-1580 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.
MIT has a graduation rate of 97%, while USC has a graduation rate of 93%. MIT has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
MIT has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while USC has a ratio of 9:1. MIT offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At MIT, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,734. At USC, 70% of students receive aid with an average grant of $46,897.
The median earnings for MIT graduates 10 years after enrollment is $143,372, compared to $92,498 for USC graduates. Graduates from MIT tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. USC is located in Los Angeles, CA in a city: large setting.